Bill C-5 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd 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 C-5 amends the Judges Act to require judges to undertake continuing education on sexual assault law as a condition of appointment and to establish reporting on such seminars, and amends the Criminal Code to require judges to provide written reasons for their decisions in sexual assault and related proceedings.
Bill C-5 makes three main changes to federal law: 1. **Judges must commit to sexual assault education:** Anyone being appointed as a judge of a superior court must agree to participate in continuing education about sexual assault law and social context, including attending seminars set up by the Canadian Judicial Council. 2. **Seminars must be properly designed:** The Canadian Judicial Council must ensure that sexual assault law seminars are developed in consultation with sexual assault survivors and support organizations, and must cover evidence rules, consent principles, how sexual assault proceedings work, and debunk myths and stereotypes about sexual assault complainants. 3. **Reports on seminars:** The Canadian Judicial Council must submit a report to the Minister of Justice within 60 days after each calendar year ends, listing the sexual assault law seminars offered that year, their content and dates, and how many judges attended. The Minister must table these reports in Parliament. 4. **Written reasons for decisions:** In sexual assault and related criminal proceedings heard by a judge alone (not a jury), the judge must provide written reasons explaining why they acquitted, convicted, discharged, found not criminally responsible, or found the accused unfit to stand trial. This applies to charges under specific sections of the Criminal Code dealing with sexual offences and assault (sections 151, 152, 153, 153.1, 155, 160(2)-(3), 170, 171, 172, 173, 271, 272, 273), including for historical offences where the conduct would be an offence under current law.
- Requires judges being appointed to superior courts to undertake continuing education on sexual assault law and social context, and to attend seminars on these topics
- Directs the Canadian Judicial Council to establish seminars on sexual assault law that must be developed in consultation with sexual assault survivors and support organizations
- Requires seminars to include instruction on evidence rules, consent principles, conduct of sexual assault proceedings, and education on myths and stereotypes about sexual assault complainants
- Requires the Canadian Judicial Council to report annually to the Minister of Justice on sexual assault law seminars offered, including their titles, descriptions, duration, dates, and attendance numbers
- Requires the Minister to table these reports in both Houses of Parliament within 10 sitting days of receiving them
- Requires judges to provide written reasons for their decisions in sexual assault and related criminal proceedings, including acquittals, convictions, discharges, findings of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder, and findings of unfitness to stand trial
- Makes the requirement for written reasons apply only to proceedings heard by a judge without a jury
- Applies the written reasons requirement to charges under sections 151, 152, 153, 153.1, 155, 160(2)-(3), 170, 171, 172, 173, 271, 272, and 273 of the Criminal Code
- People being appointed as judges to superior courts in any province, who will be required to commit to continuing education on sexual assault law and social context
- The Canadian Judicial Council, which must establish and design seminars on sexual assault law in consultation with survivors and support organizations, and must report annually on these seminars
- Federally appointed judges, who will be required to attend seminars on sexual assault law and social context
- Sexual assault survivors and organizations that support them, who will be consulted by the Canadian Judicial Council in developing seminars
- Judges hearing sexual assault cases without a jury, who will be required to provide written reasons for their decisions
- Parties in sexual assault criminal proceedings (accused persons, prosecutors, and complainants), whose cases will be subject to written judicial reasons
- The Minister of Justice, who will receive reports from the Canadian Judicial Council and must table them in Parliament
- Parliament, which will receive reports on judicial education seminars related to sexual assault law
- Judges being appointed must undertake to participate in continuing education on sexual assault law and social context
- The Canadian Judicial Council must establish seminars on sexual assault law and social context
- The Canadian Judicial Council must consult with sexual assault survivors and support organizations when developing seminars
- Seminars must include instruction on evidentiary prohibitions, consent principles, conduct of sexual assault proceedings, and myths and stereotypes about complainants
- The Canadian Judicial Council must report annually to the Minister on seminars offered and judge attendance
- Judges in sexual assault proceedings without a jury must provide written reasons for acquittals, convictions, discharges, findings of not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder, and findings of unfitness to stand trial
- Reasons must be entered in the record of proceedings or, if not recorded, provided in writing
- The bill specifies that section 278.98(1) of the Criminal Code applies on the day the section comes into force
- Section 278.98(2) applies to proceedings for historical offences (as they existed before the commencement date) if the conduct would be an offence under current law
- The Canadian Judicial Council must submit annual reports within 60 days after the end of each calendar year
- The Minister of Justice must table reports in Parliament within 10 sitting days of receiving them
- The bill does not specify a commencement date in the provided text
- The bill does not specify the cost of developing and delivering the required seminars on sexual assault law and social context
- The bill does not specify whether attendance at seminars will be mandatory or voluntary for sitting judges, only that judicial appointees must undertake to participate
- The bill does not provide details on funding for the Canadian Judicial Council's expanded seminar obligations
- The bill does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms for judges who fail to comply with the requirement to provide written reasons in sexual assault proceedings
- The bill does not specify penalties for judges who fail to undertake the required continuing education
- The bill does not specify what happens if a judge refuses to commit to continuing education on sexual assault law as a condition of appointment
- The bill does not specify a date when the amendments come into force
- The bill does not define what 'social context' means in relation to sexual assault law education
- The bill does not specify the format, length, or frequency of seminars on sexual assault law
- The bill does not clarify whether sitting judges (not being newly appointed) are required to attend the seminars, or only judicial appointees
- The bill does not specify what happens if the Canadian Judicial Council fails to comply with the consultation and content requirements for seminars
- The bill does not provide details on what 'myths and stereotypes associated with sexual assault complainants' specifically includes
- The bill does not clarify whether written reasons must address all aspects of a case or specific questions
- The bill does not specify whether the requirement for written reasons applies only to criminal proceedings or could apply to other cases heard by the judge
- The bill does not define 'judge' for purposes of the seminar requirement or attendance reporting
Section 3 is changed to add a new requirement that anyone eligible for appointment as a superior court judge must undertake to participate in continuing education on sexual assault law and social context, including attending seminars set up by the Canadian Judicial Council.
