Miscellaneous Offences Against Property

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Oyster Offences

Oysters

323 (1) Where oysters and oyster brood are in oyster beds, layings or fisheries that are the property of any person and are sufficiently marked out or known as the property of that person, that person shall be deemed to have a special property or interest in them.

Oyster bed

(2) An indictment is sufficient if it describes an oyster bed, laying or fishery by name or in any other way, without stating that it is situated in a particular territorial division.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 284.

– CCC

Note up: 323 (1) and (2)

Theft by Bailee

Theft by bailee of things under seizure

324. Every one who is a bailee of anything that is under lawful seizure by a peace officer or public officer in the execution of the duties of his office, and who is obliged by law or agreement to produce and deliver it to that officer or to another person entitled thereto at a certain time and place, or on demand, steals it if he does not produce and deliver it in accordance with his obligation, but he does not steal it if his failure to produce and deliver it is not the result of a wilful act or omission by him.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 285.

– CCC

Note up: 324

Agent pledging goods, when not theft

325. A factor or an agent does not commit theft by pledging or giving a lien on goods or documents of title to goods that are entrusted to him for the purpose of sale or for any other purpose, if the pledge or lien is for an amount that does not exceed the sum of

(a) the amount due to him from his principal at the time the goods or documents are pledged or the lien is given; and

(b) the amount of any bill of exchange that he has accepted for or on account of his principal.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 286.

– CCC

Note up: 325

Theft by or from person having special property or interest

328. A person may be convicted of theft notwithstanding that anything that is alleged to have been stolen was stolen

(a) by the owner of it from a person who has a special property or interest in it;

(b) by a person who has a special property or interest in it from the owner of it;

(c) by a lessee of it from his reversioner;

(d) by one of several joint owners, tenants in common or partners of or in it from the other persons who have an interest in it; or

(e) by the representatives of an organization from the organization.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 328; 2003, c. 21, s. 4.

– CCC

Note up: 328

Taking ore for scientific purpose

333. No person commits theft by reason only that he takes, for the purpose of exploration or scientific investigation, a specimen of ore or mineral from land that is not enclosed and is not occupied or worked as a mine, quarry or digging.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 293.

– CCC

Note up: 333

Taking Motor Vehicle or Vessel

Taking motor vehicle or vessel or found therein without consent

335 (1) Subject to subsection (1.1), every one who, without the consent of the owner, takes a motor vehicle or vessel with intent to drive, use, navigate or operate it or cause it to be driven, used, navigated or operated, or is an occupant of a motor vehicle or vessel knowing that it was taken without the consent of the owner, is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Exception

(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply to an occupant of a motor vehicle or vessel who, on becoming aware that it was taken without the consent of the owner, attempted to leave the motor vehicle or vessel, to the extent that it was feasible to do so, or actually left the motor vehicle or vessel.

Definition of vessel

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), vessel has the same meaning as in section 320.11.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 335; R.S., 1985, c. 1 (4th Supp.), s. 15; 1997, c. 18, s. 15; 2018, c. 21, s. 16.

– CCC

Note up: 335 (1), (1.1) and (2)

Offences Against Cattle

Fraudulently taking cattle or defacing brand

338 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, without the consent of the owner,

(a) fraudulently takes, holds, keeps in his possession, conceals, receives, appropriates, purchases or sells cattle that are found astray, or

(b) fraudulently, in whole or in part,
(i) obliterates, alters or defaces a brand or mark on cattle, or

(ii) makes a false or counterfeit brand or mark on cattle.

Punishment for theft of cattle

(2) Every person who commits theft of cattle is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Evidence of property in cattle

(3) In any proceedings under this Act, evidence that cattle are marked with a brand or mark that is recorded or registered in accordance with any Act is, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, proof that the cattle are owned by the registered owner of that brand or mark.

Presumption from possession

(4) Where an accused is charged with an offence under subsection (1) or (2), the burden of proving that the cattle came lawfully into the possession of the accused or his employee or into the possession of another person on behalf of the accused is on the accused, if the accused is not the registered owner of the brand or mark with which the cattle are marked, unless it appears that possession of the cattle by an employee of the accused or by another person on behalf of the accused was without the knowledge and authority, sanction or approval of the accused.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 338; 2019, c. 25, s. 123.

