Summary#
This bill would make the second week of May each year “Jury Duty Appreciation Week” across Canada. It is a symbolic designation. The text does not create programs, funding, or legal duties. The purpose is to highlight jurors’ role and educate the public and institutions about jury service (Preamble; Bill, s. 2).
- Establishes a national observance: the second week of May each year (Bill, s. 2).
- Aims to recognize jurors’ service and mental health needs (Preamble).
- Does not change jury selection, pay, leave, or court procedures (bill contains no such provisions).
- Imposes no requirements on federal, provincial, or local bodies (bill contains no such provisions).
What it means for you#
- Households and jurors
- The second week of May would be known nationally as Jury Duty Appreciation Week (Bill, s. 2).
- No change to how you are summoned, selected, paid, or supported for jury duty (bill contains no such provisions).
- Workers and employers
- No change to workplace leave or pay rules related to jury duty (bill contains no such provisions).
- No new employer obligations or reporting (bill contains no such provisions).
- Courts and governments
- No mandated activities, standards, or reports tied to the observance (bill contains no such provisions).
- No changes to court operations or juror services (bill contains no such provisions).
- Community groups, schools, and media
- The week would exist as an official time to recognize jurors. The bill does not require events or campaigns (Bill, s. 2).
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: CAD $0 (no appropriations; no mandates).
- No fiscal note located. Data unavailable.
- The bill includes no appropriations, taxes, fees, or mandated spending (Bill, s. 1–2).
| Item | Amount | Frequency | Source |
|---|
| Appropriations in bill | CAD $0 | One-time | Bill text (s. 1–2) |
| Mandated spending | CAD $0 | Ongoing | Bill text (s. 2) |
| Official fiscal note | Data unavailable | — | Data unavailable |
Proponents' View#
- National recognition would highlight jurors’ contribution to justice and democracy, as stated in the preamble (Preamble).
- The week would draw attention to jurors’ well-being and mental health as important to the justice system’s function (Preamble).
- A consistent, yearly observance across Canada could help educate citizens and institutions about jury service (Preamble; Bill, s. 2).
- The bill is low-cost because it only designates a week and adds no programs or mandates (Bill, s. 2).
Opponents' View#
- The bill is symbolic only; it does not change law, services, funding, or outcomes for jurors (Bill, s. 2).
- Without required actions or resources, the observance may have limited practical effect on juror support or education (Bill, s. 2).
- Jury administration and supports are not addressed; the bill does not set standards or improve benefits for jurors (bill contains no such provisions).
- Any awareness activities by governments would be discretionary, with costs and impact not defined in the bill. Data unavailable.