Bill S-240 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 42nd 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
Bill S-240 amends the Criminal Code to create new offences related to trafficking in human organs and amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to make people inadmissible to Canada if they have engaged in organ trafficking.
Bill S-240 makes it a federal crime to traffic in human organs for transplantation. The bill creates three new criminal offences: (1) obtaining an organ knowing or being reckless that the donor did not give informed consent; (2) removing, participating in, or facilitating the removal of an organ knowing or being reckless that the donor did not give informed consent; and (3) obtaining an organ for transplantation knowing or being reckless that it was obtained for money or other consideration. All three offences carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. The bill defines "informed consent" as consent given by someone capable of making health decisions and who understands all material facts, including the nature of the procedure, risks, and side effects. The bill also extends Canadian criminal jurisdiction to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit these offences outside Canada. Medical practitioners who treat patients receiving organ transplants must report the patient's name (if known) and the transplant fact to a federally designated authority. The bill amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to make permanent residents and foreign nationals inadmissible to Canada if the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration believes they have engaged in conduct that would constitute an organ trafficking offence.
- Creates three new criminal offences under section 240.1 of the Criminal Code: (1) obtaining an organ for transplantation without informed consent, (2) removing, participating in, or facilitating removal of an organ without informed consent, and (3) obtaining an organ for transplantation knowing it was obtained for financial consideration
- Establishes a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for these offences
- Defines 'informed consent' as consent given by a person capable of making health decisions and with knowledge and understanding of all material facts, including the nature of the procedure, risks, and side effects
- Extends Canadian criminal jurisdiction to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit organ trafficking offences outside Canada
- Requires medical practitioners to report to a federally designated authority the name of any patient receiving an organ transplant
- Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to declare permanent residents and foreign nationals inadmissible to Canada if the Minister believes they have engaged in conduct constituting an organ trafficking offence
- Requires Attorney General consent to proceed with prosecutions for offences committed outside Canada
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents who may be prosecuted for organ trafficking offences committed outside Canada
- Foreign nationals and permanent residents seeking to enter or remain in Canada who may be found inadmissible based on organ trafficking activities
- Medical practitioners and health care providers who treat organ transplant patients and must report these cases
- Persons involved in organ trafficking activities inside or outside Canada
- People seeking organ transplants and organ donors
- Medical practitioners treating organ transplant patients must report the patient's name (if known) and the transplant fact to a federally designated authority as soon as reasonably practicable
- Only the Attorney General may consent to proceed with prosecutions of organ trafficking offences committed outside Canada
- All three organ trafficking offences carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment upon conviction
- For informed consent to be valid, a donor must be capable of making health decisions and must understand all material facts about the procedure, risks, and side effects
- Permanent residents and foreign nationals may be deemed inadmissible to Canada if the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration believes they have engaged in organ trafficking conduct
- Bill status as of provided information: At consideration in the Senate of amendments made by the House of Commons; no commencement date is specified in the bill text provided
- Obtaining or participating in obtaining an organ knowing it was obtained for financial consideration is a separate criminal offence carrying up to 14 years imprisonment
- Maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for any offence under section 240.1 (obtaining organ without consent, removing organ without consent, or obtaining organ for consideration)
- Immigration enforcement through inadmissibility findings leading to deportation or denial of entry
- The bill text does not specify which federal authority will be designated to receive medical practitioner reports on organ transplants; this will be determined by an order of the Governor in Council
- The bill does not specify a commencement date; the date on which these provisions come into force is not provided in the text
- The scope of 'medical practitioner' is defined by reference to section 241.1 of the Criminal Code, which is not provided in this bill text
- The bill does not detail how the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will determine whether someone has engaged in organ trafficking conduct for immigration inadmissibility purposes
- The phrase 'for the purposes of having that organ transplanted' in section 240.1(3) may be subject to interpretation in cases where the ultimate purpose is unclear
Adds new subsection (4.2) allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents who commit organ trafficking offences outside Canada to be prosecuted in Canadian courts as if they committed the offence in Canada
Source: Section 1 of Bill S-240
Clarifies that prosecutions for acts deemed to occur in Canada under the new subsection (4.2) require Attorney General consent
Source: Section 1(2) of Bill S-240
Creates three new criminal offences related to human organ trafficking, with a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment
Source: Section 2 of Bill S-240
Requires medical practitioners to report organ transplant patients to a federally designated authority
Source: Section 2 of Bill S-240
Adds new paragraph (c.1) making people inadmissible to Canada if the Minister believes they have engaged in organ trafficking activities that would constitute an offence under Criminal Code section 240.1
Source: Section 3 of Bill S-240
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)
The pre-release version of this Legislative Summary is now available. Parliamentarians and their staff can obtain a copy by submitting a request or contacting the Library of Parliament. Members of the public can obtain a copy by contacting the Information Service at the Library of Parliament at Info@parl.gc.ca. On 31 October 2017, Senator Salma Ataullahjan introduced Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-240 amends the Criminal Code to create new offences in relation to trafficking in human organs. It also amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to provide that a permanent resident or foreign national is inadmissible to Canada if the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration is of the opinion that they have engaged in any activities relating to trafficking in human organs.
