Bill S-205 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), clarifies that suicide bombings are defined as terrorist activity under Canadian law.
This bill proposes to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to explicitly state that suicide bombings are considered a terrorist activity. It clarifies that such acts fall under the existing definitions of terrorist activity within the Criminal Code.
- Amends the Criminal Code to clarify that suicide bombings are included within the definition of "terrorist activity".
- Ensures that suicide bombings meet the criteria for terrorist activity as defined in the Criminal Code.
- Individuals who commit suicide bombings.
- Law enforcement and the justice system.
- The public, through updated legal definitions of terrorist activity.
- The Act comes into force on a date to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
- The specific date the Act comes into force is not yet determined and will be set by the Governor in Council.
Adds a clarification that suicide bombings are considered terrorist activity.
Source: Section 83.01
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-205, concerning suicide bombings, completed its first reading in the Senate on January 27, 2009.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, in the Senate. The first reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced to the chamber. It occurred on January 27, 2009, and was completed on that date. The bill later proceeded through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including second reading, committee consideration, and third reading.
On January 27, 2009, the Senate observed a moment of silence, heard statements on various topics, introduced several bills including one related to suicide bombings, and began debate on the Speech from the Throne.
This document records the proceedings of the Senate on January 27, 2009. The Senate observed a moment of silence for fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. Senators made statements on topics including the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the UN Human Rights Council resolution on the conflict in Gaza, and youth justice initiatives. Several bills were introduced and received first reading, including Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. The Senate also dealt with procedural matters, including tabling a document, adopting a motion regarding property qualifications of senators, and giving notice of several motions concerning committee studies and changes to sitting times. Question period addressed the state of the economy and the appointment process. The Senate then began debate on the Speech from the Throne.
Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, successfully passed second reading in both the Senate and the House of Commons and is now at the committee stage in the House of Commons.
This artifact details the procedural steps of Bill S-205 in the Senate. The Senate completed its second reading of the bill on February 10, 2009, with speeches from Senator Jerahmiel Grafstein and Senator Raynell Andreychuk. The bill later moved to the House of Commons where it also underwent a second reading on October 22, 2009, with speeches from Kelly Block, Andrew Kania, Thierry St-Cyr, and Judy Wasylycia-Leis. The House of Commons then agreed to the second reading and referred the bill to committee. The bill's current status is "At consideration in committee in the House of Commons".
On February 10, 2009, the Senate celebrated Senator Marcel Prud'homme's 45th anniversary, tabled various reports, debated the budget and other issues, and adjourned debate on several bills, including Bill S-205 concerning suicide bombings.
The Senate met on February 10, 2009. The day began with congratulating Senator Marcel Prud'homme on his 45th anniversary as a Member of Parliament. Routine proceedings involved the tabling of various reports, including those from the Auditor General and the Commissioner of the Environment. A bill to amend the Citizenship Act was introduced and received first reading. The Senate then moved to Question Period, where discussions included Budget 2009, job losses in agriculture, the situation in Zimbabwe, official language training, employment, and the status of Omar Khadr. The "Orders of the Day" section shows that debate continued on Budget 2009 and the Speech from the Throne. A motion regarding the Senate's sitting times was adopted. Debates on several bills were adjourned, including a bill to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings (Bill S-205), a bill to amend the Income Tax Act regarding carbon offset tax credits, and a bill to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act regarding vacancies. The Second Report of the Committee of Selection was presented and adopted. A motion to establish a Special Committee on Aging was also adopted. The Senate then adjourned until February 11, 2009.
During a Senate sitting on February 10, 2009, proceedings included congratulatory remarks for Senator Marcel Prud'homme's 45 years of service, debate on Bill S-205 to explicitly include suicide bombings in the Criminal Code, discussions on economic issues and job losses, and introductory speeches by newly appointed senators.
