Canadian Federal Bills
Wage Subsidy Extended, Disability Payment, Time Limits Relief
Expands wage subsidies for employers hit by COVID-19. Gives a one-time payment to people with disabilities and pauses many federal deadlines missed during shutdowns.
Canada to Create Freshwater Strategy
The environment minister must create a national freshwater plan after consulting provinces, cities, Indigenous groups, and scientists. It will be online within two years. No new rules, funding, or penalties.
Thames River System Gains Federal Navigation Protection
Three Thames River branches become protected waters. More bridges and works need federal approval and public notice, helping keep boating routes open but adding steps for builders.
Ottawa Can Cap Credit Card Fees
The government would gain power to cap credit card fees charged to merchants. No caps take effect now; rules would come later and could lower costs for small businesses.
Ottawa approves $6B for 2020 programs
The federal government can spend $6.04B on listed programs this year. Money supports health, Indigenous services, transport, security, housing, and parks; most ends March 31, 2021.
Interim federal spending keeps services running
Allows the federal government to spend $55B to run programs and pay staff this year. Services like taxes, borders, health, and benefits continue without a break.
Judges Gain Power to Bypass Mandatory Minimums
Judges could go below mandatory minimums and change bans, with reasons. Courts can delay sentencing for treatment without Attorney General consent. Juries may suggest parole wait times in murder cases.
Criminal Records Expire Automatically After Sentences
Most criminal records will expire automatically 2 or 5 years after your sentence ends. No fees, and employers cannot ask about expired convictions.
Effects-on-women statements for all bills
The Minister must post short statements on how each bill could affect women, especially Indigenous women. You can read them online soon after tabling.
New National Children and Youth Commissioner
A new watchdog will check how Ottawa treats children. It can run inquiries, see records, and visit youth facilities, with special focus on First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
Canada Lowers Federal Voting Age to 16
Canadians aged 16 and 17 could vote in federal elections after a short rollout. Names of attendees under 16 stay private on fundraising lists.
Senate Property Rules Repealed, Except Quebec
The bill ends the land and $4,000 wealth rules for Senators outside Quebec. Quebec still keeps its land rule for now, and nothing else in daily life changes.
COVID fixes to benefits, courts, wage subsidy
It broadens wage help, tightens emergency benefit rules, and pauses court deadlines. It also allows a one-time disability payment using limited data sharing.
Dairy Commission Borrowing Cap Raised to $500M
The bill raises the Dairy Commission borrowing cap to $500M. No price or tax changes, but more room to manage dairy stocks and higher federal risk.
Emergency Cash Support for Students
Pays students and 2020 grads cash for lost work during COVID-19. You cannot get it if you receive EI or CERB for the same time.
EI Sickness Benefits Extended to 50 Weeks
People on EI sickness benefits could get up to 50 weeks instead of 15. Applies to illness, injury, or quarantine, including self-employed; rates and eligibility rules stay the same.
Emergency Wage Subsidy and Financial Stability Powers
Pays employers up to 75% of wages to keep staff during COVID-19. Gives Finance temporary tools to steady credit markets, ending September 30, 2020.
Emergency COVID-19 Aid and Job Protections
Gives quick cash to workers and families, pauses student loans, and protects jobs. Lets government keep credit, mortgages, and drug supplies flowing during COVID-19.
Cabinet Gets Temporary Urgent Spending Power
Cabinet can approve urgent spending during adjournments when Parliament isn't sitting. This temporary power ends June 24, 2020.
Extra Federal Funds and Debt Relief
The bill adds $3.79B for federal programs. It forgives Indigenous land-claims debts and writes off many student loans, with small funds allowed into 2021.
Interim Supply Keeps Federal Services Running
It allows short-term funding so federal services continue. No new programs or tax changes; payments keep flowing for benefits, health, policing, and Indigenous services.
Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement Implementation Act
Judges need training, must explain assault rulings
New judges must take training on sexual assault. In judge-only cases, judges must explain their decisions on the record, and seminar attendance will be reported publicly.
By-election after MP switches parties
If your MP switches parties, or an independent joins a party, their seat is vacated and a by-election is held. Your riding may have no MP for a time.
Voting Age Drops to 16 Federally
Canadian citizens aged 16 and 17 can vote in federal elections. Ages 14 and 15 can pre-register; ID rules stay the same.
Modern Slavery Act: Stop Forced Labour Imports
Large and listed companies must report yearly on steps to prevent forced and child labour in their supply chains. Canada can block such goods at the border and fine violators.
Farm Fuel Carbon Charge Exemption Expanded
Removes the federal fuel charge from farm natural gas and propane used in heaters, coolers, and eligible machinery. Farmers pay less; others unchanged.
Legalize Paid Surrogacy and Donor Compensation
You could legally pay surrogates and sperm or egg donors. New rules set age limits and require real consent, while removing criminal charges for payments.
