Third-Party Intercept Authorizations
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- < Wiretaps
General Principles
A wiretap can only be authorized when the justice is "provided with accurate and candid information".[1]
An officer seeking an ex parte authorization must give "full, fair, accurate, and frank disclosure of material facts" sufficient for the judge to make "judicial assessment as to whether the facts meet the standard required for the order to issue".[2]
This includes revealing facts known that "tend to disprove the existence of either reasonable and probable grounds or investigative necessity".[3]
An affidavit that has not been signed by the person taking sworn statement will not necessarily invalidate the application.[4]
- ↑ R v Hosie, 1996 CanLII 450 (ON CA), (1996), 107 CCC (3d) 385 (Ont. C.A.)
- ↑
This is the same as all warrants, see Applying for Judicial Authorizations,
R v Araujo, 2000 SCC 65 (CanLII), [2000] 2 SCR 992, (2000), 149 CCC (3d) 449 (S.C.C.), at para 46-7
R v Agensys International Inc. 2004 CanLII 17920 (ON CA), (2004), 71 O.R. (3d) 515 (C.A.) at para 42-3
- ↑ R v Bogiatzis, [2003] O.J. No. 3335 (S.C.J.)(*no CanLII links) at para 11
- ↑ R v Dixon, 2012 ONSC 181 (CanLII)
Designated Agent
Section 185 requires that only a Crown designated by the Attorney General as a wiretap agent may make the application for a 185/186, 188, or video wiretap.
A designated agent is not needed for a consent intercept under s. 184.2.
Application
Application for authorization
185. (1) An application for an authorization to be given under section 186 shall be made ex parte and in writing to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 and shall be signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or an agent specially designated in writing for the purposes of this section by
- (a) the Minister personally or the Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness personally, if the offence under investigation is one in respect of which proceedings, if any, may be instituted at the instance of the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada, or
- (b) the Attorney General of a province personally or the Deputy Attorney General of a province personally, in any other case,
and shall be accompanied by an affidavit, which may be sworn on the information and belief of a peace officer or public officer deposing to the following matters:
- (c) the facts relied on to justify the belief that an authorization should be given together with particulars of the offence,
- (d) the type of private communication proposed to be intercepted,
- (e) the names, addresses and occupations, if known, of all persons, the interception of whose private communications there are reasonable grounds to believe may assist the investigation of the offence, a general description of the nature and location of the place, if known, at which private communications are proposed to be intercepted and a general description of the manner of interception proposed to be used,
- (f) the number of instances, if any, on which an application has been made under this section in relation to the offence and a person named in the affidavit pursuant to paragraph (e) and on which the application was withdrawn or no authorization was given, the date on which each application was made and the name of the judge to whom each application was made,
- (g) the period for which the authorization is requested, and
- (h) whether other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed or why it appears they are unlikely to succeed or that the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 185; 1993, c. 40, s. 5; 1997, c. 18, s. 8, c. 23, s. 4; 2001, c. 32, s. 5, c. 41, ss. 6, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 22, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 3.
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Judge to be satisfied
186. (1) An authorization under this section may be given if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied
- (a) that it would be in the best interests of the administration of justice to do so; and
- (b) that other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed, other investigative procedures are unlikely to succeed or the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
...
Terms and conditions
(3) Where an authorization is given in relation to the interception of private communications at a place described in subsection (2), the judge by whom the authorization is given shall include therein such terms and conditions as he considers advisable to protect privileged communications between solicitors and clients.
Content and limitation of authorization
(4) An authorization shall
- (a) state the offence in respect of which private communications may be intercepted;
- (b) state the type of private communication that may be intercepted;
- (c) state the identity of the persons, if known, whose private communications are to be intercepted, generally describe the place at which private communications may be intercepted, if a general description of that place can be given, and generally describe the manner of interception that may be used;
- (d) contain such terms and conditions as the judge considers advisable in the public interest; and
- (e) be valid for the period, not exceeding sixty days, set out therein.
Persons designated
(5) The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness or the Attorney General, as the case may be, may designate a person or persons who may intercept private communications under authorizations.
Installation and removal of device
(5.1) For greater certainty, an authorization that permits interception by means of an electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device includes the authority to install, maintain or remove the device covertly.
