Canada Evidence Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-5)

Marginal note:Examination as to previous convictions

• 12 (1) A witness may be questioned as to whether the witness has been convicted of any offence, excluding any offence designated as a contravention under the Contraventions Act, but including such an offence where the conviction was entered after a trial on an indictment.

• Marginal note:Proof of previous convictions

  (1.1) If the witness either denies the fact or refuses to answer, the opposite party may prove the conviction.

• Marginal note:How conviction proved

  (2) A conviction may be proved by producing

  • (a) a certificate containing the substance and effect only, omitting the formal part, of the indictment and conviction, if it is for an indictable offence, or a copy of the summary conviction, if it is for an offence punishable on summary conviction, purporting to be signed by the clerk of the court or other officer having the custody of the records of the court in which the conviction, if on indictment, was had, or to which the conviction, if summary, was returned; and

  • (b) proof of identity.