Bill S-205 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 45th Parliament, 1st Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-205 modifies the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to enhance mental health support, restrict solitary confinement, expand community services, and provide mechanisms for reviewing and reducing sentences based on administrative errors.
Bill S-205 amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to improve mental health support for incarcerated individuals, limit the use of solitary confinement, expand access to community-based services, and allow for sentence reductions if administrative errors in sentencing are identified. The bill also introduces new procedures for transferring individuals between correctional facilities and community programs, defines obligations for informing incarcerated individuals of their rights, and establishes criteria for determining if a sentence was imposed unfairly due to administrative mistakes.
- Amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to improve mental health support for incarcerated individuals.
- Limits the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
- Expands access to community-based services for individuals under conditional release.
- Allows for the reduction of sentences if administrative errors in sentencing are identified.
- Introduces new procedures for transferring individuals between correctional facilities and community programs.
- Defines obligations for informing incarcerated individuals of their rights and available services.
- Establishes criteria for determining if a sentence was imposed unfairly due to administrative mistakes.
- Incarcerated individuals
- Correctional facility staff
- Community service providers
- Administrative personnel responsible for sentencing reviews
- The exact sections of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act amended are not fully specified in the text provided.
- Specific mental health programs or community services expanded by the bill are not detailed in the text.
- The criteria for determining administrative unfairness in sentencing are not fully outlined in the text.
The bill modifies provisions related to mental health support, solitary confinement limits, community services, and administrative review processes for sentences.
The bill increases access to mental health services for incarcerated individuals, though specific programs are not detailed in the text.
The bill allows for greater access to community-based services for individuals under conditional release, though specific services are not outlined.
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-205 completed its Senate first reading on May 28, 2025, and is now awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons as part of its legislative journey.
Bill S-205, which proposes amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, has completed its first reading in the Senate on May 28, 2025. This procedural step marks the formal introduction of the bill in the Senate. The bill is now awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons. Key procedural milestones include its second reading on June 3, 2025, followed by committee consideration from November 5 to March 24, 2026. The Senate third reading occurred on April 28, 2026. Major speeches during the second reading were delivered on October 8, 2025, and other dates. A similar bill, S-230, was previously introduced in the 44th Parliament and has a comparable status. This record reflects the bill's progress through the Senate, not its legal content.
The Senate debate covers the introduction of bills, questions about official languages appointments, trade disputes, and a reference to the Speech from the Throne.
The Senate debate transcript includes several key topics. First, there is a welcome to new senators, followed by the introduction of bills S-211 and S-212. A senator raises a question about the appointment of the Commissioner of Official Languages, which the government responds to by citing the 2023-2024 budget. Another senator questions the government's stance on interprovincial trade disputes, and the government acknowledges the complexity of such issues. Finally, a speech from the throne is referenced, with a note on land acknowledgment practices.
Bill S-205 (Senate Second Reading) was completed on October 21, 2025, marking the end of the Senate's second reading stage. The bill, which amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, advanced to the House of Commons for its first reading. Key procedur
Bill S-205 (Senate Second Reading) was completed on October 21, 2025, marking the end of the Senate's second reading stage. The bill, which amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, advanced to the House of Commons for its first reading. Key procedural dates include: First Reading (May 28, 2025), Second Reading (June 3, 2025), and Third Reading in the Senate (April 28, 2026). Major speeches during the second reading included a sponsor’s speech by Kim Pate (Independent Senators Group) on October 8, 2025, and a response speech by Claude Carignan (Conservative) on October 21, 2025. The bill is now awaiting introduction in the House of Commons.
The Senate debated proposals to limit the use of the 'notwithstanding' clause in the Constitution, focusing on Bill S-218 and related bills, with discussions on procedural safeguards, federal-provincial jurisdiction, and public awareness.
The Senate debate transcript details discussions around the 'notwithstanding' clause in the Constitution, specifically focusing on Bill S-218, which proposes procedural safeguards to limit its use. Key topics include: (1) Concerns about the clause's potential for abuse, with some senators advocating for stricter limits on its application by federal and provincial governments. (2) Reference to Bill C-21, which would require a five-year sunset clause for laws using the 'notwithstanding' clause. (3) Debate over whether the clause should be restricted to specific areas like human rights, with some arguing it should not apply to provincial laws. (4) Mention of the need for public awareness to ensure the clause's intended effect is maintained. The discussion highlights procedural and constitutional concerns without resolving specific legislative outcomes.
The Senate debated Bill S-218 on June 3, 2025, discussing its implications for the 'notwithstanding' clause and related legislative proposals, with no immediate decision on a motion to adjourn.
The Senate debate on June 3, 2025, focused on Bill S-218, which proposes amendments to the 'notwithstanding' clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Senators discussed the potential impact of limiting this clause on legislative authority, with some arguing it would restrict federal power and others emphasizing its role in protecting minority rights. The debate also referenced Bill C-21 and other legislative proposals, with mentions of constitutional provisions like section 90. A motion to adjourn the Senate was tabled but not immediately decided.
