The federal government Tuesday announced its intention to introduce legislation that would impose more severe penalties for white-collar crime.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the government intends to introduce legislation in the current session of Parliament to address white-collar crime. The proposed legislative amendments will include creating a mandatory jail sentence for those who commit serious fraud and additional aggravating factors to justify longer sentences.

“Canadians lose faith in the criminal justice system when they feel that the punishment does not fit the crime. Our government has made the rights of victims and the protection of society our priority in addressing such concerns,” said Nicholson. “We heard the call from victims of white-collar crime and we are taking action. The legislation we plan to introduce will send the message that committing fraud will have serious consequences.”

Christian Paradis, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, added that the upcoming legislation will also consider the issue of restitution. “Whenever possible, offenders should be held responsible for the often-devastating financial loss that victims suffer, and should be made to provide restitution,” said Paradis.

IE