– CCC

Note up: 338 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

Theft of Drift Timber

Taking possession, etc., of drift timber

339 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, without the consent of the owner,

(a) fraudulently takes, holds, keeps in their possession, conceals, receives, appropriates, purchases or sells any lumber or lumbering equipment that is found adrift, cast ashore or lying on or embedded in the bed or bottom, or on the bank or beach, of a river, stream or lake in Canada, or in the harbours or any of the coastal waters of Canada;

(b) removes, alters, obliterates or defaces a mark or number on such lumber or lumbering equipment; or

(c) refuses to deliver such lumber or lumbering equipment up to the owner or to the person in charge of it on behalf of the owner or to a person authorized by the owner to receive it.

Dealer in second-hand goods

(2) Every one who, being a dealer in second-hand goods of any kind, trades or traffics in or has in his possession for sale or traffic any lumbering equipment that is marked with the mark, brand, registered timber mark, name or initials of a person, without the written consent of that person, is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Search for timber unlawfully detained

(3) A peace officer who suspects, on reasonable grounds, that any lumber owned by any person and bearing the registered timber mark of that person is kept or detained in or on any place without the knowledge or consent of that person, may enter into or on that place to ascertain whether or not it is detained there without the knowledge or consent of that person.

Evidence of property in timber

(4) Where any lumber or lumbering equipment is marked with a timber mark or a boom chain brand registered under any Act, the mark or brand is, in proceedings under subsection (1), and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, proof that it is the property of the registered owner of the mark or brand.

Presumption from possession

(5) Where an accused or his servants or agents are in possession of lumber or lumbering equipment marked with the mark, brand, registered timber mark, name or initials of another person, the burden of proving that it came lawfully into his possession or into possession of his servants or agents is, in proceedings under subsection (1), on the accused.

Definitions

(6) In this section,
"coastal waters of Canada" includes all of Queen Charlotte Sound, all the Strait of Georgia and the Canadian waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca;
"lumber" means timber, mast, spar, shingle bolt, sawlog or lumber of any description;
"lumbering equipment" includes a boom chain, chain, line and shackle.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 339; 2019, c. 25, s. 124.

– CCC

Note up: 339 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6)

Destroying Title Documents

Destroying documents of title

340 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, for a fraudulent purpose, destroys, cancels, conceals or obliterates

(a) a document of title to goods or lands,

(b) a valuable security or testamentary instrument, or

(c) a judicial or official document.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 340; 2019, c. 25, s. 125.

– CCC

Note up: 340

Fraudulent Concealment

Fraudulent concealment

341 Every person who, for a fraudulent purpose, takes, obtains, removes or conceals anything is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 341; 2019, c. 25, s. 126.

– CCC

Note up: 341

Stopping Mail

Stopping mail with intent

345. Every one who stops a mail conveyance with intent to rob or search it is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 304.

– CCC

Note up: 345

Interest Rate

Criminal interest rate

347 (1) Despite any other Act of Parliament, every one who enters into an agreement or arrangement to receive interest at a criminal rate, or receives a payment or partial payment of interest at a criminal rate, is

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

(b) guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine of not more than $25,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or to both.

Definitions

(2) In this section,
"credit advanced" means the aggregate of the money and the monetary value of any goods, services or benefits actually advanced or to be advanced under an agreement or arrangement minus the aggregate of any required deposit balance and any fee, fine, penalty, commission and other similar charge or expense directly or indirectly incurred under the original or any collateral agreement or arrangement;
"criminal rate" means an effective annual rate of interest calculated in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles that exceeds sixty per cent on the credit advanced under an agreement or arrangement;
"insurance charge" means the cost of insuring the risk assumed by the person who advances or is to advance credit under an agreement or arrangement, where the face amount of the insurance does not exceed the credit advanced;
"interest" means the aggregate of all charges and expenses, whether in the form of a fee, fine, penalty, commission or other similar charge or expense or in any other form, paid or payable for the advancing of credit under an agreement or arrangement, by or on behalf of the person to whom the credit is or is to be advanced, irrespective of the person to whom any such charges and expenses are or are to be paid or payable, but does not include any repayment of credit advanced or any insurance charge, official fee, overdraft charge, required deposit balance or, in the case of a mortgage transaction, any amount required to be paid on account of property taxes;
"official fee" means a fee required by law to be paid to any governmental authority in connection with perfecting any security under an agreement or arrangement for the advancing of credit;
"overdraft charge" means a charge not exceeding five dollars for the creation of or increase in an overdraft, imposed by a credit union or caisse populaire the membership of which is wholly or substantially comprised of natural persons or a deposit taking institution the deposits in which are insured, in whole or in part, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or guaranteed, in whole or in part, by the Quebec Deposit Insurance Board;
"required deposit balance" means a fixed or an ascertainable amount of the money actually advanced or to be advanced under an agreement or arrangement that is required, as a condition of the agreement or arrangement, to be deposited or invested by or on behalf of the person to whom the advance is or is to be made and that may be available, in the event of his defaulting in any payment, to or for the benefit of the person who advances or is to advance the money.

