Bill C-14 explained in plain English

This record details a Senate sitting on November 26, 2013. The primary procedural event related to Bill C-14 was its first reading in the Senate. The Senate received the bill from the House of Commons and formally read it for the first time. It was then scheduled for second reading debate at a future date. The rest of the sitting involved various other proceedings, including tabling reports, debating other bills, and discussions on unrelated matters such as Indigenous issues, child protection, and international relations.

This document records a Senate sitting on December 9, 2013. The sitting included tributes to Nelson Mandela, discussions on violence against women, and the introduction of a private member's bill. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to the second reading debate of Bill C-14, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act regarding mental disorder. The debate was adjourned. Other proceedings included committee business and questions regarding the Victim Fine Surcharge, mental health services in correctional facilities, and aircraft procurement (F-35s).

This artifact is a record of a speech given by Senator Paul E. McIntyre during the Senate's second reading debate of Bill C-14, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act concerning mental disorders. Senator McIntyre spoke in favour of the bill, formerly known as Bill C-54, explaining its purpose and key provisions. He highlighted that the bill aims to enhance public safety by prioritizing it in decisions concerning individuals found not criminally responsible (NCR) for a mental disorder. It also introduces a new designation for "high-risk accused" individuals, who would face stricter supervision and longer review periods. Additionally, the bill seeks to improve victim involvement and information sharing within the mental disorder regime. Senator McIntyre also noted that the bill includes a provision for a parliamentary review of the mental disorder provisions five years after it becomes law. He emphasized that the bill is not intended to stigmatize individuals with mental illness but rather to provide fair treatment and public protection. The debate was adjourned after Senator McIntyre's speech.

On February 11, 2014, the Senate met and debated Bill C-14, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and National Defence Act related to mental disorders. The debate focused on the provisions of the bill, including the paramount consideration of public safety, the creation of a high-risk designation for individuals found not criminally responsible, and enhanced victims' rights. Senators expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on the balance between public safety and the rights of individuals with mental illness, the shift from a treatment-focused approach to one perceived as more punitive, and the lack of consultation with mental health professionals and organizations. The debate also included discussions on other matters before the Senate, such as the closure of departmental libraries, employment insurance, the Winter Olympics, the death of a detainee, and various committee reports and motions.

This artifact is a record of a Senate debate on Bill C-14, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act concerning mental disorders. Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer spoke, outlining the bill's proposed changes: prioritizing public safety, creating a 'high-risk' designation for certain individuals found not criminally responsible, and enhancing victims' rights. Senator Jaffer expressed concerns that these changes might shift the focus from treatment to punishment, potentially challenging the principles of balancing public safety with the rights and dignity of individuals with mental illness, as previously established by the Supreme Court of Canada. Senator Paul E. McIntyre responded, emphasizing that the bill's core elements of public safety and victims' involvement are not new, and that the "high-risk" designation specifically targets a subset of offenders. The debate included a discussion on the interpretation of "brutal nature" and the shift in decision-making power from review boards to courts. The bill was read a second time and referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The artifact also contains discussions on other unrelated matters, such as biofuels, the role of independent senators, recognizing community leaders, and various committee reports and motions.

On March 27, 2014, the Senate met. During the sitting, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its fourth report on Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder), stating they had examined the bill and reported it without amendment, but with observations. The bill was then placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting. The sitting also included discussions on various other matters, including social work, energy, Iran, job growth, agriculture, and the "Fair Elections Bill". Additionally, two appropriation bills, Bill C-28 and Bill C-29, received third reading and passed.

This Senate sitting on April 3, 2014, included third reading debate for Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder). The debate focused on proposed changes to the mental disorder regime, particularly regarding public safety as the paramount consideration in decisions about mentally disordered accused, the creation of a "high-risk NCR accused" designation, and enhanced victim involvement. Concerns were raised about the potential for reverse onus in the high-risk designation process and the specific implications for individuals under the National Defence Act. The debate also touched upon the bilingual status of the bill text and whether the concerns of military personnel with mental injuries were adequately addressed. The sitting also included various committee reports, discussions on the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, World Glaucoma Week, Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and Girls, and a significant debate regarding a motion to pre-study Bill C-23, the Fair Elections Act, which included extensive discussion on the merits and potential impacts of that bill and procedural matters like time allocation.

This record documents the Senate's third reading debate on Bill C-14, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act concerning mental disorder. During this stage, Senators discussed the bill's provisions, including making public safety the paramount consideration for review boards, creating a 'high-risk' designation for certain accused persons, and enhancing victims' rights. Several senators expressed concerns about the bill's potential unconstitutionality, its impact on the rights of individuals with mental disorders, the lack of research supporting its measures, and the potential for increased stigmatization. They also debated whether the bill would genuinely enhance public safety or if it was based on high-profile cases rather than evidence. The debate also touched upon the existing 'not criminally responsible' (NCR) regime and the importance of community-based mental health services. The discussion included testimony from legal and mental health experts, and references to court decisions and research findings. Ultimately, the debate at this stage did not conclude with a final decision on the bill within this specific record.

This artifact is a record of the Senate's third reading debate on Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder). The Senate proceeded to the third reading of the bill. After debate, the motion to read the bill a third time was agreed to. The bill then passed the Senate. Other discussions in the Senate on this day included topics like the Rwandan genocide anniversary, Vimy Ridge anniversary, the role of French Canadians in WWI, violence against children, National Volunteer Week, fair elections, Canada Revenue Agency security, and a study on mental health in the Canadian Armed Forces. There was also a debate on Bill S-2, concerning statutory instruments and regulations.