Recent Changes To Impaired Driving Offenses And Their Effect On Canada's Immigration Laws

Introduction

On June 21, 2018, Bill C-46 received Royal Assent.  Among other things, it increases the maximum penalties for impaired driving offenses under the Canadian Criminal Code, (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46) ("CCC").  Bill C-46 comes into effect 180 days after Royal Assent, which means that these maximum penalties will apply as of December 18, 2018. 

With recreational marijuana expected to become legal in October 2018, Bill C-46 is an attempt by the Canadian Government to demonstrate that it will not tolerate impaired driving of any kind.  Unfortunately, Bill C-46 will have a significant impact on non-citizens, which is something that the Canadian Government likely did not consider.