Criminal Code of Canada - section 83.201 - Leaving Canada to Commit Offence for Terrorist Group

section 83.201

INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Leaving Canada with intent to commit a terrorist act abroad is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

SECTION WORDING

83.201 Everyone who leaves or attempts to leave Canada, or goes or attempts to go on board a conveyance with the intent to leave Canada, for the purpose of committing an act or omission outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an indictable offence under this or any other Act of Parliament for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.

EXPLANATION

Section 83.201 of the Criminal Code of Canada pertains to the offence of leaving or attempting to leave Canada with the intent to commit a criminal act outside the country in connection with a terrorist group. This section makes it an indictable offence for any person to leave or attempt to leave Canada or board a conveyance with the intention of committing an offence that would be punishable under the Criminal Code if committed within Canada. The offence outlined in this section is a particularly serious one, as it relates to acts of terrorism and their facilitation. As such, it carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction. In practical terms, this section of the Criminal Code makes it illegal for anyone to leave Canada with the specific intention of supporting or carrying out terrorist activities in other countries. The inclusion of the phrase "for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group" makes it clear that this offence is only applicable in cases where there is a clear link between the person's actions and a known terrorist group or organization. Overall, this section of the Criminal Code is designed to prevent Canadians from participating in terrorist activities overseas and to hold those who do so accountable for their actions. By making it an indictable offence, the government sends a clear message that terrorism-related offences will be taken seriously and will be punished severely.

COMMENTARY

Section 83.201 of the Criminal Code of Canada is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to prevent individuals from leaving the country to commit acts of terrorism. It criminalizes the act of leaving or attempting to leave Canada with the intention of engaging in activities that would be considered indictable offenses if committed within Canada. This section of the Criminal Code of Canada is essential for the country's security and the protection of its citizens from terrorist activities. It is especially relevant today in the light of increasing terrorist activities across the world and the potential dangers that these activities pose to Canada and its people. Canadians are fortunate to live in a democratic and liberal society that respects the rule of law and upholds human rights. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure that it remains a safe and secure place for all Canadians. In this context, Section 83.201 is a powerful tool to safeguard national security. The section enables law enforcement officials to monitor and detain individuals who may pose a threat to the country and its people. The provision also empowers the government to prosecute individuals who intend to engage in terrorist activities, even if they have not committed the offense within Canada. The provision not only targets individuals intending to commit terrorist acts abroad, but also those who may be associated with designated terrorist organizations operating within Canada. This is an important distinction because it emphasizes the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens from domestic threats as well. Section 83.201 is also an essential component of Canada's anti-terrorism strategy. The legislation is a crucial tool for the government to prevent the radicalization of individuals and to deter them from engaging in extremist activities. The provision sends a clear message that Canada will not tolerate any form of terrorism, be it domestic or international. Given the heightened security concerns across the globe, it is imperative that Section 83.201 is used judiciously. The legislation must be applied with sensitivity to ensure that human rights and due process are protected. In this sense, the judiciary has an essential role to play in ensuring that the provision is not used arbitrarily or abused. In conclusion, Section 83.201 is a critically important provision of the Criminal Code of Canada. It demonstrates that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and to preventing terrorist activities within and outside its borders. The provision empowers law enforcement officials to monitor and detain individuals who pose a threat to the country's security and to prosecute those who intend to engage in terrorist activities at home or abroad. While Section 83.201 may not be the panacea to combat terrorism, it is undoubtedly a valuable tool in Canada's fight against terror.

STRATEGY

Section 83.201 of the Criminal Code of Canada poses a significant challenge for both law enforcement agencies and the legal system. It involves a complex analysis of the motives and intentions of individuals leaving Canada and attempting to commit an offence that would be indictable if committed within Canada. Such offences must be undertaken for the benefit of or in association with a terrorist group. Combating this form of terrorism requires a strategic approach. The first strategy is to prevent individuals from leaving the country by identifying and monitoring those who are at risk of committing terrorist offences or are affiliated with terrorist groups. This can be achieved through intelligence gathering and tracking individuals with potential terrorist connections. Border security measures must also be strengthened to prevent individuals from leaving the country without proper authorization. Law enforcement agencies must work closely with international partners to share intelligence and collaborate on border security measures. The second strategy is to prosecute individuals who have committed offences under this section. The prosecution will require the presentation of compelling evidence to prove that the offender was leaving or attempting to leave Canada with the intent to commit an indictable offence. The prosecution must also prove that the offence was for the benefit of, directed by, or in association with a terrorist group. It is essential to liaise with international partners and gather evidence from other countries, including the intended destination, to strengthen the case against the offender. The third strategy is to use this section to engage in intelligence gathering, allowing the authorities to track individuals traveling to terrorist training camps. If a person is leaving the country to attend such a camp, they may be charged under this section, even if their actions are not an indictable offence under Canadian law. Such a case can then be used as an investigation tool to gain insight into terrorist training and connections. The fourth strategy is to use sections 83.201 and 83.202 (which deals with the recruitment, financing, and training of terrorists) together to prosecute individuals who are engaged in terrorist activities both inside and outside Canada. Ensuring that the necessary legislative tools are in place to prosecute terrorist activities that take place outside Canada is essential. This includes having international agreements in place to allow for evidence sharing and extradition. The fifth strategy is to ensure that individuals who have committed acts under this section do not pose a further threat to national security once they are released from prison. This requires close monitoring and management of these individuals upon their release, including the implementation of risk management strategies. In conclusion, the challenges posed by section 83.201 of the Criminal Code of Canada require a strategic approach to detect and prevent terrorist activities. The strategies outlined above should form part of a comprehensive national counter-terrorism strategy that balances the need to protect national security with the protection of individual rights and freedoms. With the right tools and resources in place, it is possible to arrest, prosecute, and disrupt terrorist activities before they can cause harm to Canadian citizens and communities.