Risk Management Considerations for Bill C-45 Criminal Liability of Organizations

Bill C-45 is federal legislation that amended the Canadian Criminal Code. It became effective March 31st, 2004. The Bill established new legal duties for workplace health and safety and imposed serious penalties for violations that result in injury or death. It redefines the law with respect to the potential criminal liability of organizations, including municipalities. In addition to increasing the risk exposure to organizations, the new law also provides new rules for attributing criminal liability to representatives and those who direct the work of others.