Recent Library of Parliament Legislative Summaries

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa has recently published a number of legislative summaries of important federal bills.

Among them are:

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-20: An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments: "Bill C-20 establishes the independent Public Complaints and Review Commission (the Commission) to review and  investigate complaints against employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The Commission replaces the existing Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) which reviews complaints against the RCMP. Currently, no oversight authority is responsible for reviewing complaints against the CBSA."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-65: An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act: "The bill amends the Canada Elections Act (CEA) to accomplish several distinct legislative objectives, including: providing for two additional days of advance polling; moving the next fixed election date; regulating voting at long-term care institutions; updating the process for voting by mail (special ballot); regulating voting at post-secondary educational institutions; amending the requirements relating to political parties’ policies for the protection of personal information; amending or creating new prohibitions pertaining to the electoral process; amending the regime applicable to third-party financing; granting new powers to the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE); and requiring the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to report to Parliament on potential changes to the electoral process."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-50: An Act respecting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy: "The Government of Canada describes this legislative initiative as the product of comprehensive consultation, the purpose of which is to establish both a plan and mechanisms for governance and accountability to place the federal government in a better position to support workers and communities as Canada works to build a net-zero economy."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-69: An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024: "Part 1 implements various income tax measures through amendments to the Income Tax Act and related statutes and regulations, including increasing the home buyers’ plan withdrawal limit and deferring the repayment period, creating the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses, and providing a refundable investment tax credit to qualified businesses for certain investments in clean technology manufacturing property (clauses 2 to 80). Part 2 enacts the Global Minimum Tax Act, which is a regime based on the Rules of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, that ensures that large multinational corporations are subject to a minimum effective tax rate of 15% on their profits wherever they do business (clauses 81 to 111). Part 3 repeals the temporary relief for supplies of certain face masks, respirators and shields from the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax, and implements certain measures regarding excise duty in respect of tobacco and vaping products, beer, spirits and wine. It also implements certain changes to the Underused Housing Tax (clauses 112 to 148). Part 4, which is divided into 44 divisions, implements various  measures. It amends numerous existing Acts that cover many areas of law. It also enacts the Consumer-Driven Banking Act (clauses 149 to 468)."

Library of Parliament legislative summaries summarize bills currently before Parliament and provide background information about them in an objective and impartial manner. They are prepared the Library's research staff which carries out research for and provides information and analysis to parliamentarians, Senate and House of Commons committees and parliamentary associations. Legislative summaries are revised as needed to reflect amendments made to bills as they move through the legislative process.

Recent Library of Parliament Documents

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa has recently published a number of legislative summaries of important federal bills as well as other documents.

Among them are:

• Gender-based Analysis Plus in Canada: "The Government of Canada uses GBA Plus [Gender-based Analysis Plus ] to assess the impact of legislation, policies, programs and budgetary measures on diverse groups of women, men and gender-diverse people in an effort to reduce inequalities. The “Plus” in GBA Plus includes a range of identity factors – such as age, disability, education, language, sexual orientation, culture, geography, ethnicity, Indigenous identity, religion, social class and income – that overlap in an intersectional way. The “Plus” is thus aligned with the concept of intersectionality introduced in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, which makes it possible to include multiple intersecting identity factors beyond gender in the analysis of what shapes people’s experiences."
• Scrutiny of Regulations: 50 Years in Review: "Parliament can delegate the authority to make regulations to a person or body specified in an Act. This authority might be given because regulations can be made more quickly than legislation or because Parliament might not have the expertise to legislate technical rules. This authority is usually delegated by way of enabling provisions in legislation that permit ministers, departments, agencies and other authorities to make rules on Parliament’s behalf. The committee’s powers derive from both statutory and sessional orders of reference which make it the committee’s mandate to ensure that this delegated authority is exercised lawfully and appropriately. The committee’s work begins after a regulation has been published in its final form in Part II of the Canada Gazette."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-20: An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments: "Bill C-20 establishes the independent Public Complaints and Review Commission (the Commission) to review and investigate complaints against employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The Commission replaces the existing Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) which reviews complaints against the RCMP. Currently, no oversight authority is responsible for reviewing complaints against the CBSA."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-65: An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act: "The bill amends the Canada Elections Act (CEA) to accomplish several distinct legislative objectives, including: providing for two additional days of advance polling; moving the next fixed election date; regulating voting at long-term care institutions; updating the process for voting by mail (special ballot); regulating voting at post-secondary educational institutions; amending the requirements relating to political parties’ policies for the protection of personal information; amending or creating new prohibitions pertaining to the electoral process; amending the regime applicable to third-party financing; granting new powers to the Commissioner of Canada Elections (CCE); and requiring the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to report to Parliament on potential changes to the electoral process."

