Wearing a mask to a riot or other unlawful event could be illegal as soon as this summer.
Wild Rose MP Blake Richards was successful in getting a Bill C-309, the Concealment of Identity Act, passed in the senate on May 23.
The bill proposes to make additional offences in the Criminal Code for wearing a mask or disguise while participating in a riot or unlawful assembly. The bill has received support from police chiefs and organizations across Canada including Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, London, Toronto and Montreal.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the support my bill has received,” said Richards, who explained that it’s a rare achievement to see a private member’s legislation become law, especially for a bill to amend the Criminal Code.
“I’m very proud to give police more of the tools they need to protect public safety.”
Originally expected to come to a vote in the fall, the timetable was advanced by a bipartisan agreement between the Conservative and Liberal members of the Senate.
The next step for this to become law is to receive Royal Assent, which could be as early as this summer, a release from Richard’s office explains.
