Bill S-216 explained in plain English
An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff
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
This bill enacts the Modern Slavery Act, requiring certain entities to report on forced and child labour in their supply chains and amending the Customs Tariff to prohibit the import of goods produced with such labour.
Bill S-216, the Modern Slavery Act, aims to combat modern slavery by requiring certain entities to report on their efforts to prevent forced labour and child labour in their supply chains. It also allows for the prohibition of importing goods produced with forced labour or child labour. The Act defines key terms like 'forced labour,' 'child labour,' and 'entity' and sets out reporting obligations for affected businesses. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is responsible for overseeing the Act, with powers to designate individuals for enforcement, conduct inspections, and issue orders for corrective measures. The Act also introduces penalties for non-compliance and requires annual reports to Parliament and a comprehensive review after five years. Amendments to the Customs Tariff will allow for the exclusion of goods produced with forced labour or child labour from tariff items.
- Enacts the Modern Slavery Act.
- Requires certain entities to report annually on measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour or child labour in their supply chains.
- Defines 'forced labour,' 'child labour,' and 'entity' for the purposes of the Act.
- Allows the Minister to designate persons to administer and enforce the Act.
- Grants designated persons powers to enter places and examine documents and data to verify compliance.
- Provides for the prohibition of importing goods produced wholly or in part by forced labour or child labour.
- Establishes penalties for failing to comply with the Act's provisions.
- Mandates that the Minister table an annual report to Parliament summarizing entities' activities related to preventing forced and child labour.
- Requires a comprehensive review of the Act five years after it comes into force.
- Entities that produce or sell goods in Canada or elsewhere.
- Entities that import goods produced outside Canada.
- Entities that control entities engaged in the production or import of goods.
- The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
- Designated persons for the purposes of administration and enforcement.
- Parliament, through reporting and review requirements.
- Entities have an obligation to submit an annual report to the Minister detailing steps taken to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour or child labour.
- Entities must include specific information in their reports, such as policies, risk assessments, and employee training on forced labour and child labour.
- Reports must include an attestation from a director or officer that the information is true, accurate, and complete.
- Entities must make their reports publicly available.
- Individuals have the right to be accompanied by necessary persons when assisting a designated person.
- Individuals and entities have the right to refuse entry to a dwelling-house without a warrant.
- The Act comes into force on January 1 of the year following the year in which it receives royal assent.
- Entities must submit their annual report no later than 180 days after the end of each financial year.
- The Minister must table an annual report to Parliament by December 31 of each year.
- A comprehensive review of the Act must be undertaken at the start of the fifth year after the section comes into force.
- The amendment to the Customs Tariff may result in the exclusion of certain goods, potentially impacting duties and tariffs.
- Failure to comply with reporting obligations or an order from the Minister can result in a summary conviction offense with a fine of not more than $250,000.
- Knowingly making false or misleading statements or providing false or misleading information can result in a summary conviction offense with a fine of not more than $250,000.
- Officers, directors, or agents of an entity can be held liable for offenses committed by the entity.
- The Act includes provisions for due diligence to prevent offenses.
- The Act does not specify which 'classes of persons' the Minister may designate for enforcement purposes.
- The specific criteria for what constitutes 'control' of an entity may be further defined by regulations.
- The Act does not detail the specific circumstances under which the Act may not apply to entities, which may be prescribed by regulations.
- The exact form and manner in which reports are to be provided will be specified by the Minister in writing.
Establishes new requirements for certain entities to report on efforts to prevent forced and child labour, creates enforcement powers, and sets penalties for non-compliance.
Allows for the exclusion of goods from tariff items if they are mined, manufactured, or produced wholly or in part by forced labour or child labour, as defined in the Modern Slavery Act.
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-216 completed its first reading in the Senate on October 29, 2020, and was later referred to a committee.
This artifact shows the procedural steps taken for Bill S-216 in the Senate. The bill had its first reading on October 29, 2020. It was later referred to a committee on March 30, 2021. The artifact also lists speeches made during the second reading stage.
On October 29, 2020, the Senate introduced Bill S-216, An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff, and debated various other matters, including tributes and motions on sanctions and parliamentary allowances.
On October 29, 2020, the Senate began its sitting with tributes to former Senator David Braley and other notable figures. Following this, Bill S-216, An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff, was introduced and read for the first time. The Senate then proceeded to Question Period, where senators asked questions about various topics including government finances, COVID-19 testing, and trade relations with the United States. Several other bills and motions were debated, including those concerning children's rights, jury deliberations, Senate qualifications, sanctions against Chinese officials, and freezing parliamentarians' sessional allowances. The sitting concluded with a Speaker's statement announcing the commencement of hybrid sittings on November 3, 2020.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-216 on March 30, 2021, and referred it to a committee.
This artifact outlines the procedural steps for Bill S-216 in the Senate, specifically its second reading stage. The Senate's second reading of Bill S-216 was completed on March 30, 2021. Following this, the bill was referred to a Senate committee for further consideration. The record also lists the dates and speakers of major speeches given during the second reading process, including the sponsor's speech and subsequent response speeches.