Removal after expiry of authorization
(5.2) On an ex parte application, in writing, supported by affidavit, the judge who gave an authorization referred to in subsection (5.1) or any other judge having jurisdiction to give such an authorization may give a further authorization for the covert removal of the electro-magnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device after the expiry of the original authorization
- (a) under any terms or conditions that the judge considers advisable in the public interest; and
- (b) during any specified period of not more than sixty days.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 186; 1993, c. 40, s. 6; 1997, c. 23, s. 5; 1999, c. 5, s. 5; 2001, c. 32, s. 6, c. 41, ss. 6.1, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 23, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 4, c. 31, s. 9.
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Before a superior court justice may grant an authorization under s. 186(1) requires that they be satisfied there be (1) "probable cause" and (2) "investigative necessity".[1]
The authorizing judge may issue other warrants or orders at the same time where they are "related to the execution of the authorization".[2]
The wording of s. 186(1) has the implied requirements of requiring "reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an offence has been, or is being, committed and that the authorization sought will afford evidence of that offence”.[3] This requirement is lower than a standard of a prima facie case or proof on balance that an offence has been committed.[4]
- ↑
R v Mahal, 2012 ONCA 673 (CanLII) at para 39 ("...the conditions precedent that must be satisfied before a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction may grant a conventional authorization are contained in s. 186(1) of [page218] the Criminal Code. For discussion purposes, serviceable short-form descriptions are as follows: (i) probable cause; and (ii) investigative necessity.")
R v Beauchamp, 2015 ONCA 260 (CanLII) at para 81
- ↑ s. 186 states ("(8) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization.")
- ↑
R v Beauchamp, supra at para 91
- ↑
Beauchamp, supra at para 92
Lawyer Exception
186
...
Where authorization not to be given
(2) No authorization may be given to intercept a private communication at the office or residence of a solicitor, or at any other place ordinarily used by a solicitor and by other solicitors for the purpose of consultation with clients, unless the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the solicitor, any other solicitor practising with him, any person employed by him or any other such solicitor or a member of the solicitor’s household has been or is about to become a party to an offence.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 186; 1993, c. 40, s. 6; 1997, c. 23, s. 5; 1999, c. 5, s. 5; 2001, c. 32, s. 6, c. 41, ss. 6.1, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 23, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 4, c. 31, s. 9.Places that are "ordinarily used" by lawyers concerns places where "lawyers may be when they ordinarily consult with clients", which would not include telephones on the jail ranges.[1]
The interception is not "at" the restricted place where the wiretap is intercepting the cellphone calls of the accused.[2]
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Grounds for Application
Wiretaps are investigative tools. All that is needed is a reasonable belief to grant the authorization. The fact that the belief turns out to be false is not relevant to the application.[3]
Before a Judge can grant the wiretap warrant, he must be satisfied that the applicant has "reasonable and probable grounds to believe that a specific offence has been, is being, or is about to be committed."[4] The police must also "have reasonable and probable grounds to think that the target of the authorization will in fact be at a particular place, or be communicating in a particular manner" that will give evidence towards to investigation.[5]
A fishing expedition is not a proper basis to authorize the wiretap.[6]
Where defence counsel has demonstrated sufficient basis, the court can order the affiant to be subject to cross-examination on the affidavit authorizing the warrant.[7]
- ↑
R v Blais (2004), 182 CCC (3d) 39 (ONCA)
- ↑
R v Taylor, [1998] 1 SCR 26 affirming [1997] BCJ 346 (BCCA)
- ↑ R v Pires; R v Lising 2005 SCC 66 (CanLII) at para 41
- ↑ R v Madrid, 1994 CanLII 1682 (BC CA), [1994] BCJ No 1786 at 82
- ↑ R v Thompson, 1990 CanLII 43 (SCC), [1990] 2 SCR 1111 at p. 1139
- ↑ see R v Finlay and Grelette 1985 CanLII 117 (ON CA), (1985), 52 O.R. (2d) 632 (C.A.)
