Bill S-14 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 1st 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
This bill amends the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act to increase penalties, remove the facilitation payment exception, create a new offence for improper accounting related to bribery, and expand jurisdiction.
This bill amends the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. It increases the maximum prison sentence for bribing a foreign public official to 14 years. It also removes the exception for facilitation payments, creates a new offence related to improper accounting practices used to hide bribery, and establishes jurisdiction for offences committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents outside of Canada. The bill also makes changes to definitions and procedures within the Act.
- Increases the maximum prison sentence for the offence of bribing a foreign public official to 14 years.
- Removes the exception for facilitation payments under the Act.
- Creates a new offence related to the use of improper accounting practices to hide bribery of a foreign public official.
- Establishes nationality jurisdiction, allowing for prosecution in Canada of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit offences under the Act outside of Canada.
- Amends definitions within the Act, including 'business' and repealing 'peace officer' and 'quiconque' in the French version.
- Modifies the conditions under which a person previously tried outside Canada can be prosecuted in Canada.
- Specifies that only members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or designated peace officers can lay informations for offences under the Act.
- Individuals who bribe foreign public officials.
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit acts outside of Canada that would be offences under the Act.
- Corporations, businesses, and organizations incorporated or organized under Canadian law that commit acts outside of Canada that would be offences under the Act.
- Individuals and entities involved in business transactions.
- Law enforcement agencies, specifically the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and designated peace officers, in their ability to lay informations.
- The definition of 'business' is updated for the Act.
- The maximum prison sentence for bribing a foreign public official is increased to 14 years.
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents can be prosecuted in Canada for offences committed abroad under this Act.
- The exception for facilitation payments in relation to bribing foreign public officials is removed.
- New obligations related to accurate record-keeping to prevent hiding bribery are introduced.
- The Act received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013.
- Subsection 3(2) of the Act comes into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.
- The maximum penalty for bribing a foreign public official is increased to imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- The new offence related to accounting practices for hiding bribery also carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term of not more than 14 years.
- The specific date for the coming into force of subsection 3(2) is not provided and will be set by order of the Governor in Council.
- The scope of 'applicable accounting and auditing standards' in relation to the new offence is not detailed within the bill text provided.
Increases the maximum prison sentence for bribing a foreign public official to 14 years, removes the facilitation payments exception, and creates a new offence related to accounting practices and bribery.
Source: SUMMARY (a), (b), (c)
Establishes nationality jurisdiction, meaning Canadian citizens and permanent residents can be prosecuted in Canada for offences committed outside of Canada.
Source: SUMMARY (d)
Changes the definition of 'business'.
Source: Section 2(3)
Repeals the definition of 'peace officer'.
Source: Section 2(1)
Repeals the definition of 'quiconque'.
Source: Section 2(2)
Amends the definition of 'quiconque' or 'personne' to refer to the definition in the Criminal Code.
Source: Section 2(4)
Replaces subsection 3(2) concerning punishment for contravening subsection 3(1), increasing the maximum sentence to 14 years imprisonment.
Source: Section 3(1)
Repeals subsections 3(4) and 3(5).
Source: Section 3(2)
Adds a new section (Section 4) creating an offence related to accounting practices used to hide bribery.
Source: Section 4
Adds a new section (Section 5) establishing nationality jurisdiction for offences committed outside Canada.
Source: Section 5(1)
Provisions relating to appearance of the accused at trial apply to proceedings under this Act.
Source: Section 5(3)
Provisions regarding autrefois acquit, autrefois convict, and pardon apply to persons tried outside Canada.
Source: Section 5(4), 5(5)
Specifies that informations for offences under this Act must be laid under section 504 of the Criminal Code.
Source: Section 6
Designated peace officers under this Act have the authority to lay informations for offences under the amended Act.
Source: Section 6
The definition of 'permanent resident' from this Act is used to establish jurisdiction for offences committed outside Canada.
Source: Section 5(1)(b)
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. A pre-release version of this publication is available to parliamentarians and their staff, and can be obtained by submitting a request or contacting the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 5 February 2013, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Fighting Foreign Corruption Act) in the Senate and it was given first reading. The Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA) makes it a criminal offence in Canada for persons or companies to bribe foreign public officials to obtain or retain an advantage in the course of international business. Bill S-14 amends the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act to • increase the maximum sentence of imprisonment applicable to the offence of bribing a foreign public official; • eliminate the facilitation payments exception to that offence; • create a new offence relating to books and records and the bribing of a foreign public official or the hiding of that bribery; and • establish nationality jurisdiction that would apply to all of the offences under the Act.
