Why was Bill C-45 (Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code) created?
Bill C-45, also known as the “Westray Bill”, was created as a result of the 1992 Westray coal mining disaster in Nova Scotia where 26 miners were killed after methane gas ignited causing an explosion. Despite serious safety concerns raised by employees, union officials and government inspectors at the time, the company instituted few changes. Eventually, the disaster occurred. After the accident the police and provincial government failed to secure a conviction against the company or three of its managers. A Royal Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate the disaster. In 1998, the Royal Commission made 74 recommendations. The findings of this commission (in particular recommendation 73) were the movement that led to Bill C-45. What are the main provisions of Bill C-45 (Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code)? Bill C-45 (Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code): • Created rules for establishing criminal liability to organizations for the acts of their representatives. • Establishes a
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