Bill S-250 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications)
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-250 proposes to amend the Criminal Code to include "prohibited insider trading" as an offence for which private communications can be intercepted.
Bill S-250, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications), proposes to add "prohibited insider trading" to the definition of 'offence' in section 183 of the Criminal Code. This would allow for the interception of private communications related to this specific offence.
- Amends the Criminal Code to include "prohibited insider trading" within the definition of 'offence' in section 183 for the purposes of intercepting private communications.
- Adds new subparagraph (lxx.01) to paragraph (a) of the definition of 'offence' in section 183 of the Criminal Code.
- Specifies that section 382.1, which deals with prohibited insider trading, is now included in the list of offences for which private communications can be intercepted.
- Individuals or entities involved in prohibited insider trading.
- Law enforcement agencies that may seek to intercept private communications.
- The justice system, as it relates to the investigation and prosecution of prohibited insider trading.
- This bill could affect the right to privacy concerning communications when related to the offence of prohibited insider trading.
- The bill does not specify any new penalties or consequences for prohibited insider trading beyond what is already covered under section 382.1 of the Criminal Code.
- The bill's practical impact on the interception of private communications will depend on how courts interpret and apply the broadened definition of 'offence' in relation to section 183 of the Criminal Code.
- The text does not provide details on the specific types of communications that could be intercepted or the procedures that must be followed.
Changes the definition of 'offence' in section 183 to include "prohibited insider trading", which affects the circumstances under which private communications can be lawfully intercepted.
Source: Section 1
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-250 completed its first reading in the Senate on May 23, 2018, and subsequently proceeded through second reading debates and speeches.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-250 in the Senate. It outlines that the bill completed its first reading on May 23, 2018. It also indicates that the bill was at the second reading stage, with related debates and speeches occurring on various dates between May 29, 2018, and May 14, 2019. The bill's sponsor, Howard Wetston, gave a speech, and Gwen Boniface responded.
On May 23, 2018, the Senate heard statements on various topics, introduced Bill S-250 to amend the Criminal Code, and debated other legislative matters.
This document records the Senate proceedings on May 23, 2018. It includes statements by senators on various topics, such as a teacher's award, the crisis in Churchill, Manitoba, and the observance of Ramadan. Routine proceedings involved the tabling of reports and the introduction of a bill to amend the Criminal Code, Bill S-250. Question Period addressed issues like the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, foreign affairs, and judicial appointments. The Orders of the Day included debates on other bills and motions. The introduction of Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications), occurred, and it was placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading.
Bill S-250, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code regarding the interception of private communications, was undergoing debate at the second reading stage in the Senate as of May 14, 2019.
This artifact details the procedural status of Bill S-250 in the Senate. The bill was at the second reading stage. The record shows that on May 14, 2019, there was a debate related to the second reading of the bill. The bill had its first reading on May 23, 2018, and its second reading on May 29, 2018. Major speeches related to the second reading occurred on October 23, 2018, November 8, 2018, and May 14, 2019. The source text does not indicate the completion of this stage.
On May 29, 2018, the Senate conducted routine proceedings, question period, and debated various bills and inquiries, including the introduction of Bill S-250 concerning the interception of private communications.
On May 29, 2018, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included various proceedings. The Senate observed moments for statements on topics such as AccessAbility Week, Bike Day on the Hill, and recognized visitors and the late Glen Patterson and Dwight Dorey. Routine proceedings saw the tabling of the Auditor General's 2018 Spring Reports and the presentation of a committee report on modernizing the Official Languages Act. Notices of motion were given regarding Wednesday sittings, the study of the Elections Modernization Bill, and committee report extensions. Question Period addressed a range of government matters. Orders of the Day included the adoption of a motion to affect Wednesday sittings, and debates continued on several bills, including the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Bill, the Canada Revenue Agency Act, and the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Bill. Bills S-251 and S-252 received first reading. Later in the sitting, Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications), was introduced for second reading debate. Debate also continued on motions related to Senate modernization and committee allowances. Inquiries regarding the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in Canadian prisons and the historical context of Confederation delegates were addressed. The sitting concluded with the Senate rising.
During Senate proceedings on May 29, 2018, a debate on Bill S-250, proposing to allow wiretaps for insider trading investigations, was introduced and adjourned.
The Senate met on May 29, 2018. The provided text is primarily a record of Senate proceedings, including statements by senators, routine proceedings, question period, and debates on various bills and motions. The debate specifically related to Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications), is marked as 'Debate Adjourned' and did not conclude on this day. The sponsor of Bill S-250, Senator Howard Wetston, introduced the bill, explaining that it aims to allow law enforcement to obtain wiretaps for investigations into prohibited insider trading by adding it as a designated offence under the Criminal Code. He noted that this is a narrow amendment to provide police with necessary investigative tools. The debate on Bill S-250 was adjourned without a conclusion.
On October 23, 2018, the Senate held a sitting that included statements, routine proceedings, debate on several bills including those concerning customs, environmental assessment, firearms, and the captivity of marine mammals, and a question period with the Minister of Democratic Institutions.
