ARCHIVE - Annual report on the use of electronic surveillance 2006

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Published under the authority of the
Honourable Stockwell Day, P.C., M.P.,
Minister of Public Safety Canada

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2007.
All rights reserved.

Table of contents


Section I – Introduction

Part VI of the Criminal Code sets out procedures for the law enforcement community to obtain judicial authorization to conduct electronic surveillance of private communications to assist in criminal investigations. These procedures are to be carried out in such a way so as to ensure that the privacy of individuals is respected as much as possible during the surveillance.

As a measure of accountability, section 195 of the Criminal Code requires the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to prepare and present to Parliament an annual report on the use of electronic surveillance under Part VI for offences that may be prosecuted by or on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada. In particular, the annual report must include the following information:

The 2006 Annual Report covers a five-year period from 2002 to 2006. The Report includes new statistics for the period of January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, and updates the figures for the years 2002 to 2005.

The 2006 Annual Report is organized in the following manner:

Section II – Overview of Part VI of the Criminal Code

As indicated in Section I, Part VI of the Criminal Code sets out procedures for the law enforcement community to obtain judicial authorization to conduct electronic surveillance to assist in criminal investigations.

Peace officers can only obtain this authorization to intercept private communications for certain offences, which are listed in section 183 of the Criminal Code. These offences include serious offences such as facilitating terrorist activity, weapons trafficking, child pornography, child abductions, drug trafficking, and organized crime offences.

Part VI also sets out the requirements that must be met to successfully apply for an authorization to intercept private communications. These requirements include the following:

Generally, authorizations are not issued for a period of time longer than 60 days
(paragraph 186(4)(e)). However, designated persons may apply to a judge to have the authorization renewed, which extends the period of time during which they can lawfully conduct electronic surveillance. Before the judge may renew the authorization, he or she must be satisfied that the same circumstances that applied to the original application for authorization still apply (subsection 186(6)).

Provisions also permit designated persons to obtain judicial authorization in emergency situations. Under section 188 of the Criminal Code, a peace officer designated by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may apply to a judge for an authorization if the urgency of the situation requires interception of private communications, but there is not enough time to use the regular application process to obtain an authorization. An authorization considered in these circumstances may be issued for a period of up to thirty-six hours, and the judge may impose terms and conditions.

In addition to applying for an authorization to intercept private communications under Part VI, peace officers may apply to a judge for a 'general' warrant under section 487.01 of the Criminal Code. This section enables the issuance of a warrant for the use of any device or investigative technique that is not contemplated elsewhere in the Criminal Code or any other Act of Parliament. For example, this type of warrant would allow peace officers to carry out video surveillance of a person in circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. As with other judicial authorizations, certain requirements must be met before a warrant can be issued. In the case of warrants issued pursuant to section 487.01, these requirements include the following:

Section III – Statistics

Applications for authorizations and renewals

Paragraphs 195(2)(a) and (b) of the Criminal Code require statistics relating to:

(a) the number of applications made for authorizations;

(b) the number of applications made for renewal of authorizations;

Table 1

Type of application made

Number of applications

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Audio S.185 C.C.

139

99

110

85

52

Video S.487.01 C.C.

25

5

26

17

3

Renewals S.186 C.C.

15

6

7

3

3

Emergency audio S.188 C.C.

2

3

0

1

0

Emergency video S.487.01 C.C.

0

0

0

0

0

Total

181

113

143

106

58

Table 1 presents the number of applications made for audio and video authorizations and renewals each year for the five-year period from 2002 to 2006. The data is categorized by the three types of applications for which authorizations may be granted: audio and video applications (maximum duration sixty days) and renewals thereof pursuant to subsections 185(1), 186(6) and section 487.01 of the Criminal Code and emergency applications (maximum duration 36 hours) pursuant to subsection 188(1) and section 487.01 of the Criminal Code.

Paragraph 195(2)(c) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(c) the number of applications referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) that were granted, the number of those applications that were refused and the number of applications referred to in paragraph (a) that were granted subject to terms and conditions;

Note: two applications for an authorization or a renewal have been refused for the
period 2002-2006.