Recent Library of Parliament Legislative Summaries

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa has recently published a number of legislative summaries of important federal bills.

Among them are:

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-56: An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act: "Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act (short title: Affordable Housing and Groceries Act), was introduced in the House of Commons on 21 September 2023 by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and received first reading that same day. The bill was passed by both chambers of Parliament after being amended in the House of Commons, and it received Royal Assent on 15 December 2023. Bill C-56 has two parts: Part 1 amends the Excise Tax Act (ETA) to temporarily enhance the Goods and Services Tax (GST) new residential rental property rebate in respect of new purpose-built rental housing. Part 2 amends the Competition Act to promote competition, particularly in the grocery sector. This legislative summary provides a brief description of the key amendments contained in Bill C-56."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-48: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform): "Bill C-48 makes changes to Canada’s Criminal Code ... provisions concerning judicial interim release, also known as bail. It adds to existing “reverse onus” provisions that shift the prosecutor’s burden of demonstrating why an accused person should be held in detention pending trial onto the accused, who instead must demonstrate to the judge or justice of the peace that there is no reason warranting their detention. These amendments are in response to concerns raised by various stakeholders about crimes being committed by repeat violent offenders, in particular those who use firearms. These reverse onus amendments apply to accused persons who were previously convicted of a violent offence and are subsequently charged with violent offences or offences involving firearms, knives, bear spray or other weapons. The bill also proposes changes to address the risks posed by intimate partner violence, particularly when committed by repeat offenders. It adds considerations a justice must take into account during bail decisions regarding community safety and security concerns."
• Legislative Summary of Bill S-15: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act: "The bill creates various Criminal Code offences in relation to elephants and great apes, including: possessing, breeding or impregnating elephants or great apes in captivity; possessing an elephant or great ape that is kept in captivity and failing to take reasonable measures to prevent natural breeding; and participating in any activities that involve elephants or great apes kept in captivity being used for entertainment purposes."

Recent Library of Parliament Legislative Summaries

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa has recently published a number of legislative summaries of important federal bills.

Among them are:

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-42: An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act: "The bill strengthens the government’s commitment to the implementation of a publicly accessible beneficial ownership registry of corporations governed under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)2 in furtherance of its efforts to bolster Canada’s anti–money laundering and anti–terrorist financing regime (...)"
• Legislative Summary of Bill S-13: An Act to amend the Interpretation Act: "The bill amends the federal Interpretation Act 2 to include a non-derogation clause on upholding Aboriginal and treaty  rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. A non-derogation clause is a statement in a law that indicates the law should be interpreted to uphold, and not diminish, other pre-existing rights. Bill S-13 aims to ensure that all federal legislation is interpreted to uphold constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights."
  "

Recent Library of Parliament Legislative Summaries

This past summer, the Library of Parliament in Ottawa published a number of legislative summaries of important federal bills.

Among them are:

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Judges Act: "By replacing the existing complaints process regarding alleged misconduct with a new system, Bill C‑9 changes how complaints against federally appointed judges are handled. The existing process was established in 1971 under the Judges Act, which defines the criteria for removing a judge from office and prescribes certain other requirements; procedural elements of the complaints process are largely set out in Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) policy documents and by‑laws."
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-228: An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985: "The bill amends the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA) and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) to ensure that claims in relation to shortfalls in defined-benefit pension plans are paid in priority in the event that an employer becomes insolvent. It also amends the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (PBSA) to provide for the tabling of an annual report regarding the solvency of pension plans regulated under that statute."
• Legislative Summary of Bill S-4: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures): "Bill S‑4 aims to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and accessibility of the criminal justice system in response to the challenges posed by the COVID‑19 pandemic. According to the federal government, it will give courts increased flexibility in how they hold criminal proceedings and issue orders. In particular, the bill:
  
  - allows law enforcement officers to obtain warrants by telecommunication (i.e., 'telewarrants') in a wider range of circumstances;
  - clarifies and broadens the circumstances under which accused individuals, offenders and others involved in criminal proceedings may appear by audioconference or videoconference;
  - permits prospective jurors to appear by videoconference during the jury selection process and provides for jury selection via electronic or other automated means;
  - allows courts to compel the attendance of an accused or offender for fingerprinting or other identification measures in certain additional circumstances;
  - removes restrictions on the development of case management rules for accused individuals not represented by counsel (...)"

Library of Parliament Summary of Artificial Intelligence Research in Canada

I just came across a text from the Library of Parliament from March 2023 on The State of Artificial Intelligence Research in Canada.

