Carolyn Bennett

Clearer Release Notices for Crime Victims

Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board must explain how offender release and review dates are set for registered victims. This does not change release rules, only the notice.

New Trust Protects Unpaid Produce Suppliers

Unpaid sellers of fresh produce get first claim if a buyer goes bankrupt. With 30-day terms and notice, the goods and sale money are held for them.

Stronger Sentencing for Attacks on Health Workers, Responders

Judges must treat attacks or death threats against on-duty health workers and first responders as more serious at sentencing. No new crimes or higher maximums, but sentences may be tougher.

Canada Tightens Cyber Rules for Critical Services

The bill sets cyber rules for banks, telecoms, energy and transport. Government can order risky gear removed and demand fast incident reports, with big fines for ignoring directions.

April Named Arab Heritage Month Nationwide

Parliament would recognize April as Arab Heritage Month. It changes no holidays, programs, or duties; any observance is optional.

Legal to Bypass Digital Locks for Repair

You and your repair shop can legally bypass digital locks on products only to diagnose, maintain, or fix them. It doesn't allow copying software or require parts or manuals.

Allow Bypassing Digital Locks for Interoperability

You can legally bypass a digital lock on software you bought to make it work with other devices or parts. Sharing info is allowed only for that purpose.

Travel Tax Break for Construction Workers

Construction tradespeople can deduct travel to job sites 120 km or more from home. Starting with 2022 taxes, this lowers income if you pay for travel and got no allowance.

Canada to Create National Pandemic Plan

It requires a public pandemic plan, updated often. It adds a federal lead to work with provinces and Indigenous communities on surveillance, stockpiles, staffing, and vaccine supply.

Tougher Bail, New Tools for Domestic Violence

The law tightens bail in partner-violence cases and creates a new peace bond. Courts can order no-contact, monitoring, and gun bans; victims are told how to get release orders.

Renaming Child Pornography to Abuse Material

It changes the term to child sexual abuse and exploitation material. No new crimes; penalties and bans stay the same, and it takes effect one year after Royal Assent.

Modernized Rules for Atlantic Offshore Energy

Sets clear rules for offshore wind and renewables in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Keeps joint control, adds safety and environmental checks, and can limit projects near protected areas.

Old Age Security Up 10%, Work Pays More

All seniors 65+ get a 10% Old Age Security increase. Low-income seniors can earn more from work before Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits are reduced.

Ports and Rail Get Tougher Safety Rules

New rules boost security at ports and on trains. Ports must consult locals and Indigenous groups, post climate plans, and a B.C. zone gets a 14‑day anchoring limit.

Canada Plans Environmental Justice Strategy

The environment minister must create a national plan to address environmental racism. It requires consultations, public data, and five-year reviews, but makes no direct cleanup or permit changes.

Clear Home Internet Speed Labels

ISPs must publish typical speeds and service quality. The CRTC will set how to measure and display it and enforce compliance.

Clearer Rules for Human Trafficking Exploitation

Police and courts will look for force, threats, lies, or abuse of power, not fear. Threats to family or others can count.

No GST/HST on Therapy and Counselling

Therapy and mental health counselling by licensed providers would be tax-free. You would not pay GST/HST on these bills, starting six months after the law is passed.

Court Challenges Program Enshrined in Law

The minister must keep the Court Challenges Program. It funds major language and Charter rights cases, with an independent administrator and a yearly report to Parliament.

Farm carbon charge exemptions for 8 years

For eight years, farms won't pay the carbon charge on natural gas and propane used to heat barns, greenhouses, or dry grain. Home heating bills are unchanged.

New human rights law tightens sanctions, media

Canada will publish a yearly human rights report. It also tightens sanctions follow-up, blocks licences for sanctioned foreign-linked media, and bans loans or investments tied to cluster munitions.

15-Week EI Benefit for Adoption and Surrogacy

Adoptive and surrogacy parents get up to 15 more weeks of EI to bond with their child. Federally regulated workers also gain longer, job-protected adoption leave.

March 11 recognized as Pandemic Observance Day

March 11 will be a national observance to remember COVID-19. No day off or closures; activities are optional.

Indigenous-Led National Reconciliation Council Created

Creates an Indigenous-led council to track reconciliation. Expect yearly public reports, a Prime Minister response, and more education; donations to the council will get tax receipts.

