Bill S-4 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 44th 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
This text explains when new Canadian laws take effect and how they coexist with existing laws, including specific examples of commencement dates and continued application of older legal provisions.
The text describes how new laws (Acts) in Canada come into effect (commence) and how they interact with existing laws. It includes examples of when specific laws start applying, such as 30 days after royal assent, and notes that some provisions from older laws (like the Food and Drugs Act or Criminal Code) continue to apply even after new laws take effect. It also mentions that certain legal processes (e.g., applications for permits) submitted before a new law starts may still be handled under the old rules.
- Specifies that new laws (Acts) will commence (take effect) on a set date, such as 30 days after receiving royal assent.
- States that some provisions from older laws (e.g., Food and Drugs Act, Criminal Code) will continue to apply even after new laws come into force.
- Notes that certain legal processes (e.g., applications for permits) submitted before a new law starts may still be processed under the old rules.
- Individuals and organizations subject to the laws mentioned (e.g., food businesses, criminal defendants, civil litigants).
- Government agencies responsible for enforcing laws (e.g., Health Canada, police, courts).
- The text does not specify exact dates for all commencement provisions, only general references like '30 days after royal assent'.
- The exact scope of which provisions from older laws continue to apply is not fully detailed in the snippets provided.
Rules about food and drug regulations remain in place even if new laws are introduced.
Criminal laws and procedures remain valid even if new laws are introduced.
Rules about civil wrongs (like negligence) remain in place even if new laws are introduced.
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 8 February 2022, Sen. Marc Gold introduced Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures) and it was given first reading. Bill S-4 amends the Criminal Code to, among other things, (a) allow for the use of electronic or other automated means for the purposes of the jury selection process; (b) expand, for the accused and offenders, the availability of remote appearances by audioconference and videoconference in certain circumstances; (c) provide for the participation of prospective jurors in the jury selection process by videoconference in certain circumstances; (d) expand the power of courts to make case management rules permitting court personnel to deal with administrative matters for accused not represented by counsel; (e) permit courts to order fingerprinting at the interim release stage and at any other stage of the criminal justice process if fingerprints could not previously have been taken for exceptional reasons; and (f) replace the existing telewarrant provisions with a process that permits a wide variety of search warrants, authorizations and orders to be applied for and issued by a means of telecommunication. The enactment makes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act to correct minor technical errors and includes transitional provisions on the application of the amendments. It also makes related amendments to other Acts.
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
Bill S-4, an act to amend the Criminal Code and other related acts, completed its first reading in the Senate on February 8, 2022, and later received royal assent.
On February 8, 2022, Bill S-4 had its first reading in the Senate. This is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced to the chamber. The provided text indicates that this stage was completed. The bill ultimately received royal assent on December 15, 2022, becoming chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada, 2022.
On February 8, 2022, Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other related Acts concerning COVID-19 response and other measures, was introduced in the Senate for its first reading.
On February 8, 2022, the Senate of Canada met for its first reading of Bill S-4. This bill is an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act, along with making related amendments to other Acts, concerning COVID-19 response and other measures. The record shows the bill was introduced and placed on the Order Paper for second reading two days later. The rest of the sitting included tributes to individuals, notices of motions for various committee studies, and discussions on other legislative matters and current events.
This artifact documents the Senate's second reading of Bill S-4, a legislative step where the bill was debated and discussed before moving to further stages, eventually receiving Royal Assent.
This record details the Senate's second reading stage for Bill S-4. During this stage, the bill was presented and discussed. The records indicate that there were major speeches on March 31, 2022, and November 24, 2022, following the initial second reading on March 1, 2022. The bill later progressed through committee, report, and third reading stages in the Senate, and was subsequently considered in the House of Commons. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022. The provided text focuses on the procedural steps and debates, not the detailed content of the bill itself.
During a Senate sitting on March 1, 2022, the second reading debate for Bill S-4 was adjourned, alongside other legislative and procedural business including statements, question period, and debates on various bills and motions.
This Senate sitting on March 1, 2022, included various procedural activities and debates on several topics. The second reading debate for Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures), was adjourned. Other proceedings included the presentation of a committee report on Bill C-12, notices of motions, and debates on multiple bills, including those related to environmental protection, COVID-19 measures, constitutional amendments concerning Saskatchewan, and the repurposing of frozen assets. Question Period addressed topics such as Arctic sovereignty, freezing of bank accounts, official languages, Ukrainian refugees, and federal public service jobs. Senators also made statements on International Women’s Day, the actions in Ukraine, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.
During the Senate's second reading debate of Bill S-4, Senator Pierre J. Dalphond explained the bill's provisions designed to modernize criminal justice procedures using technology and adapt to pandemic-related challenges, after which the debate was adjourned.