- ↑ R v Della Penna, 2012 BCCA 3 (CanLII) at para 26
Best Interests of the Administration of Justice or Reasonable and Probable Grounds
Section 186(1)(a) requires that applicant to establish that the wiretap is in the "best interests of the administration of justice". This element requires "that the judge must be satisfied that there is reasonable ground to believe that communications concerning the particular offence will be obtained through the interception sought".[1] That is to say, the requirement of "reasonable and probable grounds" have been read into s. 186(1)(a).[2]
The "probable cause" must relate to belief that:[3]
- a "specified crime has been or is being committed" and
- the interception "will afford evidence of the specified crime"
The "will afford" requirement should be understood as relating to evidence that "may never exist" or that the wiretap may never reveal anything of importance. By the nature of the application it requires speculation.[4]
Prospective Offences
Notably this does not permit belief of future offences.[5]
However, it is reasonable to rely on the "speculative" nature of communications sought to be captured for probable cause.[6]
Where no offence has been committed or is being committed, s. 186 is not available.[7]
- ↑ R v Finlay and Grellette (1985), 1985 CanLII 117 (ON CA), 23 CCC (3d) 48 at p. 72, leave to appeal refused
- ↑
see R v Beauchamp, 2015 ONCA 260 (CanLII), at para 91
R v Garofoli, [1990] 2 SCR 1421, 1990 CanLII 52 (SCC) at paras 34 to 36
- ↑ R v Mahal, 2012 ONCA 673 (CanLII), at paras 40 and 75
- ↑
Beauchamp, supra at para 93
- ↑
R v Lucas, 2014 ONCA 561 (CanLII)
see also R v Tse, [2012] 1 SCR 531, 2012 SCC 16 (CanLII) at paras 77 to 78
R v Beauchamp at para 92 ("an essential constituent of the probable cause requirement is a reasonably grounded belief that a listed offence has been or is being committed")
by contrast s. 184.2(3)(a) relates to offences that "will be committed". - ↑
Beauchamp at para 93
- ↑
Tse, supra at paras 77 to 78
Investigative Necessity
Section 186(1)(b) requires that the applicant establish the "investigative necessity" of the wiretap before it can be authorized.
Section 186 states:
186.(1) An authorization under this section may be given if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied
...
- (b) that other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed, other investigative procedures are unlikely to succeed or the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 186; 1993, c. 40, s. 6; 1997, c. 23, s. 5; 1999, c. 5, s. 5; 2001, c. 32, s. 6, c. 41, ss. 6.1, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 23, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 4.
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There are three ways to establish investigative necessity. The applicant must establish:[1]
- other investigative measures have been tried and have failed,
- other investigative procedures are unlikely to succeed, or
- the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation of the offence using only other investigative procedures.
The applicant need only establish one of the three elements.[2]
Necessity requires "no other reasonable alternative method of investigation, in the circumstances of the particular criminal inquiry".[3]
The consideration must be based on the "context of the whole investigation" and "not on a target by target basis or each known person's involvement".[4]
- ↑
R v Pham, 2009 CanLII 60792 (ON SC) at para 89
Duarte 1990 CanLII 150 (SCC), [1990] 1 SCR 30
R v Araujo, 2000 SCC 65 (CanLII), [2000] 2 SCR 992 at para 34
- ↑ R v Smyk et al. 1993 CanLII 3370 (MB CA), (1993), 86 CCC (3d) 63 (Man. C.A.) at para 70
- ↑
Araujo, supra at para 29
- ↑
R v Tahirkheli (1998) 130 CCC (#d) 19 at p. 22 (ONCA)
Mahal, supra at para 42 and 76
Tried and Failed
It is not necessary that "all alternative investigative techniques have been tried." That is, the authorization need not be proven as a "last resort".[1]
- ↑
R v Araujo, 2000 SCC 65 (CanLII), [2000] 2 SCR 992 at para 29 and 34
The consideration of necessity involves "regard both to the nature and purpose of the particular investigation which the police wish to undertake".[1]
Likelihood of Success
A judge may place "considerable weight on the police officer's opinions as to the probable success of various types of possible investigative procedures". Some deference should be given an officer's expertise.[2]
The judge should consider the effectiveness and danger associated with using alternate means such as surveillance and informers.[3]
- ↑
Araujo, ibid. at para 29
- ↑
R v Paris and Normand, 2006 CanLII 11655 (ON CA) at para 22
- ↑
R v Araujo, 2000 SCC 65 (CanLII), [2000] 2 SCR 992 at paras 40, 42
Specific Types of Investigations
Investigations of "international drug smuggling" would largely favour the necessity for an authorization.[1]
Similarly, investigations targeting "higher-up" or "ringleader" members of a drug trafficking ring would favour the need for an authorization.[2]
- ↑
R v Tahirkheli, 1998 CanLII 6243 (ON CA), (1998), 130 CCC (3d) 19, at para 22
- ↑
R v Araujo at paras 40, 43
Exceptions for Criminal Organizations and Terrorism Offences
185.