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
This record shows Bill S-240 progressing through the Senate, including its first reading, subsequent readings, committee work, and finally, the Senate's consideration of amendments made by the House of Commons.
This artifact details the progression of Bill S-240 through the Senate. It was first read on October 31, 2017, and went through various stages including second reading, committee study, report stage, and third reading. After being considered in the House of Commons, the bill's amendments were returned to the Senate for consideration on May 14, 2019. The provided text outlines the dates and stages of these proceedings but does not contain the full text of the bill or specific debate content.
The Senate proceeded with the first reading of Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, while also engaging in debates and committee reports on unrelated matters.
This artifact is a record of the Senate's first reading of Bill S-240, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning human organ trafficking. The record also includes debates and discussions on various other matters before the Senate, such as tributes to a former senator, patient safety, the Indian Act, cannabis legalization, and updates on Senate committee reports and other bills. The focus of this specific document is the procedural step of introducing Bill S-240, with the main discussion centered around other topics due to the nature of the first reading.
This record outlines Bill S-240's progression through the Senate, including its second reading, committee work, third reading, and the subsequent consideration of amendments made by the House of Commons.
This artifact details the legislative journey of Bill S-240 through the Senate. It shows that the bill passed its second reading on December 7, 2017, following a sponsor's speech. It then went through committee consideration, report stage, and third reading. The bill was sent to the House of Commons, where amendments were made. The Senate is now considering these House of Commons amendments. The artifact also notes major speeches given during the second reading stage in both the Senate and the House of Commons.
The Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-240, concerning human organ trafficking, was adjourned.
On December 7, 2017, the Senate met to continue its second reading debate on Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs. The debate was adjourned, meaning it will continue at a later date. The Senate also addressed other procedural matters, including tabling documents, presenting committee reports, and debating other bills.
During the Senate's second reading debate of Bill S-240, the sponsor detailed the global issue of human organ trafficking and explained how the bill proposes to create new criminal offences and inadmissibility grounds to combat it.
This record details a debate in the Senate on December 7, 2017, regarding Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs. The bill's sponsor, Senator Salma Ataullahjan, delivered a speech at the second reading stage, outlining the severe global problem of organ trafficking. She described the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, often lured by false promises or coerced into donating organs for minimal compensation, while recipients pay large sums. The speech highlighted that this illegal trade generates billions annually and has expanded globally, impacting various regions. Senator Ataullahjan explained that Bill S-240 aims to create new Criminal Code offences for organ trafficking and make permanent residents or foreign nationals inadmissible to Canada if involved in such activities. The speech detailed the gap between organ demand and supply, the role of criminal organizations, and international efforts to combat this issue, citing examples of trafficking cases and the vast financial profits involved. The senator emphasized that Canada, as a demand country, must take action to deter and prosecute those involved in obtaining organs through exploitation. The debate was adjourned after the sponsor's speech, indicating that further discussion on the bill would follow.