The article looks at:

• federal government support for AI research
• legislation and frameworks for AI governance
• the role of Parliament
• policy areas that may be impacted by AI
  

Legislative Summary of Federal Bill C-23 - Historic Places of Canada Act

The Library of Parliament has published its Legislative Summary of Bill C-23, known by the short title of Historic Places of Canada Act:

"Many of Canada’s historic places are disappearing or under threat. Bill C‑23 strengthens and expands the protection and designation of federally owned historic sites in Canada. Bill C‑23 enacts the Historic Places of Canada Act (HPCA), which replaces the Historic Sites and Monuments Act (HSMA) – the Act currently providing for the protection of historic sites. The HPCA is under the authority of Parks Canada, and the minister responsible for that agency is the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. A significant portion of Bill C‑23 is dedicated to codifying conventional protections and programs. Bill C‑23 also provides enforcement mechanisms and penalties. Fines under the HPCA are collected in a fund dedicated to heritage conservation. Bill C‑23 also aims to support further reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada by implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action 79(i)."

Progress of the bill through the Houses of Parliament can be followed on the LEGISinfo website. 

Library of Parliament Legislative Summary of Bill C-18: Online News Act

The Library of Parliament has published its legislative summary of Bill C-18, the Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada (short title: Online News Act).

"The purpose of Bill C‑18 is to rebalance the power dynamics in the digital news marketplace in order to ensure fair compensation for Canadian media outlets and journalists. It creates a new legislative and regulatory framework to enable digital news intermediaries to negotiate agreements with Canadian media to authorize them to disseminate Canadian media content on their platforms. The bill sets up a process that enables smaller media outlets to bargain collectively."

"The bill also expands the mandate and powers of the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). It gives the CRTC responsibility for developing the code of conduct governing bargaining between digital news intermediaries and news businesses. It also mandates the CRTC to determine whether agreements made outside the bargaining process meet the conditions for exemption."

"According to the Charter Statement on Bill C‑18 prepared by the Minister of Justice, Bill C‑18 is consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. To arrive at this conclusion, the Minister assessed the bill’s potential impacts on freedom of expression (section 2(b)), searches or seizures (section 8) and fair trial rights (section 11)."

It is possible to follow the progress of the bill through both Houses of the federal Parliament on the LEGISinfo website. 

Library of Parliament Summary of Key Freedom of Expression Jurisprudence in Canada

The Library of Parliament has published a HillNotes post about Freedom of Expression: Recent Jurisprudence:

"Canadian courts must at times determine whether a person’s particular expression has violated Canadian law or whether laws and government actions have violated the right to free expression guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

"The selected recent court decisions summarized in this document highlight the challenges that can arise when drawing limits around acceptable or appropriate expression. They address certain questions: When does a joke go too far and interfere with another person’s right to protect their dignity? When is hateful speech harmful to others rather than simply offensive? When can laws restrict creative or commercial expression involving products that raise health concerns? Should public spaces be available for the expression of all views?"

"While the Charter guarantees the right to free expression as one of Canada’s constitutionally protected fundamental freedoms, it also allows governments to impose limitations on it. Courts may be called upon to determine if, as required by the Charter, these limitations are proven to be reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society."

HillNotes offer analysis of current events and emerging issues of significant interest to Canadian Parliament.

Library of Parliament Legislative Summary of Bill C-13 on Official Languages Act

The Library of Parliament has prepared a legislative summary of Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada's Official Languages:

"Bill C‑13 incorporates many of the amendments proposed to Bill C‑32, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, tabled during the 2nd Session of the 43rd Parliament. Bill C‑32, which died on the Order Paper at first reading, had itself been preceded by the release, on 19 February 2021, of a reform proposal entitled English and French: Towards a Substantive Equality of Official Languages in Canada. The bill was also preceded by many calls from civil society, parliamentary committees and the Commissioner of Official Languages to modernize the Official Languages Act (OLA)."

"The following list outlines some of the aspects of Bill C‑13 that are different from its predecessor, Bill C‑32:

• (...)
• the uniqueness and diversity of official language minority communities and their historical and cultural contributions to Canadian society,
• the fact that immigration is one of the factors that contributes to maintaining or increasing the demographic weight of francophone minority communities, and
• the fact that all legal obligations related to the official languages apply at all times, including during emergencies;
• the recognition that language rights are to be interpreted in light of their remedial character for the purposes of the OLA;
• (...)
• the addition to the list of new powers granted to the Commissioner of Official Languages (the power to impose administrative monetary penalties on certain transportation entities defined by regulation); and
• the withdrawal from the OLA of the rights to use French as a language of service and a language of work in relation to federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong francophone presence and the inclusion of these rights in a new Act."