New Ojibway National Urban Park in Windsor

Seven land parcels in Windsor become a federal urban park managed by Parks Canada. Park rules protect wildlife and nature; a public plan must follow within five years.

Canada tightens foreign investment security reviews

Some foreign investors must notify and wait before closing deals. The government can set temporary rules, review more minority and state-owned deals, share info with allies, and raise penalties.

Canada Commits to National Child Care System

The federal government pledges long-term child care funding through provincial and Indigenous agreements. A new council and yearly reports will track access, cost, quality, and inclusion.

Implements updated Canada–Ukraine free trade agreement

Canada approves the updated trade deal with Ukraine and updates customs and tribunal laws. It adds oversight for Canadian firms in Ukraine and sets rules for disputes.

Wireless licences must serve 50% in 3 years

Carriers must cover at least half of people in each local area within three years. If they fail, licences can be revoked and reassigned to keep service going.

Gun Crackdown and Nuclear Security Powers

Penalties for gun crimes increase. Police and courts can remove guns in risky homes, limit handgun transfers, stop ghost guns, and allow trained guards at nuclear sites.

Boosts Rental Rebate, Toughens Competition Law

Removes GST on new rental builds, which could add supply. Strengthens competition law to curb unfair pricing and probe markets like groceries.

Parliament approves $20.7B in-year funding

This bill adds $20.7B to federal budgets so services keep running. It boosts Indigenous programs, defence, immigration, health, housing, and infrastructure, with some funds usable into 2025.

Tougher Neglect Rules for Long-Term Care

Long-term care owners and officers face a clear legal duty to provide basic needs. Courts can ban convicted leaders from working with vulnerable adults.

Environmental Rights and Court Access for Canadians

It gives everyone a right to a healthy environment. People can get information, join decisions, and take court cases on environmental harm; public servants are protected for speaking up.

Sex Offender Registry and Publication Ban Reforms

The bill tightens sex offender registration and gives victims more say on publication bans. Police get new tools, and victims can get sentence updates.

Greener Materials for Federal Buildings

The federal government must consider greenhouse gas reductions when setting rules for its buildings and public works. It can allow wood or other low-carbon materials, but nothing is required.

Ban on Federal COVID Vaccine Mandates

The federal government could not require COVID shots for federal staff, workers in federally regulated sectors, or passengers. Other rules like masks or testing could still apply.

Tougher Rules for Parole Breaches and Sentencing

Creates a new crime for serious offenders who break release conditions. Parole officers must report breaches, and fewer crimes qualify for serving sentences in the community.

No Assisted Dying for Mental Disorders

People with only a mental disorder could not get assisted dying. Doctors must send them to mental health care instead; rules for physical illness stay the same.

Budget Act Delivers Payments, Fees, and Reforms

Moves 2023 budget into law. Low-income families get faster benefits, air travel fees rise, consumer and airline rules tighten, and a new innovation agency and health funding roll out.

New Discipline System for Federal Judges

You can file complaints about federal judges. Hearings are usually public, panels can order warnings or recommend removal, and some legal costs are paid by the federal government.

Platforms Must Pay For Canadian News

Sets rules for deals between big platforms and news outlets. You may see changes to news links, while more money goes to Canadian and local journalism.

Firefighter cancer awareness and prevention framework

The federal government must build a national plan on firefighter cancers within a year, to share facts, suggest screening, and report results. January becomes Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.

Five-Year Visits for Parents and Grandparents

Parents and grandparents can visit for five years at a time, with approved foreign health insurance allowed. Government must report on possibly lowering the host income requirement.

Sanctioned People Barred from Entering Canada

Sanctioned people cannot enter or stay in Canada. Appeals are limited and removals are faster; the bar lifts when the sanction ends, and some family members can be blocked too.

New Disability Benefit for Working-Age Canadians

A new federal payment will help working-age people with disabilities. Rules on who qualifies and how much you get will come later, after public input.

Parliament approves $20.5B in midyear funding

It allows the government to spend up to $20.5B this year for health, housing, Indigenous services, security, and bridges. It applies from April 1 to avoid service gaps.

