Bill C-46 To Become Fully Enforced in Yukon Starting Next Week

Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:47

The enactment will give RCMP more power to conduct roadside drug tests in the Territory.

Public Prosecution Service of Canada and Yukon RCMP announced today the enactment of Bill C-46, which they say will help curb dangerous driving in the territory as well as to simplify court processes and time in the justice system.

The new act will be fully implemented starting next Tuesday, and Crown Prosecutor Leo Lane says more non-alcoholic drugs have been added for impaired driving charges.

"This is the first time it's been an offense to be operating a vehicle over the concentration of... non-alcoholic drugs, so that's a new offense. The substances are listed in the regulation. They include THC, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and a number of other substances."

Lane also says while the impairment level thresholds will be lower than drinking violations, a new offense charging those under the influence of both THC and alcohol will also be introduced.

According to Lane, it will now also be easier for officers to obtain and demand a variety of tests for those under the influence while driving.

"There's also a new drug-screening demand at roadside. There's been one device approved so far and it tests your saliva to determine the concentration of certain drugs in the drivers system. If you fail that, the officer would have grounds for further forensic analysis or investigative measures. There's (also) a new blood demand. If the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the driver is committing a drug driving offense, the officer can demand that the person provide a sample of their blood."

The person who collects the blood sample however must be a designated person selected from the Attorney General of Canada, Leo notes.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Jane Boissonneault say's Yukoners can expect more roadside tests being conducted down the road as more testing devices are used.

Bill C-46 received royal assent on June 21st of this year.

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