On November 5, 2020, the Senate debated second readings of multiple bills, including Bill S-216 on Modern Slavery, and addressed various procedural and substantive motions before adjourning.
The Senate met on November 5, 2020. The sitting included various procedural matters, debates on several bills, and question period. Notably, Bill S-216, concerning modern slavery, had its second reading debate adjourned. The Senate also debated and adjourned debate on Bill S-207 (Criminal Code amendments), Bill S-209 (voting age), Bill S-210 (Commissioner for Children and Youth), Bill S-2 (Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act), Bill S-213 (Department for Women and Gender Equality Act), and Bill S-1001 (Girl Guides of Canada). Several motions were debated or adjourned, including those concerning the situation in Hong Kong, Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on committee meetings. The sitting concluded with an adjournment.
During a Senate sitting on November 5, 2020, discussions included the introduction of Bill S-216 aimed at modern slavery transparency, Veterans' Week tributes, and various legislative and procedural matters, including the use of virtual meetings.
This Senate debate record from November 5, 2020, covers various topics discussed during the sitting. A significant portion of the debate involved the sponsor of Bill S-216, an Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff. The sponsor spoke about the bill's purpose: to increase transparency in Canadian businesses' supply chains to combat child labour and forced labour. The bill targets large corporations and requires them to report on measures taken to prevent forced labour in their goods' production. The debate also touched on international parallels with similar laws in the UK and Australia, noting that Bill S-216 includes penalties for non-compliance, which some other countries' laws lack. Other discussions during the sitting included Veterans' Week commemorations, innovation in Alberta, the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, and various legislative matters before the Senate, such as bills concerning the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act, the Criminal Code, and the establishment of a Commissioner for Children and Youth. There was also a discussion regarding the rules for hybrid and virtual committee meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a point of order concerning the wearing of masks with visible representations of political positions.
On December 8, 2020, the Senate sat for a full day of proceedings, including statements, tabling of reports, question period, and debates on multiple bills and motions, including Bill S-216 concerning modern slavery.
This record details a Senate sitting on December 8, 2020. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics such as World Soil Day, the 50th anniversary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, and other community and national issues. Routine Proceedings saw various reports tabled and notices of motions given, including those related to the Statutes Repeal Act, Appropriation Bills, and a bill to amend the Criminal Code. Question Period addressed fiscal updates, the cost of hybrid sittings, vaccine rollouts, violence against women, agricultural support, disaster mitigation, and Huawei's involvement in 5G technology. The Orders of the Day included debates and decisions on several bills and motions, including debates on the Offshore Health and Safety Act, the Judges Act and Criminal Code, the Speech from the Throne, the Canada Elections Act, the Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada Bill, and the Modern Slavery Bill. Notably, Bill S-216, the Modern Slavery Act, was debated at second reading. A motion concerning the conduct of Senator Lynn Beyak was also discussed, as was a motion to authorize a committee study on the WE Charity contract and another on the future of workers. A motion calling on the government to condemn actions in Artsakh was debated and negatived, followed by a motion to adjourn which was also negatived. The sitting concluded with the Senate adjourning until the next day.
On December 8, 2020, the Senate debated Bill S-216 concerning modern slavery and customs tariffs, alongside other legislative matters and policy discussions, ultimately continuing the debate on Bill S-216 during its second reading.
This document summarizes the proceedings of the Senate on December 8, 2020. It includes debates on various topics, including World Soil Day, the 50th anniversary of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, street naming in Puslinch, Ontario, gender parity in the Senate, and the United States Federal Reserve model. It also details the tabling of committee reports, notices of motions, and discussions during Question Period on topics such as the fiscal update, cost of hybrid sittings, vaccine rollout, prevention of violence against women, support for the agricultural sector, disaster mitigation, and Huawei's 5G technology. Crucially, it records the continuation of the debate on Bill S-216, "An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff," during the second reading stage. Senators expressed support for the bill, highlighting its role in supply chain transparency and fighting modern slavery, while also discussing international comparisons and potential improvements. Other bills debated include amendments to the Offshore Health and Safety Act, the Judges Act, the Criminal Code, and bills related to the Commissioner for Children and Youth in Canada and lowering the voting age. The Senate also debated motions concerning the WE Charity contract and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and ultimately decided to adjourn.
On March 30, 2021, the Senate debated Bill S-216, the Modern Slavery Act, at second reading before referring it to committee.
The Senate met on March 30, 2021. After several statements by senators on various topics and the tabling of committee reports and Auditor General reports, the Senate proceeded with its "Orders of the Day". During this part of the sitting, Bill S-216, the Modern Slavery Act and amendments to the Customs Tariff, was debated at second reading. Following the debate, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce. Other legislative business and debates on various inquiries and motions also took place.
The Senate sat on March 30, 2021, addressing routine proceedings, Question Period on critical national issues, and debating and passing appropriation bills, alongside discussions on Modern Slavery, International Mother Language Day, National Ribbon Skirt Day, long-term care, the gig economy, and the repeal of the Senate's harassment policy.
