Canada Bills
Judges Gain Power to Bypass Mandatory Minimums
Judges could go below mandatory minimums and change bans, with reasons. Courts can delay sentencing for treatment without Attorney General consent. Juries may suggest parole wait times in murder cases.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Effects-on-women statements for all bills
The Minister must post short statements on how each bill could affect women, especially Indigenous women. You can read them online soon after tabling.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Jurors Can Talk to Therapists Post-Trial
Jurors may share jury-room talks with a licensed health professional for care after the trial ends. Some support persons can also share for treatment; other sharing stays a crime.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
New Complaints Watchdog for CBSA and RCMP
Creates an independent body to handle complaints about border officers and RCMP. Sets service standards, public reports, and rules for serious incidents.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Federal Projects Must Weigh Green Materials
Federal construction must consider ways to cut emissions. Wood and other low-carbon materials may be allowed when they meet needs.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Parliament Names Visual Artist Laureate
Parliament will appoint a visual artist to promote art. Expect more shows and official artworks at Parliament events.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Supplementary Federal Spending for 2019–20
Lets the federal government spend up to $4.86B more on 2019–20 programs across many departments. No new programs; most funds expire after the allowed time.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Crackdown on paid conversion therapy and profits
The bill bans ads for paid conversion therapy and profiting from services to minors. Offenders face up to five years in prison.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
NCC Approval Required Near Historic National Sites
If you build within 500 metres of listed national sites in Ottawa-Gatineau, you need NCC approval. Work on those sites must follow Parks Canada standards and protect their heritage.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Senate to Elect Speaker by Secret Ballot
Senators would elect their Speaker by secret ballot. The presiding senator would only vote to break a tie; no direct effect on taxes or services.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Parliament Must Approve Federal Borrowing
The government must get a law from Parliament before borrowing, not just Cabinet approval. Borrowing reports become annual and start within one year; the overall borrowing limit stays the same.
Status
First reading
Timeline
New Organ Trafficking Crimes and Visa Bans
It makes receiving or removing organs without consent, or for payment, a serious crime, even abroad. Non-citizens involved can be denied entry or removed.
Status
First reading
Timeline