Source: Clause 1(2), paragraphs 3(a) and (b)
The section authorizing the Canadian Judicial Council to establish seminars for judges' continuing education is updated to specifically mention seminars on sexual assault law and social context.
Source: Clause 2(1)
A new subsection is added requiring that sexual assault law seminars be developed in consultation with sexual assault survivors and support organizations, and must cover evidentiary prohibitions, consent principles, sexual assault proceedings conduct, and myths and stereotypes about complainants.
Source: Clause 2(2)
A new section is added requiring the Canadian Judicial Council to report annually to the Minister of Justice on sexual assault law seminars offered, with details on seminar content, duration, dates, and judge attendance numbers. The Minister must table these reports in Parliament.
Source: Clause 3
A new section is added requiring judges to provide written reasons for decisions in sexual assault and related criminal proceedings heard without a jury. This applies to offences under sections 151, 152, 153, 153.1, 155, 160(2)-(3), 170, 171, 172, 173, 271, 272, and 273, and also to historical versions of these offences.
Source: Clause 4
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. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 4 February 2020, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada introduced Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, in the House of Commons and it was given first reading. Bill C-5 amends the Judges Act to restrict eligibility for judicial appointment to persons who undertake to participate in continuing education on matters related to sexual assault law and social context. It also amends the Judges Act to require that the Canadian Judicial Council report on seminars offered for the continuing education of judges on matters related to sexual assault law. Finally, it amends the Criminal Code to require that judges provide reasons for decisions in sexual assault proceedings.
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 indicates that Bill C-5 has passed first and second reading in the House of Commons, been referred to committee, and had its first reading in the Senate, but has not yet reached the 'Senate First reading' stage.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill C-5 in the Senate. It indicates that the 'Senate First reading' stage has not yet been reached. The bill's most recent activity was its second reading and referral to committee in the House of Commons on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Its first reading in the Senate occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. The artifact also lists major speeches given during the second reading in the House of Commons and the dates for consideration in committee. It notes that similar bills have been introduced in previous Parliaments.
This artifact indicates that the Senate has not yet reached the Second Reading stage for Bill C-5, which has already completed Second Reading and committee stages in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the Senate's Second Reading stage for Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code. This stage has not yet been reached in the Senate. The bill has already had its Second Reading and referral to committee in the House of Commons on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, following its First Reading on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. The House of Commons then moved to consideration in committee on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, and Thursday, March 12, 2020. The artifact also notes similar bills introduced in a previous Parliament, specifically Bill C-337.
Bill C-5 has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the Senate, with its most recent procedural activity being in the House of Commons.
The Senate has not yet reached the Third Reading stage for Bill C-5. The bill's latest activity was its Second Reading and referral to committee in the House of Commons on February 19, 2020. Prior to this, it had its First Reading on February 4, 2020. The provided text also lists major speeches from the Second Reading in the House of Commons and notes that the bill is currently at the committee stage in the House of Commons. A similar bill, C-337, from a previous Parliament is also mentioned.
Bill C-5 underwent its first reading in the House of Commons on February 4, 2020, a procedural step before further debate and committee review.
This record describes the first reading of Bill C-5 in the House of Commons on February 4, 2020. This is a formal procedural step where a bill is introduced. The bill was later moved to second reading and referred to a committee on February 19, 2020. The source text also lists speeches made during the second reading debate by Members of Parliament from the Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, and NDP parties.
On February 4, 2020, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, was introduced and given first reading in the House of Commons.
On February 4, 2020, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, was introduced and given first reading in the House of Commons. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, David Lametti, moved for leave to introduce the bill. The process involved a debate. The House of Commons then moved to other business, including statements by members, oral questions and government orders.
The House of Commons completed second reading of Bill C-5 on February 19, 2020, and referred it to a committee.
On February 19, 2020, the House of Commons completed the second reading stage for Bill C-5. This means the House members debated the general principles of the bill and then agreed to move it forward. Following this agreement, the bill was referred to a committee for further study.
The House of Commons debated and referred Bill C-5, which aims to enhance judicial training and transparency in sexual assault cases, to committee, following extensive discussion on unrelated national issues and routine parliamentary business.