Authorizes $108B federal spending, 2023–24

This law funds federal programs through March 2024. It keeps health, defence, borders, Indigenous services, housing, and infrastructure running; no tax changes.

Tougher Sentences for Pregnant Victim Harm

Judges must consider pregnancy harm at sentencing. Prosecutors can ask for tougher penalties when a victim is pregnant, including for emotional harm.

Food Day in Canada each August

The bill names a yearly Food Day in early August. It does not create a holiday or any new rules.

New Rules Strengthen French Language Rights

People in Quebec can get French service from banks, airlines, and telecoms. Workers in federally regulated firms gain French workplace rights, and Ottawa will set targets for francophone immigration.

Allows Aid Work in Terrorist-Controlled Zones

This lets aid groups work in areas controlled by terrorist groups, with security checks. It still bans helping terrorists.

Canada Recognizes International Mother Language Day

February 21 becomes International Mother Language Day in Canada. It's symbolic only: no holiday, no schedule changes, and no required programs.

Canada Bans Child Labour Goods, Requires Reports

Big companies must post yearly plans to prevent forced and child labour in their supply chains. Canada also blocks imports made with child labour.

Streaming Platforms Face Canadian Content Duties

Streaming services must support Canadian shows and make them easier to find. Most user uploads stay outside the rules. CRTC can fine companies that break the rules.

Canada Recognizes Right to Healthy Environment

It updates pollution and product rules nationwide. It adds a right to a healthy environment and stronger checks on toxic chemicals and some drugs.

Pensions Paid First in Bankruptcies

If your employer goes bankrupt, pension shortfalls get paid before many other debts. Some group insurance claims also move up.

Ankle monitors in partner violence bail

Prosecutors can ask for ankle monitors as a bail condition in partner violence cases. Judges must consider victim safety and will get new training on intimate partner violence.

New privacy rights and AI safety rules

You can ask companies about your data, ask for deletion in some cases, and get breach alerts. High impact AI must manage risks, post plain notices, and faces large fines.

Provinces Could Collect Federal Income Taxes

Ottawa could let provinces collect federal income taxes and send money back. Quebec talks must start within 90 days. A single tax return is possible; worker impacts should be eased.

Year-end $4.7B to keep services running

The bill lets the federal government spend $4.7B to keep existing programs running. It funds defence, health, Indigenous and immigration services; some tax and border funds carry into 2024.

Interim funding keeps federal services running

This lets the federal government spend $89.7B so programs continue early in the year. It prevents service slowdowns while the full budget is set.

Employment Insurance sickness benefits extended to 52 weeks

Workers who qualify can get up to 52 weeks of Employment Insurance sickness pay instead of 15. Self-employed participants are included, and rates and eligibility rules stay the same.

Budget bill boosts housing, ends student interest

Helps first-time buyers save, taxes quick flips, and ends interest on federal student loans. Adds taxes on big banks and funds clean energy projects.

Extra $20.8B Keeps Federal Services Running

It gives the government $20.8B to fund programs this year. Health, housing, Indigenous services, immigration, and border work continue without gaps.

Canada Criminalizes Organ Trafficking, Bars Offenders

It makes using or buying organs taken without consent or for payment a serious crime, even abroad. Offenders face up to 14 years and can be denied entry or status.

National Plan for Crypto Sector Growth

The bill orders a national plan for crypto. It sets timelines and public consultations to lower red tape, but makes no immediate changes to taxes or consumer rules.

Cuts Mandatory Minimums, Adds Health-Based Drug Diversion

Judges get more say in sentences and can use community sentences. Police favor warnings or health referrals for simple possession, and some records are set aside after two years.

Kids' dental benefit and renter payment

Families get cash for kids' dental care if uninsured, and low-income renters get a one-time $500. Apply with basic info; false claims can be penalized.

Châteauguay—Lacolle Riding Renamed in Quebec

The federal riding will be called Châteauguay—Les Jardins-de-Napierville. Only the name changes; your MP, boundaries, and polling place stay the same.

Auditor General to Audit Bank of Canada

The Auditor General would audit the Bank of Canada with a private firm, which must rotate every five years. It does not change interest rates or your bank services.

Jury Secrecy Eases for Mental Health Care

Jurors may tell licensed health workers about deliberations after trial to get treatment. Sharing for other reasons remains illegal.

