The Government of Saskatchewan has passed legislation that will enhance the province’s civil forfeiture program in order to take property and profits out of the hands of criminals.

The Seizure of Criminal Property Amendment Act, 2018 expands the types of criminal activities that are presumed to be subject to forfeiture to include:

• Property that was previously subject to a community safety order under The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act;
• Vehicle owners with a history of impaired driving suspensions;
• Gang or terrorist activity involving prohibited and restricted firearms; and
• Matters involving sexual offences, including sexual offences with child victims.

“These changes are designed to help combat serious crimes that threaten the safety of our communities,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said.  “Forfeited property is used to fund victims’ programming, policing initiatives, and other programs that promote community safety.”

Seized property can be an asset acquired as a proceed of crime or an object used to commit a crime.

Examples of property forfeited has included:

• Buildings used to house cannabis grow operations;
• Currency resulting from the sale of illicit drugs; and
• Vehicles used in the sale of illicit drugs.

The Seizure of Criminal Property Amendment Act, 2018 will come into effect upon Royal Assent, which is expected in mid-May.