On February 19, 2020, the House of Commons debated and subsequently referred Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, to a committee. This stage in the legislative process is known as "second reading debate" and involves discussion of the bill's principles and general purpose. The debate focused heavily on proposed amendments to the Judges Act and Criminal Code aimed at improving how sexual assault cases are handled within the justice system, particularly concerning judicial training and the requirement for judges to provide reasons for their decisions. While the bill itself was the central focus, a significant portion of the sitting involved extensive questioning and answers related to the ongoing rail blockades impacting various sectors of the Canadian economy, public safety, and Indigenous affairs, as well as discussions on other routine parliamentary proceedings like the tabling of petitions and reports. The second reading of Bill C-5 was ultimately agreed to, and the bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for further study.
During the second reading debate on Bill C-5 in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed proposed amendments to the Judges Act and Criminal Code that would mandate sexual assault law and social context training for judges, aiming to improve fairness and transparency in the justice system for survivors.
This record details a debate in the House of Commons on February 19, 2020, concerning Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code. The core of the debate focused on requiring judges who hear sexual assault cases to undergo training on sexual assault law and social context. The proposed legislation aims to ensure judges are aware of and do not rely on harmful myths and stereotypes when making decisions, thereby increasing public confidence in the justice system. The bill also mandates that judges provide written reasons for their decisions in sexual assault proceedings to enhance transparency. Several members of Parliament from various parties expressed support for the bill, acknowledging its importance in addressing the persistent issues faced by survivors of sexual assault within the justice system. The debate also touched upon related issues such as the need for broader training for other adjudicators, support services for victims, and the federal government's role in addressing gender-based violence.
During the second reading debate of Bill C-5, Members of Parliament discussed proposed amendments to the Judges Act and Criminal Code aimed at enhancing judicial training on sexual assault cases, with broad support expressed for the bill's intent.
This record details the second reading debate for Bill C-5, an act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code. The primary focus of the debate was on proposed changes to judicial training regarding sexual assault cases. Members from various parties spoke, generally expressing support for the bill's intent to improve how judges handle sexual assault cases by requiring training on sexual assault law and social context. The debate also touched upon the need for broader societal changes to support victims and ensure confidence in the justice system. Procedurally, a motion to read the bill a second time and refer it to committee was moved and agreed to.
In a debate on Bill C-5, Members of Parliament broadly supported the measure to mandate sexual assault law and social context training for judges, aiming to enhance survivors' trust in the justice system.
During the second reading debate of Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, Members of Parliament discussed the bill's purpose and its implications. The debate focused on requiring judges to undergo training related to sexual assault law and social context. MPs expressed broad support for the bill, emphasizing the need to improve survivors' confidence in the justice system and ensure judges are equipped to handle these sensitive cases without bias. Discussions also touched upon related issues, including the need for broader social support for victims and the application of similar training to other judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. The bill was subsequently read the second time and referred to a committee for further study.
Parliamentarians debated Bill C-5 at second reading, focusing on mandatory training for judges in sexual assault law and social context, and requiring written reasons for decisions in these cases, before referring the bill to committee.
During the second reading debate for Bill C-5, an act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, members of Parliament discussed the bill's provisions. The bill aims to ensure that judges have adequate training and awareness regarding sexual assault cases. It also requires judges to provide written reasons for their decisions in such cases to enhance transparency. The debate included discussions on the importance of judicial independence, the role of education in the justice system, and the need to address myths and stereotypes surrounding sexual assault. Several members from different parties expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to improve the justice system for survivors of sexual assault and build public confidence. There was also discussion about extending similar training to other decision-makers within the justice system, such as parole board members and immigration adjudicators, and the importance of consulting with various groups, including indigenous communities and survivors, when developing such training programs. The debate concluded with the bill being read a second time and referred to a committee for further study.
Bill C-5 proceeded to House of Commons committee consideration on March 10 and 12, 2020, but this stage was not completed, following its second reading on February 19, 2020.
This record indicates that Bill C-5 was scheduled for consideration in a House of Commons committee on March 10 and March 12, 2020. The stage of 'Consideration in committee' was not completed on these dates. The bill had previously passed second reading on February 19, 2020, after speeches from government, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, and NDP representatives.
Bill C-5, concerning amendments to the Judges Act and Criminal Code, has reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, with its latest procedural step being referral to committee after second reading.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill C-5 in the House of Commons. The bill has reached the 'Report stage' but this stage has not yet occurred. The latest activity shown is its referral to committee after second reading on February 19, 2020. The artifact also lists speeches made during second reading by representatives from the Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, and NDP parties. It also mentions a similar bill, C-337, from a previous Parliament.
The Third Reading stage for Bill C-5 in the House of Commons has not yet occurred, with the bill's latest procedural step being its referral to committee after second reading.
This artifact describes the 'House of Commons Third Reading' stage for Bill C-5. This stage has not yet been reached. The latest activity recorded for this bill was its referral to committee following second reading on February 19, 2020. There are records of speeches made by representatives from the Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, and NDP parties during the second reading.
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
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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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