During a Senate sitting on March 1, 2018, various procedural matters were addressed, including routine proceedings, question period, and other legislative items, with the debate on Bill S-240 being adjourned.
The Senate met for a sitting on March 1, 2018. The sitting included routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. While Bill S-240 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs)) was listed under Orders of the Day for second reading debate, the debate on this specific bill was adjourned. This artifact contains records of various discussions and procedural matters that took place during the sitting, but does not detail the second reading debate for Bill S-240 itself.
This record details a Senate sitting that included tributes to the Humboldt Broncos, tabling of reports, question period, and the second reading debate of Bill S-240 concerning human organ trafficking, which was then referred to committee.
This artifact is a record of a sitting of the Senate on April 17, 2018. The Senate began with a moment of silence and tributes to the victims of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. Following routine proceedings where various reports and documents were tabled, and a period of questions, the Senate moved to "Orders of the Day." One of the items under "Orders of the Day" was the "Second Reading—Debate" of Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs). The debate for Bill S-240 occurred and the bill was subsequently read a second time and referred to committee. Other items on the Order Paper included debates on other bills and committee reports.
During a Senate sitting on April 17, 2018, senators expressed profound grief and solidarity following the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, while also engaging in debates on Bill S-240 concerning organ trafficking and other legislative matters.
This Senate debate record from April 17, 2018, primarily focuses on the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash and the nation's response. Senators from various parties offered condolences and shared stories of community solidarity and resilience. Additionally, there are discussions related to other Senate business, including the tabling of reports and the debate on Bill S-240, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning human organ trafficking. The discussion on Bill S-240 included philosophical and ethical considerations of organ donation, transplantation tourism, and the importance of individual conscience.
The Senate completed its committee consideration of amendments made by the House of Commons to Bill S-240 on June 7, 2018.
This artifact documents the 'Senate Consideration in committee' stage for Bill S-240, which occurred on June 7, 2018, and was completed. This stage is part of the process where the Senate reviews amendments that were made to the bill by the House of Commons. The current status of the bill is that it is undergoing this consideration of amendments. The artifact also lists the dates of various previous stages of the bill in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings, committee work, and report stage, as well as dates when messages were exchanged between the two chambers regarding amendments.
On June 7, 2018, the Senate heard the presentation of the twelfth report from the Human Rights Committee on Bill S-240, outlining proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
During a Senate sitting on June 7, 2018, senators were introduced to new colleagues, discussed various reports and motions, and debated several bills. A key procedural event was the presentation of the twelfth report from the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights concerning Bill S-240, which proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act regarding trafficking in human organs. The report detailed several specific amendments to be made to the bill, which were then placed on the Order Paper for consideration at the next sitting.
The Senate completed its report stage for Bill S-240, concerning amendments related to human organ trafficking, on June 14, 2018, and later considered amendments from the House of Commons on May 14, 2019.
This artifact describes the Senate's report stage for Bill S-240 on June 14, 2018. This stage is part of the process where the Senate considers amendments proposed by the House of Commons. The record indicates that this stage was completed. The bill is titled 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs)'. The latest activity mentioned is the consideration of House of Commons amendments on May 14, 2019.
On June 14, 2018, the Senate of Canada debated and passed amendments to Bill S-240 concerning human organ trafficking, advanced several other bills to third reading, and engaged in debates on various societal and governmental issues.
On June 14, 2018, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters, debates on different bills, and statements from senators. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to considering amendments made by the House of Commons to Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs. The Senate adopted the report from the Human Rights Committee on this bill, which included several amendments. Other proceedings involved the third reading and passage of several bills, including those related to the Criminal Code (offences relating to conveyances), the Canada Elections Act, and the establishment of Gender Equality Week. Debates also occurred on sustainable development, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the potential creation of a national nutrition program. Several routine proceedings, such as tabling reports and presenting committee findings, took place. The sitting concluded with various debates being adjourned or concluded.
The Senate completed the Third Reading stage for Bill S-240 on October 23, 2018, and later considered amendments from the House of Commons on May 14, 2019.