(...)

"Bill C‑13 has 71 clauses. It amends every part of the OLA, except Part I, which deals with the parliamentary proceedings. The bill also enacts an entirely new Act, on the language of service and language of work of federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in regions with a strong francophone presence. This new Act is entitled the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act (UFFRPBA)."

It is possible to follow the progress of the bill in the federal Parliament on the LEGISinfo website.

Library of Parliament Legislative Summary of Bill to Amend Judges Act

The Library of Parliament has published its legislative summary of Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Judges Act:

"By replacing the existing complaints process regarding alleged misconduct with a new system, Bill C-9 changes how complaints against federally appointed judges are handled. The existing process was established in 1971 under the Judges Act, which defines the criteria for removing a judge from office and prescribes certain other requirements; procedural elements of the complaints process are largely set out in Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) policy documents and by laws."

"The CJC is a federal body created under the Judges Act and empowered to investigate public complaints and referrals from the Minister of Justice of Canada or a provincial/territorial attorney general about the conduct of federally appointed judges. It does not review judges’ decisions. After conducting an inquiry, the CJC may make recommendations to the minister, including the recommendation to remove a judge from office. The CJC’s judicial conduct oversight role is part of its general mandate to help the judicial system remain efficient, uniform and accountable. Its 41 members include all chief justices and associate chief justices and certain senior judges from federal and provincial/territorial superior courts."

It is possible to follow the progress of the bill through both Chambers of the Canadian Parliament on the LEGISinfo website.

Library of Parliament Document on Growing Importance of Open-Source Intelligence

The Library of Parliament in Ottawa recently published an explanation of The Growing Importance of Open-Source Intelligence to National Security:

"Until recently, open-source intelligence (OSINT) – publicly available information that has been processed into intelligence – was typically derived from foreign broadcasts and publications."

"Today, OSINT is a changed discipline. Social media platforms, smartphones and Internet of Things devices have exponentially increased the volume and variety of available information. Commercial cloud solutions have driven down the cost of data storage and created a market for 'machine learning as a service.' Finally, advancements in microchip design have augmented data processing power, with quantum computers promising more. Consequently, publicly available information is now collected in bulk, with the aim of applying big data analytics – including ML – to generate insight."

"CSE [Communications Security Establishment] is not the only government institution collecting and analyzing publicly available information. However, its legal mandate provides the only explicit definition of 'publicly available information' apart from existing privacy law."

Library of Parliament Explanation of the Emergencies Act

This is an update to yesterday's post entitled Analysis of the Anti-Vaccine Mandate Protests.

The Library of Parliament has published an explanation of The Emergencies Act: Parliament’s Role During a National Emergency:

"On 14 February 2022, in response to the ongoing blockades and protests taking place in Ottawa and at some border crossings, the Prime Minister announced that the Governor in Council had invoked the Emergencies Act, giving the federal government certain temporary powers."

"The Emergencies Act sets out the procedure by which a national emergency can be declared and by which the declaration can be confirmed, continued, amended and revoked. It also provides for a supervisory role for Parliament."

"This HillNote provides some background information about this Act and explains the role of Parliament during a national emergency."

Library of Parliament Research Publication on Transition to Canada's 44th Parliament

With the Canadian elections behind us and a new federal cabinet sworn in earlier today, the country will soon see the opening of the 44th federal Parliament.

To explain what happens during the transition from one Parliament to another, the Library of Parliament recently prepared a new publication on the topic.

From the introduction:

"This document consists of a series of questions and answers about issues concerning the transition from one Parliament to the next and, in particular, the transition from the 43rd to the 44th Parliament. It explains how parliamentary and government activities are affected during an election period and describes the situation of various key political players – the Governor General, the prime minister, ministers and members of the House of Commons – between the dissolution of one Parliament and the beginning of the next."

"A general election determines the composition of the House of Commons and results in one of a number of possible government configurations – usually, a majority or a minority government. This document considers the constitutional, conventional, and practical implications of these possibilities."

Library of Parliament Explains Evolution of the Selection Process of the Governor General

Earlier today, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Mary Simon, a well known advocate for Inuit rights and culture and a former ambassador, as the next Governor General of Canada.

The Library of Parliament HillNotes publication provided some interesting background in April on the Evolution of the Selection and Appointment of the Governor General:

"The Governor General is currently appointed by the Crown on the advice of the prime minister. The selection and appointment process has evolved considerably since Confederation."

