Proof of Controlled Substance: Difference between revisions

From Criminal Law Notebook
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
 
(24 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[fr:Preuve_de_substance_contrôlée]]
{{LevelZero}}
{{LevelZero}}
{{HeaderCrimLaw}}
{{HeaderCrimLaw}}
Line 4: Line 5:
{{seealso|Drug Offences (Crime)}}
{{seealso|Drug Offences (Crime)}}
Scientific evidence is necessary to establish that a substance is a controlled substance. Mere layperson identification of drugs is not enough.<ref>
Scientific evidence is necessary to establish that a substance is a controlled substance. Mere layperson identification of drugs is not enough.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Grant|5rcl|2001 ABCA 252 (CanLII)}}{{perABCA|McClung JA}}
{{CanLIIRP|Grant|5rcl|2001 ABCA 252 (CanLII)|[2001] AJ No 1257}}{{perABCA|McClung JA}}
</ref>
</ref>


Line 10: Line 11:


While a certificate is the most frequent manner of proving the nature of a controlled substance is it not mandatory.<ref>
While a certificate is the most frequent manner of proving the nature of a controlled substance is it not mandatory.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Khalif|g7n2g|2014 SKQB 165 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Scherman J}}{{atL|g7n2g|38}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Khalif|g7n2g|2014 SKQB 165 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Scherman J}}{{atL|g7n2g|38}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>
Where a certificate is not used the substance can only be proven by the expert testimony of a qualified analysis.<ref>
Where a certificate is not used the substance can only be proven by the expert testimony of a qualified analysis.<ref>
Line 17: Line 18:


Where several stashes of drugs are found, the court may infer that the drug found in one location matches drugs that were tested and confirmed as being a controlled substance.<ref>
Where several stashes of drugs are found, the court may infer that the drug found in one location matches drugs that were tested and confirmed as being a controlled substance.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Nyuon|g6gz8|2014 ABCA 130 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atsL|g6gz8|20| to 21}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Nyuon|g6gz8|2014 ABCA 130 (CanLII)|[2014] AJ No 384}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atsL|g6gz8|20| to 21}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


; Proof of Substance
; Proof of Substance
There is some suggestion that proof of a substance as a controlled substance can in limited situations be possible without a certificate of analysis by means of circumstantial evidence.<ref>
There is some suggestion that proof of a substance as a controlled substance can in limited situations be possible without a certificate of analysis by means of circumstantial evidence.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Douglas|h4zhh|2017 ONCA 609 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
{{CanLIIRx|Douglas|h4zhh|2017 ONCA 609 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}
</ref>
</ref>


It is permissible to prove the nature of a large volume of substance by the drawing of inferences from a random sampling or random testing of the whole.<ref>
It is permissible to prove the nature of a large volume of substance by the drawing of inferences from a random sampling or random testing of the whole.<ref>
''R v Herman'', [1966] O.J. No. 188 (C.A.){{NOCANLII}}<br>
{{CanLIIR-N|Herman|, [1966] OJ No 188 (CA)}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Cripps|g9h74|1969 CanLII 1123 (BC CA)}}{{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}}  
{{CanLIIRP|Cripps|g9h74|1969 CanLII 1123 (BCCA)|68 WWR (ns) 456}}{{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}}<Br>
{{CanLIIR|Flett|gb5ll|1970 CanLII 1175 (BC CA)}}{{perBCCA|Davey CJ}}
{{CanLIIRP|Flett|gb5ll|1970 CanLII 1175 (BCCA)|73 WWR (ns) 699}}{{perBCCA|Davey CJ}}<Br>
{{canLIIR|Malenfant|gm9xf|2015 BCSC 2206 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Humpheries J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Malenfant|gm9xf|2015 BCSC 2206 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Humpheries J}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


Line 44: Line 45:


{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 51; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 38.
{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 51; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 38.
|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
|{{CDSASec2|51}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
}}
}}
Line 51: Line 52:
; Continuity of possession
; Continuity of possession
53 (1) In any proceeding under this Act or the regulations, continuity of possession of any exhibit tendered as evidence in that proceeding may be proved by the testimony of, or the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have had it in their possession.
53 (1) In any proceeding under this Act or the regulations, continuity of possession of any exhibit tendered as evidence in that proceeding may be proved by the testimony of, or the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have had it in their possession.
|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
 