Figure 1

Figure 1

Period for which authorizations and renewals were granted

Paragraph 195(2)(f) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(f) the average period for which authorizations were given and for which renewals thereof were granted;

Table 2

Type of authorization

Average period of time valid

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Audio S.185 C.C. (days)

60.0

60.0

60.0

60.0

60.0

Video S.487.01 C.C. (days)

60.0

60.0

60.0

60.0

60.0

Emergency audio S.188 C.C. (hours)

36.0

36.0

0.0

36.0

0.0

Emergency video S.487.01 C.C. (hours)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Although authorizations may be valid for a period of up to sixty days, this does not necessarily mean interceptions are made during the entire period. For example, sufficient evidence may be obtained as a result of the authorization to prove the offence and to lay charges prior to the expiration of the authorization.

Paragraph 195(2)(g) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(g) the number of authorizations that, by virtue of one or more renewals thereof, were valid for more than sixty days, for more than one hundred and twenty days, for more than one hundred and eighty days and for more than two hundred and forty days;

Table 3

Renewal period

(days)

Number of authorizations renewed

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

61-120

7

1

2

1

3

121-180

1

2

1

1

0

181-240

0

1

1

0

0

241 or more

1

0

0

0

0

Total renewals

9

4

4

2

3

The categories in Table 3 are mutually exclusive. For example, an authorization valid for a period of sixty days which was renewed for a further sixty days is counted in the category 61-120 days, and an authorization of sixty days coupled with three sixty-day renewals would be counted in the 181-240 category.

Offences specified in authorizations

Paragraph 195(2)(i) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(i) the offences in respect of which authorizations were given, specifying the number of authorizations given in respect of each of those offences;

Table 4

Statute

Type of offence

Number of Authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act*

Trafficking s. 5(1)

134

81

108

83

41

Possession of a narcotic
for the purpose of trafficking s. 5(2)

127

74

100

72

32

Importing and exporting s. 6(1)

84

47

62

39

23

Possession for the purpose
of exporting s. 6(2)

3

3

10

6

3

Production s. 7

39

30

43

22

10

Possession of property
obtained by designated
substance offences s. 8

27

1

1

0

0

Laundering proceeds of designated substance offences s. 9

22

0

1

0

0

Export and Import Permits Act

Export or attempt to export s. 13

0

2

0

0

0

Import or attempt to import s. 14

0

0

0

0

0

Customs
Act

Failure to report imported goods to the nearest custom office s. 12

0

0

0

2

0

False statements s. 153

4

4

0

0

0

Keeping, acquiring, disposing of goods illegally imported s. 155

0

0

1

0

0

Smuggling/attempt
to smuggle goods
into Canada s. 159

8

5

4

0

0

Possession of property
obtained by smuggling s. 163.1

4

0

0

0

0

Laundering proceeds
of smuggling s. 163.2

2

0

0

0

0

Competition
Act

Deceptive marketing s. 52.1

3

0

0

0

0

* The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act was brought into force on May 14, 1997, replacing the Narcotic Control Act and Parts III and IV of the Food and Drugs Act.

Table 4 (Continued)

Statute

Type of offence

Number of authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Excise
Act

Unlawful possession of fraudulently stamped tobacco s. 29

0

0

0

2

0

Unlawful possession or sale of improperly packaged tobacco s. 32

0

0

0

2

0

Possession of property
obtained by excise
offences s. 126.1

2

1

0

0

0

Laundering proceeds
of excise offences s. 126.2

1

0

0

0

0

Unlawful distillation s. 158

0

0

0

0

0

Unlawful selling
of spirits s. 163

2

0

0

0

0

Unlawful production, sale, etc. of tobacco or alcohol s. 214

0

0

1

0

0

Unlawful possession of tobacco product s. 216

0

2

4

0

1

Falsifying or destroying records s. 219

0

1

0

0

0

Unlawful packaging
or stamping ss. 233(1)

0

0

0

0

0

Unlawful possession
or sale of manufactured
tobacco or cigars ss. 240(1)

3

3

1

0

0

Explosives
Act

Manufacture, use, sell, possession, etc., of explosives s. 6

0

2

0

0

0

Immigration
Act

Organizing entry in Canada s. 94

5

0

0

0

0

Coming into Canada by use of a false or improperly obtained passport ss. 94(1)

