OTTAWA, December 15, 2004 -- The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced today the implementation of the new national sex offender registration system. "The implementation of the National Sex Offender Registry reflects a consensus reached with provincial and territorial partners to establish a nation-wide sex offender registration system, and is another demonstration of the Government of Canada's commitment to enhance public safety and security - especially for children," said Minister McLellan. The cornerstone of the sex offender registry is the new National Sex Offender Database, which is maintained by the RCMP. The information in the database will only be accessible by accredited law enforcement agencies and serves more than 60,000 law enforcement officials in every province and territory. The sex offender database will allow police to conduct a search according to a full or partial address and the offence of a sex offender or both. Offence information and registration information will be included, as well as other pertinent identification information such as tattoos and other distinguishing marks. "This tool will assist police officers in the identification of possible sex offender suspects known to reside near the offence site. This capability will serve the immediate needs of police officers responding to serious incidents of a sexual nature," added Minister McLellan. Convicted offenders will have to register within 15 days following a court order for registration or release from custody. They will be required to re-register annually and within 15 days of a change of residence. They will also be obligated to provide local police with information such as addresses and telephone numbers, names and alias(es) and identifying marks and tattoos. Penalties will be provided for failing to comply with a registration order or for not giving truthful information. The sex offender registry reflects an agreement reached with provincial and territorial ministers in late 2003, and is part of the Federal Government's ongoing commitment to reform the Criminal Code and protect the safety and security of Canadians. The Government of Canada will conduct a two- year review of the legislation. - 30 - Information: Alex Swann Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (613) 991-2863 Media Relations RCMP (613) 993-2999 Media Relations Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (613) 991-0657 BACKGROUNDER THE NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY National Sex Offender Registry The Government of Canada, in cooperation with the provinces and territories, is creating a national sex offender registration system to enable police to have rapid access to current vital information about convicted sex offenders. The National Sex Offender Registry came into force on December 15, 2004. History of the Legislation The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) was originally introduced as Bill C-23 in the House of Commons on December 11, 2002. The legislation was developed in response to the unanimous requests of the provinces and territories in 2001 to establish a National Sex Offender Registry. It died after first reading in the Senate when Parliament prorogued on November 13, 2003. In early 2004, the SOIRA was nominated for reinstatement upon the resumption of Parliament. On February 12, 2004, Bill C-16 (formerly Bill C-23) was re-introduced to the House of Commons. On April 1, 2004, Bill C-16 received Royal Assent thereby effecting the creation and implementation of a National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR). Sex Offender Database The cornerstone of the NSOR is the new National Sex Offender Database that will be maintained by the RCMP. The information in the database will only be accessible to accredited police agencies and will be used for the main purpose of investigating unsolved crimes of a sexual nature. The database is designed to be searchable by local police by specific criteria (i.e. geographical area, postal code area, modus operandi, physical attributes of offender, etc.), producing instant lists of previously convicted suspects matching the facts of a specific offence. The responsibility of the registry's administration and associated costs lies with the provinces/territories and local police agencies. Federal expenses have been limited to a $2 000 000 capital start-up budget to assist the RCMP in the development of the national sex offender database, and $400 000 towards the annual operating costs of this database. Tools to help Police investigate Sex Offences The database will serve more than 60,000 law enforcement officials in every province and territory. The NSOR will play a major role in the protection of youth by enhancing investigations of sexual offences involving children and adults. It will also assist with the quick identification of repeat sex offenders. The new national registration system will enhance public protection and improve investigations of sex offences, by identifying possible suspects known to reside near the offence site. An officer will be able to instantly obtain a list of sex offenders who are registered and living in the area, if there is "reasonable grounds to suspect" that a sex offence has occurred. Dealing with Sex Offenders Convicted offenders will have to report to a registration centre within 15 days following a registration order issued by a court, and when an offender is released from incarceration, if given a custody disposition. Re-registration will be required annually and within 15 days of a change of residence. Offenders will be required to provide their address to local police, and to keep current information such as home phone numbers, name changes and alias(es), and identifying marks and tattoos. The Act creates a new Criminal Code hybrid offence for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of a registration order, or for providing false information, punishable by a maximum of two years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