Presumption

(3) Where a person receives a payment or partial payment of interest at a criminal rate, he shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be deemed to have knowledge of the nature of the payment and that it was received at a criminal rate.

Proof of effective annual rate

(4) In any proceedings under this section, a certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries stating that he has calculated the effective annual rate of interest on any credit advanced under an agreement or arrangement and setting out the calculations and the information on which they are based is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof of the effective annual rate without proof of the signature or official character of the person appearing to have signed the certificate.

Notice

(5) A certificate referred to in subsection (4) shall not be received in evidence unless the party intending to produce it has given to the accused or defendant reasonable notice of that intention together with a copy of the certificate.

Cross-examination with leave

(6) An accused or a defendant against whom a certificate referred to in subsection (4) is produced may, with leave of the court, require the attendance of the actuary for the purposes of cross-examination.

Consent required for proceedings

(7) No proceedings shall be commenced under this section without the consent of the Attorney General.

Application

(8) This section does not apply to any transaction to which the Tax Rebate Discounting Act applies.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 347; 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F); 2007, c. 9, s. 1; 2019, c. 25, s. 127.

– CCC

Note up: 347 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8)

Definitions

347.1 (1) The following definitions apply in subsection (2).
"interest" has the same meaning as in subsection 347(2) [criminal interest rate – definitions].
"payday loan" means an advancement of money in exchange for a post-dated cheque, a pre-authorized debit or a future payment of a similar nature but not for any guarantee, suretyship, overdraft protection or security on property and not through a margin loan, pawnbroking, a line of credit or a credit card.

Non-application

(2) Section 347 and section 2 of the Interest Act do not apply to a person, other than a financial institution within the meaning of paragraphs (a) to (d) of the definition “financial institution” in section 2 of the Bank Act, in respect of a payday loan agreement entered into by the person to receive interest, or in respect of interest received by that person under the agreement, if (a) the amount of money advanced under the agreement is $1,500 or less and the term of the agreement is 62 days or less; (b) the person is licensed or otherwise specifically authorized under the laws of a province to enter into the agreement; and (c) the province is designated under subsection (3) [designation of province].

Designation of province

(3) The Governor in Council shall, by order and at the request of the lieutenant governor in council of a province, designate the province for the purposes of this section if the province has legislative measures that protect recipients of payday loans and that provide for limits on the total cost of borrowing under the agreements.

Revocation

(4) The Governor in Council shall, by order, revoke the designation made under subsection (3) [designation of province] if requested to do so by the lieutenant governor in council of the province or if the legislative measures described in that subsection are no longer in force in that province.
2007, c. 9, s. 2.

– CCC

Note up: 347.1 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

Order Designating Alberta for the Purposes of the Criminal Interest Rate Provisions of the Criminal Code, SOR/2010-21

Selling Car Master Key

Selling, etc., automobile master key

353 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who

(a) sells, offers for sale or advertises in a province an automobile master key otherwise than under the authority of a licence issued by the Attorney General of that province, or

(b) purchases or has in his possession in a province an automobile master key otherwise than under the authority of a licence issued by the Attorney General of that province.

Exception

(1.1) A police officer specially authorized by the chief of the police force to possess an automobile master key is not guilty of an offence under subsection (1) [selling, etc. automobile master key] by reason only that the police officer possesses an automobile master key for the purposes of the execution of the police officer’s duties.

Terms and conditions of licence

(2) A licence issued by the Attorney General of a province as described in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) may contain such terms and conditions relating to the sale, offering for sale, advertising, purchasing, having in possession or use of an automobile master key as the Attorney General of that province may prescribe.

Fees

(2.1) The Attorney General of a province may prescribe fees for the issue or renewal of licences as described in paragraph (1)(a) or (b).