3

0

0

0

0

Counselling false statements
s. 94.5

0

0

0

0

0

Immigration Refugee Protection Act

Organizing entry into Canada
s. 117

0

0

0

1

2

Trafficking in persons s. 118

0

0

0

0

2

Offences related to documents s. 122

0

0

0

0

2

Counselling misrepresentation
s. 126

0

0

0

0

2

Criminal Code

Forgery of passport s. 57

0

0

0

0

0

Using explosives s. 81

0

4

0

5

0

Possessing explosives s. 82

0

4

2

6

0

Table 4 (Continued)

Statute

Type of offence

Number of authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Criminal Code

Providing, making available, etc. property or services for terrorist activities s. 83.03

0

0

2

0

0

Using or possessing property for terrorist purposes s. 83.04

0

0

2

0

0

Participation in the activity of terrorist group s. 83.18

0

0

2

1

0

Facilitating terrorist activities s. 83.19

0

0

2

0

0

Instructing to carry out activity for a terrorist group s. 83.21

0

0

2

0

0

Instructing to carry out terrorist activity s. 83.22

0

0

2

0

0

Possession of a prohibited
weapon s. 90

0

0

0

0

0

Unauthorized possession of a firearm s. 91

0

0

0

2

0

Importing or exporting of prohibited weapon* s. 95

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Possession of weapons obtained by commission of offence s. 96

1

0

0

0

2

Weapons trafficking s. 99

3

2

2

12

2

Possession for the purpose of weapons smuggling s. 100

1

0

5

9

0

Importing or exporting (knowing it is unauthorized ss. 103

0

0

0

0

1

Unauthorized importing or exporting s.104

0

0

0

0

1

Breach of trust s. 122

0

0

2

2

0

Obstructing justice s. 139

2

0

7

2

3

Escape, etc. ss. 145(1)

1

0

0

0

0

Keeping gaming or
betting house s. 201

0

0

2

0

0

Engage in bookmaking s. 202

0

0

1

2

0

Keeping a bawdy house ss. 210(1)

2

0

0

0

0

Procuring s. 212

0

1

0

0

1

Murder s. 235

27

14

21

18

13

Attempted murder s. 239

5

6

1

0

0

Accessory after the fact s. 240

1

3

0

4

3

Uttering death threats s. 264.1

1

0

0

4

2

*This section was repealed on December 1, 1998, with the implementation of the Firearms Act.

Table 4 (Continued)

Statute

Type of offence
Number of authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Criminal Code

Assault with a weapon
or causing bodily harm s. 267

0

2

3

2

1

Aggravated assault s. 268

1

5

3

3

3

Unlawfully causing bodily
harm s. 269

0

0

0

0

0

Sexual assault s. 271

0

0

0

4

0

Kidnapping s. 279

2

1

1

6

1

Abduction s. 283

0

0

0

0

0

Possession of a device to obtain telecommunication facility or service s. 327

0

1

0

0

0

Theft s. 334

2

1

1

0

0

Theft, forgery, etc., of
credit card s. 342

0

0

0

2

0

Robbery s. 344

5

1

3

7

1

Extortion s. 346

10

0

3

5

0

Criminal interest rate s. 347

0

0

1

2

0

Break and enter s. 348

0

2

0

0

1

Possession of property
obtained by crime s. 354

91

62

86

52

34

Possession of property obtained by the commission of an offence
s. 355

2

7

0

5

6

Forgery s. 367

0

0

0

0

0

Uttering forged document s. 368

0

0

1

0

0

Possession of instruments of forgery s. 369

0

0

0

0

0

Fraud s. 380

3

0

3

6

0

Fraudulent manipulation of stock exchange transactions s. 382

0

0

2

0

0

Intimidation of justice system
participant or journalist s. 423.1

2

0

0

0

0

 

Mischief s. 430

2

2

0

0

0

 

Explosive or other lethal device
s. 431.2

0

0

2

0

0

 

Arson – disregard
for human life s. 433

2

1

0

0

0

 

Arson – damage to property s. 434

0

3

0

0

0

Table 4 (Continued)

Statute

Type of offence
Number of authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Criminal Code

