Bill S-212 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd 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-212 amends the Criminal Code to permit jurors and their support persons to disclose information about jury proceedings to licensed health care professionals for treatment of health issues related to their service after the trial is concluded.
This bill amends the Criminal Code to allow jurors to share information about their jury service with health care professionals under certain circumstances. Currently, jurors are generally prohibited from disclosing information about jury proceedings. This bill creates an exception to that rule, permitting jurors, or support persons assisting jurors with disabilities, to disclose information to a health care professional if they are receiving medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, or counselling services related to health issues that arose from their jury service. This disclosure can only happen after the trial is completed and the health care professional must be licensed in a province. The bill also maintains existing exceptions related to investigations or evidence for offences concerning jurors.
- Amends section 649 of the Criminal Code to create new exceptions to the prohibition on disclosing information about jury proceedings.
- Allows jurors and support persons for jurors with disabilities to disclose information related to jury proceedings to health care professionals for medical, psychiatric, therapy, or counselling services.
- Specifies that these disclosures can only be made after the trial is completed and must be related to health issues arising from the person's service as a juror or support person.
- Requires health care professionals receiving such disclosures to be entitled to practice under the laws of a province.
- Maintains existing exceptions that allow disclosure for investigations of alleged offences related to a juror or for providing evidence in criminal proceedings concerning such offences.
- Jurors
- Persons providing support services to jurors with physical disabilities
- Health care professionals in Canada
- Law enforcement investigating offences related to jurors
- The justice system
- Jurors and support persons have a right to disclose information to health care professionals for treatment of service-related health issues after trial.
- Health care professionals must be licensed in a province to receive disclosures.
- Jurors and support persons remain obligated to not disclose jury proceedings information, except under the specific exceptions provided in the bill.
- The Act comes into force 90 days after receiving royal assent.
- Existing penalties for disclosing jury information (punishable on summary conviction) continue to apply for disclosures not covered by the new exceptions.
- The bill does not define what constitutes 'health issues arising out of or related to the person’s service at the trial'.
- The bill does not specify which types of health care professionals are covered beyond those entitled to practice under provincial law.
- The bill does not detail the process or format for the disclosure to health care professionals.
Section 649 is amended to create new exceptions to the rule prohibiting jurors from disclosing information about jury proceedings. The new exceptions allow disclosures to health care professionals for treatment of health issues related to jury service after the trial, provided the professional is licensed in a province. Existing exceptions for investigations and evidence remain.
Source: Clause 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-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, completed its first reading in the Senate on October 27, 2020, and was later referred to committee.
This record shows the procedural steps taken for Bill S-212 in the Senate. The bill had its first reading on October 27, 2020. It then proceeded to second reading with major speeches on October 29, November 3, and December 3, 2020. The bill was later referred to a committee on May 25, 2021, and its current status is 'at consideration in committee in the Senate'. The artifact also lists similar bills introduced in this and a previous Parliament.
On October 27, 2020, the Senate held its first reading of Bill S-212 concerning juror information disclosure and adopted a motion to permit hybrid sittings.
This artifact is a record of proceedings in the Senate on October 27, 2020. The record includes statements by senators on various topics, routine proceedings where several bills were introduced for first reading, notices of motions on various subjects, and debates during Question Period. Most notably, the Senate adopted a motion to authorize hybrid sittings, allowing senators to participate remotely via videoconference. The sitting also included the introduction of Bill S-212, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), for first reading. Debate on several other bills and inquiries were adjourned.
Bill S-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, completed its Second Reading in the Senate and was then sent to committee.
The Senate completed the Second Reading stage for Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors). Following this, the bill was referred to a committee for further consideration. The record indicates that speeches were made during the Second Reading stage on various dates, including by the sponsor of the bill and other senators.
