Bill C-290 primarily aims to amend the Criminal Code to introduce specific provisions regarding the theft of property of cultural or religious significance. This initiative seeks to address a gap in the current legislation concerning the protection of cultural and religious heritage in Canada.

Key provisions of this bill include the introduction of new specific offences for the theft of cultural or religious property, as well as the imposition of harsher penalties for such offences. The bill also provides measures to facilitate the restitution of stolen property to its rightful owners.

The bill amends the Criminal Code, a federal law governing criminal offences in Canada. By adding these new provisions, the bill aims to strengthen the existing legal framework to better protect cultural and religious property.

The individuals and entities affected by this bill include cultural and religious communities, institutions holding cultural or religious property, and law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing the law. This bill could also impact potential thieves by increasing the risks associated with these offences.