On March 30, 2021, the Senate convened for proceedings that included various reports being tabled, notices of motions given, and debates on several bills and inquiries. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to Question Period, where senators questioned the Leader of the Government in the Senate on topics such as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, mandatory minimum penalties, and Canada-China relations. The Senate also debated and passed several appropriation bills (Bill C-26 and Bill C-27). Debates also took place on Bill S-216 (Modern Slavery Act), Bill S-211 (International Mother Language Day), Bill S-227 (National Ribbon Skirt Day), and inquiries concerning the future of workers, long-term care, and the legacy of former Senator Lillian Eva Dyck. Procedural matters included the adoption of the Sixth Report of the Committee of Selection regarding committee meeting schedules and the repeal of the 2009 Senate Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace.
In a Senate debate on Bill S-216, Senators discussed the issue of modern slavery, its prevalence, and how the proposed Act and amendments to the Customs Tariff would require companies to report on supply chain practices and prohibit the import of goods made with forced or child labour.
The Senate debated Bill S-216, an Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff. During the debate, Senators discussed the prevalence and forms of modern slavery globally and within Canada, highlighting issues such as forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking. The bill aims to address these issues by requiring large companies to report on their efforts to prevent and reduce forced labour in their supply chains and by amending the Customs Tariff to prohibit the import of goods produced through forced or child labour. Senators also touched upon the specific vulnerabilities of women and girls, migrant workers, and the need for corporate accountability.
Bill S-216, which aims to enact the Modern Slavery Act and amend the Customs Tariff, is currently undergoing consideration by a Senate committee, following its first and second readings and related speeches.
The Senate is currently considering Bill S-216 in a committee. The bill was referred to this committee on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Previously, it had its first reading on Thursday, October 29, 2020, and its second reading on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Speeches related to the bill were made by Senators Julie Miville-Dechêne, Diane Bellemare, Salma Ataullahjan, and Mobina S.B. Jaffer on various dates in 2020 and 2021.
Bill S-216, concerning modern slavery and customs tariffs, is at the report stage in the Senate, though this stage has not yet been reached.
The Senate has reached the report stage for Bill S-216, An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff. However, this specific stage has not yet been reached or acted upon. The latest procedural activity noted was the bill's referral to a committee on March 30, 2021. Speeches were made during the bill's second reading on November 5, December 8, 2020, and March 30, 2021.
Bill S-216, concerning modern slavery and customs tariffs, is currently before a Senate committee, with its third reading stage not yet reached.
This artifact describes the legislative stage for Bill S-216 in the Canadian Senate. The bill is currently at the "consideration in committee" stage. The last recorded procedural activity was its referral to a committee on March 30, 2021. The artifact also lists key dates and speeches related to the bill's first and second readings, along with information on similar bills introduced previously.
Bill S-216, concerning modern slavery and customs tariffs, had its first reading in the House of Commons and then proceeded through second reading and committee referral in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural steps for Bill S-216 in the House of Commons and the Senate. The bill reached its First Reading in the House of Commons on October 29, 2020. It then proceeded to Second Reading in the Senate on November 5, 2020, where several speeches were made. The bill was later referred to a committee in the Senate on March 30, 2021. The current status of the bill is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The artifact also notes similar bills, S-211 and C-423, that were introduced in previous parliamentary sessions.
This record shows that Bill S-216, concerning modern slavery and customs tariffs, is currently being considered by a Senate committee, and the House of Commons has not yet reached the second reading stage for this bill.
The artifact indicates that the House of Commons has not yet reached the stage of Second Reading for Bill S-216. It notes that the bill was introduced in the Senate, had its first reading there on October 29, 2020, and its second reading on November 5, 2020. Major speeches related to the second reading occurred on December 8, 2020, and March 30, 2021, in the Senate. The bill was then referred to a committee in the Senate on March 30, 2021. Its current status is "At consideration in committee in the Senate." The artifact also lists similar bills that have been introduced in the current and previous Parliaments.
Bill S-216 has reached the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons, though this stage has not yet occurred, and has been referred to a committee in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-216 has reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet been reached. The bill was previously referred to a committee in the Senate on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. The artifact also lists the bill's first and second reading dates in the Senate, along with major speeches given during the second reading. It also mentions similar bills introduced in the current and previous Parliaments. The current status of the bill overall is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'.
Bill S-216 has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration in a Senate committee, with related speeches and similar bills noted.
The artifact indicates that Bill S-216 has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is "At consideration in committee in the Senate." The last recorded activity was its referral to a Senate committee on March 30, 2021. The artifact also lists major speeches made during the bill's second reading in the Senate, with sponsoring and response speeches by Senators Julie Miville-Dechêne, Diane Bellemare, Salma Ataullahjan, and Mobina S.B. Jaffer. Information about similar bills, S-211 in the Senate and C-423 in the House of Commons, is also provided.
Bill S-216 has not reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons and is currently undergoing committee consideration in the Senate.
The record indicates that Bill S-216 has not yet reached the 'House of Commons Third reading' stage. The bill is currently 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The last recorded activity was its referral to a Senate committee on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.
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