S-228An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures)
Senate public bill, introduced in the Senate on June 5, 2025
- Status
- Became law on June 15, 2026 · S.C. 2026, c. 10
- Sponsor
- Yvonne BoyerSenator
- Senator
What it does
Clarifies that sterilization procedures count as wounding or maiming under the Criminal Code's assault rule.
What it does
- Adds a new Criminal Code section saying a sterilization procedure is an act that wounds or maims a person under subsection 268(1).
- Defines sterilization procedure as cutting, clipping, tying or cauterizing the Fallopian tubes, ovaries or uterus, or any other procedure that permanently prevents reproduction, even if it could later be reversed.
Who it affects
- People undergoing sterilization procedures
- Health care providers
- Police and prosecutors
- Courts
Where it is
Senate
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Report stage
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Completed.
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
What MPs said
Each party’s first speech on this bill in the House, from Hansard. Excerpts are the speaker’s opening sentences, unedited.
LiberalJaime Battiste· February 26, 2026
“I rise today on behalf of our government in support of Bill S-228, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures. This important piece of legislation addresses coerced sterilization.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caConservativeJamie Schmale· February 26, 2026
“I rise today to speak to Bill S-228, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures. Before I begin remarks, I want to recognize one of the most important aspects of this bill: how it was developed.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caBlocSimon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay· February 26, 2026
“The bill specifies that “a sterilization procedure is an act that wounds or maims” a person for the purposes of subsection 268(1) of the Criminal Code, that is, aggravated assault. It also defines what constitutes sterilization, which is helpful.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caNDPLori Idlout· February 26, 2026
“Uqaqtittiji, I am very pleased to represent Nunavut in supporting Bill S-228. First, I would like to thank the very strong people, who may or may not be in this room, who are sharing their strength with us today: Jackie, Sylvia, Heather, Germaine, Chasity, Nicole, Lois, Nilak, Susan, Harmony, staff and volunteers.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.ca
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: Royal assent received. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.