Bill S-241 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian 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-241 amends the Criminal Code and Indian Act to grant First Nations authority to regulate lotteries on reserves, requiring government notification and allowing third-party management with consent.
Bill S-241 proposes changes to the Criminal Code and Indian Act to give First Nations more control over lottery activities on reserves. It would allow First Nations to license and manage lotteries on their reserves while notifying federal and provincial governments. Third parties could also manage lotteries if authorized by First Nations. The Indian Act would let band councils create rules to regulate these activities.
- Allows First Nations to conduct and manage lottery schemes on their reserves with notice to federal and provincial governments
- Permits licensed third parties to operate lotteries on reserves with First Nation consent
- Requires First Nations to notify governments when selling lottery tickets across provincial borders
- Adds definitions for 'First Nation' and 'governing body' in the Criminal Code
- Excludes charitable/religious raffles from restrictions on computer-operated games
- Treats First Nation reserves as not part of provinces for regulatory purposes
- Allows band councils to create by-laws regulating lottery schemes under the Indian Act
- First Nations and their band councils
- Provincial and federal governments
- Licensed third-party lottery operators
- Charitable and religious organizations conducting raffles
- The exact process for notifying governments about lottery ticket sales across provinces is not specified
- The scope of 'charitable raffles' excluded from computer use restrictions is not defined
- The deeming provision's impact on provincial jurisdiction remains to be clarified
Gives First Nations authority to license and manage lotteries on reserves, with notice requirements to governments. Defines lottery schemes and includes exceptions for charitable raffles.
Source: Sections 207(1), 207(2.1)-(2.2), 207(4.001), 207(4.1)
Allows band councils to create by-laws regulating lottery schemes conducted on reserves, and includes these activities under the Indian Act's regulatory framework.
Source: Section 81(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-241's first reading in the Senate on November 20, 2025, marked its formal introduction, followed by referral to committees for further review.
Bill S-241, which proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, underwent its first reading in the Senate on November 20, 2025. This procedural step formally introduced the bill for consideration. The Senate then referred the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and authorized the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine its subject matter. The bill's second reading occurred on December 2, 2025, with subsequent major speeches delivered during its committee consideration. The bill is currently at the committee stage in the Senate.
The Senate's November 20, 2025, sitting included routine procedural activities, tributes, and motions, but no detailed discussion of Bill S-241 or its content was recorded in the provided text.
The Senate sitting on November 20, 2025, included routine procedural activities and tributes. The first reading of Bill S-241 was noted as part of the Senate's agenda, but no detailed discussion or debate about the bill's content was recorded in the provided text. Other topics included tributes to Lise Bacon, CBC/Radio-Canada, and spent fowl imports, as well as motions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a budget inquiry. The second readings of Bills S-204 and S-230 were also mentioned, but the provided text does not include the full debate or voting outcomes for these items.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-241 on March 12, 2026, referring it to committees for further review.
On March 12, 2026, the Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-241, which proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and the Indian Act. The bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and the committee was authorized to consider any report from the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples on the bill's subject matter. This procedural step marks the bill's progression to committee review, following its first reading on November 20, 2025, and second reading on December 2, 2025. Major speeches during the second reading period occurred in Sittings 40, 56, and 56 (March 10, 2026).
The Senate debate on December 2, 2025, addressed constitutional amendments, Indigenous gaming legislation, and infrastructure policy reviews, with senators discussing procedural and substantive issues.
The Senate debate transcript from December 2, 2025, includes discussions on several bills and motions. Key topics include: 1. Bill S-218: A motion to amend the Constitution Act to remove the 'notwithstanding' clause, allowing provinces to override federal laws in certain areas. The debate focused on constitutional interpretation and federal-provincial relations. 2. Bill S-241: A proposal to amend the Criminal Code and Indian Act to address Indigenous gaming and economic reconciliation. Discussions highlighted the need for legislative clarity and consultation with Indigenous communities. 3. Review of the Building Canada Act: A joint committee review of the Act's implementation, with senators questioning the Governor in Council's powers and the effectiveness of infrastructure funding mechanisms. 4. Other motions: Senators raised procedural questions about the scheduling of debates and the use of parliamentary time. The debates reflect ongoing legislative priorities around constitutional reform, Indigenous rights, and infrastructure policy.
The Senate debated motions to establish a joint committee on executive powers, amend the Constitution Act to clarify the 'notwithstanding' clause, and advance bills related to Indigenous rights and economic reconciliation, with discussions emphasizing transparency, constitutional balance, and stakeholder engagement.
The Senate debate on December 2, 2025, focused on several key legislative and procedural matters. A motion was introduced to establish a special joint committee to review the exercise of executive powers under the Building Canada Act, with specific terms outlined in the motion. This committee would examine the use of Governor in Council authority and report findings to Parliament. The motion was supported by multiple senators, including Pamela Wallin, who emphasized the importance of transparency in executive power. A second motion addressed Bill S-218, which seeks to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 to clarify the 'notwithstanding' clause in the Charter of Rights. Wallin highlighted the clause's role in balancing rights and legislative authority, while other senators raised concerns about its potential misuse. Another debate centered on Bill S-241, which proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and Indian Act. Scott Tannas noted the bill's focus on Indigenous rights and economic reconciliation, with support from First Nations communities. Other discussions included the adoption of a report on Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry, debates on the future of Canadian news media, and the nation-building value of tourism. The debates reflected ongoing legislative priorities, including Indigenous reconciliation, constitutional clarity, and economic development.
The Senate debated motions and reports on the Verified Travellers Program, Bear Witness Day, human rights issues, Jordan’s Principle implementation, and diaspora engagement, highlighting ongoing policy discussions without recorded legislative outcomes.
