Sections 326 & 327 of the Criminal Code of Canada state: (326) Every one commits theft who fraudulently, maliciously, or without colour of right uses any telecommunication facility or obtains any telecommunication service, and (327) Every one who, without lawful excuse, the proof of which lies on him, manufactures, possesses, sells or offers for sale or distributes any instrument or device or any component thereof, the design of which renders it primarily useful for obtaining the use of any telecommunication facility or service, under circumstances that give rise to a reasonable inference that the device has been used or is or was intended to be used to obtain the use of any telecommunication facility or service without payment of a lawful charge therefore, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
The Radiocommunication Act also makes it a criminal offence to illegally access encrypted cable or satellite signals. Individual offenders are liable to a fine of up to $10,000 for each day the offence is committed or six months in prison, or both. Corporations are liable to a fine of up to $25,000 per day.
Last Updated:11/04/2010