; Alternative method of proof
(2) Where an affidavit or solemn declaration is offered in proof of continuity of possession under subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the issue of continuity of possession.
 
|{{CDSASec2|53}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|53|1}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|53|1}}
}}
}}
Line 62: Line 67:
; Designation of analysts
; Designation of analysts
44 The Minister may designate, in accordance with the regulations made pursuant to paragraph 55(1)(o), any person as an analyst for the purposes of this Act and the regulations.
44 The Minister may designate, in accordance with the regulations made pursuant to paragraph 55(1)(o), any person as an analyst for the purposes of this Act and the regulations.
|[{{CDSASec|44}} CDSA]
|{{CDSASec2|44}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|44}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|44}}
}}
}}
Line 73: Line 78:


{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 45; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 29.
{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 45; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 29.
|[{{CDSASec|45}} CDSA]
|{{CDSASec2|45}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|45|1|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|45|1|2}}
}}
}}
Line 88: Line 93:


{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 51; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 38.
{{LegHistory90s|1996, c. 19}}, s. 51; {{LegHistory10s|2017, c. 7}}, s. 38.
|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
|{{CDSASec2|51}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
}}
}}


Where a certificate of analysis has been admitted for the proof of the type of controlled substance that was seized, there is no need to produce the actual drug in court.<ref>
Where a certificate of analysis has been admitted for the proof of the type of controlled substance that was seized, there is no need to produce the actual drug in court.<ref>
''R v Maltese'', [http://canlii.ca/t/g1343 1978 CanLII 1695] (ON SC){{perONSC|Van Camp J}}
{{CanLIIRP|Maltese|g1343|1978 CanLII 1695 (ONSC)|19 OR (2d) 428}}{{perONSC|Van Camp J}}
</ref>
</ref>


Objections to the admissibility of certificates must be made at the time that the certificates are tendered and not after the Crown has closed its case.<ref>
Objections to the admissibility of certificates must be made at the time that the certificates are tendered and not after the Crown has closed its case.<ref>
''R v Dowding'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1h81s 2004 BCCA 287] (CanLII){{perBCCA|Braidwood JA}}
{{CanLIIRP|Dowding|1h81s|2004 BCCA 287 (CanLII)|199 BCAC 189}}{{perBCCA|Braidwood JA}}
</ref>
</ref>


Line 106: Line 111:


==Notice to Admit the Certificate==
==Notice to Admit the Certificate==
{{quotation2|
{{quotation2|
51<br>...<br>
51<br>
; Notice
{{removed|(1) and (2)}}
<s>; Notice
(3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.
(3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.
|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
</s>
[Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38]
|{{CDSASec2|51}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|3}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|3}}
}}
}}
{{quotation2|
{{quotation2|
; Proof of notice
; Proof of notice
Line 120: Line 131:
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.


|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
|{{CDSASec2|51}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|1|2}}
}}
}}
Line 127: Line 138:
===Service of Notice===
===Service of Notice===
Notice upon accused's counsel is sufficient notice.<ref>
Notice upon accused's counsel is sufficient notice.<ref>
''R v Finlay'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1d90d 1991 CanLII 1048] (BC CA){{perBCCA|Toy JA}}, ("It has been settled law in this Province for several decades that service of a notice of intention to produce a certificate of analysis and the certificate on an accused's counsel  rather than on the accused personally satisfies the requirements of s. 9(3) of the Narcotic Control Act")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Finlay|1d90d|1991 CanLII 1048 (BCCA)|65 CCC (3d) 225}}{{perBCCA-H|Toy JA}}, ("It has been settled law in this Province for several decades that service of a notice of intention to produce a certificate of analysis and the certificate on an accused's counsel  rather than on the accused personally satisfies the requirements of s. 9(3) of the Narcotic Control Act")<br>
</ref>
</ref>


There is some question of whether service by fax of a certificate of analysis is sufficient, particularly where Rules of Court requires service more than fax.<ref>
There is some question of whether service by fax of a certificate of analysis is sufficient, particularly where Rules of Court requires service more than fax.<ref>
''R v Phung'', [http://canlii.ca/t/fm6f4 2011 ABQB 427] (CanLII){{perABQB|Nation J}}, -- in this case, fax not sufficient
{{CanLIIRP|Phung|fm6f4|2011 ABQB 427 (CanLII)|50 Alta LR (5th) 329}}{{perABQB|Nation J}}, -- in this case, fax not sufficient
</ref>
</ref>