The Senate debate record from February 5, 2026, includes discussions on several motions and reports. Key topics include: 1. Motion S-310 (Verified Travellers Program): Senators debated the program's implementation, with some expressing concerns about its impact on international travel and others supporting its role in enhancing security. 2. Motion S-311 (Bear Witness Day): A motion to recognize the importance of documenting human rights abuses was discussed, with emphasis on its role in preserving historical records and supporting victims. 3. Report on Human Rights in Canada: Senators reviewed a report highlighting systemic issues, including racial discrimination and access to justice, with calls for policy reforms. 4. Jordan’s Principle Implementation: A report on the principle's application for First Nations children was debated, focusing on challenges in accessing healthcare and education services. 5. Diaspora Engagement: A motion to strengthen ties with Canadian diaspora communities was proposed, with discussion on cultural preservation and civic participation. The debates reflect ongoing legislative and policy discussions in the Senate, with a focus on human rights, international relations, and Indigenous issues. No final votes or legislative outcomes are recorded in the provided text.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
The Senate debates cover second readings of bills related to children's strategy, gaming regulations, assisted reproduction, national security, and digital privacy, with discussions on implementation and oversight.
The provided text contains Senate debate records from Canada's 44th Parliament, 1st Session, focusing on various bills and motions. Key topics include: (1) Bill S-212 (Children's Strategy Act) and Bill S-241 (Gaming Regulations Act) during second reading debates, with senators discussing implementation challenges and stakeholder consultation. (2) A motion to refer Bill C-66 (Assisted Human Reproduction Act) to a special committee for review. (3) Debate on Bill C-51 (National Security Act) regarding its impact on digital privacy and law enforcement powers. (4) Discussion about Bill C-29 (Digital Privacy Act) and its provisions for data protection. The debates highlight procedural steps like second readings, committee referrals, and legislative scrutiny of proposed laws.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
The local model returned a partial structured draft. This summary requires human review before publication.
Bill S-241 has been referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for consideration, with the Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Peoples also tasked with examining its subject matter.
The Senate has referred Bill S-241 to a committee for further examination. Specifically, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs will consider the bill, and the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples will also examine its subject matter. The Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee can consider any reports from the Indigenous Peoples committee on the subject matter.
Bill S-241 has been referred to Senate committees for study after completing second reading.
This artifact describes the procedural progress of Bill S-241 in the Senate. The bill has completed its second reading and has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for consideration. Additionally, the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples has been authorized to examine the subject matter of the bill. The report stage has not yet been reached.
Bill S-241 was referred to Senate committees for study after its second reading, with the Third Reading stage not yet having occurred.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-241 in the Senate. The bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for examination and reporting. The Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples was also authorized to examine and report on the subject matter of the bill, and the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee could consider any reports from the Indigenous Peoples Committee. The stage 'Senate Third reading' has not yet been reached.
Bill S-241, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has completed First Reading in the House of Commons and Second Reading in the Senate, and is currently undergoing committee review in the Senate, with specific committees assigned to study its subject matter.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-241. It shows that the bill, titled "An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act," has gone through First Reading in the House of Commons and Second Reading in the Senate. It is currently at the stage of consideration in committee in the Senate. A specific motion passed in the Senate on March 12, 2026, referred the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and also authorized the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine the bill's subject matter. The text also notes similar bills introduced in a previous Parliament.
Bill S-241, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has not reached Second Reading in the House of Commons, but has undergone Second Reading and referral to committees in the Senate, and is currently under committee consideration in the Senate.
The provided artifact indicates that Bill S-241, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has not yet reached the Second Reading stage in the House of Commons. The artifact shows that the bill was first read on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and had its Second Reading on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Senate. Major speeches related to its Second Reading occurred in the Senate on February 5, February 10, March 10, and March 12, 2026. On March 12, 2026, the Senate adopted a motion to refer the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and also authorized the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine the bill's subject matter, allowing the Legal and Constitutional Affairs committee to consider any report from the Indigenous Peoples committee. The bill's current status is "At consideration in committee in the Senate."
Bill S-241, aimed at amending the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has been referred to a Senate committee for consideration, but has not yet reached the committee stage in the House of Commons.
This record indicates that Bill S-241, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has not yet reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' in the House of Commons. The bill was referred to a Senate committee on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Prior to this, it had its first reading on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and second reading on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Senate. There were several major speeches during the second reading period in the Senate in February and March 2026. A specific motion was adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2026, to refer the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and also to authorize the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine the subject matter of the bill. The Senate committee that is currently considering the bill is the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. A similar bill, S-268, was introduced in a previous Parliament.
Bill S-241, concerning amendments to the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, and has been referred to a Senate committee for consideration.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of Bill S-241, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, in the House of Commons. Specifically, it notes that the Report stage in the House of Commons has not yet been reached. The bill was first read on November 20, 2025, and had its second reading on December 2, 2025. Following the second reading, the bill was referred to a Senate committee on March 12, 2026, with a provision for another Senate committee to also examine its subject matter and report its findings. This referral to a Senate committee is the latest activity noted.
Bill S-241, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, is currently at the "House of Commons Third reading" stage which has not yet been reached, with its latest procedural step being a referral to a Senate committee for consideration.
The provided text is a record of the legislative process for Bill S-241. It indicates that this bill, which aims to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, has reached the stage of "House of Commons Third reading" but has "Not reached" this stage. The latest activity noted is the bill's referral to a Senate committee on March 12, 2026. The record also lists dates for first and second readings in the Senate, along with major speeches given during the second reading. A specific motion passed on March 12, 2026, in the Senate, refers the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs and also authorizes the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples to examine the subject matter of the bill. The record also notes a similar bill, S-268, introduced in a previous Parliament. The current overall status of the bill is "At consideration in committee in the Senate."
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