Under the youth criminal justice act, at what ages can a "young person" be charged with a criminal offence?

A "young person" under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) refers to individuals who are between the ages of 12 and 17. This age range is significant because it reflects the threshold at which young individuals can be held accountable for criminal behavior through the youth justice system rather than the adult criminal system. The YCJA aims to address the unique needs and circumstances of youth offenders, recognizing their developmental differences compared to adults and emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

This age framework allows for interventions that focus on helping young people reintegrate into society, rather than simply imposing penalties as would be more common in adult criminal proceedings. The legislation is designed to promote accountability while also providing appropriate support to encourage positive change during formative years.

The other options do not accurately reflect the age range specified in the YCJA, which is a critical aspect of understanding how youth are treated within the Canadian justice system.