Bill S-2 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 3rd 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-2 amends federal laws, including the Criminal Code and the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, to enhance the prevention and investigation of sex crimes and to ensure sex offenders arriving in Canada comply with registration requirements.
Bill S-2, also known as the Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act, amends federal laws, primarily the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, and the National Defence Act. These amendments aim to improve police investigations into sexual offenses, allow for proactive use of a national sex offender database to prevent such crimes, and ensure that sex offenders arriving in Canada comply with registration requirements. The bill also introduces provisions for mandatory DNA sample collection for sex offenders under certain circumstances and updates definitions and procedures related to sex offender registration and reporting. It includes measures for individuals convicted of sex offenses outside Canada to be subject to similar registration obligations upon arrival in Canada. The bill received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
- Amends the Criminal Code to update definitions of offenses, modify court orders related to sex offender registration, and introduce new offenses for non-compliance.
- Amends the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to change the definition of a 'sex offender', modify reporting obligations for individuals subject to orders or obligations, and introduce provisions for information sharing and database administration.
- Amends the National Defence Act to align its provisions with changes made to the Criminal Code regarding sex offender registration and obligations.
- Introduces measures for individuals convicted of sex offenses outside Canada to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act upon arrival in Canada.
- Establishes procedures for obtaining DNA samples for forensic analysis from sex offenders under specific court orders.
- Modifies how information is registered, disclosed, and destroyed in the national sex offender database.
- Clarifies the duration of registration orders and obligations, including provisions for termination and exemption orders.
- Introduces new sections to the Criminal Code and the International Transfer of Offenders Act to handle the registration obligations of sex offenders arriving in Canada from abroad.
- Changes the short title of the Act to the 'Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act'.
- Individuals convicted of or found not criminally responsible for sex offenses.
- Individuals arriving in Canada who have been convicted of equivalent sex offenses outside Canada.
- Law enforcement agencies, including police services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- Crown prosecutors and the Attorney General's offices.
- Courts and judicial officials.
- The Correctional Service of Canada.
- Provincial correctional authorities.
- The Canadian Forces and military justice system.
- Individuals subject to court orders or legal obligations related to sex offender registration.
- The military police (Provost Marshal).
- Individuals subject to certain sex offense convictions must register information under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act.
- Individuals are obligated to report to a registration center under specified timelines.
- Individuals must report changes in address, name, or employment/volunteer status.
- Individuals may apply for termination or exemption orders from registration obligations under specific conditions.
- Law enforcement has the right to access and use information in the sex offender database for prevention and investigation purposes.
- The bill outlines procedures for the disclosure and protection of information in the database.
- The Act received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
- The provisions of this Act come into force on a day or days to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
- Failure to comply with an order or obligation to register as a sex offender is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, on indictment, or a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, on summary conviction.
- Providing false or misleading information related to sex offender registration may result in fines or imprisonment.
- Failure to comply with sex offender registration obligations under the National Defence Act is subject to imprisonment for less than two years or less punishment.
- The bill does not specify the exact date(s) on which its provisions will come into force, as this is to be determined by Order in Council.
- The determination of whether an offense outside Canada is 'equivalent' to a Canadian designated offense is made by the Attorney General or Minister of Justice of a province or territory.
- The bill relies on the Governor in Council to establish specific commencement dates for its provisions.
Amends various sections related to sex offenses, designated offenses for registration purposes, court orders for sex offender registration, and penalties for non-compliance. It also introduces new provisions for international offenders and updates definitions.
Source: Sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
Amends the purpose of the Act, the definition of 'sex offender', reporting obligations for individuals subject to orders or obligations, rules for temporary absences, information collection, and procedures for database administration, removal, and destruction of information. It also clarifies who can consult the database and under what circumstances.
Source: Sections 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44
Amends provisions related to failing to comply with orders or obligations concerning sex offender registration, and updates sections related to court martial orders and the definition of designated offenses to align with changes in the Criminal Code.
Source: Sections 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60
Introduces new provisions (Section 36.1 and 36.2) that require individuals transferred to Canada under this Act, who have committed offenses equivalent to designated sex offenses in Canada, to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. It also modifies existing sections related to informing offenders of their obligations and the transfer of information.
Source: Sections 61, 62, 63
Amends provisions related to pardons to ensure that pardon recipients are still subject to sex offender registration obligations under specific federal laws, including amendments made by this Act.