Record to be kept

(3) Every one who sells an automobile master key

(a) shall keep a record of the transaction showing the name and address of the purchaser and particulars of the licence issued to the purchaser as described in paragraph (1)(b); and

(b) shall produce the record for inspection at the request of a peace officer.

Failure to comply with subsection (3)

(4) Every one who fails to comply with subsection (3) [obligation to keep record when selling automobile key] is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Definitions

(5) The definitions in this subsection apply in this section.
"automobile master key" includes a key, pick, rocker key or other instrument designed or adapted to operate the ignition or other switches or locks of a series of motor vehicles. (passe-partout d’automobile)
"licence" includes any authorization. (licence)
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 353; 1997, c. 18, s. 22; 2019, c. 25, s. 130.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC

Note up: 353 (1), (1.1), (2), (2.2), (3), (4), and (5)

A a home-made device, such as a re-shaped coathanger, is not a "automobile master key".^[1]

↑ R v Young, 1983 CanLII 3480 (ON CA), 3 CCC (3d) 395 (ONCA)

Tampering With VIN

Tampering with vehicle identification number

353.1 (1) Every person commits an offence who, without lawful excuse, wholly or partially alters, removes or obliterates a vehicle identification number on a motor vehicle.

Definition of “vehicle identification number”

(2) For the purpose of this section, "vehicle identification number" means any number or other mark placed on a motor vehicle for the purpose of distinguishing it from other similar motor vehicles.

Exception

(3) Despite subsection (1), it is not an offence to wholly or partially alter, remove or obliterate a vehicle identification number on a motor vehicle during regular maintenance or any repair or other work done on the vehicle for a legitimate purpose, including a modification of the vehicle.

Punishment

(4) Every person who commits an offence under subsection (1)

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

2010, c. 14, s. 4.

– CCC

Note up: 353.1 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

Theft of Mail

Theft from mail

356 (1) Everyone commits an offence who

(a) steals
(i) anything sent by post, after it is deposited at a post office and before it is delivered, or after it is delivered but before it is in the possession of the addressee or of a person who may reasonably be considered to be authorized by the addressee to receive mail,

(ii) a bag, sack or other container or covering in which mail is conveyed, whether or not it contains mail, or

(iii) a key suited to a lock adopted for use by the Canada Post Corporation;

(a.1) with intent to commit an offence under paragraph (a), makes, possesses or uses a copy of a key suited to a lock adopted for use by the Canada Post Corporation, or a key suited to obtaining access to a receptacle or device provided for the receipt of mail;

(b) has in their possession anything that they know has been used to commit an offence under paragraph (a) or (a.1) or anything in respect of which they know that such an offence has been committed; or

(c) fraudulently redirects, or causes to be redirected, anything sent by post.

Allegation of value not necessary

(2) In proceedings for an offence under this section it is not necessary to allege in the indictment or to prove on the trial that anything in respect of which the offence was committed had any value.

Punishment

(3) Everyone who commits an offence under subsection (1)

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 356; 2009, c. 28, s. 6.

– CCC

Note up: 356 (1), (2) and (3)

Importation

Bringing into Canada property obtained by crime

357 Every person who brings into or has in Canada anything that they have obtained outside Canada by an act that, if it had been committed in Canada, would have been the offence of theft or an offence under section 342 [theft and forgery of credit card] or 354 [possession of stolen property^[1]] is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 357 R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 50; 2019, c. 25, s. 132.
[annotation(s) added]

– CCC

Note up: 357

Obtaining execution of valuable security by fraud

Obtaining execution of valuable security by fraud

363 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, with intent to defraud or injure another person, by a false pretence causes or induces any person

(a) to execute, make, accept, endorse or destroy the whole or any part of a valuable security, or

(b) to write, impress or affix a name or seal on any paper or parchment in order that it may afterwards be made or converted into or used or dealt with as a valuable security.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 363; 2019, c. 25, s. 134.

– CCC

Note up: 363

Fraudulently obtaining food, beverage or accommodation

Fraudulently obtaining food, beverage or accommodation

364 (1) Every one who fraudulently obtains food, a beverage or accommodation at any place that is in the business of providing those things is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Presumption

(2) In proceedings under this section, evidence that the accused obtained food, a beverage or accommodation at a place that is in the business of providing those things and did not pay for it and

(a) made a false or fictitious show or pretence of having baggage,

(b) had any false or pretended baggage,

(c) surreptitiously removed or attempted to remove his baggage or any material part of it,

(d) absconded or surreptitiously left the premises,

(e) knowingly made a false statement to obtain credit or time for payment, or

(f) offered a worthless cheque, draft or security in payment for the food, beverage or accommodation,

is, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, proof of fraud.

