Bill S-231 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the Defence Production Act
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st 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-231 proposes to amend the Firearms Act, Criminal Code, and Defence Production Act to redefine firearms, change registration to inscription, and alter rules for their transportation and possession.
This bill proposes to amend three federal acts: the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Defence Production Act. The main goal is to strengthen public safety and regulate firearms. Key changes include replacing the term 'registration certificate' with 'inscription certificate', redefining certain firearm categories (e.g., 'prohibited firearm', 'restricted firearm', and introducing 'circumscribed firearm'), and imposing new rules on the transportation and possession of firearms. The bill also introduces a five-year parliamentary review of the Firearms Act. It aims to align firearm definitions and regulations across different acts.
- Amends the Firearms Act to change the concept of firearm registration to "inscription" and to impose new rules on the transportation of firearms that are not hunting firearms.
- Amends the Criminal Code to change definitions related to firearms, including defining "hunting firearm", "prohibited firearm", and replacing "restricted firearm" with "circumscribed firearm".
- Amends the Defence Production Act regarding firearm definitions.
- Introduces a requirement for a comprehensive review of the Firearms Act every five years by a parliamentary committee.
- Establishes transitional provisions for individuals possessing firearms when new definitions and regulations come into force.
- Firearm owners
- Businesses involved in the firearms industry
- Law enforcement agencies
- Individuals applying for or holding firearms licenses and certificates
- Parliamentary committees
- Individuals may need to complete new firearms safety courses or pass tests to be eligible for licenses.
- The bill introduces stricter rules on where prohibited and circumscribed firearms can be kept.
- Carriers are specified as the only entities allowed to transport prohibited or circumscribed firearms.
- Individuals possessing certain firearms on a 'commencement day' have specific requirements for transportation or surrender.
- The bill specifies conditions under which individuals may be authorized to transport firearms.
- This Act comes into force one year after the day on which it receives royal assent.
- Regulations may prescribe fees for licenses, inscription certificates, authorizations, approvals of transfers, and importations of firearms.
- The bill details offences and penalties related to the possession, transfer, and improper handling of firearms, including increased penalties for offences committed in relation to criminal organizations or involving violence.
- Specific offences are outlined for contravening conditions of licenses or certificates, making false statements, and failing to surrender revoked documents.
- The exact nature of 'circumscribed firearms' and 'hunting firearms' will be defined by regulations.
- The commencement date of the Act is set for one year after royal assent, meaning specific provisions may come into effect at that time.
- The bill includes coordinating amendments that depend on the status of another bill (Bill C-42), which could affect the final application of certain sections.
Changes the terminology from 'registration certificate' to 'inscription certificate' and modifies rules regarding the possession, transportation, and transfer of firearms, including introducing the term 'circumscribed firearm'. It also alters licensing requirements and outlines procedures for issuing, revoking, and appealing these certificates and licenses. The Act also includes provisions for the review of its own operation by a parliamentary committee.
Source: Sections 2-7, 9-15, 17, 19-34, 36, 38-40, 42-55, 56-63
Modifies definitions of various firearms, including defining 'hunting firearm', amending 'prohibited firearm', and replacing 'restricted firearm' with 'circumscribed firearm'. It also impacts penalties and conditions related to firearms offences, particularly when violence is involved or when offences are committed in association with criminal organizations. The bill specifies that certain firearms are considered 'circumscribed firearms' based on their characteristics like barrel length or firing mechanism.
Source: Sections 63-109
Amends the Schedule to repeal the definition of 'restricted firearm' and add the definition of 'circumscribed firearm'.
Source: Sections 110-111
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-231 completed its first reading in the Senate on June 11, 2015, and subsequently had a debate at second reading on June 22, 2015.
This artifact describes the procedural stages of Bill S-231 in the Senate. The bill went through its first reading on June 11, 2015, which is a preliminary step where the bill is formally introduced. Following this, there was a debate at second reading on June 22, 2015, where the sponsor, Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, gave a speech. The bill's status is currently at second reading in the Senate.
In the Senate on June 11, 2015, Bill S-231 concerning firearms, the Criminal Code, and the Defence Production Act was introduced and read for the first time.
On June 11, 2015, the Senate met. During this sitting, Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the Defence Production Act, was introduced and read for the first time. This means the bill has begun its journey through the Senate. It was then placed on the Order Paper for second reading, which is a later stage in the legislative process.
