Bill S-215 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, 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-215 amends the Criminal Code to clarify that suicide bombings are included within the legal definition of "terrorist activity".
Bill S-215 is a federal law that clarifies the Criminal Code's definition of terrorist activity. Specifically, it adds a new section stating that suicide bombings are recognized as a type of terrorist activity, provided they meet the criteria outlined in paragraphs (a) or (b) of the Criminal Code's definition of "terrorist activity". This amendment was enacted to remove any ambiguity about whether suicide bombings fall under terrorism laws. The bill received royal assent on December 15, 2010, and will come into force on a date set by order of the Governor in Council.
- Adds a new subsection (1.2) to section 83.01 of the Criminal Code
- Clarifies that suicide bombings are acts that fall within the definition of 'terrorist activity' under paragraphs (a) or (b) of the Criminal Code if they meet the specified criteria
- Provides legal certainty that suicide bombings qualify as terrorist activity for the purposes of criminal law
- Law enforcement and prosecutors applying terrorism provisions of the Criminal Code
- Courts interpreting what constitutes terrorist activity under Canadian criminal law
- Individuals who may be charged with or convicted of terrorist offences involving suicide bombings
- The law clarifies that acts meeting the definition of suicide bombing fall within terrorist activity provisions if they satisfy the criteria of paragraphs (a) or (b) of the 'terrorist activity' definition
- Royal assent received: December 15, 2010
- Commencement date: To be fixed by order of the Governor in Council (not specified in the bill text)
- The bill does not create new penalties; it clarifies that existing terrorist activity offences in the Criminal Code apply to suicide bombings that meet the specified criteria
- The bill text does not provide the full definitions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of 'terrorist activity' referenced in section 83.01(1), so the complete criteria that a suicide bombing must meet are not fully detailed in the bill itself
- The specific commencement date is not set in the legislation; it will be determined by future Governor in Council order
- The bill text does not define what constitutes a 'suicide bombing' with precision; instead it refers to the criteria in existing Criminal Code definitions
A new subsection is added to clarify that suicide bombings are included in the definition of terrorist activity, provided they meet the criteria in paragraphs (a) or (b) of the definition.
Source: Section 1; Criminal Code R.S., c. C-46
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-215, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, began its legislative journey in the Senate with a completed First Reading on March 24, 2010, and eventually received Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the initial procedural step for Bill S-215 in the Senate. On March 24, 2010, the bill was introduced and received its first reading. This marks the formal beginning of its consideration in the Senate. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, as chapter 19 of the Statutes of Canada 2010.
On March 24, 2010, the Senate proceeded with the first reading of Bill S-215, an act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, among other routine proceedings and discussions.
This document details a sitting of the Senate on March 24, 2010. During this sitting, routine proceedings included the first reading of several bills, including Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). The Senate also heard statements from senators on various topics, including the St. Lawrence Seaway, adult learners, violence and the drug trade, and the 100th anniversary of the newspaper Le Devoir. Question Period addressed topics such as the Atlantic Gateway strategy, recognition for veterans, Budget 2010, prison overcrowding, and funding for First Nations University of Canada. The Senate also authorized committees to study Canadian savings vehicles and the application of the Official Languages Act.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-215 on March 31, 2010, a step in its legislative journey that would eventually lead to Royal Assent.
On March 31, 2010, Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, reached its second reading in the Senate. This stage involved speeches from Senator Linda Frum, the bill's sponsor, and Senator Art Eggleton, who responded. The bill later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming chapter 19 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010. The provided text details the bill's progression through the Senate and House of Commons, including committee reviews and third readings, but focuses specifically on the procedural event of the Senate's second reading on March 31, 2010.
During a Senate sitting on March 31, 2010, debate occurred on Bill S-215, which aims to explicitly include suicide bombings in the Criminal Code's definition of terrorist activity, with supporters emphasizing its symbolic and practical importance for law enforcement, before the bill was referred to committee.
On March 31, 2010, the Senate of Canada held a sitting that included debate on Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). Senator Linda Frum spoke in support of the bill, explaining that it aims to clarify that suicide bombings are explicitly included within the definition of "terrorist activity" in the Criminal Code. She highlighted that this clarification serves as an important symbolic message against terrorism, while ensuring the bill's scope remains consistent with existing law. Senators Art Eggleton and Hugh Segal also spoke in support, emphasizing the bill's role in providing legal precision to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The debate on Bill S-215 was adjourned, and the bill was subsequently referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The sitting also included other proceedings such as Senators' Statements on various topics, the tabling of reports, and debates on other bills, culminating in Royal Assent being given to other legislation.
In a Senate debate on Bill S-215, senators discussed the explicit inclusion of suicide bombings in the Criminal Code's definition of terrorist activity, with supporters arguing it would send a clear message against such acts and provide law enforcement with better tools, while the debate was adjourned and the bill was eventually passed second reading.
This is a record of a debate that took place in the Senate on March 31, 2010, regarding Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). Senator Linda Frum sponsored the bill, explaining its purpose was to explicitly include suicide bombings within the definition of "terrorist activity" in the Criminal Code. This addition, she argued, would serve as a clear educational and symbolic message denouncing suicide bombing. Senators Art Eggleton and Hugh Segal also spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing its role in providing legal clarity and enhancing the tools available to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Senator Anne C. Cools moved to adjourn the debate, expressing a desire to proceed with Royal Assent, which was later granted. The bill was ultimately read a second time and referred to committee.
This record outlines the Senate's procedural journey for Bill S-215, including its committee review and eventual passage to Royal Assent.
This artifact details the procedural stages of Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), in the Senate. It shows the bill moved through First Reading, Second Reading, and Consideration in committee, with specific dates noted. It also indicates that the bill later proceeded through Third Reading, and involved messages and amendments considered between the Senate and the House of Commons, before receiving Royal Assent on December 15, 2010. The artifact also lists similar bills introduced in the same or previous Parliaments.
The Senate considered Bill S-215, reporting it back from committee without amendment and scheduling it for third reading, in addition to other parliamentary business.
On May 6, 2010, the Senate considered Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee presented its fourth report, indicating that the bill had been examined and was being reported back without amendment. The Senate then moved to place the bill on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting. The sitting also included Senators' Statements on various topics, tabling of committee reports on other matters, and debates on other bills and inquiries, as well as a motion concerning Haiti's reconstruction that was adopted. The Senate adjourned later that day.
Bill S-215, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, completed its Third Reading stage in the Senate on May 11, 2010, prior to receiving Royal Assent later that year.
This artifact records the completion of the Third Reading stage for Bill S-215 in the Senate on May 11, 2010. This stage involves a final debate and vote on the bill before it moves to other parliamentary stages or becomes law. The bill's purpose is to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. The provided text also outlines the bill's progression through other stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, and notes that the bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming Statutes of Canada 2010, c. 19.
The Senate spent most of its May 11, 2010 sitting honouring Senator Wilbert Keon upon his retirement, while also conducting routine proceedings and debating/passing legislation, including Bill S-215.
This document records a sitting of the Senate on May 11, 2010. The majority of the sitting was dedicated to paying tribute to Senator Wilbert Keon, who was retiring after nearly 20 years of service. Senators from both sides of the chamber spoke about his distinguished career as a cardiac surgeon and his significant contributions to public policy, particularly in health care. The sitting also included the tabling of several United Nations reports, a notice of motion regarding the airline industry, and question period on various topics. The Senate also proceeded with third reading of Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), which was passed, and debated the second reading of Bill S-10, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Debate on Bill C-232, An Act to amend the Supreme Court Act, was adjourned.
Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on May 12, 2010, and later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-215 in the House of Commons on May 12, 2010. First reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The bill, titled 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings)', eventually received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, becoming chapter 19 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010. The provided text also outlines the bill's progression through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings, committee considerations, and amendments.
During the first reading of Bill S-215 in the House of Commons on May 12, 2010, the bill was introduced and read for the first time, marking the completion of this procedural stage.
On May 12, 2010, during the first reading stage of Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings, a debate took place in the House of Commons. The debate was part of the routine proceedings of the sitting. The record indicates that the bill was introduced and read for the first time, completing this procedural stage. The rest of the Hansard record for this sitting covers various statements by members, oral questions on different topics, and other government and private members' business.
On October 8, 2010, the House of Commons completed its second reading of Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), after which it was referred to committee and later received royal assent.
This record shows the House of Commons' second reading stage for Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings. This stage was completed on October 8, 2010. The bill had previously undergone first and second reading in the Senate and first reading in the House of Commons. Following this second reading, the bill was referred to committee for further consideration. It eventually received royal assent on December 15, 2010, becoming a statute.