This artifact is a record of a debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures), in the Senate. The bill's sponsor, Senator Pierre J. Dalphond, introduced the bill and explained its purpose. He stated that the bill aims to modernize legal practices in the criminal justice system, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, by making them more efficient and reducing the risk of virus exposure. The bill proposes to clarify and expand the use of remote appearances for accused persons, increase the use of technology in jury selection, update the telewarrant regime for police, introduce flexibility in fingerprinting processes, and allow courts to manage administrative matters more effectively, especially for unrepresented accused persons. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not completed and will continue at a later date. Other discussions on unrelated bills and topics also occurred during this sitting.
On March 31, 2022, the Senate held a sitting where Bill S-4 proceeded to Second Reading and was referred to committee, alongside debates on other legislative matters and a range of policy issues.
On March 31, 2022, the Senate convened for a sitting that included several procedural activities and debates. Notably, Bill S-4, concerning COVID-19 response and other measures, was at its Second Reading stage and was referred to committee. The Senate also debated and passed various other items, including appropriation bills and motions regarding hybrid sittings and the establishment of a special joint committee on medical assistance in dying. The sitting featured discussions on a range of topics during Question Period, including foreign affairs, fisheries, health, agriculture, justice, and finance.
The Senate debated Bill S-4 at second reading, agreeing to refer it to committee for further study.
On March 31, 2022, the Senate debated Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act related to COVID-19 response and other measures. This stage in the Senate's process was the second reading debate, which is now complete. The bill was then referred to a Senate committee for further study.
The Senate debated Bill S-4 at second reading, agreeing to refer it to committee for further study.
On March 31, 2022, the Senate debated Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act related to COVID-19 response and other measures. This stage in the Senate's process was the second reading debate, which is now complete. The bill was then referred to a Senate committee for further study.
This record outlines the Senate's procedural progression of Bill S-4, from initial readings through committee consideration to final Senate approval before it moved to the House of Commons.
This artifact details the procedural steps for Bill S-4 in the Senate. It shows that the bill went through various stages, including First Reading, Second Reading, Consideration in Committee, Report Stage, and Third Reading, with multiple sittings dedicated to Consideration in Committee. The bill was ultimately considered and agreed to in the Senate on December 13, 2022, before moving to the House of Commons, and eventually receiving Royal Assent on December 15, 2022.
On June 14, 2022, the Senate processed committee reports on several bills, including an amendment to Bill S-4, held Question Period with the Minister of Immigration, and heard from the nominee for Privacy Commissioner.
On June 14, 2022, the Senate convened and undertook various procedural activities related to multiple bills. A key event was the presentation of the Sixth Report of the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs concerning Bill S-4. This report included an amendment to the bill, which was then made an Order of the Day for consideration at the next sitting. The sitting also included debates on other bills, the tabling of committee reports, and Question Period where the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship addressed various issues. Finally, the Senate received Mr. Philippe Dufresne regarding his appointment as Privacy Commissioner.
The Senate completed its Report stage for Bill S-4 on June 15, 2022, after which it moved to Third Reading and eventually received Royal Assent.
The Senate Report stage for Bill S-4 was completed on June 15, 2022. This stage involves reviewing and potentially amending a bill after it has passed through committee. Following this stage, the bill proceeded to Third Reading in the Senate. The artifact also indicates that the bill ultimately received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022, and became Chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada 2022.
The Senate adopted the report stage of Bill S-4, including committee amendments and observations, following various other Senate business and discussions.
On June 15, 2022, the Senate met for its report stage consideration of Bill S-4, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures)." The Senate adopted the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs concerning the bill. This adoption included two amendments made by the committee to the bill and a series of observations. The sitting also included various other Senate business, including the presentation of committee reports on other bills, statements by senators on diverse topics, and question period discussions on issues such as the Russian embassy event, the Emergencies Act, blood donation screening, female genital mutilation, the Afghanistan crisis, COVID-19 travel restrictions, airport delays, the Summit of the Americas, nuclear warhead stockpiles, and Hans Island. Bill S-4 itself was then placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
The Senate concluded the Third Reading of Bill S-4 on June 21, 2022, after which it eventually received Royal Assent.
On June 21, 2022, the Senate completed the Third Reading stage for Bill S-4. This stage involves a final opportunity for senators to debate and approve the bill before it moves to the next step in the legislative process. The provided text indicates that Royal Assent was received on December 15, 2022, making the bill law.
During the third reading debate of Bill S-4, senators discussed its procedural implications for modernizing the criminal justice system through technology, with a focus on ensuring access to justice and addressing concerns about remote participation and technological infrastructure.