This artifact records the process of Bill S-240 in the Senate. Specifically, it notes the completion of the Third Reading stage on October 23, 2018, and later, the consideration of amendments made by the House of Commons on May 14, 2019. It also lists various preceding and subsequent procedural steps such as First Reading, Second Reading, committee work, and Report Stage, along with specific dates.
In the Senate on September 20, 2018, the third reading debate on Bill S-240 concerning human organ trafficking occurred, featuring personal accounts and calls for passage, alongside other Senate business.
The Senate met on September 20, 2018. The primary focus of this record is the debate and proceedings related to Bill S-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), at the third reading stage in the Senate. The debate included a personal story illustrating the horrors of organ trafficking and arguments for the bill's swift passage. The sitting also included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings, Question Period on a range of government issues, and other legislative business, including debates on other bills and committee reports. The debate on Bill S-240 was adjourned.
The Senate debated and passed Bill S-240 at its Third Reading, an act concerning trafficking in human organs.
On October 23, 2018, the Senate of Canada met for its Third Reading debate on Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs. The sitting included routine proceedings, orders of the day where various bills were discussed and debated, and a question period. The debate on Bill S-240 at Third Reading was completed, and the bill, as amended, was passed by the Senate.
This artifact outlines the procedural progression of Bill S-240 in the House of Commons, from first reading to amendments being considered by the Senate.
This artifact summarizes the procedural steps taken on Bill S-240 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill went through first reading on October 30, 2018. The artifact also lists subsequent stages like second reading, committee consideration, report stage, and third reading, as well as messages exchanged with the Senate. The bill's current status is listed as being considered in the Senate with amendments made by the House of Commons.
On October 30, 2018, during a House of Commons sitting, Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), was introduced.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on October 30, 2018. During routine proceedings, a bill concerning the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), known as Bill S-240, was introduced and read for the first time. Several petitions were also presented, including multiple petitions on human organ trafficking.
This artifact outlines the procedural completion of the second reading stage for Bill S-240 in the House of Commons on December 10, 2018.
This record details the procedural steps for Bill S-240 in the House of Commons. It shows that the bill had its second reading on Monday, December 10, 2018, after which it was agreed to and referred to committee. The artifact indicates this stage is completed. It also notes that the bill is currently being considered in the Senate for amendments made by the House of Commons.
During a House of Commons debate on November 20, 2018, members discussed Bill S-240, which aims to criminalize and prevent organ trafficking, particularly by Canadians abroad, by creating new offences and making perpetrators inadmissible to Canada.
This document is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on November 20, 2018, concerning Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs). The debate focused on the proposed new offences related to organ trafficking, including the extraterritorial application of Canadian law and the potential challenges in prosecuting such cases abroad. Members also discussed the definition of informed consent and the process for reporting organ transplants. The bill aims to address the growing international problem of organ trafficking by targeting those who engage in these activities, often exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The House of Commons proceedings on November 20, 2018, include a debate on Bill C-75 and various other government orders and statements, with no specific content from the sponsor's speech on Bill S-240 provided in the extract.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs, the sponsor's speech was presented. This record focuses on the debate concerning the bill's passage and amendments, rather than the full text of the bill itself. The available text does not contain the sponsor's speech but rather lists the proceedings of the House on that date, including debates on other matters like Bill C-75.
The House of Commons debated Bill C-75, focusing on proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, including hybridization of offences, bail reforms, and changes to jury selection, amid discussions on time allocation and the overall efficiency of the justice system.
This document contains the Hansard record of a debate in the House of Commons on November 20, 2018. It details proceedings related to Bill C-75, which aimed to amend the Criminal Code and other acts to address issues like court delays and organized crime. The debate included discussions on proposed amendments, time allocation motions, and various other government orders and statements by members. Specific topics covered included the hybridization of offences, changes to bail provisions, reforms related to intimate partner violence, jury selection, and the repeal of certain archaic Criminal Code sections.
In the House of Commons, members debated Bill S-240, focusing on its proposed new offences and inadmissibility provisions to combat human organ trafficking, while also discussing the complexities of its extraterritorial application and definitions.
