Young Offenders Act

Introduction

On February 4, 2002, the House of Commons passed Bill C-7, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). The new law replaces the Young Offenders Act (YOA), and is in force as of April 1, 2003, following a period of preparation for its implementation. The YCJA builds on the strengths of the YOA and introduces significant reforms that address its weaknesses. The YCJA provides the legislative framework for a fairer and more effective youth justice system.

The introduction of the bill followed an extensive period of review and consultation, much of which is reflected in the following reports:

• A Review of the Young Offenders Act and the Youth Justice System in Canada, report of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Task Force on Youth Justice (1996)
• Renewing Youth Justice, report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (1997)
• A Strategy for the Renewal of Youth Justice, Department of Justice Canada (1998)

In March of 1999, Bill C-68, the first version of the YCJA, was introduced. Parliament prorogued in June and the bill was reintroduced as Bill C-3, in October 1999. The bill proceeded through second reading and the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights held hearings on the bill. Prior to third reading, the federal election was called for November 27, 2000 and the bill was delayed. Bill C-7 was introduced in February 2001 and includes over 160 amendments that respond to suggestions and concerns raised in relation to C-3.

The purpose of this document is to explain the background to the YCJA, and provide a summary of its main provisions and the rationale behind them. Since the focus is on the changes, provisions of the YOA that are retained in the YCJA are not summarized.

Objectives of Youth Justice System >

Youth Justice Act - Parent Information >