MMS.watch is an ongoing project by Matthew Oleynik and rangefindr.ca to monitor the constitutionality of each mandatory minimum sentence (MMS) in the Canadian Criminal Code. All data are from the rangefindr.ca database.
MMS.watch is free and will remain free.
For fast, in-depth sentencing research and analytics, see our main site rangefindr.ca.
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The grid below lists every MMS currently in force in the Criminal Code, but includes only some historical MMSs where the courts have ruled on their constitutionality. It is not a comprehensive list of every historical MMS that has ever existed.
Important note:
Changes to the law
On 18 July 2026 the provisions of the Protecting Victims Act, SC 2026, c 19 that govern mandatory minimum sentences came into force in Canada. Among other changes, the Act:
"Affirm[s]" the operation of every federal mandatory minimum sentence as of 18 July 2026: Protecting Victims Act at s 87. The Department of Justice has taken the position that this provision reactivates all unconstitutional mandatory minimum sentences in the Criminal Code as of 18 July 2026.
Requires a sentencing judge to impose a sentence below a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment (other than life imprisonment) if the mandatory minimum sentence would amount to cruel and unusual punishment in the particular case: Criminal Code at s 718.4(1).
Requires a sentencing judge who finds that a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment constitutes cruel and unusual punishment to impose some period of imprisonment: Criminal Code at ss 718.4(1), (5). This effectively eliminates as sentencing options conditional sentences, suspended sentences, and discharges for any offence with a mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, even if the court finds that the mandatory minimum sentence violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The grid below has been adapted to reflect the new provisions. The Department of Justice’s summary of the new provisions is available here.
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