An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures)

Bill S-4 in 44-1 was a government Senate bill amending the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46) and the Identification of Criminals Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. I-1) to permanently authorize remote attendance and video-conference procedures introduced temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic. Royal assent on December 15, 2022 (S.C. 2022, c. 17). Allows accused persons to appear by audioconference or videoconference for certain court proceedings including bail hearings, election of mode of trial, pleas, and sentencing where parties consent. Builds on the 2019 Federal Courts Act amendments and the temporary 2020 An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures (Bill C-20). Reduces the burden of in-person transport of accused persons from remote and Northern communities.

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David LamettiLIBERAL→