Definition of “cheque”

(3) In this section, "cheque" includes, in addition to its ordinary meaning, a bill of exchange drawn on any institution that makes it a business practice to honour bills of exchange or any particular kind thereof drawn on it by depositors.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 364; 1994, c. 44, s. 23.

– CCC

Note up: 364 (1), (2) and (3)

Forgery Related Offences

Exchequer bill paper, public seals, etc.

369. Everyone is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years who, without lawful authority or excuse,

(a) makes, uses or possesses
(i) any exchequer bill paper, revenue paper or paper that is used to make bank-notes, or

(ii) any paper that is intended to resemble paper mentioned in subparagraph (i); or

(b) makes, reproduces or uses a public seal of Canada or of a province, or the seal of a public body or authority in Canada or of a court of law.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 369; 2009, c. 28, s. 9.

– CCC

Note up: 369

Drawing Documents without Authority

Drawing document without authority, etc.

374. Every one who

(a) with intent to defraud and without lawful authority makes, executes, draws, signs, accepts or endorses a document in the name or on the account of another person by procuration or otherwise, or

(b) makes use of or utters a document knowing that it has been made, executed, signed, accepted or endorsed with intent to defraud and without lawful authority, in the name or on the account of another person, by procuration or otherwise,

is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 332.

– CCC

Note up: 374

Obtaining, etc., by instrument based on forged document

Obtaining, etc., by instrument based on forged document

375. Every one who demands, receives or obtains anything, or causes or procures anything to be delivered or paid to any person under, on or by virtue of any instrument issued under the authority of law, knowing that it is based on a forged document, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 333.

– CCC

Note up: 375

Counterfeiting stamps and marks

Counterfeiting stamp, etc.

376 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years who

(a) fraudulently uses, mutilates, affixes, removes or counterfeits a stamp or part thereof,

(b) knowingly and without lawful excuse has in their possession
(i) a counterfeit stamp or a stamp that has been fraudulently mutilated, or

(ii) anything bearing a stamp of which a part has been fraudulently erased, removed or concealed, or

(c) without lawful excuse makes or knowingly has in their possession a die or instrument that is capable of making the impression of a stamp or part of a stamp.

Counterfeiting mark

(2) Every one who, without lawful authority,

(a) makes a mark,

(b) sells, or exposes for sale, or has in his possession a counterfeit mark,

(c) affixes a mark to anything that is required by law to be marked, branded, sealed or wrapped other than the thing to which the mark was originally affixed or was intended to be affixed, or

(d) affixes a counterfeit mark to anything that is required by law to be marked, branded, sealed or wrapped,

is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.

Definitions

(3) In this section,
mark means a mark, brand, seal, wrapper or design used by or on behalf of

(a) the government of Canada or a province,

(b) the government of a state other than Canada, or

(c) any department, board, commission or agent established by a government mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) in connection with the service or business of that government; (marque)

stamp means an impressed or adhesive stamp used for the purpose of revenue by the government of Canada or a province or by the government of a state other than Canada. (timbre)
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 376; 2018, c. 29, s. 43.

– CCC

Note up: 376 (1), (2) and (3)

"Counterfeit mark"

A counterfeit mark is one that falsely purports to be a "genuine official mark".^[2] The counterfeit does not have to "look" genuine to make out the offence.^[3]

The offence is committed in relation to an official photo ID once the the real information or photos is removed and the new information is substituted.^[4]

↑ Found elsewhere in this same page.
↑ R. v. Sommani, 2007 BCCA 199, 218 CCC (3d) 168
↑ Sommani, ibid.
↑ R v Ariri, 2007 ONCJ 535 (CanLII)(complete citation pending) at paras. 14, 48

Damaging Documents

Damaging documents

377 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who unlawfully

(a) destroys, defaces or injures a register, or any part of a register, of births, baptisms, marriages, deaths or burials that is required or authorized by law to be kept in Canada, or a copy or any part of a copy of such a register that is required by law to be transmitted to a registrar or other officer,

(b) inserts or causes to be inserted in a register or copy referred to in paragraph (a) an entry, that he knows is false, of any matter relating to a birth, baptism, marriage, death or burial, or erases any material part from that register or copy,

(c) destroys, damages or obliterates an election document or causes an election document to be destroyed, damaged or obliterated, or

(d) makes or causes to be made an erasure, alteration or interlineation in or on an election document.

