After re-introducing a bill in April, Bill S-4 has been granted Royal Assent. Bill S-4 will provide police and justice officials with important new tools in the fight against identity theft, a fast-growing crime throughout North America.


This act will create three new "core" Criminal Code offences targeting the early stages of identity-related crime, all subject to 5-year maximum prison sentences.

Obtaining and possessing identity information with the intent to use the information deceptively, dishonestly or fraudulently in the commission of a crime. trafficking in identity information, an offence that targets those who transfer or sell information to another person with knowledge of, or recklessness as to, the possible criminal use of the information; and, unlawfully possessing or trafficking in government-issued identity documents that contain information of another person will now be Criminal Code offences.

A new power will be added permitting the court to order, as part of a sentence, that an offender be required to pay restitution to a victim of identity theft or identity fraud for costs associated with their efforts to rehabilitate their identity, e.g., the cost of replacement cards, documents and correcting their credit history. This provision will complement existing provisions which permit restitution to be ordered for actual economic or other property losses.