The Senate debated Indigenous reconciliation, corrections reform, technology's societal impact, and AI's role in mental health, with emphasis on equity, transparency, and Indigenous-led solutions.
The Senate debate covered several key topics: (1) Indigenous reconciliation efforts, including discussion of Bill C-51 (Indigenous Languages Act) and the Virtual Health Hub as an Indigenous-led health initiative. (2) Amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (Bill S-205) addressing solitary confinement practices, with reference to Tona's experience as a Sixties Scoop survivor. (3) A motion (Motion No. 3) proposing that all Senate studies consider technology's impact on society. (4) AI's role in mental health support, citing Adam Raine's case and the use of AI in crisis response. (5) Equity concerns around AI development, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to prevent discriminatory outcomes.
The text includes Senate debate records on topics like postal strikes, Gaza, and carbon sequestration, along with metadata about each discussion.
The provided text contains a series of debate records from the Canadian Senate, covering various topics such as the impact of a Canada Post strike on postal services, a motion regarding the Gaza situation, carbon sequestration, disinformation, veterans' affairs, and the role of the Senate in legislative processes. Each record includes metadata such as the official text URL, text format, artifact kind, and chamber (Senate). The debates discuss procedural matters, policy discussions, and motions, but no specific legal outcomes or votes are detailed in the provided text.
The Senate debate record includes discussions on healthcare, environmental, and economic issues, with official text accessible via the provided URL.
The debate record contains discussions from the Canadian Senate on various legislative matters. Speakers addressed topics such as healthcare policy, environmental regulations, and economic initiatives. The official text of the debates is available at the provided URL, and the records are formatted as published by the Senate's official channels.
The Senate debated international relations, legislative amendments, and social issues, including a nurse's testimony on healthcare worker safety and studies on Indigenous responsibilities and missing records.
The Senate debate focused on several key topics. A meeting between the Prime Minister and the U.S. President was discussed, with emphasis on trade and security issues. Bill S-229, which amends the National Capital Act to address Gatineau Park, was introduced. Bill S-233, adding an aggravating factor for assaults against healthcare workers, was also mentioned. A nurse testified about the dangers faced by healthcare workers. The Senate is studying the federal government's responsibilities to Indigenous peoples and a report on missing records and children. These discussions highlight international relations, legislative amendments, and social issues.
The Senate completed committee consideration of Bill S-205 in March 2026, advancing the bill to the House of Commons for its first reading.
The Senate completed its consideration of Bill S-205 during committee hearings from November 5, 2025, to March 24, 2026. This stage involved detailed examination of the bill's provisions, with multiple committee sessions held across those dates. The bill is now awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons, the next procedural step in its legislative journey.
The Senate on March 24, 2026, advanced Bill C-15, debated financial inclusion initiatives, and addressed procedural concerns about bill accessibility during its session.
On March 24, 2026, the Senate held a session featuring several key legislative and procedural activities. The National Finance Committee reported on Bill C-15, which was then referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. A motion to establish an Independent Military Honours Review Board was adopted, marking a procedural milestone. The Senate also debated the role of the Desjardins Group in promoting financial inclusion, with a focus on its international work through the Development and Innovation Division (DID) and its impact on climate resilience. The First Reading of Bill C-23, the Appropriation Act, was announced, followed by a Second Reading debate outlining funding allocations for departments like National Defence, Treasury Board, Canada Post, and Indigenous Services, as well as CBC modernization and Coast Guard security. A Point of Order raised concerns about the availability of the bill text, prompting a discussion on procedural transparency and access to legislative documents.
The Senate completed the Report stage for Bill S-205 on April 21, 2026, advancing it to the third reading before it proceeds to the House of Commons.
The Senate completed the Report stage for Bill S-205 on April 21, 2026. This stage involved reviewing and potentially amending the bill, which aims to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The bill now proceeds to the third reading in the Senate on April 28, 2026, before being sent to the House of Commons for its first reading. Key procedural dates include the second reading (June 3, 2025) and committee consideration spanning November 2025 to March 2026. Major speeches during the second reading were delivered by Senator Kim Pate (Independent Senators Group) and Senator Claude Carignan (Conservative). A similar bill, S-230, was previously introduced in the 44th Parliament and had a comparable legislative journey.
This Senate debate transcript from June 20, 2023, discusses Bill C-210, focusing on mental health and learning disabilities support, with speeches available at the provided official text URL.
The provided text is a Senate debate transcript from June 20, 2023, discussing Bill C-210, the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Act. The debate includes speeches by Senators highlighting the bill's focus on improving mental health and learning disabilities support in Canada. The official text of the debate is available at the provided URL.