Definition of election document

(2) In this section, election document means any document or writing issued under the authority of an Act of Parliament or the legislature of a province with respect to an election held pursuant to the authority of that Act.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 377; 2019, c. 25, s. 135.

– CCC

Note up: 377 (1) and (2)

Register Offences

Offences in relation to registers

378 Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who

(a) being authorized or required by law to make or issue a certified copy of, extract from or certificate in respect of a register, record or document, knowingly makes or issues a false certified copy, extract or certificate,

(b) not being authorized or required by law to make or issue a certified copy of, extract from or certificate in respect of a register, record or document, fraudulently makes or issues a copy, extract or certificate that purports to be certified as authorized or required by law, or

(c) being authorized or required by law to make a certificate or declaration concerning any particular required for the purpose of making entries in a register, record or document, knowingly and falsely makes the certificate or declaration.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 378; 2019, c. 25, s. 136.

– CCC

Note up: 378

Wilfully causing An Event to Occur

PART XI

WILFUL AND FORBIDDEN ACTS IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN PROPERTY

Interpretation

Definition of “property”

428. In this Part, “property” means real or personal corporeal property.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 385.

– CCC

Note up: 428

Wilfully causing event to occur

429 (1) Every one who causes the occurrence of an event by doing an act or by omitting to do an act that it is his duty to do, knowing that the act or omission will probably cause the occurrence of the event and being reckless whether the event occurs or not, shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Part, wilfully to have caused the occurrence of the event.

Colour of right

(2) No person shall be convicted of an offence under sections 430 to 446 where he proves that he acted with legal justification or excuse and with colour of right.

Interest

(3) Where it is an offence to destroy or to damage anything,

(a) the fact that a person has a partial interest in what is destroyed or damaged does not prevent him from being guilty of the offence if he caused the destruction or damage; and

(b) the fact that a person has a total interest in what is destroyed or damaged does not prevent him from being guilty of the offence if he caused the destruction or damage with intent to defraud.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 386.

– CCC

Note up: 429 (1), (2) and (3)

Attack on Premises of Internationally Protected Persons

Attack on premises, residence or transport of internationally protected person

431 Every one who commits a violent attack on the official premises, private accommodation or means of transport of an internationally protected person that is likely to endanger the life or liberty of such a person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than fourteen years.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 431; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 58; 2001, c. 41, s. 13.

– CCC

Note up: 431

Attack on premises, accommodation or transport of United Nations or associated personnel

431.1 Every one who commits a violent attack on the official premises, private accommodation or means of transport of a member of United Nations personnel or associated personnel that is likely to endanger the life or liberty of such a person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than fourteen years.

2001, c. 41, s. 13.

– CCC

Note up: 431.1

Explosive or other lethal device

See also: Use or Possession of Explosives (Offence)

Definitions

431.2 (1) The following definitions apply in this section.
"explosive or other lethal device" means

(a) an explosive or incendiary weapon or device that is designed to cause, or is capable of causing, death, serious bodily injury or substantial material damage; or

(b) a weapon or device that is designed to cause, or is capable of causing, death, serious bodily injury or substantial material damage through the release, dissemination or impact of toxic chemicals, biological agents or toxins or similar substances, or radiation or radioactive material.

"infrastructure facility" means a publicly or privately owned facility that provides or distributes services for the benefit of the public, including services relating to water, sewage, energy, fuel and communications.
"military forces of a state" means the armed forces that a state organizes, trains and equips in accordance with the law of the state for the primary purpose of national defence or national security, and every person acting in support of those armed forces who is under their formal command, control and responsibility.
"place of public use" means those parts of land, a building, street, waterway or other location that are accessible or open to members of the public, whether on a continuous, periodic or occasional basis, and includes any commercial, business, cultural, historical, educational, religious, governmental, entertainment, recreational or other place that is accessible or open to the public on such a basis.
"public transportation system" means a publicly or privately owned facility, conveyance or other thing that is used in connection with publicly available services for the transportation of persons or cargo.

Explosive or other lethal device

(2) Every one who delivers, places, discharges or detonates an explosive or other lethal device to, into, in or against a place of public use, a government or public facility, a public transportation system or an infrastructure facility, either with intent to cause death or serious bodily injury or with intent to cause extensive destruction of such a place, system or facility that results in or is likely to result in major economic loss, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for life.

