The Criminal Code of Canada very broadly defines what is considered the criminal offence of threats. Some of the more common offences people are charged with are “Uttering Bodily Harm,” “Uttering Death,” and “Uttering Threats” (to damage or destroy property).
A person may be charged with uttering threats, as long as they knowingly conveys or utters the treat in the presence of another person, who honestly believes a threat is being made either against them or another person. In addition, the person uttering the threat does not have to have a motive for making the threat, nor do they have to have the means in order to carry out the threat. However, the treat must be considered serious or be taken seriously.
A threat could be a threat to inflict physical harm or death to another person, or to burn, destroy, or damage real or person property, or to inflict physical harm or death to a pet that belongs to another person.
