Making Civil Forfeiture More Effective in Alberta
Official title: Civil forfeiture engagement
Why This Matters
Own a car, house, or bank account in Alberta? Civil forfeiture laws let the government seize property suspected of being connected to crime—even if you're never charged. This review looked at whether the current rules strike the right balance between fighting crime and protecting innocent owners.
What Could Change
The Civil Forfeiture Office may get new tools and procedures to pursue criminal property more aggressively. This could mean faster seizures, broader targets, or streamlined court processes. Changes to due process protections for property owners are also possible.
Key Issues
- How can civil forfeiture be made more effective at targeting criminal property?
- What due process protections should property owners have?
- How should the interests of secured creditors like banks be balanced?
What Happened
Alberta engaged with stakeholders from November 2024 to February 2025 through virtual and in-person sessions. Participants included lawyers representing respondents, Crown prosecutors, police services, civil liberties groups, financial institutions, victims' advocates, and the Alberta Property Rights Advocate. Results are currently under review.