On October 29, 2020, the Senate held a sitting that included tributes, bill introductions, question period on current affairs, and debates on various procedural and substantive motions and bills, concluding with the announcement of the start of hybrid sittings.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting that took place on October 29, 2020. The sitting included tributes to former Senator David Braley and Aline Chrétien, discussions on the importance of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tabling of two new bills (Modern Slavery Bill and Girl Guides of Canada Bill). The Senate also engaged in Question Period on various topics including fiscal updates, COVID-19 testing, mandatory minimum penalties, and border security. Several motions were debated and voted upon, including one to affect committee membership and another to place a report on the Arctic on the Order Paper. The sitting also included the adjournment of debate on several bills, including Bill S-212 (disclosure of information by jurors), Bill S-210 (Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada Bill), and Bill S-214 (property qualifications of Senators). The record indicates that the Senate would commence hybrid sittings on November 3, 2020.
On October 29, 2020, the Senate held tributes, debated government responses to the pandemic, and began discussion on Bill S-212, which seeks to allow jurors to speak with mental health professionals about their experiences.
This document records the proceedings of the Senate on October 29, 2020. The majority of the proceedings involved tributes to deceased former senators and other notable Canadians, as well as discussions on various government policies and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, there was a debate concerning Bill S-212, which aims to amend the Criminal Code regarding the disclosure of information by jurors. The bill proposes allowing jurors to discuss jury deliberations with mental health professionals after a trial concludes, as a humane consideration for their well-being. Several senators spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the psychological toll jury duty can take and the importance of providing support to jurors.
This Senate sitting on November 3, 2020, included tributes, committee business, question period, and continued debate on several bills, including a debate on Bill S-212 regarding juror information disclosure which was adjourned.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting that took place on November 3, 2020. The sitting included tributes, the presentation of committee reports, notices of motions, question period, and the continuation of debates on several bills. Specifically, there was debate on Bill S-212 concerning the disclosure of information by jurors. During the sitting, senators also discussed other matters such as the conflict in Artsakh, judicial appointments, and COVID-19 vaccine plans. The debate on Bill S-212 was adjourned.
During a Senate debate on November 3, 2020, Senator Lucie Moncion spoke in support of Bill S-212, proposing an exception to jury secrecy rules for jurors experiencing mental health issues, and the debate was adjourned.
This artifact is a record of a Senate debate held on November 3, 2020. It includes tributes, procedural business, and discussions on various topics. The most relevant item to the bill S-212 is the continuation of the debate at second reading for Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors). Senator Lucie Moncion spoke as the critic for the bill, reiterating its importance, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted that the bill aims to create an exception to the jury secrecy rule to allow jurors experiencing mental health problems related to their service to disclose information about deliberations to a mental health professional after the deliberations are complete. She stated that this proposed amendment has the consensus of legal experts and mental health professionals, and that the bill passed the House of Commons in the previous Parliament. She also shared a detailed personal testimony from a former juror about the psychological impact of jury duty and the lack of support, emphasizing that the bill is a step towards addressing the mental well-being of jurors. The debate on Bill S-212 was adjourned.
During a Senate sitting on December 3, 2020, senators engaged in debates concerning juror mental health disclosure, judicial training on sexual assault, lowering the voting age, and other legislative and procedural matters.
On December 3, 2020, the Senate convened for a sitting that included tributes, routine proceedings, question period, and the continuation or adjournment of debate on several bills and motions. Notably, there was a debate on Bill S-212, an Act to amend the Criminal Code concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, with Senator Stan Kutcher speaking in favour of the bill but suggesting further preventative measures for jurors' mental health. The sitting also featured extensive debate on Bill C-3, which aims to amend the Judges Act and Criminal Code regarding sexual assault law training for judges, and Bill S-209, proposing to lower the voting age to 16. Other discussions included the establishment of a Commissioner for Children and Youth, the impacts of resource extraction, and a motion to study the government's decision to award a contract to WE Charity.
A Senate debate on December 3, 2020, where the discussion on Bill S-212, concerning jurors' disclosure of information to healthcare providers after traumatic trials, was adjourned, alongside other procedural matters and debates on different bills and motions.
This artifact is a record of a Senate debate on December 3, 2020. It includes tributes, procedural discussions, and debates on several bills. The debate for Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), was adjourned. The primary purpose of this bill, as discussed, is to remove the prohibition that prevents jurors suffering mental injury from discussing their experiences with healthcare providers, thereby facilitating their treatment and recovery. The debate also explored potential preventative measures, such as screening potential jurors for PTSD risk factors and providing early intervention and support during trials. Other discussions included a motion concerning Turkey's actions in the Mediterranean and a study on the government's decision to award a contract to WE Charity.