Arson for fraudulent purposes
s. 435

0

0

1

0

0

Possession of incendiary s. 436.1

0

1

0

0

0

Making counterfeit money s. 449

0

1

0

0

0

Buying, receiving,
possessing or importing
counterfeit money s. 450

0

1

0

0

0

Uttering counterfeit money s. 452

0

0

0

0

0

Possession of a machine, instrument for making counterfeit money s. 458

0

0

0

0

0

Laundering proceeds of counterfeit money s. 462.31

70

54

49

30

25

Attempts, accessories s. 463

16

15

18

5

4

Counselling s. 464

9

15

16

3

3

Conspiracy s. 465

158

92

136

101

41

Participating in criminal organization s. 467.1

6

0

0

0

1

Participating in activities of a criminal organizat ion s. 467.11

24

19

19

7

7

Commission of an offence for a criminal organization s. 467.12

10

9

15

12

10

Instructing commission of an offence for a criminal organization s. 467.13

9

9

12

11

7

Most authorizations granted to agents of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness provide for the use of electronic surveillance in relation to more than one offence. A typical example of such an authorization would be in relation to sections 5 (trafficking), 6 (importing and exporting), and 7 (production) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and conspiracy under section 465 of the Criminal Code to commit these offences. Table 4 represents the number of times specific offences were identified in authorizations granted to agents of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. For example, of the 58 authorizations granted in 2006, 41 of these authorizations specifically provided for the use of electronic surveillance in connection with trafficking a narcotic, 32 for possession for the purpose of trafficking and 23 for importing and exporting.

Classes of places and methods of interception

Paragraph 195(2)(j) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(j) a description of all classes of places specified in authorizations and the number of authorizations in which each of those classes of places was specified;

Table 5

Class of place

Number of authorizations

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Residence (permanent)

82

54

51

39

36

Residence (temporary)

14

7

10

3

5

Commercial Premises

40

28

19

18

17

Vehicles

40

32

20

24

17

Other

54

48

41

32

34

Paragraph 195(2)(k) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(k) a general description of the methods of interception involved in each interception under an authorization;

Table 6

Method of interception

Number of interceptions

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Telecommunication

1679

1187

1049

584

403

Microphone

179

119

100

65

46

Video

38

38

37

21

7

Other

239

154

70

67

79

Total

2135

1498

1256

737

535

It should be noted that the data reported for 2006 will likely rise in future reports as data updates are received.

Legal proceedings, use of intercepted material and disposition

Paragraph 195(2)(l) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(l) the number of persons arrested whose identity became known to a peace officer as a result of an interception under an authorization;

Figure 2

* It should be noted that the data reported for 2005 and 2006 will likely rise in future reports as data updates are received.

Paragraph 195(2)(d) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(d) the number of persons identified in an authorization against whom proceedings were commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in respect of:

(i) an offence specified in the authorization,

(ii) an offence other than an offence specified in the authorization but in respect of which an authorization may be given, and

(ii)an offence in respect of which an authorization may not be given;

Table 7

Category of offence

Number of persons
against whom proceedings were commenced
(identified in authorization)

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Offence specified in authorization

345

284

230

91

92

Offence for which an authorization may be given but not specified in the authorization

109

41

42

30

11

Offence for which no authorization may be given

54

29

29

11

77

Paragraph 195(2)(e) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(e) the number of persons not identified in an authorization against whom proceedings were commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in respect of:

(i) an offence specified in such an authorization,

(ii) an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization but in respect of which an authorization may be given, and

(iii) an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization and for which no such authorization may be given,

and whose commission or alleged commission of the offence became known to a peace officer as a result of an interception of a private communication under an authorization;

Table 8

Category of offence

Number of persons
against whom proceedings were commenced (not identified in authorization)

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Offence specified in authorization

270

135

129

39

20

Offence for which an authorization may be given but not specified in the authorization

89

11

21

5

2

Offence for which no authorization may be given

60

36

35

31

20

Tables 7 and 8 contain information relating to the number of persons charged for all types of offences, including Criminal Code offences. Moreover, the three categories of offences are not treated as being mutually exclusive, and persons charged with more than one category of offence are counted more than once. Therefore, one cannot add the columns in Tables 7 and 8 to obtain the total number of persons. It should be noted that the data reported for 2006 will likely rise in future reports as data updates are received.

Tables 7 and 8 are interrelated. Table 7 provides information on the number of persons identified in an authorization who were charged with specific categories of offences, i.e., an offence specified in the authorization, an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization but in respect to which an authorization may be given, or an offence other than an offence specified in such an authorization and for which no such authorization may be given. Table 8 provides similar information on persons not identified in an authorization, but who were charged as a result of information from the authorized interception.