The Senate met for its third reading debate on Bill S-4, which aims to make permanent the use of technology in the criminal justice system that was adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senators discussed how the bill would modernize court processes, reduce delays, and improve access to justice, particularly for those in remote areas or with limited resources. Debates also touched upon concerns regarding remote appearances, the need for technological investment, and the importance of ensuring fair trials. Amendments were proposed to require independent reviews of remote attendance and parliamentary review of its impact. Other business included the presentation of a report on Bill S-10, the passage of Bill S-7 (as amended) concerning border searches of digital devices, and debates on Bill S-6 (regulatory modernization) and Bill S-8 (immigration and sanctions).
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-4, senators expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of expanded audio-visual hearings on due process and fair trials, particularly for incarcerated individuals.
On June 20, 2022, the Senate continued debate on Bill S-4, an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act. Senators discussed the expansion of audio and videoconferencing for incarcerated accused, raising concerns about due process, fair trials, privacy, and potential disadvantages for Indigenous and Black individuals. The debate highlighted the potential for these proceedings to diminish liberty for the sake of expediency. Additionally, other legislative matters were addressed, including reports from Senate committees on various bills and studies, and debates on Bill C-14 (electoral representation), Bill C-5 (Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act amendments), and Bill S-7 (Customs Act and Preclearance Act amendments). The sitting concluded with a motion to extend the following day's sitting.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-4, a proposed amendment was defeated, and the bill moved forward in the legislative process.
On June 21, 2022, the Senate was engaged in the third reading debate for Bill S-4, an act concerning COVID-19 response and other measures. While the sitting included discussions on National Indigenous Peoples Day, tributes to departing pages, and other legislative matters, the core procedural activity related to Bill S-4 involved a debate at third reading, during which a motion in amendment was proposed and subsequently negatived. Following this, the bill proceeded to third reading.
Bill S-4, concerning COVID-19 response and other measures, underwent first reading in the House of Commons on September 23, 2022, before eventually receiving royal assent.
This artifact details the first reading of Bill S-4 in the House of Commons on September 23, 2022. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced. The bill later received royal assent on December 15, 2022, becoming chapter 17 of the Statutes of Canada 2022. The artifact also lists previous and subsequent procedural stages for this bill in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including debates and committee work.
During this House of Commons sitting on September 23, 2022, Bill S-4 had its first reading, and extensive debates occurred on other cost-of-living related bills and various other policy matters.
The House of Commons debated and completed the first reading of Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts. This artifact is a record of a sitting where this bill was introduced and read for the first time. The sitting also included extensive debates on Bill C-31 (Cost of Living Relief Act, No. 2) and Bill C-30 (Cost of Living Relief Act, No. 1), as well as discussions on various other topics such as taxation, the environment, housing, and health care. There was also a private members' business debate on lowering the voting age to 16.
The House of Commons completed second reading of Bill S-4 on November 24, 2022, after which it was referred to a committee.
The House of Commons completed second reading of Bill S-4 on November 24, 2022. This stage involves a general debate on the principles of the bill. Following this, the bill was referred to a committee for detailed study.
During the second reading debate on Bill S-4, Members of Parliament discussed proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and Identification of Criminals Act aimed at modernizing the justice system and addressing pandemic-related challenges, focusing on remote appearances, telewarrants, and case management.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on November 23, 2022, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-4. This bill aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act to address challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic and to modernize the criminal justice system. The debate focused on the proposed changes, including: enhancing rules for remote appearances in criminal proceedings, revising the telewarrant process, allowing for later fingerprinting of accused persons, and improving judicial case management. Several members expressed support for the bill, noting its potential to increase efficiency and access to justice. Concerns were raised regarding technological limitations in rural areas, the need for consent for remote appearances, and the potential impact on witness credibility. The debate also touched upon the importance of transparency and fairness in the justice system, with discussions about specific sections of the Criminal Code and the need for adequate resources.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-4, the sponsor of the bill explained its provisions to modernize the criminal justice system through increased use of technology and procedural reforms, highlighting its importance in addressing pandemic-related challenges and improving access to justice.
This is a record of a speech given in the House of Commons during the second reading debate of Bill S-4. The bill aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act. The speech focused on the procedural aspects of the bill, explaining that it sought to modernize the criminal justice system by allowing for more remote appearances in court, revising the telewarrant process, allowing for later fingerprinting, and improving judicial case management. The speaker emphasized that these changes were identified as necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic to address court backlogs and improve access to justice, and that the bill was supported by provinces. The speech also detailed proposed changes to remote appearances, explaining that consent would be required from parties and the court, and that in-person proceedings would remain the norm unless deemed appropriate otherwise. The speaker also addressed concerns about technological accessibility and the government's commitment to invest in court technology. The speech concluded by explaining the changes to the telewarrant process, fingerprinting, and judicial case management, stressing that these measures aim to balance efficiency with the protection of charter rights.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-4 in the House of Commons, members discussed proposed changes to modernize the criminal justice system through increased use of technology and streamlined procedures, addressing pandemic-related challenges and court backlogs.
