Ontario Regulation 120/24, enacted under Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000, introduces several amendments to Ontario Regulation 69/01, aimed at updating terminology, clarifying sources of information, and enhancing the regulation’s alignment with current law enforcement structures.

Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000, establishes and maintains a provincial sex offender registry in Ontario, requiring individuals convicted of a sex offense or found not criminally responsible for such an offense due to mental disorder to register in person at their local police station. The creation of Ontario’s sex offender registry, regulated by Christopher’s Law, was prompted by the tragic 1988 murder of 11-year-old Christopher Stephenson, who was killed by a released convicted sex offender.

One of the changes in this regulation is the update to the terminology used to refer to law enforcement entities. Specifically, Section 2 of Ontario Regulation 69/01 has been amended to replace the term “police force” with “police service,” reflecting a shift in language that acknowledges the evolving structure of policing in Ontario. The term “police service” is more consistent with contemporary legislative and operational contexts. Additionally, the French version of paragraph 9 in subsection 2 (1) has been modified to remove the phrase “à un corps de police,” maintaining consistency in both languages.

The regulation also revokes Clause 2 (4) (b) and replaces it with a new provision that broadens the sources from which information can be obtained. The new clause stipulates that information may be obtained from the ministry, the federal Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, or any law enforcement agency in Canada. This amendment improves accessibility to relevant data, thereby increasing the efficacy of the sex offender registry and its associated processes.

By updating language, improving the sources of information for law enforcement, and ensuring consistent terminology in both English and French, the regulation aims to improve the overall effectiveness of the sex offender registry. These changes are to reflect the current practices and contribute to a more transparent and accessible framework for law enforcement agencies and the public alike.

Ontario (120/24) April 13, 2024