On February 10, 2009, the Senate was engaged in various procedural activities, including tabling reports, authorizing committee studies, and presenting bills. A significant portion of the sitting involved debates and speeches, primarily focused on congratulating Senator Marcel Prud'homme on his 45th anniversary in Parliament. Senator Prud'homme's career was highlighted, noting his extensive service, independent voice, and advocacy for peace and human rights. The Senate also discussed Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, with Senator Grafstein presenting arguments for its explicit inclusion in the Code. Debates also touched on economic issues, job losses in the agricultural sector, Canada-U.S. relations, and the status of Omar Khadr. The Senate also considered other bills related to the Citizenship Act, the Income Tax Act, and amendments to election and Parliament acts. Several senators delivered introductory speeches upon their appointment, sharing personal reflections and political philosophies.
During a Senate sitting on March 31, 2009, Bill S-205 regarding suicide bombings was read the second time and referred to committee, alongside debates on other matters including CBC funding, scientific research, and a question of privilege concerning a government website.
On March 31, 2009, the Senate convened for a sitting that included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, was read for the second time and referred to committee. The sitting also involved discussions and tabling of various reports, including annual reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pension Plan, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, as well as the Auditor General's March 2009 Status Report. Several other bills were introduced or debated, and various inquiries and motions were addressed, including those concerning CBC/Radio-Canada funding, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Senate appointments, and the commercial seal hunt. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to a debate on a question of privilege regarding an inaccurate government website statement about the Senate's role in passing legislation, which ultimately led to a ruling that a prima facie case of privilege had been sustained. The debate also touched upon the importance of scientific research and the government's approach to funding it.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-205, senators expressed support for its aim to explicitly identify suicide bombings as terrorist activity while emphasizing the need for thorough committee review to ensure legal soundness and avoid unintended consequences, after which the bill was referred to committee.
This artifact is a record of Senate proceedings on March 31, 2009. It includes various Senate statements, tabling of reports, first readings of bills, and debates on different matters. Specifically related to Bill S-205, the record shows that Senator A. Raynell Andreychuk and Senator Marcel Prud'homme spoke during the debate at the second reading of the bill. Senator Andreychuk expressed support for the bill's principle of condemning suicide bombings as terrorist activity, while also raising concerns about potential unintended consequences and the need for careful committee study to ensure the bill's legal aspects are sound. Senator Prud'homme congratulated Senator Grafstein for his persistence in bringing the bill forward and also hoped the committee would study it thoroughly. Following the debate, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code regarding suicide bombings, completed its 'Senate Consideration in committee' stage on June 4, 2009.
This artifact describes a completed procedural stage for Bill S-205, titled 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings)', in the Senate. The stage was 'Senate Consideration in committee' and it was completed on June 4, 2009. The artifact also outlines the bill's progress through other stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first reading, second reading, and consideration in committee.
The Senate's Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee presented a report on Bill S-205, proposing an amendment regarding the definition of suicide bombings as terrorist activities and its commencement date.
The Senate met on June 4, 2009. The primary activity related to Bill S-205 was the presentation of the Sixth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. This report indicated that the committee had examined Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), and recommended it be reported back with an amendment. The amendment involved replacing specific lines related to the definition of 'bombing' as a terrorist activity and adding a clause for the Act's commencement upon order of the Governor in Council. The report was then placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting. The rest of the sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, tabling of committee reports, first readings of bills, question period, and debate on other government and private bills.
The Senate Report stage for Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), was completed on June 9, 2009, after which the bill proceeded to the House of Commons.
This artifact details the 'Senate Report stage' for Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). This stage was completed on June 9, 2009. The bill was later moved to the House of Commons for consideration in committee. The artifact also lists previous and subsequent stages, including first and second readings in both the Senate and the House of Commons, and highlights major speeches made during these readings.
On June 9, 2009, the Senate conducted routine business, debated and advanced several bills including one to amend the Criminal Code regarding suicide bombings, and considered committee reports.