Source: Section 64
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 textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A legislative summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 17 March 2010, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act), in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-2 amends the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, the Criminal Code, the National Defence Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act. Among other things, it • requires that sexual offence convictions would result in an automatic inclusion in the Sex Offender Registry; • makes DNA sampling mandatory for all convicted sex offenders; • provides police access to the Sex Offenders Registry; • establish an administrative process to enable registration of Canadians convicted abroad of sex offences and returning to Canada under the International Transfer of Offenders Act; • notifications to other police jurisdictions when high-risk registered offenders travel; and • amendments to the National Defence Act to ensure that reforms apply to the military justice system.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill S-2, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and other Acts, completed its first reading in the Senate on March 17, 2010, and later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, had its first reading in the Senate on March 17, 2010. This is a procedural step where the bill is introduced. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010.
During a Senate sitting on March 17, 2010, Bill S-2 received first reading, alongside debates on various social and environmental issues, and a procedural matter regarding a suspended senator.
On March 17, 2010, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting where, among other proceedings, Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, was introduced and received first reading. The sitting also included debates on various topics such as "Home Children," "Pillows for Troops," "Child Pornography," "New Mortgage Rules," and discussions on the government's environmental policies. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to a procedural matter concerning the presence of a suspended senator, Senator Lavigne, and whether he had fulfilled his obligation to attend the Senate. This procedural debate involved multiple senators and the Speaker, clarifying Senate rules. Other proceedings included the tabling of a committee report, several notices of motions for committees to study various issues, and the continuation of debate on the Speech from the Throne. Additionally, Bill S-212 concerning tax relief for Nunavik and Bill S-210 to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Auditor General Act were debated at second reading, with debate adjourned on both. Finally, a motion to authorize the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence to study national security and defence policies was agreed to.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-2 on March 29, 2010, after initial debates.
On March 29, 2010, the Senate completed the second reading stage for Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. This followed initial speeches on the bill by Senators on March 23, 2010. The bill then proceeded to committee consideration.
During a Senate sitting on March 23, 2010, the second reading debate for Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, began but was adjourned.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on March 23, 2010. While the sitting included debates on various topics and other procedural matters, the specific item related to Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, was the "Debate at second reading debate record." This debate occurred when Senator Bob Runciman moved second reading of Bill S-2, which he sponsored. He explained that the bill aims to strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry and the National DNA Data Bank to help protect children from sexual predators and ensure police have better tools for their work. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not completed during this sitting.
The Senate debated the second reading of Bill S-2, with the sponsor arguing it would strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry and DNA Data Bank to improve public safety and protect children from sex offenders.
This document contains the Senate debate from March 23, 2010, related to Bill S-2, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts." The debate at the second reading stage focused on the sponsor's speech, which outlined the bill's purpose. The sponsor, Senator Bob Runciman, explained that Bill S-2 aims to enhance public safety by strengthening the National Sex Offender Registry and the National DNA Data Bank. He stated the bill would ensure all individuals convicted of sexual offences are automatically registered and required to provide DNA samples, and that police would be able to use the registry for crime prevention as well as investigation. The speech also highlighted amendments made to the bill, including the inclusion of vehicle registration information and methods of operation for sex offenders. The sponsor emphasized that the bill aligns with requests from police and victims' groups and aims to send a message of zero tolerance for sex offenders. The debate was adjourned after the sponsor's speech.
The Senate debated and advanced Appropriation Bills, discussed amendments to the Criminal Code in Bill S-2, and adopted committee reports on financial estimates and regulatory scrutiny during its March 29, 2010 sitting.
On March 29, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting where several matters were addressed. The Senate heard statements from Senators on various topics, including sports achievements, community initiatives, and historical commemorations. Routine proceedings included the tabling of reports and the introduction of notices of motions concerning environmental user fees, foreign affairs programs, apologies to former students of Indian residential schools, and studies on services for armed forces members and veterans. A delayed answer regarding gender-based analysis protocols was provided. The Senate then proceeded to Orders of the Day, where debates and decisions were made on Appropriation Bills (C-6 and C-7), the Main Estimates, and a bill to amend the Criminal Code (Bill S-2). Bill S-2, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and other acts, was debated at second reading and referred to committee. The Senate also adopted the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance regarding the 2010-2011 Estimates and the first report of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.
On March 29, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-2 concerning sexual offender laws, approved two appropriation bills for government spending, and addressed other routine parliamentary business.
This artifact is a record of Senate proceedings on March 29, 2010. It includes Senators' statements on various topics, routine proceedings where documents were tabled and motions were given notice, a question period with a delayed answer, and the consideration of several bills and reports. Notably, the Senate debated and gave second reading to Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, concerning sexual offences. The debate focused on the proposed changes to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA), with a speaker raising concerns about mandatory registration, judicial discretion, and the process for terminating court orders. The Senate also debated and gave second reading to two appropriation bills (Bill C-6 and Bill C-7) concerning government spending for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years, respectively. Discussions on these bills highlighted concerns about the amount of government spending, the fiscal deficit, and the effectiveness of stimulus packages. Finally, the Senate considered and adopted reports from the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance regarding the 2010-11 Main Estimates and a report from the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.