Service in relation to a proceedings on an information will equally apply to a proceedings on a replacement information.<ref>
Service in relation to a proceedings on an information will equally apply to a proceedings on a replacement information.<ref>
Finlay ("This Court has also held that a notice and certificate served in the course of proceedings on an information that is subsequently withdrawn at the trial and replaced by a second information charging the same offence is valid service and that the certificate of analysis is admissible")<br>
{{supra1|Finlay}} ("This Court has also held that a notice and certificate served in the course of proceedings on an information that is subsequently withdrawn at the trial and replaced by a second information charging the same offence is valid service and that the certificate of analysis is admissible")<br>
</ref>
</ref>


Line 143: Line 154:
There must be "reasonable notice" of the intention to admits the certificate.<ref>s. 51 of CDSA</ref>
There must be "reasonable notice" of the intention to admits the certificate.<ref>s. 51 of CDSA</ref>


Factors to consider whether notice was reasonable include:
Factors to consider whether notice was reasonable to include:
<ref>
<ref>
MacFarlane, Fraser, and Proulx "Drug Offences in Canada"</ref>
MacFarlane, Fraser, and Proulx "Drug Offences in Canada"</ref>
Line 157: Line 168:
==Reasonable Notice to Adduce a Certificate of Analysis==
==Reasonable Notice to Adduce a Certificate of Analysis==


The Defence must get "reasonable notice" of the Certificate of Analysis. Reasonableness depends on the complexity of the case, amount of time passed, client's access to counsel, and the degree of prejudice created by the possibly late notice. The Crown must prove that notice was provided with notice of a "true and accurate" copy of the notice.
The Defence must get "reasonable notice" of the Certificate of Analysis. Reasonableness depends on the complexity of the case, the amount of time passed, the client's access to counsel, and the degree of prejudice created by the possibly late notice. The Crown must prove that notice was provided with notice of a "true and accurate" copy of the notice.


The Defence can ask for leave to have the Analyst brought into court for examination.
The Defence can ask for leave to have the Analyst brought into court for examination.
Line 163: Line 174:
{{quotation2|
{{quotation2|
; Certificate of analyst
; Certificate of analyst
51<br>...
51<br>
<br>
{{removed|(1) and (2)}}
<s>
; Notice
; Notice
(3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.
(3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report.
|[{{CDSASec|51}} CDSA]
</s>
[Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38]
1996, c. 19, s. 51;
2017, c. 7, s. 38.
|{{CDSASec2|51}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|3}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|51|3}}
}}
}}
{{quotation2|
{{quotation2|
; Proof of notice
; Proof of notice
52 (1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the giving of any notice, whether orally or in writing, or the service of any document may be proved by the oral evidence of, or by the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have given that notice or served that document.
52 (1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the giving of any notice, whether orally or in writing, or the service of any document may be proved by the oral evidence of, or by the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have given that notice or served that document.<br>
<br>
; Proof of notice
; Proof of notice
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.<br>
<br>
|{{CDSASec2|52}}
...<br>
|[{{CDSASec|52}} CDSA]
|{{NoteUpCDSA|52|1|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|52|1|2}}
}}
}}


Oral notice accompanied by copies of the certificate served upon a receptionist, or other secretarial staff of the law office should generally not suffice.<ref>
Oral notice accompanied by copies of the certificate served upon a receptionist, or other secretarial staff of the law office should generally not suffice.<ref>
''R v Yonis'', [http://canlii.ca/t/262w7 2009 ABCA 336] (CanLII){{TheCourtABCA}}</ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Yonis|262w7|2009 ABCA 336 (CanLII)|469 AR 164}}{{TheCourtABCA}}</ref>
Service of written notice with a copy of the certificate "may be adequate in certain circumstances".<ref>
Service of written notice with a copy of the certificate "may be adequate in certain circumstances."<ref>
Yonis</ref>
{{ibid1|Yonis}}</ref>


{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
Line 191: Line 204:
==Proof of Substance by Other Means==
==Proof of Substance by Other Means==


