The Manitoba government has put forward two bills focused on taking strong action against drug trafficking and organized crime.
The proposed unexplained wealth act would modify current laws to allow the confiscation of assets that are proceeds of a crime or were used to commit one.
Justice Minister Matt Wiebe says investigators would have the authority to compel numbered corporations to reveal information about the owners of a property, as well business partners and corporate directors.
Similar legislation has been introduced in British Columbia, where the government can ask owners of luxurious houses and cars to explain where they acquired their money.
Wayne Balcaen, Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative justice critic, says the amendments seem unnecessary as there are already civil forfeiture proceedings under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act.
The NDP government also introduced a bill that would simplify the process for police to seize vehicles with aftermarket modifications, including hidden compartments.