During a Senate sitting on May 25, 2021, senators discussed and advanced various legislative items, including the second reading of Bill S-212 concerning juror information disclosure, alongside debates on critical national issues.
This Senate sitting on May 25, 2021, included various procedural matters, debates on different bills, and discussions on important social and economic issues. Key activities included the election of a Speaker pro tempore, the introduction of several bills at first reading, and the continuation of debates on bills at second reading. Significant time was dedicated to discussing Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), which was read a second time and referred to committee. The sitting also featured discussions on topics such as COVID-19 vaccine rollout, environmental policies, anti-Semitism, systemic racism, and the future of Canadian journalism. Multiple senators raised points of order and engaged in debates, highlighting diverse perspectives on legislative proposals and societal issues.
Bill S-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, is currently undergoing consideration by a Senate committee, with the last procedural activity being its referral to committee on May 25, 2021.
The Senate is currently in the process of considering Bill S-212. The bill was referred to a committee on May 25, 2021. The record shows no new activity at the committee stage itself.
Bill S-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, is currently under committee consideration in the Senate, having completed first and second readings and related speeches.
This artifact describes the progress of Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), within the Senate. The bill's current status is that it is being considered in committee. The last significant procedural action was its referral to a committee on May 25, 2021. The artifact also lists the dates of its first and second readings, and notes that major speeches were made during the second reading period. The 'Report stage' of the Senate process for this bill has not yet been reached.
Bill S-212, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding juror information disclosure, has not yet reached Third Reading in the Senate and is currently undergoing committee consideration.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the Senate. The bill was referred to a committee on May 25, 2021, and its latest activity shows it is currently under consideration in committee. The artifact also lists key dates for its first and second readings, as well as major speeches given during the second reading process.
This artifact details the procedural progression of Bill S-212, highlighting its first reading in the House of Commons and its current status in the Senate committee stage.
This artifact describes the procedural steps for Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), specifically noting its first reading in the House of Commons on October 27, 2020. It also indicates that the bill has since moved to the Senate and is currently at the consideration in committee stage. The artifact lists related speeches and similar bills introduced previously. It is important to note that this artifact only reflects procedural activity and does not represent the full text of the bill.
This record outlines the procedural steps taken by Bill S-212 regarding its second reading in the House of Commons, noting it has not yet reached that stage and is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors), specifically concerning its progression through the House of Commons. The record indicates that the 'House of Commons Second reading' stage has not yet been reached. The bill was first read in the Senate on October 27, 2020, and had its second reading in the Senate on October 29, 2020. There were subsequent speeches in the Senate on November 3, 2020, and December 3, 2020. The bill was then referred to a Senate committee on May 25, 2021. The current status of the bill is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The artifact also lists similar bills that have been introduced.
Bill S-212 has not yet reached the committee stage in the House of Commons, and is currently undergoing committee consideration in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-212 has not yet reached the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The latest activity noted was its referral to a committee in the Senate on May 25, 2021. The artifact also lists dates for First Reading, Second Reading, and major speeches in the Senate.
Bill S-212, concerning the disclosure of information by jurors, is currently under consideration in a Senate committee, having completed its First and Second Readings in the Senate and has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons.
The provided text outlines the legislative journey of Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors). It details that the bill has reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet occurred. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The record also lists key dates like First Reading (October 27, 2020), Second Reading (October 29, 2020), and the referral to a committee (May 25, 2021) in the Senate, along with details of major speeches given during the Second Reading. It also notes similar bills previously introduced in this and a previous Parliament.
This record details the legislative status and procedural history of Bill S-212, noting that the House of Commons Third Reading stage has not yet been reached, while the bill is currently under committee review in the Senate.
This artifact describes the legislative journey of Bill S-212, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding the disclosure of information by jurors. While the current status indicates the bill is under consideration by a committee in the Senate, this specific record pertains to a procedural stage in the House of Commons: Third reading. However, this stage has not yet been reached. The record outlines the bill's progression, including its first and second readings in the Senate, and notes the dates of major speeches during its second reading. It also mentions similar bills introduced in the current and a previous Parliament.
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