Three federal bills receive Royal Assent

Summary#

The Canada Gazette (Part I) records that Royal Assent was given on October 10, 2024 to three bills from the House of Commons. The bills are: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to another Act (interim release and domestic violence recognizance orders) (Bill S-205, chapter 22, 2024); An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material) (Bill C-291, chapter 23, 2024); and An Act respecting pharmacare (Bill C-64, chapter 24, 2024).

What it does#

• An Act to amend the Criminal Code... (Bill S-205, chapter 22, 2024) — changes related to interim release (bail) and to recognizance orders in cases involving domestic violence, based on the bill title. The Gazette notice does not give the full text or the specifics of the changes.
• An Act to amend the Criminal Code... (Bill C-291, chapter 23, 2024) — addresses child sexual abuse and material exploiting children, according to the bill title. The Gazette excerpt does not describe exact provisions or penalties.
• An Act respecting pharmacare (Bill C-64, chapter 24, 2024) — creates a federal pharmacare law in name; the Gazette entry does not include details about benefits, eligibility, costs, or how it will be run.
• The Gazette also notes that the written declaration of Royal Assent was communicated to both Houses on October 10, 2024.

Who's affected#

• People involved in the criminal justice system, especially in cases of domestic violence (accused, survivors, courts, and service providers).
• Children and victims of sexual exploitation, plus law enforcement and agencies that investigate or prosecute those crimes.
• Canadians who need prescription drugs or who pay for medications, as pharmacare is intended to affect drug coverage.
• Members of Parliament and government agencies responsible for putting these laws into practice.
• The Gazette entry itself does not spell out exact implementation timelines or which specific groups will gain or lose coverage or rights; those details would be in the full texts and follow-up documents.

Why it matters#

• Getting Royal Assent is the final parliamentary step for these bills; it is how they are formally enacted at the federal level.
• Changes named in the Criminal Code bills could affect how courts handle bail and protective conditions in domestic violence cases, and how law enforcement and prosecutors address child sexual exploitation — which can affect public safety and survivors’ protection.
• A federal pharmacare act could change access to and the cost of prescription medicines for many people across Canada, depending on how it is implemented. The Gazette notice does not provide the implementation details or timelines, so practical effects will depend on later regulations and programs.