On June 22, 2015, the Senate began debate on Bill S-231 at its second reading stage, with a speech delivered by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette, but the stage was not completed.
On June 22, 2015, the Senate began the second reading of Bill S-231. This bill aims to amend the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code, and the Defence Production Act. The process stage indicates that the second reading debate was not completed on this date. A speech was given by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette.
On June 22, 2015, the Senate convened for a sitting that included debates on historical documents, community services, and ongoing policy issues, alongside the second reading of several bills, including Bill S-231 concerning firearms legislation, with the debate on Bill S-231 being adjourned.
On June 22, 2015, the Senate sat, and the Speaker was the Honourable Leo Housakos. The Senate's proceedings included discussions on various topics such as the eight hundredth anniversary of the Magna Carta, the Senate Protective Service, World Refugee Day, and university tuition fees. Several bills were also discussed at their second reading stage, with some debates being adjourned. Other business included the tabling of reports from Senate committees and the adoption of several committee reports. Notably, the Senate considered Bill S-231, "An Act to amend the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the Defence Production Act," at the second reading stage, with the debate being adjourned.
Senator Hervieux-Payette introduced Bill S-231, the "Strengthening Canadians' Security and Promoting Hunting and Recreational Shooting Act," at second reading in the Senate, outlining its three-fold purpose of enhancing security, supporting safe hunting and recreational shooting, and prohibiting firearms not used for these specific purposes, before the debate was adjourned.
On June 22, 2015, the Senate debated various matters. Senator Hervieux-Payette introduced Bill S-231, aiming to amend firearms legislation. She explained the bill's three main goals: enhancing security, supporting safe hunting and recreational shooting, and prohibiting firearms not used for these purposes. She emphasized that the bill is not against firearms but seeks to establish clear lines between authorized and prohibited weapons. The debate also touched upon the broader context of firearms in Canadian society, contrasting it with the situation in the United States and the United Kingdom, and highlighting the importance of responsible gun ownership. The debate on Bill S-231 was adjourned.
Bill S-231 has not yet reached the Senate Third Reading stage; it is currently at Second Reading, with a debate and a sponsor's speech having occurred on June 22, 2015.
The artifact indicates that Bill S-231 has not yet reached the Senate's Third Reading stage. The bill is currently at the Second Reading stage in the Senate. The latest activity recorded was a debate at Second Reading on Monday, June 22, 2015. The bill had its First Reading on Thursday, June 11, 2015, and its Second Reading on Monday, June 22, 2015, during Sitting 157. A major speech by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette (Liberal) at Second Reading is noted for Monday, June 22, 2015.
Bill S-231, an Act to amend the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code and the Defence Production Act, has had its first reading in the House of Commons but has not yet reached that procedural stage, and is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the 'First reading' stage for Bill S-231 in the House of Commons. This stage has not yet been reached, as the bill is currently at the 'Second reading' stage in the Senate. The bill was first read in the House of Commons on Thursday, June 11, 2015, and had its second reading in the Senate on Monday, June 22, 2015, which included a sponsor's speech.
The second reading of Bill S-231 in the House of Commons has not yet occurred, while the bill is proceeding through second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of Bill S-231 within the House of Commons. Specifically, it indicates that the bill's second reading in the House of Commons has not yet been reached. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate, where a sponsor's speech by Céline Hervieux-Payette occurred on Monday, June 22, 2015. The bill's first reading was on Thursday, June 11, 2015.
Bill S-231 has not yet been considered in committee by the House of Commons, and its latest activity was debate at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that the bill has not yet reached the 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage. The provided information details the bill's progress up to the Senate's second reading, including the date of the sponsor's speech. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate.
Bill S-231 is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate, having progressed through first reading, with its Report stage in the House of Commons marked as not yet reached.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-231. It indicates that the bill has reached the 'Report stage' in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At second reading in the Senate'. The latest activity noted is a debate at second reading in the Senate on Monday, June 22, 2015, which included a speech by Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette. The bill had its first reading on Thursday, June 11, 2015, and its second reading in the Senate on Monday, June 22, 2015.
The third reading stage in the House of Commons for Bill S-231 has not yet occurred, as the bill is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that the 'House of Commons Third reading' stage for Bill S-231 has not yet been reached. The bill is currently at the 'Second reading' stage in the Senate. The record shows the dates of the bill's first and second readings in the Senate, with the latest activity being a debate at second reading on Monday, June 22, 2015. A major speech from Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette at the second reading is also noted.
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