Paragraph 195(2)(m) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(m) the number of criminal proceedings commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada in which private communications obtained by interception under an authorization were adduced in evidence and the number of those proceedings that resulted in a conviction;

Figure 3

Figure 3

* It should be noted that the data reported for 2005 and 2006 will likely rise in future reports as data updates are received.

Paragraph 195(2)(n) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(n) the number of criminal investigations in which information obtained as a result of the interception of a private communication under an authorization was used although the private communication was not adduced in evidence in criminal proceedings commenced at the instance of the Attorney General of Canada as a result of the investigations.

Figure 4

Figure 4

* It should be noted that the data reported for 2005 and 2006 will likely rise in future reports as data updates are received.

Notifications

Pursuant to subsection 196(1) of the Criminal Code, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is required to notify in writing the person who was the object of the interception. Furthermore, paragraph 195(2)(h) requires that the Annual Report of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness provide:

(h) the number of notifications given pursuant to section 196.

Figure 5

Figure 5

There is a difference between the number of persons named in authorizations and the number of persons notified, due to the fact that notifications are served on those persons identified in the authorizations who were actually under electronic surveillance. Another factor which contributes to this difference is that notification may be delayed by a judge for up to three years if the investigation is continuing, is in relation to a terrorism offence or an offence associated with a criminal organization, and the judge is of the opinion that the extension would be in the interests of justice.

Prosecutions for unlawful interceptions and unlawful disclosure

Paragraph 195(3)(a) of the Criminal Code requires that the Annual Report provide information relating to:

(a) the number of prosecutions commenced against officers or servants of Her Majesty in right of Canada or members of the Canadian Forces for offences under section 184 or section 193;

No such prosecutions have been initiated for the period from 2002 to 2006.

Subsection 184(1) of the Criminal Code, with a number of specific exceptions, makes it an offence for a person to willfully intercept a private communication by means of an electromagnetic, acoustic, mechanical or other device. Subsection 193(1), with similar specific exceptions, makes it an offence to disclose private communications that are lawfully intercepted, or to disclose the existence of such intercepted communications.

Section IV – General assessment

Paragraph 195(3)(b) of the Criminal Code requires that the Annual Report provide:

(b) a general assessment of the importance of interception of private communications for the investigation, detection, prevention and prosecution of offences in Canada.

Investigation

The lawful interception of private communications is a vital tool used by law enforcement agencies. It is of great assistance to complex criminal investigations involving threats to national security and serious crimes. The statistics presented in Section III of this report indicate that the majority of authorizations issued are in relation to the offence of trafficking in a controlled substance.

Detection

The illegal activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist activity just to name a few, would remain largely undetected were it not for the active investigation of the police. Offences such as money laundering, smuggling, drug trafficking or participation in the activity of a terrorist group, present serious threats to the safety and stability of Canadian communities, and the lawful interception of private communications provides a means for the police to detect, and consequently investigate, the commission of such offences.

Prevention

The use of electronic surveillance in investigations has led to numerous drug seizures, leading to a reduction in the amount of illicit drugs and crime associated with their abuse. Without this crucial tool, the ability of the law enforcement community to prevent crimes and ensuing social harm would be seriously hindered.

Prosecution

Investigations of the activities of organized crime groups are increasingly complex and sometimes difficult to prove in a court of law. The use of electronic surveillance often provides strong evidence against those accused of being involved in illegal activities, increasing the likelihood of conviction. The prosecution of such offenders increases public confidence in the criminal justice system and contributes to public safety by holding such persons responsible for their actions.

Appendix A

Paragraph 195(1)(a) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

(a) designated agents who made applications in accordance with subsections 185(1) and 487.01(1) of the Criminal Code:

B. Boyd
M. Cullen
E. Froess
R. Goldstein
K. Gorman
P. Hogg
A. Krahn
W. K. Lebans
L. Mathews
A. McCall
M. O'Malley
R. Plume
R. J. Poirier
E. Reid
K. Reitsma
B. Reitz
D. Rowcliffe
L. Trefler
T. Zuber

Appendix B

Paragraph 195(1)(b) of the Criminal Code requires information relating to:

  1. designated Peace Officer who made applications in accordance with

subsections 188(1) and 487.01(1) of the Criminal Code:

No peace officer made application during the 2006 period under this section.

Date modified: