SCC sheds light on sentencing judges’ discretion and on Crown’s duties of fairness in plea deals
Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner said Criminal Code s. 725(1)(c) was enacted ‘to give courts the discretion to consider, as aggravating factors, any facts that form part of the circumstances of the offence for which the sentence is being determined and that could constitute the basis for a separate charge.’
Friday, October 17, 2025 @ 5:41 PM
The Supreme Court of Canada has provided guidance about the Crown’s duties of fairness in plea bargaining and also confirmed sentencing judges’ discretion to take into account facts related to serious charges that were abandoned by the prosecution in exchange for the accused pleading guilty to a lesser offense. On Oct. 17, 2025 the top court handed down reserved reasons for its oral judgment last February allowing the Quebec Crown’s appeal from a 2023 Quebec Court of Appeal decision, which had reduced to six months the 15-month conditional sentence the judge at first instance imposed on Enrico Di Paola in 2022 : R.v.Di Paola, 2025 SCC 31. ... [read more]
Feds announce new Financial Crimes Agency to lead anti-fraud strategy
Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 5:23 PM
The federal government has announced plans to create a new Financial Crimes Agency to lead a new National Anti-Fraud Strategy set to be unveiled in the fall budget, according to a release issued on Oct. 20. ... [read more]
Feds seek feedback from Canadians and suppliers on Buy Canadian policy
Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 5:18 PM
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has announced it is going ahead with a new Buy Canadian policy that aims to ensure federal spending supports economic growth, strengthens supply chains and creates opportunities for businesses. It is now seeking feedback on the policy. ... [read more]
Staying of Nygard charges in Manitoba sends message to police
Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 3:52 PM
A Manitoba court’s recent staying of sex-crime charges against a former fashion mogul sends a “clear message” to police to maintain proper records of investigations into serious offences, says a law professor. ... [read more]
Federal Court of Appeal affirms GST exemption in $98-million tobacco sale case
Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 2:35 PM
The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a decision vacating reassessments against a tobacco distributor that made over $98 million in sales without charging goods and services tax (GST), ruling that the sales were made to individuals exempt from taxation under the Indian Act. ... [read more]
