S-208An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary)
Senate public bill, introduced in the Senate on May 28, 2025
- Status
- At second reading in the Senate since May 28, 2025
- Sponsor
- Kim PateSenator
- Senator
What it does
Changes Criminal Code sentencing rules, gives courts more discretion, and requires written reasons before imposing certain minimum punishments.
What it does
- Gives courts discretion to set the punishment when a law sets different kinds or levels of punishment for an offence, including declared minimum punishments.
- Requires courts to consider all other options before imposing a minimum jail term or parole ineligibility period, and to give written reasons for that decision.
- Allows courts to delay sentencing so a person found guilty can attend a treatment or counselling program under court supervision, without needing the Attorney General’s consent.
- Requires judges in first and second degree murder cases to ask juries if they want to recommend parole ineligibility years, and to consider any recommendation when setting that period.
Who it affects
- Sentencing judges
- People convicted of offences
- People facing minimum sentences
- People convicted of murder
- Victims
- Criminal courts
Topics
Background
The bill amends the Criminal Code. It changes rules about punishment, court-supervised treatment programs, and jury recommendations in murder cases.
Where it is
Senate
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Current stage. Now here
Committee
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
House of Commons
First reading
Not reached.
Second reading
Not reached.
Committee
Not reached.
Report stage
Not reached.
Third reading
Not reached.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Not reached.
Introduced by a senator. If the Senate passes it, it goes to the House of Commons, where an MP must agree to sponsor it. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: At second reading in the Senate. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.