This record details a Senate sitting on June 9, 2009. The sitting included a silent tribute to a fallen soldier, a welcome to visitors from China and Croatia, tributes to individuals, the tabling of various reports from Senate committees and government officials, the introduction of new bills (including amendments to the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act), notices of motions, question period on topics like medical isotope supply and on-reserve housing, and debates on several bills. Specifically, the sitting included debates on Bill S-7 (Senate term limits), Bill C-29 (agricultural loans), Bill C-24 (Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement), Bill C-33 (War Veterans Allowance Act), and consideration of the seventh report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Bill S-4 (identity theft). The Senate also considered and adopted reports related to the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act, the Competition Act, fisheries and oceans, and public works and government services. There was also debate and adoption of a report on Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), which involved simple amendments to set a commencement date and clarify the definition of suicide bombing. Finally, there were debates on motions concerning the application of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to the Senate, the preservation of Canadian heritage artifacts, and committee sittings.
Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, completed third reading in the Senate on June 10, 2009, and is currently under consideration in committee in the House of Commons.
This record details the progression of Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). The Senate completed its third reading of the bill on June 10, 2009. The bill has since moved to the House of Commons, where it is currently at the committee stage. The provided text lists various stages of the bill's journey through both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first and second readings, committee considerations, report stage, and third readings, with specific dates noted.
On June 10, 2009, the Senate held a sitting that included tributes to a retiring senator, debates on amendments to a bill concerning identity theft, and the third reading and passage of a bill related to suicide bombings.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on June 10, 2009. The sitting included senators paying tribute to Senator Willie Adams, who was retiring, and discussions on various reports and bills. A significant portion of the sitting involved debates on amendments to Bill S-4 (Criminal Code) concerning identity theft. The sitting also included the third reading and passage of Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding suicide bombings. Additionally, there were discussions on the H1N1 outbreak, medical isotope supply, and infrastructure funding.
Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, underwent first reading in the House of Commons on June 12, 2009, and later proceeded through subsequent stages including committee consideration and second reading.
This record describes the first reading of Bill S-205 in the House of Commons on June 12, 2009. This is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The bill's full title is 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings)'. The artifact indicates that the bill was later considered in committee, read for a second time, and then reported back. The 'Latest activity' section shows that the bill was most recently at the second reading stage and referred to committee on November 17, 2009, which is after the first reading date noted in the artifact.
The House of Commons sitting on June 12, 2009, included debates on consumer product safety, statements by members on various topics, oral questions regarding medical isotopes and other issues, and the first reading of Bill S-205.
This artifact is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on June 12, 2009. It details various proceedings, including Government Orders, Statements by Members, Oral Questions, and Routine Proceedings. A key event noted is the first reading of Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings.
On November 17, 2009, the House of Commons completed second reading of Bill S-205 and referred it to committee.
This record shows that on November 17, 2009, the House of Commons completed the second reading stage of Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding suicide bombings. Following this, the bill was referred to a committee for further study.
During a House of Commons debate on Bill S-205, members discussed amending the Criminal Code to explicitly define suicide bombings as terrorist activity, with general support for the bill's symbolic and preventive intent.
This document is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on October 22, 2009, regarding Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. The debate focused on clarifying that suicide bombings are a form of terrorist activity under the Criminal Code. Members discussed the need for precise language to ensure the bill targets only terrorist-related suicide bombings and not other instances. The bill was generally supported as a symbolic measure to express Canada's abhorrence of such acts and to potentially allow for prosecution of organizers and sponsors.
During the second reading debate on Bill S-205, members of the House of Commons discussed the importance of explicitly defining suicide bombings as terrorist activity within the Criminal Code to send a clear message against such acts.
This record details the House of Commons' second reading debate on Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. The debate focused on clarifying that suicide bombings, when connected to terrorism, are to be explicitly included within the Criminal Code's definition of "terrorist activity." There was broad support for the bill's aim to signal Canada's opposition to these acts and to potentially prosecute organizers or financiers of such bombings, even if the bombers themselves cannot be prosecuted.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code to clarify that suicide bombings are a terrorist activity, with all parties expressing support for the bill.
On November 17, 2009, Members of the House of Commons debated Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings. The bill proposed to add a clarification to the Criminal Code that a suicide bombing is considered a terrorist activity. All parties in the House expressed support for the bill.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Consideration in committee yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Report stage yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Third reading yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced