Canada Bills
Criminal Records Expire Automatically After Sentences
Most criminal records will expire automatically 2 or 5 years after your sentence ends. No fees, and employers cannot ask about expired convictions.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Judges need training, must explain assault rulings
New judges must take training on sexual assault. In judge-only cases, judges must explain their decisions on the record, and seminar attendance will be reported publicly.
Status
Consideration in committee
Timeline
Modern Slavery Act: Stop Forced Labour Imports
Large and listed companies must report yearly on steps to prevent forced and child labour in their supply chains. Canada can block such goods at the border and fine violators.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Farm Fuel Carbon Charge Exemption Expanded
Removes the federal fuel charge from farm natural gas and propane used in heaters, coolers, and eligible machinery. Farmers pay less; others unchanged.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Legalize Paid Surrogacy and Donor Compensation
You could legally pay surrogates and sperm or egg donors. New rules set age limits and require real consent, while removing criminal charges for payments.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Modern Charter for Girl Guides of Canada
Modernizes Girl Guides of Canada’s charter, brand rights, and rules; members have limited liability and directors may owe up to six months of unpaid wages.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Châteauguay—Lacolle Riding Renamed to Les Jardins-de-Napierville
Your federal riding's name will change; your MP and boundaries stay the same. Elections Canada will switch to the new name after it takes effect.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Federal Framework for National Pharmacare
Provinces can get federal funds to run universal, public drug plans. If your province joins, listed prescriptions would cost $0 at the pharmacy.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Tax Breaks for Family Business Transfers
Parents can sell to adult children and pay capital gains tax, not dividends. A 60-month hold, independent valuation, and size limits apply to prevent tax avoidance.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
New Penalties for Risky Farm Trespass
Entering barns or animal areas without permission, when it risks spreading disease or toxins, could bring fines or jail. Workers with permission must follow rules.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Farm Natural Gas, Propane Exempt from Carbon Price
Farms would not pay the federal carbon charge on natural gas and propane used for farm work. It could lower grain drying and barn heating costs.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Oil well cleanup trusts get tax status
Lets oil and gas firms use special trusts to save for well cleanup. May change taxes for companies, not households, starting in 2020.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Canada Sets Net-Zero Targets and Oversight
Creates a national plan to cut emissions to net-zero by 2050, with interim targets, yearly public reports, and independent reviews. No new taxes or rules now.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Canada Bans Plastic Waste Exports for Disposal
The bill bans exporting listed plastic waste for final disposal. Exporters must manage it in Canada or show it is for recycling, or they could face penalties.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Tax return organ donor opt-in
With your okay, CRA can send your organ donor choice from your tax return to your province. Provinces must opt in; no national registry.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Citizenship Oath Adds Indigenous Rights Pledge
New citizens will promise to respect Aboriginal and treaty rights. The oath changes the day after Royal Assent, and current citizens are not affected.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Employment Insurance sickness benefits to 50 weeks
People unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine could get up to 50 weeks of Employment Insurance sickness benefits. Other rules and payment rate stay the same.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Harsher Sentences for Attacks on Health Workers, Responders
Judges must treat on-duty attacks on health workers and first responders as more serious at sentencing. It creates no new crimes or minimums, but may mean longer jail time.
Status
First reading
Timeline
End Crown Copyright on Government Works
All past and future works by Canadian governments become public domain. Anyone can copy, share, and sell them without permission or fees once the law starts.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Add Mental Health to Sentencing Reports
Presentence reports must include mental health details and list available services. Judges will see this when sentencing, but no new programs or funding are created.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Canada Ends Military Self-Harm Offence
The military can't charge members for hurting themselves to avoid duty. Other laws for hurting others still apply.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Canada Marks International Mother Language Day
Feb. 21 becomes International Mother Language Day in Canada. It is not a paid holiday and creates no programs; schools and communities may mark it if they wish.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Harsher penalties for assaulting health workers
Judges must treat assaults or serious threats against on-duty health care workers as more serious at sentencing. No new crimes are created, but sentences may be higher.
Status
First reading
Timeline
National School Food Program Plan
The federal health minister must design a school food program with provinces. A public plan is due in one year; no free meals yet.
Status
First reading
Timeline