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-14, concerning amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, completed its first reading in the Senate on February 5, 2013, and eventually received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013.
This record outlines the procedural steps for Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, through the Senate. It indicates that the bill completed its first reading in the Senate on February 5, 2013. The artifact also notes subsequent stages in the Senate, including second reading, committee consideration, and third reading, as well as its passage in the House of Commons and its final receipt of Royal Assent on June 19, 2013. Speeches related to the bill's second reading in both chambers are also referenced.
The Senate of Canada conducted the first reading of Bill S-14, an Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, alongside other procedural business and discussions.
On February 5, 2013, the Senate of Canada held its first reading of Bill S-14, an Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. This stage involves the formal introduction of the bill into the Senate. The sitting also included the introduction and swearing-in of five new senators, discussions on various topics including Black History Month, the late Honourable Laurier L. LaPierre and the late Right Honourable Martial Asselin, user fees for Parks Canada canal systems, Canada-India relations, the lobster fishery, and Vietnamese New Year celebrations. Additionally, several documents were tabled, including regulations concerning the freezing of assets of corrupt foreign officials and reports from various commissioners. The Senate also debated and adjourned debate on other bills, including amendments to the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
This artifact details the progression of Bill S-14 through the Senate, including its readings and committee stages, culminating in its Royal Assent.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-14 in the Senate. It outlines when the bill had its first and second readings, when it was considered in committee, and when it had its third reading. The artifact indicates that the second reading in the Senate involved major speeches on February 27, 2013, and also mentions a second reading on June 4, 2013, which was agreed to. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013, becoming a Statute of Canada.
During a Senate sitting on February 12, 2013, senators paid tribute to Senator Joyce Fairbairn, debated Bill S-14 concerning foreign corruption, and discussed various other matters including youth employment, fisheries, foreign aid, and prison mental health.
This Senate sitting on February 12, 2013, included tributes to Senator Joyce Fairbairn, who had resigned. It also saw routine proceedings like the first reading of a bill and a motion regarding a leave of absence for Senator Brazeau. The sitting featured a question period on topics such as student loans, lobster fishing regulations, and foreign aid. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to the second reading debate of Bill S-14, an act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, which was adjourned. Other debates continued on topics including criminal code amendments, food banks, mental health for inmates, and a memorial for Royal Air Force Bomber Command aircrew.
In the Senate on February 12, 2013, debate began on Bill S-14, concerning amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, before the debate was adjourned.
On February 12, 2013, the Senate began debate on Bill S-14, an act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Senator Janis G. Johnson, the sponsor of the bill, delivered a speech introducing the proposed amendments. The debate was adjourned, meaning it will continue at a later date. The rest of the Senate sitting included tributes to Senator Joyce Fairbairn, discussions on various other bills and inquiries, and question period exchanges on topics like student loans, lobster carapace size, foreign aid, climate change, and tax evasion.
On February 27, 2013, the Senate debated Bill S-14, an act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, referred it to committee, and also addressed other legislative and procedural matters, including a significant debate on a question of privilege regarding the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
On February 27, 2013, the Senate met for its sitting. The Senate began by observing moments of silence and tributes for notable individuals and historical events. Routine proceedings included tabling reports and introducing a bill for first reading. Question period addressed issues related to community historical recognition, immigration, and defence budgets. The primary legislative business of the day involved the second reading of Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, which was debated and then referred to committee. The Senate also debated and voted on other bills, including one to amend the Employment Insurance Act which had its third reading debated and adjourned, and another to amend the Fisheries Act which was defeated at second reading. A committee report on energy was adopted. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to a question of privilege raised by Senator Cools concerning the actions of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, which led to extensive debate and the Speaker reserving judgment. The sitting concluded with further debate on an inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-14, an Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, the bill's amendments aimed at strengthening anti-bribery laws in line with international commitments were discussed and supported, leading to the bill being referred to committee.
This artifact is a record of Senate proceedings from February 27, 2013. The main discussion item relevant to the bill was the second reading debate of Bill S-14, an Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Senator David P. Smith spoke in favour of the bill, detailing its six key amendments which aim to update Canada's anti-bribery laws to align with international commitments, including those from the OECD, the UN, and the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. The bill was subsequently referred to committee. Other discussions in the Senate included tributes to notable individuals, routine proceedings such as tabling reports and introducing new bills, question period exchanges, and debates on other bills and inquiries, none of which directly relate to Bill S-14's procedural progression in this instance.