One-Time GST Credit Top-Up

Low-income Canadians get a one-time GST credit top-up worth half their annual credit. No application needed if you filed 2021 taxes.

Ban coercing or firing over assisted dying refusal

It makes it a crime to intimidate or force health workers to take part in medical assistance in dying. Employers can't fire or reject someone only for saying no.

Provinces can opt out; Quebec keeps health funds

Provinces could leave federal programs but keep the same money if goals match. Quebec would get full health cash even without meeting Canada Health Act rules.

Ottawa Aligns with Quebec French Language Charter

Federal jobs and firms in Quebec must follow Quebec French rules. Permanent residents there must show French for citizenship.

Budget Act adds taxes, housing ban, sick leave

It raises some taxes and bans most foreign home buyers. Workers get paid sick days, families get quarterly carbon rebates, and provinces get health and transit funds.

Parliament Authorizes $115B for Government Services

Lets the federal government spend $115B to keep programs running in 2022–23. Funds health, defence, Indigenous services, jobs, infrastructure, housing, immigration, and research.

Mid-Year $8.8B Federal Funding Boost

Parliament approves $8.8B for health, travel, defence, immigration, and Indigenous services. Money covers 2022-23 needs and keeps programs running.

Refocus Infrastructure Bank on Climate and Communities

The Infrastructure Bank must put climate, public, Northern, and Indigenous projects first. It adds Indigenous-recommended board members and reports each year to Parliament.

New housing tax, credits, and COVID funding

Adds a 1% tax on vacant homes owned by non-residents. Expands tax credits, funds COVID tests and school ventilation, and temporarily extends EI for some seasonal workers.

Quebec Guaranteed 25% of Commons Seats

Quebec would keep at least 25% of House seats. Extra Quebec MPs would be added after each census if needed, growing the House; other provinces keep their seats.

Drug Possession Decriminalized, Records Expunged

Simple drug possession would stop being a crime. Past simple possession records could be erased for free, and the government must create a national plan for treatment and harm reduction.

Interim funding keeps federal services running

Authorizes $75.5B to keep federal programs and payments going this year. Health, Indigenous services, benefits, parks, and border operations continue without interruption.

Parliament approves $13.2B year-end funding

It lets the federal government spend $13.2B to keep health, Indigenous, defence, and infrastructure programs running. Some funds carry into 2022–23; many student and immigration debts are written off.

Federal $2.5B for COVID-19 Tests

The Health Minister can spend up to $2.5B on COVID-19 tests and send them to provinces, clinics, schools, and others. This could mean more tests where you live.

Seniors' benefits ignore COVID relief payments

After June 2022, COVID relief payments won’t count as income for Old Age Security top-ups and the Allowance. Some low-income seniors will get higher monthly payments; taxes stay the same.

Targeted COVID Aid for Workers and Businesses

Extends wage and rent help for hard-hit sectors. Adds $300 weekly during lockdowns and more sick and caregiving weeks, plus job-protected COVID leave.

Protect Clinics and Add Paid Sick Days

Creates crimes for intimidating health workers and blocking care. Gives many federally regulated workers up to 10 paid sick days and longer bereavement leave.

Supplementary Budget Funds Services and Programs

Lets Ottawa spend $8.75B more this year to keep programs running and add support, including Indigenous services, health, defence, and aid. Funds count from April 1, 2021.

Kids' Unhealthy Food Ads Banned

Ads for high sugar, fat, or salt foods aimed at kids under 13 will be banned. What counts and which media are covered will be set in rules later.

Trade Deals Can't Expand Dairy, Poultry, Eggs

It blocks future trade deals from raising quotas or cutting tariffs on dairy, poultry, and eggs. Current prices and rules stay the same.

Federal Offence for Risky Barn Entry

Entering barns without permission, if it could spread disease or toxins, becomes a federal crime. Fines and jail may apply; invited workers and inspectors are allowed.

Canada creates public company owners registry

Federal companies must name who really owns them and keep it updated. Key details go on a public registry, with fines, possible shutdown, and CRA checks to fight money laundering.

Coordinating Prairie Green Economy Programs

The minister must set a Prairie green economy plan and report on progress. It coordinates programs, consults local and Indigenous groups, but adds no new funding.

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.

Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act