The Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, has introduced new civil forfeiture legislation that, if passed, will support safer communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The new legislation has advanced to second reading in the House of Assembly today.

The legislation is intended to help remove the proceeds and assets connected to criminal activity, making it more difficult for criminal organizations to operate and reinvest in further illegal activities. It is designed to disrupt criminal networks, deter unlawful conduct, and strengthen public safety.

Civil forfeiture legislation is in place across Canada. If passed, Newfoundland and Labrador would join other Canadian jurisdictions in operating a civil forfeiture program, allowing the Provincial Government to collaborate with provincial, territorial and federal partners in addressing the harms associated with organized crime and other unlawful activity.

Public safety is paramount and this legislation would provide Newfoundland and Labrador with access to a civil forfeiture framework to support safer communities. It would allow the government to seize assets obtained through unlawful activity, sending a clear message of deterrence to criminals and organized crime.

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“Our government was elected on a mandate that includes creating safer communities in our province. We have heard from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that they are concerned about rising crime, especially crime involving guns and drugs. This legislation aims to provide an additional civil tool to address property connected to crime and enhance public safety in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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