The Senate debate records cover discussions on climate policy, tourism, voting age reform, and legislative procedures, with references to specific bills and parliamentary processes.
The provided text contains Senate debate records from Canada, focusing on various legislative and policy topics. Key themes include climate policy, tourism promotion, voting age reform, and legislative process discussions. The debates involve members of the Senate discussing proposed bills, policy directions, and procedural matters. The text includes references to specific bills (e.g., Bill C-12), committee reports, and parliamentary procedures. No final votes or legal outcomes are mentioned in the provided excerpts.
The Senate completed third reading of Bill S-205 on April 28, 2026, advancing it to the House of Commons for its first reading.
The Senate completed its third reading of Bill S-205 on April 28, 2026. This procedural step marked the final stage in the Senate's consideration of the bill, which proposes amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The bill is now awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons, the next step in the legislative process.
The Senate debate covered economic, climate, foreign, social, technological, and defense policies, emphasizing the UK's strategic priorities and the role of international cooperation and workforce development.
The Senate debate focused on several key policy areas. The discussion included the UK's economic strategy, emphasizing responses to inflation, the role of the Bank of England, and the importance of the private sector and financial services. Climate change initiatives were highlighted, with mentions of the Ten Point Plan and the Green Industrial Revolution, alongside the need for international cooperation. Foreign policy topics included relations with the EU, NATO, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth, stressing the importance of global partnerships. Social policies addressed the National Health Service, education, and social care, with calls for investment and local government involvement. Technology and digital strategy covered AI, 5G, and cybersecurity, while defense and security highlighted the Armed Forces, cyber threats, and NATO's role. The debate consistently underscored the need for a skilled workforce across sectors.
Bill S-205, aiming to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, completed its First Reading in the House of Commons on May 28, 2025, and is currently at the Second Reading stage.
This artifact describes the 'First Reading' stage for Bill S-205 in the House of Commons, which occurred on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The artifact also lists subsequent procedural stages and dates for the bill, including its current status 'At second reading in the House of Commons', and notes similar bills introduced in a previous Parliament. The bill's short title is 'Providing Alternatives to Isolation and Ensuring Oversight and Remedies in the Correctional System Act (Tona’s Law)' and it aims to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
Leah Gazan introduced Bill S-205, also known as Tona's law, in the House of Commons, aiming to reform the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to address and provide alternatives to solitary confinement in federal prisons.
On May 28, 2026, the House of Commons held its first reading debate for Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. The bill was introduced by Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, NDP) and is also known as Tona's law. Its purpose is to ensure oversight, remedies, and alternatives to isolation in federal prisons, often referred to as solitary confinement or segregation. Gazan stated that international law considers this a form of torture and that it causes irreversible harm. She also noted that prisons are meant to rehabilitate, but current recidivism rates suggest otherwise. The bill is named in memory of Tona Mills, a survivor of over 10 years in solitary confinement.
Bill S-205 is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons, with no recorded activity on May 29, 2026, but with a history of previous procedural steps and speeches.
The House of Commons is currently at the second reading stage for Bill S-205, which aims to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. This stage involves a general debate on the bill's principles. The provided record indicates "No activity" for this specific stage on May 29, 2026, meaning no procedural steps or debates occurred on that date. The bill was placed on the Order of Precedence on May 28, 2026. The record also lists past activities including first reading, dates for second reading speeches, committee consideration, report stage, and third reading, as well as its progress through the Senate.
Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, is currently awaiting its consideration in committee stage in the House of Commons, with a history of first and second readings already completed.
The provided text outlines the procedural stages of Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, within the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill is currently at the 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage, but this stage has not yet been reached. The summary details past activities such as First Reading (Wednesday, May 28, 2025) and Second Reading (Tuesday, June 3, 2025), along with dates for scheduled major speeches and committee discussions.
Bill S-205 has not yet reached the report stage in the House of Commons, with its legislative journey detailed through various past procedural steps.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-205, concerning amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, has not yet reached the report stage in the House of Commons. The provided information outlines the bill's progression through various stages, including its first and second readings, committee study, and report stage, with specific dates listed for these events. It also notes that the bill was placed on the Order of Precedence on May 28, 2026. The artifact also mentions a similar bill, S-230, from a previous parliamentary session.
This artifact outlines the procedural progression of Bill S-205 through the House of Commons, noting stages like second reading, committee review, report stage, and third reading, while its overall status is 'At second reading'.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-205, an Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, within the House of Commons. The bill has progressed through various stages, including first reading, second reading, consideration in committee, report stage, and third reading. It was also placed in the Order of Precedence. The record also notes that the bill was sponsored in the Senate and includes information on similar bills from a previous Parliament. The current stage detailed is 'House of Commons Third reading', which is marked as 'Not reached'. The bill's overall status is 'At second reading in the House of Commons'.
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