2024 Criminal Code Amnesty Period

Summary#

The item is the Order Declaring an Amnesty Period (2024), registered as SOR/2024-249, made under the Criminal Code. The Canada Gazette lists it (registered December 5, 2024, published as an Extra December 6, 2024, and in Part II on December 18, 2024), but the excerpt provided does not include the order’s wording or the details of what the amnesty covers.

What it does#

• Declares an amnesty period under the Criminal Code — that is, a temporary exemption from prosecution for specified conduct or the temporary protection offered to people who come forward about certain past actions.
• The Canada Gazette entry confirms the order was registered (SOR/2024-249) and published, but the source text shown here does not say:
  • which actions or offences are included,
  • the exact start and end dates of the amnesty, or
  • any conditions or limits on the amnesty.

Who's affected#

• The order could affect people whose past or ongoing behaviour might otherwise lead to Criminal Code charges.
• It could also affect police, prosecutors, courts, and organizations that help people turn in items or report offences.
• The provided excerpt does not specify particular groups, locations, or types of conduct, so it is unclear exactly who will be covered.

Why it matters#

• Amnesty periods can let people come forward or give up items (for example, weapons) without facing criminal charges, which can increase voluntary compliance and reduce harm.
• They can change how law enforcement and courts handle specific cases during the amnesty window.
• Because the actual scope and timing are not included in the excerpt, anyone who might be affected should consult the full text of SOR/2024-249 in the Canada Gazette to know exactly what the amnesty covers and when.