The Senate committee completed its review of Bill S-14 on March 7, 2013.
The Senate committee completed its consideration of Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, on March 7, 2013. This stage is part of the legislative process where a committee examines a bill in detail.
On March 7, 2013, the Senate presented committee reports, including the eleventh report on Bill S-14 (An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act) which was reported without amendment, and debated various legislative matters.
On March 7, 2013, the Senate convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. During routine proceedings, several committee reports were presented. Specifically, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade presented its eleventh report on Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, indicating the bill was examined and reported without amendment. Other business included tabling of reports, first reading of a bill, and notices of motions. The sitting also featured debates on various bills and inquiries, including the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, Northern Jobs and Growth Bill, and matters concerning missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-14 on March 26, 2013.
On March 26, 2013, the Senate completed the third reading stage for Bill S-14, an Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. This stage is a procedural step in the legislative process.
The Senate debated and passed Bill S-14 at third reading, alongside other legislative and procedural matters, including committee reports and question period discussions on various government programs and policies.
On March 26, 2013, the Senate proceeded with various items of business, including presenting committee reports, debating and voting on bills, and question period. Notably, Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, was debated at its third reading and passed. The sitting included statements from senators on various topics, routine proceedings, and a question period covering topics like skills training programs, foreign aid, parental leave, and research and development.
Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, had its first reading in the House of Commons on March 27, 2013.
This record describes the first reading of Bill S-14 in the House of Commons on March 27, 2013. The bill was titled 'An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act'. First reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced and is not debated or voted upon.
The House of Commons held its first reading debate on Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, during which numerous other subjects were also discussed.
This record details the first reading debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. The debate included discussions on various other topics, such as the budget, environmental issues, and aboriginal affairs, but the primary procedural event was the introduction of Bill S-14.
Bill S-14 completed its Second Reading in the House of Commons on June 4, 2013, after which it proceeded to committee study and eventually received Royal Assent.
This record shows that Bill S-14 completed its Second Reading stage in the House of Commons on June 4, 2013. Second Reading is a key stage where the House debates the general principles of a bill. Following this stage, the bill was referred to a committee for detailed study. The bill eventually received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013, becoming a law.
On May 24, 2013, the House of Commons debated Bill S-14, aimed at combating foreign corruption, with members discussing its amendments and Canada's transparency measures.
This document is a record of the House of Commons debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, on May 24, 2013. The debate included discussions on the bill's proposed amendments, which aimed to strengthen Canada's efforts against foreign bribery. Members from different parties offered their support and raised questions and concerns about the bill's scope, its origins in the Senate, and Canada's overall transparency record. Other matters, such as statements by members on various topics and oral questions on government ethics and elections, were also part of this sitting's proceedings.
The sponsor of Bill S-14, the fighting foreign corruption act, spoke at second reading in the House of Commons, detailing amendments designed to combat bribery by Canadian companies abroad and enhance Canada's international reputation.
This artifact contains the transcript of a speech given by the Sponsor of Bill S-14, Mr. Bob Dechert, during the second reading debate in the House of Commons on May 24, 2013. The speech outlined the proposed amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA) aimed at strengthening Canada's fight against foreign bribery. Key amendments discussed included introducing nationality jurisdiction, giving exclusive authority to the RCMP for laying charges, removing the "for profit" qualifier for business, increasing the maximum jail term to 14 years, creating a new books and records offence, and eliminating the facilitation payments exception. The sponsor emphasized that these changes would deter and prevent Canadian companies from bribing foreign public officials, thereby promoting fairer markets and expanded global trade. The speech also highlighted the government's commitment to combating corruption through various enforcement and prevention initiatives, including the work of the RCMP's international anti-corruption unit and consultations with stakeholders.
During the House of Commons debate on Bill S-14, an act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs detailed proposed changes to combat foreign bribery, while other MPs expressed general support alongside concerns about enforcement and transparency.
