Canada to prosecute crimes on the moon

The Criminal Code of Canada was amended to allow for the prosecution of crimes committed on the moon.

The change to the law was described in a 443-page budget implementation bill presented to Parliament this week.

Criminal acts committed by Canadian astronauts during space travel have been added to the jurisdiction of the federal government.

They are treated the same as Canadians.

Ahead of the first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years, the number of space flights are increasing and a Canadian is expected to be on board the Artemis II lunar flyby.

The Criminal Code amendment states that if a Canadian crew member commits an act or omission outside of Canada that they are considered to have committed an indictable offense in Canada.

The document states that crimes would include crimes on the surface of the moon and on the lunar gateway station.

Foreign astronauts who threaten the life or security of a Canadian crew member on a Canadian-supported space mission could be prosecuted.

The Canadian Space Agency is participating in a project led by NASA.

The outpost will be used as a staging point for robotic and crewed exploration of the lunar surface, as well as travel to Mars.

There will be a new year in 2022.

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