This record details the progression of Bill S-2 through the Senate and House of Commons, culminating in Royal Assent.
This artifact outlines the procedural steps for Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, within the Senate. It shows that the bill moved through various stages, including First Reading, Second Reading, and multiple sittings for 'Consideration in committee'. It also notes that the bill eventually received Royal Assent, becoming Statutes of Canada 2010, c. 17. The artifact includes dates for these stages and mentions speeches made during Second Reading in both the Senate and the House of Commons.
On May 6, 2010, the Senate received committee reports on Bills S-2 and S-215 without amendment, heard debates on various public issues, and adjourned debate on Bill S-9 concerning auto theft.
On May 6, 2010, the Senate of Canada convened. During Routine Proceedings, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its fourth report on Bill S-215 and its fifth report on Bill S-2. Both bills were reported without amendment. The Senate also heard various committee reports, received first reading of two bills (Bill C-311 and Bill C-288), and tabled several delegation reports. The Question Period featured discussions on the long-gun registry, funding for women's organizations, and the banking system. The Senate then adjourned debate on Bill S-9, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime. Debate was also adjourned on an inquiry into the impact of the global economic crisis and a motion concerning the participation of Haitian women in their country's reconstruction was adopted.
This artifact documents the Senate's procedural completion of the Third Reading stage for Bill S-2 on May 11, 2010, a step in its journey to becoming law.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, in the Senate. It details the bill's progression through various stages, including first reading, second reading, committee consideration, report stage, and third reading. The artifact specifically highlights the completion of the Senate Third reading stage on May 11, 2010. It also notes that the bill eventually received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming a Canadian Statute of 2010, chapter 17. The record also indicates the bill's subsequent journey through the House of Commons.
The Senate sat on May 11, 2010, to hear tributes for Senator Wilbert J. Keon, handle routine proceedings, answer questions, and debate Bill S-2 at third reading, Bill S-10 at second reading, and Bill C-232 at second reading.
This artifact is a record of the Senate sitting on May 11, 2010. The sitting included Tributes to Senator Wilbert J. Keon, who was retiring, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. Under Orders of the Day, there was a debate on Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, at its third reading. There was also debate on Bill S-10, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts, at its second reading, and debate on Bill C-232, An Act to amend the Supreme Court Act, at its second reading.
This record shows that Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, underwent its first reading in the House of Commons on May 26, 2010, as part of its legislative journey which concluded with Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
This artifact details the first reading of Bill S-2 in the House of Commons on May 26, 2010. First reading is a preliminary step where a bill is introduced to the House. The artifact also provides a timeline of the bill's progress, including its introduction in the Senate, various readings, committee considerations, and eventual receipt of Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada 2010. It also notes similar bills introduced in the same Parliament.
On May 26, 2010, the House of Commons held its first reading for Bill S-2 and engaged in debates on various issues including the economy, public safety, and official languages, alongside routine procedural matters.
This artifact is a record of the House of Commons sitting on May 26, 2010. It details various discussions and procedural actions that occurred. Key discussions included the economy, public safety, securities regulation, maternal health, the oil and gas industry, status of women, offshore drilling, and the firearms registry. Procedural items included a Speaker's ruling on a royal recommendation for Bill C-501, statements on privilege, routine proceedings such as presenting reports from committees and responses to petitions, and motions regarding bills. Notably, the artifact records the first reading of Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, following a motion that was agreed to.
The House of Commons completed its second reading of Bill S-2 on June 15, 2010, agreeing to the bill and referring it to committee, before it eventually received royal assent.
This artifact describes the House of Commons' second reading stage for Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. The second reading in the House of Commons was completed on June 15, 2010, following major speeches on June 15, 2010. This stage involved the bill being agreed to and then referred to committee for consideration. The artifact also notes that the bill ultimately received royal assent on December 15, 2010, becoming Statutes of Canada 2010, c. 17.
On June 14, 2010, the House of Commons debated and took procedural steps on several bills, including those related to the Competition Act, a national museum of immigration, pardons for serious crimes, the sex offender registry, and multiple sclerosis.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on June 14, 2010. During this sitting, members debated and voted on several items. Key discussions included a bill to amend the Competition Act, a bill to create a national museum of immigration, a bill to change the Criminal Code regarding pardons for serious crimes, and a bill to amend the Criminal Code and other acts concerning the national sex offender registry. There was also a debate on measures to address multiple sclerosis. Several bills were introduced, and a ruling on a question of privilege was delivered. The sitting concluded with various reports and motions being presented.