On October 23, 2018, the Senate was in session and heard several statements from senators on various topics including the history of Signal Hill, female genital mutilation, national health and fitness day, and child abuse prevention month. Routine proceedings included the tabling of several reports, including those from the Auditor General and the Treasury Board. The Senate then proceeded to orders of the day, debating and referring several bills to committee. Notably, Bill C-21, An Act to amend the Customs Act, was read the second time and referred to committee. The Senate also debated Bill C-69, concerning environmental assessments and energy regulation, and Bill C-71, related to firearms. Question Period saw Minister Karina Gould address questions on Senate reform, electoral reform, and election financing. The Senate also debated and passed Bill S-203, concerning the captivity of whales and dolphins, and Bill S-238, regarding the importation of shark fins.
In a Senate debate, Senator Gwen Boniface argued in favour of Bill S-250, stating it would allow wiretaps to gather direct evidence of insider trading and enhance market integrity.
This artifact is a record of a Senate debate on Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications). Senator Gwen Boniface spoke in favour of the bill, explaining that it would allow law enforcement to use wiretaps to gather direct evidence of insider trading. She noted that this would make it easier to prosecute insider trading cases, which currently rely heavily on circumstantial evidence. Senator Boniface detailed the strict legal requirements for obtaining a wiretap warrant, emphasizing that such measures infringe on Charter rights and are not used lightly. She argued that allowing wiretaps for insider trading cases would help deter this illegal activity, restore consumer confidence in investment markets, and level the playing field for average investors.
This Senate sitting on November 8, 2018, included observances, routine proceedings, question period, and debates on multiple bills and motions, with no specific action taken on Bill S-250 during this record.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on November 8, 2018. The Senate observed Remembrance Day, acknowledged visitors, and heard statements on National Philanthropy Day and Aboriginal Veterans Day. Routine proceedings included tabling reports and first readings of bills. Question period covered topics such as veterans' pensions, the Bombardier Inc. loan, the USMCA trade agreement, and media preservation. The Senate debated various bills, including those related to oil tanker regulation, marine protection areas, national security, firearms, and the Fisheries Act. There was also debate on motions concerning the genocide of Pontic Greeks, diplomatic relations with Iran, universal nutrition programs, fraudulent membership cards, and extensions for committee reports. The sitting concluded with adjournment.
On May 14, 2019, the Senate of Canada continued debate on Bill S-250 at second reading, alongside other routine proceedings and question period.
On May 14, 2019, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, orders of the day, and question period. Key discussions and procedural activities related to Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications), involved the continuation of debate at its second reading stage. Senators also addressed other legislative matters, committee business, and tabled reports. The sitting featured statements by senators on various topics and a question period with the Minister of Finance.
Bill S-250 has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the Senate, with its most recent activity being debate at Second Reading.
This record shows the procedural status of Bill S-250 in the Senate. The bill has not yet reached the Third Reading stage. The latest activity noted was debate at the Second Reading stage on May 14, 2019. The bill was first read on May 23, 2018, and had its Second Reading on May 29, 2018. Major speeches related to the Second Reading occurred on October 23, 2018, November 8, 2018, and May 14, 2019. The sponsor's speech was on May 29, 2018, and a response speech was given on October 23, 2018.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-250 has not yet undergone first reading in the House of Commons, although it is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the 'First reading' stage for Bill S-250 in the House of Commons. However, the status indicates this stage has not yet been reached. The bill is currently at the 'Second reading' stage in the Senate, with its latest activity being a debate on that stage on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. The first reading in the House of Commons was scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The artifact also lists dates for second reading and major speeches in the Senate.
Bill S-250 has not yet reached its second reading stage in the House of Commons, despite having progressed through readings and debates in the Senate.
This record indicates that Bill S-250, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to the interception of private communications, has reached the "House of Commons Second reading" stage. However, the 'Stage state' is marked as 'Not reached', meaning this procedural step has not yet occurred in the House of Commons. The provided text details the bill's progression through the Senate, including first and second readings and related speeches, but it does not describe any activity within the House of Commons for this specific stage.
Bill S-250, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code regarding private communications, is currently undergoing second reading in the Senate, with the House of Commons committee consideration stage not yet reached.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (interception of private communications). The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate. The provided text indicates that the 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage has not yet been reached. The record details past activities, including first and second readings in the Senate and lists dates for major speeches related to the second reading debate.
Bill S-250 has not yet reached the report stage in the House of Commons and is currently at second reading in the Senate, with past debate dates and speeches noted.
This record indicates that Bill S-250, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code regarding the interception of private communications, has not yet reached the report stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is at second reading in the Senate. The provided text details historical activities such as first and second readings in the Senate, along with dates of major speeches made during the second reading debate.
Bill S-250, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code on private communications interception, has not yet reached Third Reading in the House of Commons and is currently at Second Reading in the Senate.
The House of Commons has not yet reached the Third Reading stage for Bill S-250. This bill, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code related to the interception of private communications, is currently at the Second Reading stage in the Senate. The provided text details the bill's progression up to its first and second readings in the Senate, including dates of sittings and sponsor's speeches.
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