This document contains a speech given by Mr. Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the second reading debate of Bill S-14. The speech outlines the proposed amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (CFPOA), aimed at strengthening Canada's efforts to combat foreign bribery. Dechert details six key amendments: introducing nationality jurisdiction, granting exclusive authority to the RCMP for laying charges, removing the "for profit" qualifier from the definition of "business," increasing the maximum jail term to 14 years, creating a new books and records offence, and eliminating the facilitation payments exception. He also discusses the government's approach to fighting foreign corruption, including enforcement efforts by the RCMP and prevention measures by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Other members of Parliament, including Paul Dewar (NDP) and John McKay (Liberal), also spoke during this debate, generally supporting the bill's principles but raising concerns about Canada's transparency record and the need for more robust enforcement and evidence-gathering mechanisms.
This House of Commons debate at second reading discussed Bill S-14, aiming to enhance Canada's fight against foreign corruption by proposing several amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, with general support but also criticisms regarding transparency and enforcement.
During this House of Commons debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-14, members discussed amendments to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs introduced the bill, highlighting its purpose to deter Canadian companies from bribing foreign officials and to strengthen Canada's international anti-corruption efforts. Key proposed amendments included establishing nationality jurisdiction, giving the RCMP exclusive authority to lay charges, removing the "for profit" qualifier from the definition of "business," increasing the maximum jail term to 14 years, creating a new books and records offence, and eliminating the facilitation payments exception. Opposition members generally supported the bill's principle but raised concerns about Canada's perceived laggard status in transparency and the bill's origin in the Senate. They also questioned the government's commitment to enforcement and transparency, particularly in relation to other legislative initiatives.
On June 4, 2013, the House of Commons debated Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, at second reading, ultimately referring it to committee.
This document is a record of the debate that took place in the House of Commons on June 4, 2013, during the second reading of Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. The debate focused on the proposed amendments to the Act, including increasing penalties for bribery, eliminating exceptions for facilitation payments, creating new offences related to record-keeping, and establishing a nationality jurisdiction for prosecuting offences committed abroad. While generally supported, some members raised concerns about the pace of implementation, the need for resources, and potential impacts on non-profit organizations. The bill was ultimately referred to committee for further study.
The House of Commons completed its committee stage review of Bill S-14, an act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, before it received Royal Assent.
The House of Commons completed its consideration of Bill S-14 in committee on June 14, 2013. This stage of the legislative process allows for detailed examination and potential amendment of the bill by a committee of Members of Parliament. The bill, which aims to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, later received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013, becoming a statute.
The House of Commons Debates from June 14, 2013, show members discussing and engaging in procedural actions related to Bill S-14, alongside other legislative business.
On June 14, 2013, during the consideration in committee stage of Bill S-14, the House of Commons Debates (Hansard) record shows discussions and procedural actions related to the bill. Members of Parliament from different parties participated in the debate, raising various points and questions. The records indicate that the House was also dealing with other legislative matters and statements by members during this sitting.
The House of Commons completed the Report stage for Bill S-14 on June 18, 2013, followed by Third reading.
This artifact describes the House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-14, which was completed on June 18, 2013. This stage is part of the legislative process where a bill that has been considered by a committee is reported back to the House. At this stage, Members of Parliament can propose further amendments. The record indicates that the bill proceeded through Report stage and then Third reading on the same day.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act, during its report stage on June 18, 2013.
On June 18, 2013, the House of Commons held its report stage debate on Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Following the debate, the bill was moved to third reading and passed. The sitting also included routine proceedings such as the presentation of petitions and questions on the order paper, as well as government orders on other bills, statements by members, and oral questions concerning various government actions and appointments.
Bill S-14 completed its Third Reading in the House of Commons and received Royal Assent on June 19, 2013.
This artifact details the completion of the Third Reading stage for Bill S-14 in the House of Commons on June 19, 2013. This legislative step is a procedural one. The bill subsequently received Royal Assent, meaning it became law. The provided text outlines the legislative journey of Bill S-14 through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings and committee considerations.
On June 18, 2013, the House of Commons debated Bill S-14 at its third reading, with members discussing amendments aimed at strengthening Canada's anti-corruption legislation.
This document is a record of the House of Commons debate on June 18, 2013, during the third reading of Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Members from various parties participated in the debate, discussing the bill's proposed amendments, which included increasing penalties for bribery, eliminating exceptions for facilitation payments, creating a new offence for falsifying records, and establishing nationality jurisdiction. There was general support for the bill's intent to combat foreign corruption and improve Canada's international standing, though some members expressed concerns that the bill did not go far enough.
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