Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity (Offence)

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed January 2021. (Rev. # 96213)

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Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity
s. 83.231(2), (3) or (4) of the Crim. Code
Election / Plea
Crown Election	Indictment (causing death), Hybrid summary proceedings must initiate within 12 months of the offence (786(2))
Jurisdiction	Prov. Court Sup. Court w/ Jury (*) Sup. Court w/ Judge-alone (*) * Must be indictable. Preliminary inquiry also available.
Summary Dispositions
Avail. Disp.	Discharge (730) Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) Fine (734) Fine + Probation (731(1)(b)) Jail (718.3, 787) Jail + Probation (731(1)(b)) Jail + Fine (734) Conditional Sentence (742.1)
Minimum	None
Maximum	2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) or 18 months incarceration
Indictable Dispositions
Avail. Disp.	Discharge (730)* Suspended Sentence (731(1)(a)) Fine (734) Fine + Probation (731(1)(b)) Jail (718.3, 787) Jail + Probation (731(1)(b)) Jail + Fine (734) Conditional Sentence (742.1) (see 742.1(d)) (* varies)
Minimum	None
Maximum	5, 10 years incarceration or Life
Reference
Offence Elements Sentence Digests

Overview

Offences relating to hoax regarding terrorist activity are found in Part II.1 of the Criminal Code relating to "Terrorism".

Pleadings

Offence Section	Offence Type	Crown Election	Defence Election s. 536(2)	Preliminary Inquiry
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] or s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]	Hybrid Offence(s)		(* only if Crown proceeds by Indictment)	(under 14 years max)
s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death]	Indictable Offence(s)			(life max)

Offences under s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] or s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm] are hybrid with a Crown election. If prosecuted by indictment, there is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).

Offences under s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death] are straight indictable. There is a Defence election of Court under s. 536(2).

Release

Offence(s)	Appearance Notice by Peace Officer s. 497	Summons by Judge or Justice s. 508(1), 512(1), or 788	Release by Peace Officer on Undertaking s. 498, 499, and 501	Release By a Judge or Justice on a Release Order s. 515 to 519	Direct to Attend for Fingerprints, etc. Identification of Criminals Act s. 2 ID Crim. Act
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] or s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]
s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death]

When charged under s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] or 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm], the accused can be given an appearance notice without arrest under s. 497 or a summons. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.

When charged under s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death], the accused can be given a judicial summons without arrest. If arrested, he can be released by the arresting officer under s. 498 or 499 on an undertaking with or without conditions. He can also be released by a justice under s. 515.

Reverse Onus Bail

If police decide to bring the accused before a Justice pursuant to s. 503, there will be a presumption against bail (i.e. a reverse onus) if the offence, prosecuted by indictment, was committed:

• while at large under s. 515 [bail release], 679 or 680 [release pending appeal or review of appeal] (s. 515(6)(a)(i));
• "for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association" with a criminal organization (s. 515(6)(a)(ii));
• where the offence involved a weapon, being a firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance, while the accused was subject to a prohibition order preventing possession of these items (s. 515(6)(a)(viii)); or
• where the accused is not "ordinarily a resident in Canada" (s. 515(6)(b)).

And, regardless of Crown election, if the offence alleged was one:

• where the offence was an allegation of violence against an "intimate partner" and the accused had been previously convicted of an offence of violence against an "intimate partner" (s. 515(6)(b.1));
• where the offence alleged is a breach under s. 145(2) to (5) while (s. 515(6)(c));
• where the offence committed (or conspired to commit) was an offence under s. 5 to 7 of the CDSA that is punishable by life imprisonment (s. 515(6)(d));

Fingerprints and Photos

A peace officer who charges a person under s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity], s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm] or s.83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death] of the Code can require that person to attend for the taking of fingerprints, photographs or other similar recordings that are used to identify them under the Identification of Criminals Act.

Publication Bans

For all criminal or regulatory prosecutions, there is a discretionary general publication ban available on application of the Crown, victim or witness to prohibit the publishing of "any information that could identify the victim or witness" under s. 486.5(1) where it is "necessary" for the "proper administration of justice". Other available publication bans include prohibitions for publishing evidence or other information arising from a bail hearing (s. 517), preliminary inquiry (s. 539) or jury trial (s. 648). There is a mandatory publication ban in all youth prosecutions on information tending to identify young accused under s. 110 of the YCJA or young victims under s. 111 of the YCJA.

Offence Designations

Offence(s)	Wiretap Eligible s. 183	Dangerous Offender Designated Offence s. 752	Serious Personal Injury Offence s. 752	AG Consent Required	Serious Criminality Offence s. 36 IRPA
s. 83.231 [hoax regarding terrorist activity]
s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm] or s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death]

Offences under s. 83.231 [hoax regarding terrorist activity] are designated offences eligible for wiretap under s. 183.

Offences under s. 83.231(3) are designated "serious personal injury" offences under s. 752(a) only if it has a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration or more and involves "use or attempted use of violence against another person" or "conduct endangering or likely to endanger the life or safety of another person or inflicting or likely to inflict severe psychological damage on another person".