National Cycling Strategy and Targets
The bill orders Ottawa to plan and report on cycling, covering safety, bike lanes, health, and climate. It sets deadlines but adds no funding or new rules.
Modern Charter for Girl Guides of Canada
Modernizes Girl Guides of Canada’s charter, brand rights, and rules; members have limited liability and directors may owe up to six months of unpaid wages.
Align Chemical Weapons Law with Treaty Updates
Canada will use the current chemical weapons treaty text, not a copy in our law. No new rules; companies must follow official treaty updates as they take effect.
Châteauguay—Lacolle Riding Renamed to Les Jardins-de-Napierville
Your federal riding's name will change; your MP and boundaries stay the same. Elections Canada will switch to the new name after it takes effect.
Nationwide Ban on Conversion Therapy and Ads
It makes conversion therapy a crime, especially for minors. Ads and paid services are banned, and courts can order online ads removed.
Warnings before charges for drug possession
Possession stays illegal, but police must consider warnings or health referrals before charges. Past warnings can't be used later in court.
National Diabetes Framework Coming to Canada
The Health Minister must create a Canada-wide diabetes plan with provinces and Indigenous partners. It sets education, care guidance, and data goals, but promises no new funding or benefits.
Federal Framework for National Pharmacare
Provinces can get federal funds to run universal, public drug plans. If your province joins, listed prescriptions would cost $0 at the pharmacy.
Canada expands assisted dying access with safeguards
More people can request assisted dying, even if death is not near. New safeguards apply, mental illness alone is excluded, and reporting duties grow for providers and pharmacies.
Quebec Exempt from Federal Multiculturalism Act
This bill stops the Multiculturalism Act from applying in Quebec. Federal services and grants in Quebec may change, since they would no longer follow the Act's duties or reporting.
CPP Fund Faces New Ethical Investment Bans
The CPP fund must avoid companies tied to rights abuses, banned weapons, or corruption, and consider ESG factors. Your benefits stay the same; timing starts when cabinet sets a date.
Ottawa to Craft Climate Emergency Plan
The minister must create a climate action plan within a year with Indigenous partners. It aims to meet 2030 targets and adds no new rules yet.
National Plan to Tackle Environmental Racism
The Environment Minister must create a national plan on environmental racism after hearing from provinces and communities. It maps risks, studies health effects, considers fixes, and reports every five years.
Federal Projects Must Follow Provincial Land, Environment Rules
Airfields, telecom towers, ports, and federal lands would need to meet provincial zoning and environmental rules. Local planning processes would apply, adding provincial permits and timelines.
National Plan to Cut Repeat Crime
The federal government must publish a plan to cut repeat crime within one year. It will test programs, support re-entry and jobs, and report results with provinces and community groups.
Tax Breaks for Family Business Transfers
Parents can sell to adult children and pay capital gains tax, not dividends. A 60-month hold, independent valuation, and size limits apply to prevent tax avoidance.
New Penalties for Risky Farm Trespass
Entering barns or animal areas without permission, when it risks spreading disease or toxins, could bring fines or jail. Workers with permission must follow rules.
Farm Natural Gas, Propane Exempt from Carbon Price
Farms would not pay the federal carbon charge on natural gas and propane used for farm work. It could lower grain drying and barn heating costs.
Protects Dairy in Future Trade Deals
Stops the foreign minister from raising import quotas or cutting tariffs on extra imports of dairy, poultry, and eggs in future trade deals. Current rules and prices stay the same.
French Required for Quebec Citizenship Applicants
Permanent residents in Quebec would need French to become citizens and take the test in French. Rules elsewhere stay the same; no new funding or programs.
Mandatory Hearings for Climate Expropriations
If the federal government seeks your land for habitat or climate projects, you get a public hearing. Cabinet cannot skip it, but the taking can still proceed.
Tax Credit for Oil and Gas Well Cleanup
Small oil and gas firms get a tax credit to plug and restore wells, for work done 2020–2025. Ottawa must also study more tax tools to boost cleanup funding.
Oil well cleanup trusts get tax status
Lets oil and gas firms use special trusts to save for well cleanup. May change taxes for companies, not households, starting in 2020.
More Flexibility for Compassionate Care Leave
Workers in federally regulated jobs get a longer window to take unpaid compassionate care leave. Leave can continue up to three weeks after a family member dies.
Provinces Can Allow Single-Event Sports Betting
Provinces can now allow single-game sports bets. You can place legal single bets where your province offers them; horse racing stays under the federal pooled system.
Lifts B.C. North Coast Tanker Ban
Ends the north coast tanker ban in B.C. Ports could see more large oil ships if projects get permits. Other marine safety and environmental rules still apply.
Canada Sets Net-Zero Targets and Oversight
Creates a national plan to cut emissions to net-zero by 2050, with interim targets, yearly public reports, and independent reviews. No new taxes or rules now.
