section 696.5

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

This section requires the Minister of Justice to submit an annual report to Parliament regarding applications under this Part within six months after the end of each financial year.

SECTION WORDING

696.5 The Minister of Justice shall within six months after the end of each financial year submit an annual report to Parliament in relation to applications under this Part.

EXPLANATION

Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada requires the Minister of Justice to submit an annual report to Parliament within six months after the end of the financial year. This report is related to the applications made under Part XXIV of the Criminal Code, which deals with the review of criminal convictions and sentences. Part XXIV of the Criminal Code of Canada allows individuals who have been convicted of a criminal offence to apply for an appeal or review of their conviction or sentence. The Minister of Justice is responsible for making decisions regarding applications made under this part. These decisions are made based on various factors such as the evidence presented, the seriousness of the offence, and the potential impact of the decision on public safety. The purpose of requiring the Minister of Justice to submit an annual report to Parliament is to ensure transparency and accountability in the review process. The report is intended to provide information to Parliament and the public regarding the number of applications received, the decisions made, and the reasons for those decisions. By requiring the Minister of Justice to provide an annual report, Parliament can assess the effectiveness of the review process and identify any areas that require improvement. This information is also useful in ensuring that the public has confidence in the justice system and that the decisions made are fair and just. Overall, Section 696.5 is an important element of the Criminal Code of Canada as it promotes transparency and accountability in the review process for criminal convictions and sentences.

COMMENTARY

Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada is an important provision that requires the Minister of Justice to submit an annual report to Parliament regarding the applications made under Part XXIV of the Criminal Code. Part XXIV deals with the Review of Sentencing, which allows prisoners to apply for early release or change in their sentence. This provision ensures transparency and accountability in the justice system, which is essential for maintaining public trust. The reporting requirement for the Minister of Justice is significant because it allows the Parliament and the public to scrutinize the decision-making process of the justice system in matters related to sentencing. The annual report must detail the number of applications received, the types of applications, the number granted, the reasons for granting or rejecting applications, and any other relevant information. This information is critical for evaluating the effectiveness of the Review of Sentencing processes and identifying any flaws that need to be addressed. The provision also indicates that the report must be submitted within six months after the end of each financial year. This timeline indicates that the Parliament and the public can expect regular and timely updates on the applications made under Part XXIV. These updates are crucial in ensuring that the justice system is accountable to the public, and the public has information about the decisions that affect them. The reporting requirement under Section 696.5 is not just an administrative obligation of the Minister of Justice; it is a crucial accountability mechanism that promotes transparency and fairness in the Canadian justice system. It ensures that the public can hold the justice system accountable for the decisions made, especially when it comes to sentencing-related matters. Furthermore, the report also serves as a reference for researchers and academics who are studying the impact of the Review of Sentencing provisions. The information contained in the report is valuable for evaluating the effectiveness of the system in achieving its objectives, identifying any areas requiring improvements, and developing evidence-based policies and programs. In conclusion, Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada is a vital piece of legislation that promotes accountability, transparency, and fairness in the Canadian justice system. This provision ensures that the Minister of Justice reports to Parliament annually on the Review of Sentencing applications, which is a crucial accountability mechanism. The requirement also provides valuable information to researchers, academics, and the public as they evaluate the effectiveness of the justice system. Overall, this provision is essential for maintaining public trust in the Canadian justice system.

STRATEGY

Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada stipulates that the Minister of Justice is required to submit an annual report to Parliament within six months of the end of each financial year concerning applications under this Part. This section of the Criminal Code highlights the importance of complying with the law and the implications of non-compliance. In this regard, strategic considerations become crucial. Some of the strategic considerations that should be taken into account when dealing with this section of the Criminal Code of Canada are: 1. Compliance: Compliance should be at the forefront of the strategic considerations when dealing with Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This means that all parties involved in the application process should ensure that they adhere to the stipulated timeline, reporting, and other procedural requirements outlined in the legislation. This ensures that the Minister of Justice is able to submit the report to Parliament in a timely and accurate manner. 2. Data collection: Another strategic consideration when dealing with this section is the collection of accurate and reliable data. This includes the collection and storage of information that would be required to complete the annual report. The accuracy and reliability of the data are crucial because the report is expected to inform public policy and guide future decision-making. 3. Collaboration: In situations where there are multiple parties involved in the application process, collaboration and communication become crucial. This involves regular communication and updates to ensure that all parties are aware of the status of the application and any changes that may affect the report. In situations where parties are not collaborating, the report may not be accurate or may be incomplete. 4. Transparency: Another strategic consideration is transparency. The annual report should be transparent and provide sufficient information to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions. This entails providing reliable data and information, including any challenges encountered during the application process, and the steps taken to overcome them. 5. Resource allocation: Resource allocation should also be a strategic consideration, particularly in situations where there are limited resources available. Resources may include financial, human, and technological resources required to comply with the section. Adequate resource allocation ensures timely and accurate compliance with the section. Some strategies that could be employed to effectively deal with Section 696.5 of the Criminal Code of Canada include: 1. Developing a Compliance Strategy: This strategy involves developing a plan to ensure timely compliance with the requirements of the section. This includes identifying roles and responsibilities and developing procedures to ensure compliance. 2. Technology Adoption: Employing technological solutions reduces the risk of human error and enhances the accuracy of data collection and storage. Technology solutions that could be employed include electronic data storage and automated data collection. 3. Collaboration and Communication: Regular communication and collaboration between parties involved in the application process are essential for timely compliance. Establishing communication channels, such as regular meetings, emails, and other means, allow for updates and sharing of vital information. 4. Planning and Budgeting: Developing a budget and allocating resources will ensure that the necessary resources are available to comply with the section. A plan should be developed to identify the necessary resources and to allocate them efficiently. 5. Reporting Enhancement: Enhancing the current reporting mechanisms can improve the accuracy and quality of data collection and storage. Improving reporting tools can help build a more comprehensive and effective annual report. In conclusion, compliance with section 696.5 of the Criminal Code is important to ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is available to decision-makers. Some strategic considerations include compliance, data collection, collaboration, transparency, and resource allocation. Strategies such as developing a compliance strategy, adopting technology, collaboration, planning, and budgeting, and enhancing reporting mechanisms can be employed to ensure timely and accurate compliance with the section.