Registry Must Be Retroactive

Justice Minister Michael Baker has slammed the federal government for excluding already-convicted sex offenders from its proposed national sex-offender registry.

In legislation introduced on Dec. 11, the federal government stated, "there would be no retroactive registration of persons convicted before enactment of this legislation." Mr. Baker contends that approach is unacceptable, omitting some of this country's most dangerous offenders from the registry.

"This means people like William Shrubsall would not be included in this registry," said Mr. Baker. "If the registry is to be effective -- and I sincerely believe it can be -- it must include those who have already been convicted of serious sexual assaults or have been declared dangerous offenders."

The proposed legislation will require that convicted offenders register within 15 days of being released from custody.
Offenders must provide police with their current address, telephone number, name and aliases, and any identifying marks and tattoos. They are required to register every year and within 15 days of a change of residence.