Offences under s. 83.231 [hoax regarding terrorist activity] require the consent of the Attorney General to prosecute.

See below in Ancillary Sentencing Orders for details on designations relating to sentencing orders.

Offence Wording

Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity

Hoax — terrorist activity

83.231 (1) Every one commits an offence who, without lawful excuse and with intent to cause any person to fear death, bodily harm, substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property,

(a) conveys or causes or procures to be conveyed information that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing the information to be true; or

(b) commits an act that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing that such activity is occurring or will occur.

Punishment

(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Causing bodily harm

(3) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] and thereby causes bodily harm to any other person is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Causing death

(4) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] and thereby causes the death of any other person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.

2004, c. 15, s. 32; 2019, c. 25, s. 23.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC (CanLII), (DOJ)

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Draft Form of Charges

		Pre-ambles
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, between the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR> and <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>***, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"THAT [accused full name] stands charged that, on or about the <DATE> day of <MONTH>, <YEAR>, at or near <COMMUNITY/TOWN/CITY>, <PROVINCE>, he [or she]..." OR
		"AND FURTHER at the same time and place aforesaid, he [or she]..."
Code Section	Subject of Offence	Draft Wording
83.231(a)	hoax regarding terrorist	"..., without lawful excuse and with intent to cause [name1] to fear death or bodily harm or substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property did convey or cause or procure to be conveyed information that is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur without believing that the information is true, to wit: [particulars], contrary to section 83.231(a) of the Criminal Code.
83.231(b)	hoax regarding terrorist	"..., without lawful excuse and with intent to cause [name1] to fear death or bodily harm or substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property did commit the act of [particulars] that is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur without believing that such activity is occurring or will occur, to wit: [particulars], contrary to section 83.231(b) of the Criminal Code.
83.231(a)	hoax regarding terrorist - causing bodily harm	"..., without lawful excuse and with intent to cause [name1] to fear death or bodily harm or substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property did convey or cause or procure to be conveyed information that is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur without believing that the information is true and thereby caused bodily harm to [name1], to wit: [particulars], contrary to section 83.231(a) of the Criminal Code.
83.231(b)	hoax regarding terrorist - causing bodily harm	"..., without lawful excuse and with intent to cause [name1] to fear death or bodily harm or substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property did commit the act of [particulars] that is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur without believing that the information is true and thereby caused bodily harm to [name1], to wit: [particulars], contrary to section 83.231(b) of the Criminal Code.

Proof of the Offence

Proving hoax of terrorist activity under s. 83.231(1) should include: ☐ identity of accused as culprit ☐ date and time of the incident ☐ jurisdiction (incl. region and province) ☐ the culprit had no "lawful excuse"; ☐ the culprit intented "to cause any person to fear death, bodily harm, substantial damage to property or serious interference with the lawful use or operation of property"; either: ☐ "conveys or causes or procures to be conveyed information that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing the information to be true"; or ☐ "commits an act that, in all the circumstances, is likely to cause a reasonable apprehension that terrorist activity is occurring or will occur, without believing that such activity is occurring or will occur".

Proving hoax of terrorist activity (causing bodily harm) under s. 83.231(3) should include: ☐ the elements of s. 83.231(1); ☐ a person suffered "bodily harm"; ☐ harm is caused by the alleged conduct.

Proving hoax of terrorist activity (causing death) under s. 83.231(4) should include: ☐ the elements of s. 83.231(1); ☐ a person dies; ☐ death is caused by the alleged conduct.

Interpretation of the Offence

"Terrorist Activity", "terrorist group", "terrorism offence"

See Terrorism Definitions

Participation of Third Parties

Testimonial Aids

Certain persons who testify are entitled to make application for the use of testimonial aids: Exclusion of Public (s. 486), Use of a Testimonial Screen (s. 486), Access to Support Person While Testifying (s. 486.1), Close Proximity Video-link Testimony (s. 486.2), Self-Represented Cross-Examination Prohibition Order (s. 486.3), and Witness Security Order (s. 486.7).

A witness, victim or complainant may also request publication bans (s. 486.4, 486.5) and/or a Witness Identity Non-disclosure Order (s. 486.31). See also, Publication Bans, above.

On Finding of Guilt

Offence(s)	Victim Notice of Agreement s. 606(4.1) [SPIO]	Victim Queried for Interest in Agreement s. 606(4.2) [5+ years]	Victim Notice for Restitution s. 737.1	Victim Notice of Impact Statement s. 722(2)
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity]
s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]

For serious personal injury offences or murder, s. 606(4.1) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).

For any indictable offence with a maximum penalty no less than 5 years (including offences under s. 83.231(2)), but are not serious personal injury offences, s. 606(4.2) requires that after accepting a guilty plea, the judge must inquire whether "any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement". Failing to take reasonable steps at guilty plea requires the prosecutor to "as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea" (s. 606(4.3)).

Under s. 738, a judge must inquire from the Crown before sentencing whether "reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages".