Armed forces

(3) For greater certainty, subsection (2) does not apply to an act or omission that is committed during an armed conflict and that, at the time and in the place of its commission, is in accordance with customary international law or conventional international law applicable to the conflict, or to activities undertaken by military forces of a state in the exercise of their official duties, to the extent that those activities are governed by other rules of international law.
2001, c. 41, s. 13.

– CCC

Note up: 431.2 (1), (2) and (3)

Bootlegging Movies

Unauthorized recording of a movie

432 (1) A person who, without the consent of the theatre manager, records in a movie theatre a performance of a cinematographic work within the meaning of section 2 of the Copyright Act or its soundtrack

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Unauthorized recording for purpose of sale, etc.
(2) A person who, without the consent of the theatre manager, records in a movie theatre a performance of a cinematographic work within the meaning of section 2 of the Copyright Act or its soundtrack for the purpose of the sale, rental or other commercial distribution of a copy of the cinematographic work

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Forfeiture

(3) In addition to any punishment that is imposed on a person who is convicted of an offence under this section, the court may order that anything that is used in the commission of the offence be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of the province in which the proceedings are taken. Anything that is forfeited may be disposed of as the Attorney General directs.

Forfeiture — limitation

(4) No order may be made under subsection (3) in respect of anything that is the property of a person who is not a party to the offence.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 432; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 58; 2007, c. 28, s. 1.

– CCC

Note up: 432 (1), (2), (3), and (4)

False Fire Alarm

Other Interference with Property

False alarm of fire

437. Every one who wilfully, without reasonable cause, by outcry, ringing bells, using a fire alarm, telephone or telegraph, or in any other manner, makes or circulates or causes to be made or circulated an alarm of fire is guilty of

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

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 393; 1972, c. 13, s. 31.

– CCC

Note up: 437

Interfering with saving of wrecked vessel

Interfering with saving of wrecked vessel

438 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who intentionally prevents or impedes, or who intentionally endeavours to prevent or impede,

(a) the saving of a vessel that is wrecked, stranded, abandoned or in distress, or

(b) a person who attempts to save a vessel that is wrecked, stranded, abandoned or in distress.

Interfering with saving of wreck

(2) Every one who wilfully prevents or impedes or wilfully endeavours to prevent or impede the saving of wreck is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 438; 2019, c. 25, s. 166.

– CCC

Note up: 438 (1) and (2)

In this Act,
...
"wreck" includes the cargo, stores and tackle of a vessel and all parts of a vessel separated from the vessel, and the property of persons who belong to, are on board or have quitted a vessel that is wrecked, stranded or in distress at any place in Canada; (épave)
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 2; R.S., 1985, c. 11 (1st Supp.), s. 2, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 2, 203, c. 31 (1st Supp.), s. 61, c. 1 (2nd Supp.), s. 213, c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10, c. 35 (2nd Supp.), s. 34, c. 32 (4th Supp.), s. 55, c. 40 (4th Supp.), s. 2; 1990, c. 17, s. 7; 1991, c. 1, s. 28, c. 40, s. 1, c. 43, ss. 1, 9; 1992, c. 20, s. 216, c. 51, s. 32; 1993, c. 28, s. 78, c. 34, s. 59; 1994, c. 44, s. 2; 1995, c. 29, ss. 39, 40, c. 39, s. 138; 1997, c. 23, s. 1; 1998, c. 30, s. 14; 1999, c. 3, s. 25, c. 5, s. 1, c. 25, s. 1(Preamble), c. 28, s. 155; 2000, c. 12, s. 91, c. 25, s. 1(F); 2001, c. 32, s. 1, c. 41, ss. 2, 131; 2002, c. 7, s. 137, c. 22, s. 324; 2003, c. 21, s. 1; 2004, c. 3, s. 1; 2005, c. 10, s. 34, c. 38, s. 58, c. 40, ss. 1, 7; 2006, c. 14, s. 1; 2007, c. 13, s. 1; 2012, c.1, s. 160, c. 19, s. 371; 2013, c. 13, s. 2; 2014, c. 17, s. 1, c. 23, s. 2, c. 25, s. 2; 2015, c. 3, s. 44, c. 13, s. 3, c. 20, s. 15; 2018, c. 21, s. 12; 2019, c. 13, s. 140; 2019, c. 25, s. 1; 2022, c. 17, s. 1.