The House of Commons sat on June 15, 2010, debating and advancing several pieces of legislation including bills related to sex offenders, online child exploitation, refugee reform, and First Nations land title.
This document is a record of the House of Commons sitting on June 15, 2010. During this sitting, the House debated and moved forward with several bills, including the "Protecting Victims from Sex Offenders Act" (Bill S-2), which was read a second time and referred to committee. Other discussions included the "Protecting Children from Online Sexual Exploitation Act" (Bill C-22), the "Balanced Refugee Reform Act" (Bill C-11), and the "First Nations Certainty of Land Title Act" (Bill C-24). The sitting also featured various statements by members on a range of topics and oral questions directed at government ministers.
The House of Commons committee completed its examination of Bill S-2 on October 7, 2010, as part of the bill's legislative process which concluded with Royal Assent later that year.
This artifact marks the completion of the "Consideration in committee" stage for Bill S-2 in the House of Commons on October 7, 2010. This stage involves a detailed examination of the bill's content by a parliamentary committee. The provided text outlines the timeline of this stage, listing multiple sittings where the committee met to review the bill. It also notes that the bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada 2010.
During a House of Commons sitting on October 7, 2010, committee reports on Bill S-2 and Bill S-210 were presented without amendments.
On October 7, 2010, the House of Commons was involved in proceedings related to Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. Specifically, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security presented its third report to the House, indicating that it had studied Bill S-2 and was reporting it back without amendments. The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development also presented its third report on a related bill (Bill S-210), also reporting it back without amendments.
On December 15, 2010, the Senate debated various issues, tabled committee reports, and gave Royal Assent to multiple bills, including Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts.
This document is a record of proceedings in the Senate on December 15, 2010. It details various activities including the tabling of committee reports, the first reading of a bill, discussions on international human rights, health care, and the F-35 aircraft purchase. It also includes debates on bills concerning economic recovery, cross-border maritime law enforcement, conflict of interest, and an inquiry into women in prisons. The sitting concluded with Royal Assent being given to several bills, including Bill S-2, which amends the Criminal Code and other Acts.
The House of Commons completed its report stage for Bill S-2 on December 7, 2010, before moving to third reading and subsequently receiving royal assent.
The House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-2 was completed on December 7, 2010. This stage involved reviewing and potentially amending the bill after it had gone through committee study. Following this stage, the bill proceeded to third reading in the House of Commons on the same day. The bill eventually received royal assent on December 15, 2010, becoming Statutes of Canada 2010, chapter 17.
On December 7, 2010, the House of Commons debated and advanced Bills S-2 (Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act) and C-33 (Safer Railways Act), alongside other legislative matters, with a focus on public safety and regulatory improvements.
On December 7, 2010, the House of Commons debated Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. The debate focused on the "Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act" (Bill S-2) and the "Safer Railways Act" (Bill C-33). The debate on Bill S-2 involved discussions about strengthening the national sex offender registry, including automatic registration, DNA sample collection, and provisions for offenders convicted abroad. Members also debated the scope of offenses covered, the potential for over-inclusion in the registry, and the need for resources to support its implementation. The debate on Bill C-33 focused on improving rail safety through amendments to the Railway Safety Act. Discussions included measures to enhance regulatory oversight, introduce administrative monetary penalties, establish safety management systems, and address issues such as level crossings and train length. There was also a debate on the "Sustaining Canada's Economic Recovery Act" (Bill C-47), which passed third reading. The House also proceeded with private members' business, including a debate on a motion regarding nuclear non-proliferation and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
The House of Commons completed the third reading stage for Bill S-2 on December 7, 2010.
On December 7, 2010, the House of Commons completed the third reading stage for Bill S-2, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts. This procedural step means the House has finished its final debate and consideration of the bill.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-2 at third reading, enhancing the national sex offender registry through automatic registration, DNA sampling, and expanded access for law enforcement.
On December 7, 2010, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts, at its third reading stage. The debate focused on amendments to the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the Criminal Code to enhance the national sex offender registry. Key discussions included making registration automatic for convicted sex offenders, requiring DNA samples, allowing police to access the registry for prevention purposes, and expanding the types of offences that would trigger registration. Concerns were raised about the scope of these changes, potential over-inclusion of individuals, and the administrative burden on police. The bill also addressed the inclusion of individuals convicted of sex offences abroad and international notification protocols for registered offenders.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Royal assent yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate 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 does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
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