...
Exception for criminal organizations and terrorist groups
(1.1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(h), that paragraph does not apply where the application for an authorization is in relation to
- (a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
- (b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
- (c) a terrorism offence.
...
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 185; 1993, c. 40, s. 5; 1997, c. 18, s. 8, c. 23, s. 4; 2001, c. 32, s. 5, c. 41, ss. 6, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 22, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 3.
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186.
...
Exception for criminal organizations and terrorism offences
(1.1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(b), that paragraph does not apply where the judge is satisfied that the application for an authorization is in relation to
- (a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
- (b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
- (c) a terrorism offence.
...
– CCC
Names and Identities of Persons
The authorization under s. 185(1)(e) and 186(4)(c) must name all "known" persons to the wiretap.
A voir dire must be held to challenge the naming of all known persons. This is known as a "Vanweenan hearing" or a "Chesson hearing".[1]
The names must be identified where it "may assist" the investigation.[2]
The reference to "known" in s. 185(1)(e) and "known" in s. 186(4)(c) are concurrent requirements and both require the same standard of proof.[3]
There are no requirements for categories of "known persons".[4] However, distinctions between types of "known persons" can be of use in describing the facts supporting the wiretap.[5]
- ↑
see R v Giles, 1992 CanLII 403 (BC SC)
R v Chesson (1988), 1988 CanLII 54 (SCC), 43 CCC (3d) 353 (S.C.C.) - ↑
Chesson
- ↑
R v Mahal, 2012 ONCA 673 (CanLII) at paras 86 to 88
- ↑
R v Riley, 2009 CanLII 7177 (ON SC), at para 221
Mahal at para 90
- ↑ Mahal at para 90
Identifying Place of Interception
Sections 185(1)(e) and 186(4)(c) require that the application identify the "place at which private communications may be intercepted".
Generally residences and motor vehicles of known targets is considered acceptable.[1]
More variable places such as public pay phones should usually attract the use of terms and conditions in order to reduce the risk of invasion of privacy for unrelated parties. A failure to use such clauses may render the warrant invalid.[2]
Unknown Locations
Where the location is unknown, there is some ability to use basket (or "resort to") clauses.[3]
- ↑
R v Riley, 2009 CanLII 7177 (ON SC) at para 253 ("the residences and motor vehicles of named targets, as well as unknown places that they may resort to, are typically included in authorizations without challenge")
- ↑
R v Mahal, 2012 ONCA 673 (CanLII) at para 107
- ↑
R v Thompson, [1990] 2 SCR 1111, 1990 CanLII 43 (SCC)
Application Procedure
An application under s. 186 must include a sworn affidavit by a "peace officer" or "public officer".[1]
The affidavit must include:
- the facts relied upon (s. 185(1)(c))
- particulars of the investigated offence (s. 185(1)(c))
- the names, addresses and occupation, if known, of all persons whose communications "may assist" in the investigation (s. 185(1)(e))
- ↑
see s. 185(1) which states in part "An application... shall be accompanied by an affidavit"
Time Limitation
185
...
Extension of period for notification
(2) An application for an authorization may be accompanied by an application, personally signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application for the authorization is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness if the application for the authorization is made by him or on his behalf, to substitute for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1) such longer period not exceeding three years as is set out in the application.
Where extension to be granted
(3) Where an application for an authorization is accompanied by an application referred to in subsection (2), the judge to whom the applications are made shall first consider the application referred to in subsection (2) and where, on the basis of the affidavit in support of the application for the authorization and any other affidavit evidence submitted in support of the application referred to in subsection (2), the judge is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, he shall fix a period, not exceeding three years, in substitution for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1).
Where extension not granted
(4) Where the judge to whom an application for an authorization and an application referred to in subsection (2) are made refuses to fix a period in substitution for the period mentioned in subsection 196(1) or where the judge fixes a period in substitution therefor that is less than the period set out in the application referred to in subsection (2), the person appearing before the judge on the application for the authorization may withdraw the application for the authorization and thereupon the judge shall not proceed to consider the application for the authorization or to give the authorization and shall return to the person appearing before him on the application for the authorization both applications and all other material pertaining thereto.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 185; 1993, c. 40, s. 5; 1997, c. 18, s. 8, c. 23, s. 4; 2001, c. 32, s. 5, c. 41, ss. 6, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 22, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 3.
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Renewals
The wiretap may be renewed under s. 186(6):
186.
...
Renewal of authorization
(6) Renewals of an authorization may be given by a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 on receipt by him or her of an ex parte application in writing signed by the Attorney General of the province in which the application is made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness — or an agent specially designated in writing for the purposes of section 185 by the Minister or the Attorney General, as the case may be — accompanied by an affidavit of a peace officer or public officer deposing to the following matters:
- (a) the reason and period for which the renewal is required,
- (b) full particulars, together with times and dates, when interceptions, if any, were made or attempted under the authorization, and any information that has been obtained by any interception, and
- (c) the number of instances, if any, on which, to the knowledge and belief of the deponent, an application has been made under this subsection in relation to the same authorization and on which the application was withdrawn or no renewal was given, the date on which each application was made and the name of the judge to whom each application was made,
and supported by such other information as the judge may require.
Renewal
(7) A renewal of an authorization may be given if the judge to whom the application is made is satisfied that any of the circumstances described in subsection (1) still obtain, but no renewal shall be for a period exceeding sixty days.
Related warrant or order
(8) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 186; 1993, c. 40, s. 6; 1997, c. 23, s. 5; 1999, c. 5, s. 5; 2001, c. 32, s. 6, c. 41, ss. 6.1, 133; 2005, c. 10, ss. 23, 34; 2014, c. 17, s. 4, c. 31, s. 9.
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Terrorism Offences
Time limitation in relation to criminal organizations and terrorism offences
186.1 Notwithstanding paragraphs 184.2(4)(e) and 186(4)(e) and subsection 186(7), an authorization or any renewal of an authorization may be valid for one or more periods specified in the authorization exceeding sixty days, each not exceeding one year, where the authorization is in relation to
- (a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13;
- (b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization; or
- (c) a terrorism offence.
1997, c. 23, s. 6; 2001, c. 32, s. 7, c. 41, ss. 7, 133; 2014, c. 17, s. 5.
Review of Authorization
The review of a wiretap is the same standard as a review of any warrant.
The test to be applied on the review of a wiretap warrant is whether there were "reasonable grounds to believe that the interception of communications may assist in the investigation of the offence.[1] It is not a question of whether there is reasonable grounds to lay changes.[2]
An affiant should be not only full and frank but also ‘clear and concise’”[3]
Constitutionality
The standard of "may assist the investigation" as proof is constitutional.[4]
- ↑
R v Finlay and Grellette 1985 CanLII 117 (ON CA), (1985), 52 O.R. (2d) 632 (C.A.), at p. 656
R v Schreinert 2002 CanLII 44932 (ON CA), (2002), 165 CCC (3d) 295 (Ont. C.A.), at para 43
R v Ebanks, 2009 ONCA 851 (CanLII) at para 33
- ↑ supra
- ↑ R v Araujo, 2000 SCC 65 (CanLII), [2000] 2 SCR 992 at para 46
- ↑
Baron v Canada, [1993] 1 SCR 416, 1993 CanLII 154 (SCC)
Canada (Attorney General) v CanadianOxyChemicals Ltd, [1999] 1 SCR 743, 1999 CanLII 680 (SCC)
Notice Requirements
Written notification to be given
196 (1) The Attorney General of the province in which an application under subsection 185(1) was made or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness if the application was made by or on behalf of that Minister shall, within 90 days after the period for which the authorization was given or renewed or within such other period as is fixed pursuant to subsection 185(3) or subsection (3) of this section, notify in writing the person who was the object of the interception pursuant to the authorization and shall, in a manner prescribed by regulations made by the Governor in Council, certify to the court that gave the authorization that the person has been so notified.
Extension of period for notification
(2) The running of the 90 days referred to in subsection (1), or of any other period fixed pursuant to subsection 185(3) or subsection (3) of this section, is suspended until any application made by the Attorney General or the Minister to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction or a judge as defined in section 552 for an extension or a subsequent extension of the period for which the authorization was given or renewed has been heard and disposed of.
Where extension to be granted
(3) Where the judge to whom an application referred to in subsection (2) is made, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, is satisfied that
- (a) the investigation of the offence to which the authorization relates, or
- (b) a subsequent investigation of an offence listed in section 183 commenced as a result of information obtained from the investigation referred to in paragraph (a),
is continuing and is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, the judge shall grant an extension, or a subsequent extension, of the period, each extension not to exceed three years.