– CCC

Note up: 2

Interfering with marine signal, etc.

Interfering with marine signal, etc.

439 (1) Every one who makes fast a vessel or boat to a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used for purposes of navigation is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Idem

(2) Every person who intentionally alters, removes or conceals a signal, buoy or other sea-mark that is used for purposes of navigation is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 10 years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 439; 2019, c. 25, s. 167.

– CCC

Note up: 439 (1) and (2)

Removing natural bar without permission

Removing natural bar without permission

440 Every person who knowingly and without the written permission of the Minister of Transport removes any stone, wood, earth or other material that forms a natural bar necessary to the existence of a public harbour, or that forms a natural protection to such a bar, is guilty of

(a) an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years; or

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 440; 2019, c. 25, s. 168

– CCC

Note up: 440

Occupant injuring building

Occupant injuring building

441 Every person who, intentionally and to the prejudice of a mortgagee, a hypothecary creditor or an owner, pulls down, demolishes or removes all or any part of a dwelling-house or other building of which they are in possession or occupation, or severs from the freehold any fixture fixed to it or from the immovable property any movable property permanently attached or joined to the immovable property, is guilty of

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

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 441; 2019, c. 25, s. 168

– CCC

Note up: 441

The actus reus of the offence requires that the enumerated conduct has a negative effect on the mortgagee. The amount does not need to be quantified.^[1]

↑ R v Lundgard, 1991 ABCA 61 (CanLII), at para 21

Interfering with boundary lines

Interfering with boundary lines

442. Every one who wilfully pulls down, defaces, alters or removes anything planted or set up as the boundary line or part of the boundary line of land is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
R.S., c. C-34, s. 398.

– CCC

Note up: 442

Interfering with international boundary marks, etc.

Interfering with international boundary marks, etc.

443 (1) Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who intentionally pulls down, defaces, alters or removes

(a) a boundary mark lawfully placed to mark any international, provincial, county or municipal boundary, or

(b) a boundary mark lawfully placed by a land surveyor to mark any limit, boundary or angle of a concession, range, lot or parcel of land.

Saving provision

(2) A land surveyor does not commit an offence under subsection (1) where, in his operations as a land surveyor,

(a) he takes up, when necessary, a boundary mark mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) and carefully replaces it as it was before he took it up; or

(b) he takes up a boundary mark mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) in the course of surveying for a highway or other work that, when completed, will make it impossible or impracticable for that boundary mark to occupy its original position, and he establishes a permanent record of the original position sufficient to permit that position to be ascertained.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 443; 2019, c. 25, s. 169.

– CCC

Note up: 443 (1) and (2)

Arena for animal fighting

Arena for animal fighting

447 (1) Everyone commits an offence who builds, makes, maintains or keeps an arena for animal fighting on premises that he or she owns or occupies, or allows such an arena to be built, made, maintained or kept on such premises.

Punishment

(2) Every one who commits an offence under subsection (1) is guilty of

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

(b) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or to both.

(3) [Repealed, 2019, c. 17, s. 3]
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 447; 2008, c. 12, s. 1; 2019, c. 17, s. 3; 2019, c. 25, s. 174.

– CCC

Note up: 447 (1) and (2)

Breach of Animal Prohibition Order

Order of prohibition or restitution

447.1 (1) The court may, in addition to any other sentence that it may impose under subsection 444(2) , 445(2) [injuring or endangering other animals – punishment], 445.1(2) [causing unnecessary suffering – punishment], 446(2) [wilful neglect causing injury – punishment] or 447(2) [arena for animal fighting – punishment],

(a) make an order prohibiting the accused from owning, having the custody or control of or residing in the same premises as an animal or a bird during any period that the court considers appropriate but, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, for a minimum of five years; and

(b) on application of the Attorney General or on its own motion, order that the accused pay to a person or an organization that has taken care of an animal or a bird as a result of the commission of the offence the reasonable costs that the person or organization incurred in respect of the animal or bird, if the costs are readily ascertainable.

Breach of order

(2) Every one who contravenes an order made under paragraph (1)(a) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

Application

(3) Sections 740 to 741.2 apply, with any modifications that the circumstances require, to orders made under paragraph (1)(b).
2008, c. 12, s. 1.

– CCC

Note up: 447.1 (1), (2) and (3)