Book Review: Crime in Canada
Crime in Canada – It’s Not What you Think! Crime in Canada The book, Crime in Canada, provides an overview of statistics which challenge our perceptions. I have no doubt that the voting public, even victims of crime, would have a different view of tough on crime legislation if they read this book, which favors instead the gradual release from prison and community-based rehabilitation programs. They would learn that ‘tough on crime’ legislation will have the opposite unintended effect, contrary to the interests of the people it was intended to protect—the victims! Learning that programs which address[...]
How to Obtain a Divorce in Canada for Non-Residents
Current Divorce Rules in Canada for Non-Residents Challenged by Couples wishing Gay Divorce In 2005, Canada passed laws which allowed for gay marriages in Canada. Gay couples from all over the world came to Canada to obtain a legal marriage. The problems arose when they returned to their home country and later decided they wanted to divorce. Since gay marriage and subsequently gay divorce was not recognized in their home country, their only option was to obtain a divorce in the country (Canada) which granted their marriage. The problem was, in order to obtain a divorce in Canada, you had[...]
Do I Need a Waiver for Obstruction of Justice?
Obstruction of Justice Question of the Day: Is Obstruction of Justice an Excludable Offence? I pled guilty to an obstruction charge today in hopes of a getting a discharge. I was not given the discharge, but a $500.00 fine instead. Will this affect my travel to the United States? I usually travel there 1 or 2 times a year. It was tried summarily. I was caught driving without insurance and gave an officer a false name. My lawyer figures we could appeal the sentence as he still figures I should have gotten a discharge. Not that having a criminal record[...]
Grounds of Inadmissibility: Spousal Assault
Is Spousal Assault an Excludable Offence to the United States? I have been processing waivers for over 25 years. It used to be that spousal assault was determined to be an excludable offence if one of the following conditions occurred: the offence was tried by indictment; or the person in question had 2 or more spousal assaults. When I refer to spousal assaults, I am referring to simple assault or common assault, which is currently section 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada (in prior years sections could have been different). This 'fact' was based upon a written internal memo[...]
Important Notice from RCMP
RCMP will ONLY Accept Digital Fingerprints The RCMP sent out a news bulletin regarding Digital Fingerprints which states: Effective July 1, 2014, the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) will only accept electronic fingerprinting (Digital Fingerprints) submissions for civil purposes. Paper submissions will not be processed and will be returned to the originator. You are encouraged to visit the CCRTIS website to obtain information regarding accredited companies that offer Digital Fingerprints services or to consult with your local police service. We are an accredited fingerprinting agency. We can convert your ink fingerprints to digital fingerprints in compliance with the[...]
Pardon Processing Times
UPDATED December 26, 2013 Pardon Processing Times Have Ballooned to 38 Months! Status Update for Backlog of Pardon Applications These pardon processing times apply to applications submitted under the old Pardon Rules (between July 2010 and February 22, 2012). As of December 2012: There were an estimated 22,000 outstanding applications; and The Parole Board of Canada hired and trained 22 people in December 2012 to help work on the backlog. As of March 2013: The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is currently processing the following applications: Summary Only Offences: Accepted in March 2011 Indictable Only Offences: Accepted in September 2010[...]