This House of Commons record details a debate that occurred on November 23, 2022, during the second reading of Bill S-4. The debate focused on proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act, primarily aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system's response to challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key themes discussed included the expansion and clarification of rules for remote appearances in criminal proceedings, streamlining the telewarrant process, adjusting fingerprinting procedures, and improving judicial case management. Members from various parties debated the benefits and potential drawbacks of increased technological use in the justice system, with particular attention paid to accessibility, fairness, and the need for safeguards. The debate also touched upon related matters such as the efficiency of the justice system, bail reform, the impact of delays, and the protection of victims and vulnerable individuals.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-4 in the House of Commons, members discussed amendments to the Criminal Code and Identification of Criminals Act aimed at modernizing the justice system post-pandemic, after which the bill was referred to a committee.
This is a record of a debate in the House of Commons during the second reading stage of Bill S-4. The debate focused on proposed changes to the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act, related to responding to challenges identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main procedural outcome noted was that the bill was read the second time and referred to a committee. Other parliamentary business, including debates on other bills and various routine proceedings, also occurred.
Members of the House of Commons debated Bill S-4, which proposes to modernize the criminal justice system by enabling remote appearances, updating telewarrant procedures, and improving case management, aiming to address pandemic-related challenges and enhance efficiency.
During the House of Commons debate on Bill S-4, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and other acts related to COVID-19 response and other measures, Members of Parliament discussed the bill's provisions for modernizing the criminal justice system. Key proposals included allowing for remote appearances in criminal proceedings, revising the telewarrant process, adjusting fingerprinting rules, and improving judicial case management. Speakers highlighted the importance of these changes to address challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, such as court backlogs and access to justice. The debate also touched upon concerns regarding technological accessibility, especially for rural and Indigenous communities, and the need for safeguards to ensure fairness and constitutional rights. The bill was ultimately referred to committee for further study.
During the second reading debate on Bill S-4, Members of Parliament discussed the bill's proposed use of technology to modernize the criminal justice system, with general support for its goals but specific concerns raised by various parties.
This record details the second reading debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act. The debate focused on procedural matters and the bill's provisions for modernizing the criminal justice system using technology, particularly in response to challenges highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Members from various parties expressed support for the bill's principles but also raised concerns and suggested potential improvements.
The House of Commons completed its committee consideration of Bill S-4 on December 13, 2022, prior to the bill receiving royal assent.
This artifact summarizes the 'Consideration in committee' stage for Bill S-4 in the House of Commons, which occurred on December 13, 2022. This stage involves examining the bill's details, often in a committee setting, before it proceeds further. The provided text indicates that this stage was completed on that date. Bill S-4 ultimately received royal assent on December 15, 2022.
On December 13, 2022, the House of Commons completed the "Committee report presented without an amendment debate record" stage for Bill S-4, which was subsequently passed.
On December 13, 2022, the House of Commons convened for a sitting. During the "Consideration in committee" stage for Bill S-4, the "Committee report presented without an amendment debate record" was completed. The sitting also included various routine proceedings, statements by members, oral questions on topics like firearms and immigration, and discussions on government orders including the Online News Act and private members' business like the Criminal Code.
The House of Commons completed the Report stage for Bill S-4 on December 13, 2022, before proceeding to Third Reading.
This record indicates that the House of Commons completed its Report stage for Bill S-4 on December 13, 2022. This stage is where the House reviews the bill after it has gone through a committee. Following the Report stage, the bill proceeded to Third Reading on the same day.
This House of Commons sitting on December 13, 2022, concluded with the passage of Bill S-4 and featured significant debate on the Online News Act (Bill C-18) and Bill C-291 concerning child sexual abuse material.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on December 13, 2022. It details the proceedings of the day, including routine proceedings, committee reports, statements by members, oral questions, and government orders. Specifically, it shows that Bill S-4, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and other acts, was concurred in at report stage, read the third time, and passed. The sitting also included extensive debate on the Online News Act (Bill C-18) and a private member's bill concerning child sexual abuse material (Bill C-291).
Bill S-4 successfully passed its third reading in the House of Commons on December 13, 2022, and later received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022.
The House of Commons completed the third reading stage for Bill S-4 on December 13, 2022. This stage signifies that the House has finished its consideration of the bill and has agreed to it. The bill subsequently received Royal Assent on December 15, 2022, making it law. The artifact details the legislative journey of the bill through both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first reading, second reading, committee study, report stage, and third reading in both chambers.
On December 13, 2022, the House of Commons debated Bill S-4 at third reading, alongside other parliamentary business.
On December 13, 2022, the House of Commons convened for its third reading debate on Bill S-4. The House also addressed various other matters including routine proceedings, statements by members, oral questions on a range of topics, and private members' business.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
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 does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
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