During a House of Commons debate on September 21, 2010, members discussed Bill S-215, which sought to explicitly define suicide bombing as a terrorist activity in the Criminal Code, with general support expressed across parties.
This document is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on September 21, 2010, concerning Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). The debate focused on whether to explicitly include suicide bombings within the Criminal Code's definition of "terrorist activity." Several members spoke, with the Conservative government expressing support for the bill, arguing it would help prosecute organizers and sponsors of suicide bombings and signal Canada's international leadership in denouncing such acts. Opposition parties, including the Bloc Québécois and NDP, also expressed support for the bill's intent, while raising points about the French translation of the term and the need for careful consideration of the bill's wording to avoid unintended consequences. The Liberal Party also supported the bill, emphasizing its role in expressing Canadian values and potentially deterring future attacks.
During the House of Commons second reading debate on October 8, 2010, members discussed Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), and the motion to refer it to committee was agreed to.
This document is a record of the House of Commons debate on October 8, 2010, concerning Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings. The debate focused on second reading, where members discussed the bill's merits and implications. The record includes various statements by members on other topics and a section on oral questions related to government priorities and other matters. Ultimately, the bill was read the second time and referred to a committee, meaning the House agreed to study it further. The specific content of Bill S-215 itself is not provided in this summary, as this document is a record of the debate, not the bill text.
Bill S-215, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), completed its committee stage in the House of Commons on November 1, 2010, before eventually receiving Royal Assent.
This record indicates that Bill S-215, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, completed its 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons on November 1, 2010. This stage involves a detailed examination of the bill by a parliamentary committee. The bill later received royal assent on December 15, 2010. The provided text shows the bill's progression through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons.
A House of Commons sitting on November 1, 2010, where members debated Bill C-510 (Roxanne's Law) and Bill C-47 (Sustaining Canada's Economic Recovery Act), among other matters.
This artifact is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on November 1, 2010, specifically during the "Consideration in committee" stage of a bill. The primary focus of the debate within this sitting was Bill C-510, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code (coercion)", also known as "Roxanne's Law". The sitting also included debates on other matters such as the "Sustaining Canada's Economic Recovery Act" (Bill C-47) and various "Statements by Members". The artifact does not contain the full text of any bill, but rather the transcribed discussions that occurred during this specific parliamentary sitting.
The House of Commons completed its Report stage and Third reading for Bill S-215 on December 2, 2010, after which the Senate agreed to the House of Commons' amendments, leading to the bill receiving Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the Report stage of Bill S-215 in the House of Commons on December 2, 2010. This stage is where the House considers any amendments made to the bill by a committee. The artifact indicates that this stage was completed. Following this, the bill proceeded to Third reading in the House of Commons on the same day, where it was also agreed to. Subsequently, messages were exchanged between the House of Commons and the Senate regarding amendments, with the Senate concurring in the House of Commons' amendments on December 9, 2010. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
On December 2, 2010, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings), a private member's bill aimed at specifically denouncing suicide bombings as a form of terrorism.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on December 2, 2010, specifically the debate that occurred during the report stage of Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). The sitting included routine proceedings, petitions, questions on the order paper, government orders concerning business of supply and a bill, statements by members, oral questions on various topics including Afghanistan, justice, and foreign affairs, and private members' business where Bill S-215 was read the third time and passed. The debate on Bill S-215 focused on its purpose to denounce suicide bombings as terrorism and to provide leadership on this issue internationally.
Bill S-215, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to suicide bombings, completed its Third Reading in the House of Commons on December 2, 2010, and subsequently received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
This artifact describes the final procedural steps for Bill S-215 in the House of Commons, which is an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning suicide bombings. Specifically, it marks the completion of the Third Reading stage on December 2, 2010. Following this, messages were exchanged between the House of Commons and the Senate regarding amendments. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010.
During the third reading debate on December 2, 2010, Members of Parliament discussed and ultimately passed Bill S-215, which specifically denounces suicide bombings as a form of terrorism and amends the Criminal Code.
On December 2, 2010, the House of Commons debated Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings). This debate occurred during the third reading stage of the bill. The discussions focused on the bill's purpose to specifically denounce suicide bombings as a form of terrorism and to provide clarity in the Criminal Code. Members from various parties expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to send a message of condemnation and deter such acts. The debate also touched on the increasing global prevalence of suicide attacks and the need for Canada to take a leadership role in addressing this issue. Ultimately, the bill was moved for concurrence in the report stage and then for third reading and passage.
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