Wild Rose MP Blake Richards’ proposed Private Member’s bill, the Concealment of Identity Act, has cleared another hurdle.
Bill C-309 passed the Senate’s Legal Affairs Committee on April 25 after weeks of evidence was presented with regards to whether the proposed bill was constitutional, which, according to the 12-member committee, held similar language currently existing in the criminal code and was considered to be legally binding.
“This is a major step in the passing of this legislation,” said Richards. “I firmly believe that this amendment to the criminal code will help police keep our streets and communities safe.”
The bill amends the criminal code to make concealing one’s identity during a riot or illegal gathering. People would still be permitted to adorn masks and hoods in public if not present at a riot or illegal gathering.
The Legal Affairs Committee is made up of seven Conservative senators, four Liberals and one independent, some being former lawyers and police officers.
The committee heard testimony from witnesses ranging from law enforcement, constitutional law experts and business representatives.
Speaking to Bill C-309, Liberal senator for Quebec Serge Joyal said, “France has a similar regulation, more or less. New York has a similar regulation – it has been upheld by the court – and Britain has been considering toughening their situation.”
Following the review of constitutional evidence, Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu threw his support behind Richards’ bill, saying, “We need to hold as many people accountable as possible to let them know that they will not get away with it and they will be brought to justice.”
Following the Boston Bruins’ Stanley Cup victory over the Vancouver Canucks in 2011, several protesters, both masked and unmasked, wreaked havoc in the city’s downtown.
The Concealment of Identity Act will return to the Senate for third reading in the coming days, and if approved, could receive Royal Assent and become law by this summer.