Proof of marijuana has in rare cases be establish by "circumstantial evidence surrounding the circumstances of seizure of the substance and evidence relating to the appearance of the substance by a person claiming familiarity with the product".<ref>
Proof of marijuana has in rare cases be establish by "circumstantial evidence surrounding the circumstances of seizure of the substance and evidence relating to the appearance of the substance by a person claiming familiarity with the product."<ref>
''R v Khalif'', [http://canlii.ca/t/g7n2g 2014 SKQB 165] (CanLII){{perSKQB|Scherman J}}{{atL|g7n2g|42}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Khalif|g7n2g|2014 SKQB 165 (CanLII)}}{{perSKQB|Scherman J}}{{atL|g7n2g|42}}<br>
''R v Grunwald'', [http://canlii.ca/t/21xxt 2008 BCSC 1738] (CanLII), [2008] BCJ No. 2464{{perBCSC|Joyce J}}, aff'd [http://canlii.ca/t/2b29n 2010 BCCA 288] (CanLII), 257 CCC (3d) 53{{perBCCA|Bennett JA}}{{atsL|2b29n|37| to 38}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Grunwald|21xxt|2008 BCSC 1738 (CanLII)|[2008] BCJ No 2464}}{{perBCSC|Joyce J}}, aff'd {{CanLIIP|2b29n|2010 BCCA 288 (CanLII)|257 CCC (3d) 53}}{{perBCCA|Bennett JA}}{{atsL|2b29n|37| to 38}}<br>
see also ''R v Labine'' (1975), 23 CCC (2d) 567, [1975] OJ No 235 (QL) (Ont. C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/htw1l 1975 CanLII 1403] (ON CA){{perONCA|Martin JA}}{{atsL|htw1l|13| to 15}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIRP|Labine|htw1l|1975 CanLII 1403 (ON CA)|23 CCC (2d) 567, [1975] OJ No 235}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}{{atsL|htw1l|13| to 15}}<br>
''R c Marin'', [http://canlii.ca/t/fq1r1 2012 QCCA 254] (CanLII), [2012] J.Q. no 905 (QL){{perQCCA|Dutil JA}}{{atsL|fq1r1|45| to 46}}
{{CanLIIRPC|R c Marin|fq1r1|2012 QCCA 254 (CanLII)|[2012] J.Q. no 905}}{{perQCCA|Dutil JA}}{{atsL|fq1r1|45| to 46}}
</ref>
</ref>
The same has been accepted for proof of cocaine.<ref>
The same has been accepted for proof of cocaine.<ref>
{{supra1|Khalif}}{{atL|g7n2g|42}}<br>
{{supra1|Khalif}}{{atL|g7n2g|42}}<br>
''R v Campbell'', [http://canlii.ca/t/6gzp 1998 CanLII 2698] (ON CA), [1998] OJ No 2332 (QL) (Ont. C.A.){{TheCourtONCA}}{{atsL|6gzp|7| to 8}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Campbell|6gzp|1998 CanLII 2698 (ON CA)|[1998] OJ No 2332}}{{TheCourtONCA}}{{atsL|6gzp|7| to 8}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


However, court caution the use of any "short cuts" to proof that do not require a certificate.<ref>
However, court caution the use of any "short cuts" to proof that do not require a certificate.<ref>
e.g. ''R v Do'', [http://canlii.ca/t/flrdg 2011 ABQB 135] (CanLII){{perABQB|Lee J}}{{atsL|flrdg|44| to 45}}<br>
e.g. {{CanLIIRP|Do|flrdg|2011 ABQB 135 (CanLII)|AJ No 630}}{{perABQB|Lee J}}{{atsL|flrdg|44| to 45}}<br>
{{supra1|Khalif}}<br>
{{supra1|Khalif}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>

Latest revision as of 13:46, 7 August 2024

General Principles

See also: Drug Offences (Crime)

Scientific evidence is necessary to establish that a substance is a controlled substance. Mere layperson identification of drugs is not enough.[1]

The usual way of proving the nature of the substance is by a Certificate of Analysis. Under s. 51(1) of the CDSA, the certificate is presumed proof of the nature of the substance.