"Early in Canada’s history, the Canadian executive had little influence on the appointment. As Canada asserted its independence, it gained more influence over the process. In recent years, some prime ministers have relied on advisory groups for advice."

"This HillNote discusses the evolution of the selection and appointment process for Canadian governors general and compares the various advisory groups that have been struck over the years."

 

Recent Legislative Summaries from Library of Parliament

The Library of Parliament has recently published a number of new and revised summaries of legislation.

These include:

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-7: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-12: An Act respecting transparency and accountability in Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-15: An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

All legislative summaries can be found on the Library of Parliament website.

It is possible to follow the progress of  bills through the Canadian Parliament on the LEGISinfo website. There you can find the different versions of a bill, debates, committee hearings, and coming into force information.

Recent Legislative Summaries from Library of Parliament

The Library of Parliament has recently published a number of legislative summaries if bills currently being debated.

• Legislative Summary of Bill C-7: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying)
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-10: An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts (preliminary version)
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-11: An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act (preliminary version)
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-12: An Act respecting transparency and accountability in Canada's efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050
• Legislative Summary of Bill C-15: An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (preliminary version)

Legislative Summary of Federal Bill to Create National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

 The Library of Parliament has published a Legislative Summary of Bill C-5: : An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation):

"Bill C-5 aims to respond to call to action number 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) by creating a statutory holiday for federally regulated employees, to be known as the 'National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.' The proposed holiday will take place on 30 September each year to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential school survivors and their families and communities. The holiday will also ensure commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools" ...

"Between the late 1800s and the late 1990s, the federal government and several Christian churches operated a system of residential schools for Indigenous children. The schools were part of a federal policy designed to assimilate Indigenous people into Canadian society. Children were often taken forcibly from their homes to attend the schools, and some were forbidden from practising their cultures or speaking their languages. Some children also experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse at the schools."

"The TRC was established in 2008 under the terms of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Among other matters, it had a mandate to document the history and legacy of residential schools. The TRC's 2015 final report included 94 calls to action, covering areas such as health, education and justice. Specifically, call to action 80 called upon the federal government to work with Indigenous people to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday."

It is possible to follow the progress of the bill through the Canadian Parliament on the LEGISinfo website.

Legislative Summary of Federal Bill on Citizenship Act Amendment

 The Library of Parliament has published a Legislative Summary of Bill C-8: An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94):

"Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94), was introduced in the House of Commons on 22 October 2020 by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. The bill aims to modify the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship, a change requiring an amendment to the Citizenship Act. The current Oath of Citizenship has not been modified in over 40 years (...)"

"In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) presented its six-volume final report and 94 calls to action. The TRC spent six years hearing more than 6,500 witnesses across Canada to shed light on the legacy of residential schools and to pave the way to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The federal government committed to implementing the calls to action in the areas that fell within its jurisdiction."

"In one of two calls to action pertaining to citizenship, the TRC called upon the federal government to replace the Oath of Citizenship with the following:

I swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples, and fulfill my duties as a Canadian citizen."

 It is possible to follow the progress of the bill through the Canadian Parliament on the LEGISinfo website.

Legislative Summary of Federal Bill on Medical Assistance in Dying

The Library of Parliament has published a Legislative Summary of Bill C-7: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying):

"Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) was introduced in the House of Commons by the Minister of Justice on 24 February 2020 and received first reading that same day. With the prorogation of the first session of the 43rd Parliament, that bill died on the Order Paper, but it was reintroduced in identical form and with the same number, C-7, on 5 October 2020."

"The bill includes the federal response to the September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec decision in Truchon c. Procureur général du Canada, which related to the federal Criminal Code (the Code) provisions on medical assistance in dying (MAID) and Quebec's Act respecting end-of-life care. That decision declared that the Code requirement that a person could be eligible for MAID only if natural death was 'reasonably foreseeable' was contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms."

"The amendments to the Code that are proposed in Bill C-7 also address some issues that have been raised since the Code provisions on MAID were first introduced in 2016. The bill amends the Code provisions on MAID by establishing a separate set of procedural safeguards for individuals whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable and making some amendments to the safeguards that apply in the case of individuals whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable."

"The bill also amends the eligibility criteria by establishing that mental illness is not an illness, disease or disability for the purpose of determining eligibility for MAID."

"Following the tabling of the first Bill C-7, in the previous session of this Parliament, the Department of Justice presented a report on the results of consultations that had been held by the federal government in January and February 2020. Those consultations sought input from Canadians on issues relating to MAID, including whether MAID should be available to a person whose sole underlying condition is a mental illness."

It is possible to follow the progress of the bill through the Canadian Parliament on the LEGISinfo website.