Under s. 722(2), the judge must inquire "[a]s soon as feasible" before sentencing with the Crown "if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare" a victim impact statement. This will include any person "who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss" as a result of the offence. Individuals representing a community impacted by the crime may file a statement under s. 722.2.

Sentencing Principles and Ranges

see also Terrorism Sentencing for further principles

Sentencing Profile

Maximum Penalties

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Maximum Penalty
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity]	summary election	2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019)
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity]	indictable election	5 years incarceration
s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]	summary election	2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019)
s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]	indictable election	10 years incarceration
s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death]	N/A	life incarceration

Offences under s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] and (3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm] are hybrid. If prosecuted by indictment, the maximum penalty is 5 years incarceration under s. 83.231(2) and 10 years incarceration under s. 83.231(3). If prosecuted by summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 2 years less a day jail and/or a $5,000 fine (from Sept 19, 2019) under s. 83.231(2) and 18 months incarceration under s. 83.231(3).

Offences under s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death] are straight indictable. The maximum penalty is life incarceration.

Minimum Penalties

Offences under s. 83.231(2), (3), or (4) have no mandatory minimum penalties.

Available Dispositions

Offence(s)	Crown Election	Discharge s. 730	Suspended Sentence s. 731(1)(a)	Stand-alone Fine s. 731(1)(b)	Custody s. 718.3, 787	Custody and Probation s. 731(1)(b)	Custody and Fine s. 734	Conditional Sentence (CSO) s. 742.1
s. 83.231(2) [hoax regarding terrorist activity] and s. 83.231(3) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing bodily harm]	any
s. 83.231(4) [hoax regarding terrorist activity - causing death]	N/A

No conditional sentences available if convicted under s. 83.231(3) or (4). No discharges available if convicted under s. 83.231(4).

Consecutive Sentences

Under s. 83.26 sentences must be served consecutive to any other sentence.

Ranges

see also: Hoax Regarding Terrorist Activity (Sentencing Cases)

Ancillary Sentencing Orders

Offence-specific Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
DNA Orders	s. 83.231(3) or (4)	For conviction under s. 83.231(3) or (4), a DNA order is discretionary as a secondary designated offence listed under s. 487.04 (a) or (b).
Weapons Prohibition Orders	s. 83.231(3) or (4))	s. 110 discretionary order

General Orders

Order	Conviction	Description
Non-communication order while offender in custody (s. 743.21)	any	The judge has the discretion to order that the offender be prohibited "from communicating...with any victim, witness or other person" while in custody except where the judge "considers [it] necessary" to communicate with them.
Restitution Orders (s. 738)	any	A discretionary Order is available for things such as the replacement value of the property; the pecuniary damages incurred from harm, expenses fleeing a domestic partner; or certain expenses arising from the commission of an offence under s.402.2 or 403.
Victim Fine Surcharge (s. 737)	any	A discretionary surcharge under s. 737 of 30% of any fine order imposed, $100 per summary conviction or $200 per indictable conviction. If the offence occurs on or after October 23, 2013, the order has smaller minimum amounts (15%, $50, or $100).

General Forfeiture Orders

Forfeiture	Conviction	Description
Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime (s. 462.37(1) or (2.01))	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence under the Code or the CDSA in which property is "proceeds of crime" and offence was "committed in relation to that property", the property shall be forfeited to His Majesty the King on application of the Crown. NB: does not apply to summary offences.
Fine in Lieu of Forfeiture (s. 462.37(3))	any	Where a Court is satisfied an order for the forfeiture of proceeds of crime under s. 462.37(1) or (2.01) can be made, but that property cannot be "made subject to an order", then the Court "may" order a fine in "an amount equal to the value of the property". Failure to pay the fine will result in a default judgement imposing a period of incarceration.
Forfeiture of Weapons or Firearms (s. 491)	any	Where there is finding of guilt for an offence where a "weapon, an imitation firearm, a prohibited device, any ammunition, any prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance was used in the commission of [the] offence and that thing has been seized and detained", or "that a person has committed an offence that involves, or the subject-matter of which is, a firearm, a cross-bow, a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or an explosive substance has been seized and detained, that the item be an enumerated weapon or related item be connected to the offence", then there will be a mandatory forfeiture order. However, under s. 491(2), if the lawful owner "was not a party to the offence" and the judge has "no reasonable grounds to believe that the thing would or might be used in the commission of an offence", then it should be returned to the lawful owner.
Forfeiture of Offence-related Property (s. 490.1)	any	Where there is a finding of guilt for an indictable offence, "any property is offence-related property" where (a) by means or in respect of which an indictable offence under this Act or the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act is committed, (b) that is used in any manner in connection with the commission of such an offence, or (c) that is intended to be used for committing such an offence". Such property is to be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province. NB: does not apply to summary offences.

Record Suspensions and Pardons

Convictions under s. 83.231(3) or (4) are eligible for record suspensions pursuant to s. 3 and 4 of the Criminal Records Act after 5 years after the expiration of sentence for summary conviction offences and 10 years after the expiration of sentence for all other offences. The offender may not have the record suspended where the offender was (1) convicted of 3 or more offences with a maximum penalty of life, and (2) for each 3 offences he "was sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more".