While a certificate is the most frequent manner of proving the nature of a controlled substance is it not mandatory.[2] Where a certificate is not used the substance can only be proven by the expert testimony of a qualified analysis.[3]

Where several stashes of drugs are found, the court may infer that the drug found in one location matches drugs that were tested and confirmed as being a controlled substance.[4]

Proof of Substance

There is some suggestion that proof of a substance as a controlled substance can in limited situations be possible without a certificate of analysis by means of circumstantial evidence.[5]

It is permissible to prove the nature of a large volume of substance by the drawing of inferences from a random sampling or random testing of the whole.[6]

  1. ↑ R v Grant, 2001 ABCA 252 (CanLII), [2001] AJ No 1257, per McClung JA
  2. ↑ R v Khalif, 2014 SKQB 165 (CanLII), per Scherman J, at para 38
  3. ↑ Grant, supra, at para 2
  4. ↑ R v Nyuon, 2014 ABCA 130 (CanLII), [2014] AJ No 384, per curiam, at paras 20 to 21
  5. ↑ R v Douglas, 2017 ONCA 609 (CanLII), per curiam
  6. ↑ R v Herman, [1966] OJ No 188 (CA)(*no CanLII links)
    R v Cripps, 1969 CanLII 1123 (BCCA), 68 WWR (ns) 456, per McFarlane JA
    R v Flett, 1970 CanLII 1175 (BCCA), 73 WWR (ns) 699, per Davey CJ
    R v Malenfant, 2015 BCSC 2206 (CanLII), per Humpheries J

Proof by Certificate of Analysis

Certificate or report of analyst

51 (1) A certificate or report prepared by an analyst under subsection 45(2) is admissible in evidence in any prosecution for an offence under this Act or any other Act of Parliament and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements set out in the certificate or report, without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed it.

Attendance of analyst

(2) The party against whom a certificate or report of an analyst is produced under subsection (1) may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the analyst for the purpose of cross-examination.

(3) [Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38]

1996, c. 19, s. 51; 2017, c. 7, s. 38.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 51(1) and (2)

Continuity of possession

53 (1) In any proceeding under this Act or the regulations, continuity of possession of any exhibit tendered as evidence in that proceeding may be proved by the testimony of, or the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have had it in their possession.

Alternative method of proof

(2) Where an affidavit or solemn declaration is offered in proof of continuity of possession under subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the issue of continuity of possession.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 53(1)

Certificate of Analysis

Any alleged drugs seized by police are sent to an analyst under s. 45(2) of the CDSA.

Analysis

Designation of analysts

44 The Minister may designate, in accordance with the regulations made pursuant to paragraph 55(1)(o), any person as an analyst for the purposes of this Act and the regulations.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 44

Analysis

45 (1) A peace officer, inspector or prescribed person may submit to an analyst for analysis or examination any substance or sample of it taken by the peace officer, inspector or prescribed person.

Report

(2) An analyst who has made an analysis or examination under subsection (1) may prepare a certificate or report stating that the analyst has analysed or examined a substance or a sample thereof and setting out the results of the analysis or examination.

1996, c. 19, s. 45; 2017, c. 7, s. 29.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 45(1) and (2)

After the drugs are sent for analysis, a certificate with the results of the analysis of the substance is generated. It may be filed with the court for the truth of its contents with proper notice.

Certificate or report of analyst

51 (1) A certificate or report prepared by an analyst under subsection 45(2) is admissible in evidence in any prosecution for an offence under this Act or any other Act of Parliament and, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, is proof of the statements set out in the certificate or report, without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed it.

Attendance of analyst

(2) The party against whom a certificate or report of an analyst is produced under subsection (1) may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the analyst for the purpose of cross-examination.

(3) [Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38]

1996, c. 19, s. 51; 2017, c. 7, s. 38.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 51(1) and (2)

Where a certificate of analysis has been admitted for the proof of the type of controlled substance that was seized, there is no need to produce the actual drug in court.[1]

Objections to the admissibility of certificates must be made at the time that the certificates are tendered and not after the Crown has closed its case.[2]

Evidence to the Contrary

See "Evidence to the Contrary"

  1. ↑ R v Maltese, 1978 CanLII 1695 (ONSC), 19 OR (2d) 428, per Van Camp J
  2. ↑ R v Dowding, 2004 BCCA 287 (CanLII), 199 BCAC 189, per Braidwood JA

Notice to Admit the Certificate

51
[omitted (1) and (2)]
; Notice (3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report. [Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38]

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 51(3)

Proof of notice

52 (1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the giving of any notice, whether orally or in writing, or the service of any document may be proved by the oral evidence of, or by the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have given that notice or served that document.

