This article takes a critical look at the incongruities and inconsistencies of the defence of duress in Canadian criminal law. The authors raise the difficulties related to the current state of fragmentation of that defence as well as its detrimental impact on the equal treatment of persons accused of some crimes. The conclusion that emerges is that the defence of duress should be standardised on the entire Canadian territory and harmonised with the international law in order to enable all those who break the law due to lack of realistic choice to involute that defence. Finally, in light of the current state of the law on the defence of duress following the judgement recently rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada in R v Ryan, the authors suggest an inclusive provision that should replace the current section 17 of the Criminal Code.