The appellant pleaded guilty to producing cannabis and challenged the constitutionality of the mandatory firearms prohibition order under s. 109(1)(c) of the Criminal Code.
He argued that the mandatory order constituted cruel and unusual punishment under s. 12 of the Charter.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that the prohibition has a legitimate connection to drug offences and relates to the recognized sentencing goal of protecting the public.
The Court found that the loss of the privilege to possess firearms is not grossly disproportionate, especially given the ameliorative provision in s. 113 of the Criminal Code.