Proof of notice

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 51(1) and (2)

Service of Notice

Notice upon accused's counsel is sufficient notice.[1]

There is some question of whether service by fax of a certificate of analysis is sufficient, particularly where Rules of Court requires service more than fax.[2]

Service in relation to a proceedings on an information will equally apply to a proceedings on a replacement information.[3]

  1. ↑ R v Finlay, 1991 CanLII 1048 (BCCA), 65 CCC (3d) 225, per Toy JA, ("It has been settled law in this Province for several decades that service of a notice of intention to produce a certificate of analysis and the certificate on an accused's counsel rather than on the accused personally satisfies the requirements of s. 9(3) of the Narcotic Control Act")
  2. ↑ R v Phung, 2011 ABQB 427 (CanLII), 50 Alta LR (5th) 329, per Nation J, -- in this case, fax not sufficient
  3. ↑ Finlay, supra ("This Court has also held that a notice and certificate served in the course of proceedings on an information that is subsequently withdrawn at the trial and replaced by a second information charging the same offence is valid service and that the certificate of analysis is admissible")

Timing of Notice

There must be "reasonable notice" of the intention to admits the certificate.[1]

Factors to consider whether notice was reasonable to include: [2]

  • complexity of the case;
  • time between the arrest and trial date;
  • intervention of holidays and non-work days;
  • accused's access to counsel;
  • the content of the certificate and notice;
  • prejudice created by the timing of notice;
  1. ↑ s. 51 of CDSA
  2. ↑ MacFarlane, Fraser, and Proulx "Drug Offences in Canada"

Reasonable Notice to Adduce a Certificate of Analysis

The Defence must get "reasonable notice" of the Certificate of Analysis. Reasonableness depends on the complexity of the case, the amount of time passed, the client's access to counsel, and the degree of prejudice created by the possibly late notice. The Crown must prove that notice was provided with notice of a "true and accurate" copy of the notice.

The Defence can ask for leave to have the Analyst brought into court for examination.

Certificate of analyst

51
[omitted (1) and (2)]

Notice

(3) Unless the court otherwise orders, no certificate or report shall be received in evidence under subsection (1) unless the party intending to produce it has, before its production at trial, given to the party against whom it is intended to be produced reasonable notice of that intention, together with a copy of the certificate or report. [Repealed, 2017, c. 7, s. 38] 1996, c. 19, s. 51; 2017, c. 7, s. 38.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 51(3)

Proof of notice

52 (1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, the giving of any notice, whether orally or in writing, or the service of any document may be proved by the oral evidence of, or by the affidavit or solemn declaration of, the person claiming to have given that notice or served that document.

Proof of notice

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the court may require the affiant or declarant to appear before it for examination or cross-examination in respect of the giving of notice or proof of service.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 52(1) and (2)

Oral notice accompanied by copies of the certificate served upon a receptionist, or other secretarial staff of the law office should generally not suffice.[1] Service of written notice with a copy of the certificate "may be adequate in certain circumstances."[2]

  1. ↑ R v Yonis, 2009 ABCA 336 (CanLII), 469 AR 164, per curiam
  2. ↑ Yonis, ibid.

Proof of Substance by Other Means

Proof of marijuana has in rare cases be establish by "circumstantial evidence surrounding the circumstances of seizure of the substance and evidence relating to the appearance of the substance by a person claiming familiarity with the product."[1] The same has been accepted for proof of cocaine.[2]

However, court caution the use of any "short cuts" to proof that do not require a certificate.[3]

  1. ↑ R v Khalif, 2014 SKQB 165 (CanLII), per Scherman J, at para 42
    R v Grunwald, 2008 BCSC 1738 (CanLII), [2008] BCJ No 2464, per Joyce J, aff'd 2010 BCCA 288 (CanLII), 257 CCC (3d) 53, per Bennett JA, at paras 37 to 38
    see also R v Labine, 1975 CanLII 1403 (ON CA), 23 CCC (2d) 567, [1975] OJ No 235, per Martin JA, at paras 13 to 15
    R c Marin, 2012 QCCA 254 (CanLII), [2012] J.Q. no 905, per Dutil JA, at paras 45 to 46
  2. ↑ Khalif, supra, at para 42
    R v Campbell, 1998 CanLII 2698 (ON CA), [1998] OJ No 2332, per curiam, at paras 7 to 8
  3. ↑ e.g. R v Do, 2011 ABQB 135 (CanLII), AJ No 630, per Lee J, at paras 44 to 45
    Khalif, supra

See Also

Retrieved from "https://criminalnotebook.ca/index.php?title=Proof_of_Controlled_Substance&oldid=96039"