Application to be accompanied by affidavit
(4) An application pursuant to subsection (2) shall be accompanied by an affidavit deposing to
- (a) the facts known or believed by the deponent and relied on to justify the belief that an extension should be granted; and
- (b) the number of instances, if any, on which an application has, to the knowledge or belief of the deponent, been made under that subsection in relation to the particular authorization and on which the application was withdrawn or the application was not granted, the date on which each application was made and the judge to whom each application was made.
Exception for criminal organizations and terrorist groups
(5) Notwithstanding subsections (3) and 185(3), where the judge to whom an application referred to in subsection (2) or 185(2) is made, on the basis of an affidavit submitted in support of the application, is satisfied that the investigation is in relation to
- (a) an offence under section 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13,
- (b) an offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization, or
- (c) a terrorism offence,
and is of the opinion that the interests of justice warrant the granting of the application, the judge shall grant an extension, or a subsequent extension, of the period, but no extension may exceed three years.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 196; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), s. 28; 1993, c. 40, s. 14; 1997, c. 23, s. 7; 2001, c. 32, s. 8, c. 41, ss. 8, 133; 2005, c. 10, s. 25; 2014, c. 17, s. 6.
Protection of Privacy Regulations CRC, c. 440, states:
General
2 For the purposes of subsection 178.23(1) [now s. 196(1)] of the Criminal Code, the Attorney General of a province who gave a notice required to be given by that subsection, or the Solicitor General of Canada where the notice was given by him, shall certify to the court that issued the authorization that such notice was given by filing with a judge of the court a certificate signed by the person who gave the notice specifying
- (a) the name and address of the person who was the object of the interception;
- (b) the date on which the authorization and any renewal thereof expired;
- (c) if any delay for the giving of notice was granted under section 178.23 or subsection 178.12(3) of the Criminal Code, the period of such delay; and
- (d) the date, place and method of the giving of the notice.
SOR/81-859, s. 1.
[annotation added]
– PPR
Appointmed Wiretap Judges
Applications to specially appointed judges
188 (1) Notwithstanding section 185, an application made under that section for an authorization may be made ex parte to a judge of a superior court of criminal jurisdiction, or a judge as defined in section 552, designated from time to time by the Chief Justice, by a peace officer specially designated in writing, by name or otherwise, for the purposes of this section by
- (a) the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, if the offence is one in respect of which proceedings, if any, may be instituted by the Government of Canada and conducted by or on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada, or
- (b) the Attorney General of a province, in respect of any other offence in the province,
if the urgency of the situation requires interception of private communications to commence before an authorization could, with reasonable diligence, be obtained under section 186. Authorizations in emergency
(2) Where the judge to whom an application is made pursuant to subsection (1) is satisfied that the urgency of the situation requires that interception of private communications commence before an authorization could, with reasonable diligence, be obtained under section 186, he may, on such terms and conditions, if any, as he considers advisable, give an authorization in writing for a period of up to thirty-six hours.
(3) [Repealed, 1993, c. 40, s. 8]
Definition of Chief Justice
(4) In this section, Chief Justice means
- (a) in the Province of Ontario, the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court;
- (b) in the Province of Quebec, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court;
- (c) in the Provinces of Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court;
- (d) in the Provinces of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench;
- (e) in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Trial Division; and
- (f) in Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the senior judge within the meaning of subsection 22(3) of the Judges Act.
Inadmissibility of evidence
(5) The trial judge may deem inadmissible the evidence obtained by means of an interception of a private communication pursuant to a subsequent authorization given under this section, where he finds that the application for the subsequent authorization was based on the same facts, and involved the interception of the private communications of the same person or persons, or related to the same offence, on which the application for the original authorization was based.
Related warrant or order (6) A judge who gives an authorization under this section may, at the same time, issue a warrant or make an order under any of sections 487, 487.01, 487.014 to 487.018, 487.02, 492.1 and 492.2 if the judge is of the opinion that the requested warrant or order is related to the execution of the authorization, that the urgency of the situation requires the warrant or the order and that it can be reasonably executed or complied with within 36 hours.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 188; R.S., 1985, c. 27 (1st Supp.), ss. 25, 185(F), c. 27 (2nd Supp.), s. 10; 1990, c. 17, s. 10; 1992, c. 1, s. 58, c. 51, s. 35; 1993, c. 40, s. 8; 1999, c. 3, s. 28; 2002, c. 7, s. 140; 2005, c. 10, s. 34; 2014, c. 31, s. 11; 2015, c. 3, s. 47.