Canada Bans Plastic Waste Exports for Disposal
The bill bans exporting listed plastic waste for final disposal. Exporters must manage it in Canada or show it is for recycling, or they could face penalties.
Provinces to Collect Federal Income Taxes
Quebec could move to one income tax return. Provinces may collect federal taxes under deals that protect jobs; tax rules stay the same.
Tougher Penalties and Bail for Smuggled Guns
The bill raises jail terms and makes bail harder for people accused of possessing smuggled guns. Some cases would carry at least three years in federal prison.
Tax return organ donor opt-in
With your okay, CRA can send your organ donor choice from your tax return to your province. Provinces must opt in; no national registry.
Canada Decriminalizes Simple Drug Possession
Possession for personal use would no longer be a crime. Police could not charge you for possession, but selling, making, importing, or exporting drugs would still be illegal.
Tax Credit for Home Security Systems
You can claim part of what you spend on a home security system. It lowers federal tax you owe, up to $750 a year per person.
New Crime for Sex-Selective Abortion Providers
Doctors face jail for abortions done only due to fetus's sex; patients are not charged. Ottawa will set guidelines on what information doctors give about abortion requests and this offence.
LGBTQ2S Added to Employment Equity Act
Federal and regulated workplaces must count LGBTQ2S staff who self-identify and include them in equity plans and audits. No quotas; privacy and consent rules apply.
Tougher Penalties for Sexual Exploitation
Judges must give at least one year in jail for some sexual exploitation crimes. A victim’s disability must count against offenders who buy sexual services.
Jurors Can Talk to Therapists Post-Trial
Jurors may share jury-room talks with a licensed health professional for care after the trial ends. Some support persons can also share for treatment; other sharing stays a crime.
Citizenship Oath Adds Indigenous Rights Pledge
New citizens will promise to respect Aboriginal and treaty rights. The oath changes the day after Royal Assent, and current citizens are not affected.
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits Extended to 50 Weeks
Employment Insurance sickness benefits could last up to 50 weeks instead of 15. Self-employed who opted in are included; eligibility and payment rates stay the same.
New Complaints Watchdog for CBSA and RCMP
Creates an independent body to handle complaints about border officers and RCMP. Sets service standards, public reports, and rules for serious incidents.
Employment Insurance sickness benefits to 50 weeks
People unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine could get up to 50 weeks of Employment Insurance sickness benefits. Other rules and payment rate stay the same.
Harsher Sentences for Attacks on Health Workers, Responders
Judges must treat on-duty attacks on health workers and first responders as more serious at sentencing. It creates no new crimes or minimums, but may mean longer jail time.
End Crown Copyright on Government Works
All past and future works by Canadian governments become public domain. Anyone can copy, share, and sell them without permission or fees once the law starts.
Add Mental Health to Sentencing Reports
Presentence reports must include mental health details and list available services. Judges will see this when sentencing, but no new programs or funding are created.
Federal Projects Must Weigh Green Materials
Federal construction must consider ways to cut emissions. Wood and other low-carbon materials may be allowed when they meet needs.
Canada Ends Military Self-Harm Offence
The military can't charge members for hurting themselves to avoid duty. Other laws for hurting others still apply.
Parliament Names Visual Artist Laureate
Parliament will appoint a visual artist to promote art. Expect more shows and official artworks at Parliament events.
Canada Marks International Mother Language Day
Feb. 21 becomes International Mother Language Day in Canada. It is not a paid holiday and creates no programs; schools and communities may mark it if they wish.
Harsher penalties for assaulting health workers
Judges must treat assaults or serious threats against on-duty health care workers as more serious at sentencing. No new crimes are created, but sentences may be higher.
National School Food Program Plan
The federal health minister must design a school food program with provinces. A public plan is due in one year; no free meals yet.
Supplementary Federal Spending for 2019–20
Lets the federal government spend up to $4.86B more on 2019–20 programs across many departments. No new programs; most funds expire after the allowed time.
Crackdown on paid conversion therapy and profits
The bill bans ads for paid conversion therapy and profiting from services to minors. Offenders face up to five years in prison.
NCC Approval Required Near Historic National Sites
If you build within 500 metres of listed national sites in Ottawa-Gatineau, you need NCC approval. Work on those sites must follow Parks Canada standards and protect their heritage.
Senate to Elect Speaker by Secret Ballot
Senators would elect their Speaker by secret ballot. The presiding senator would only vote to break a tie; no direct effect on taxes or services.
Parliament Must Approve Federal Borrowing
The government must get a law from Parliament before borrowing, not just Cabinet approval. Borrowing reports become annual and start within one year; the overall borrowing limit stays the same.
New Organ Trafficking Crimes and Visa Bans
It makes receiving or removing organs without consent, or for payment, a serious crime, even abroad. Non-citizens involved can be denied entry or removed.