During the House of Commons debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-240, members discussed the prohibition of human organ trafficking. While the bill aims to address this serious international issue by creating new criminal offences and inadmissibility rules under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, some members raised concerns about the practicalities of extraterritorial jurisdiction, the definition of informed consent, and the potential overlap with existing laws. The discussion highlighted the moral imperative to combat forced organ harvesting, particularly mentioning reports related to China and Falun Gong practitioners.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-240 concerning human organ trafficking and other matters, including time allocation for Bill C-51 and the opioid crisis, as part of its regular sitting.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on December 10, 2018, which included debate on Bill S-240, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning trafficking in human organs. The sitting also included discussions on other government business, such as time allocation motions for Bill C-51 and a debate on the opioid crisis in Canada. The focus of this record is the procedural aspects of these discussions as they occurred in the House.
The House of Commons has finished its committee review of amendments to Bill S-240, concerning human organ trafficking, before the Senate considers these amendments.
The House of Commons completed its consideration of amendments to Bill S-240. This bill aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act regarding the trafficking of human organs. After the House of Commons made its amendments, the bill moved to the Senate for its consideration of those changes. This artifact marks the completion of the committee stage in the House of Commons.
During the House of Commons debate on amendments to Bill S-240, Bill C-83 concerning correctional reforms, including the replacement of administrative segregation with structured intervention units, was discussed, with various parties raising concerns and support regarding its implementation and broader implications.
On March 1, 2019, during the consideration of amendments to Bill S-240 in the House of Commons, the House debated Bill C-83, an act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act. This debate focused on the replacement of administrative segregation with structured intervention units (SIUs) and the associated resources, oversight, and implementation. While the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness highlighted the bill's enhancements to safety, rehabilitation, and mental health care, including independent external oversight, opposition members raised concerns about the adequacy of consultations, potential for increased risks to staff and inmates, and the effectiveness of the new units. The debate also touched upon broader issues of government fiscal responsibility, the rule of law, and confidence in the justice system. Procedurally, the House resumed consideration of Bill C-83 at the third reading stage. A division (vote) was requested and deferred.
On April 30, 2019, the House of Commons completed its Report stage for Bill S-240, agreeing to amendments and sending the bill to the Senate, before proceeding to Third Reading.
This artifact details the House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-240 on April 30, 2019. At this stage, amendments made by the House of Commons were considered. Following this, the bill, with these amendments, was sent to the Senate for their consideration. The House of Commons then proceeded to Third Reading of the bill.
On April 30, 2019, the House of Commons debated Bill C-97, the Budget Implementation Act, with significant discussion on time allocation and the use of an omnibus bill, while government members defended the budget's measures.
During the House of Commons report stage debate on April 30, 2019, Members of Parliament discussed Bill C-97, the Budget Implementation Act. A significant portion of the debate focused on the government's use of time allocation to limit debate on the bill. Opposition members criticized the government's handling of the budget, its fiscal management, and the inclusion of various measures within an omnibus bill, arguing it reduced parliamentary scrutiny. Government members defended the budget, highlighting investments in various sectors and measures aimed at supporting Canadians.
The House of Commons completed its third reading of Bill S-240 on April 30, 2019, after which the Senate began considering the House's amendments.
This artifact describes the House of Commons' completion of the third reading stage for Bill S-240 on April 30, 2019. Following this, the bill, as amended by the House of Commons, was sent to the Senate for consideration. The Senate began considering these amendments on May 14, 2019. The record also lists previous stages of the bill's progression through both the Senate and the House of Commons.
The House of Commons sitting on April 30, 2019, featured debates on the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, other government business, and the passage of Bill S-240 concerning trafficking in human organs.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on April 30, 2019. It details various proceedings, including the tabling of reports, debates on government orders and private members' business, and statements by members. The primary focus of the debate within Government Orders was Bill C-97, the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1. The sitting also included routine proceedings and oral questions on various government policies and international relations. Notably, Bill S-240, concerning trafficking in human organs, also progressed to third reading and passed.
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
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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.
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