✔︎ Bill S-224 (Trafficking in Persons)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons)
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The current definition of exploitation focuses on the impact of the trafficker’s conduct on a reasonable person in the victim’s circumstances. As this definition has been interpreted broadly, including by appellate courts, and has secured convictions, we cannot support Bill S-224’s proposal to remove it from the Criminal Code. We propose amending Bill S-224 to add its proposed definition of exploitation as an additional definition that could be used in appropriate cases, providing prosecutors with an additional tool to ensure traffickers are held to account.
Passed.
Bill Status
At report stage in the House of Commons
Statement on the International Day of Democracy, 2023
Today, Canada is joined by like-minded partners from all over the world in the celebration of democracy and the international rules-based order that supports it.
Today, Canada is joined by like-minded partners from all over the world in the celebration of democracy and the international rules-based order that supports it.
2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Together, we must continue to uphold our democratic values and protect human rights in Canada and around the world. We must use this opportunity to continue building a better, safer future for everyone.
Democracy is not only about free and fair elections. Democracy is about the freedom of the press, the rule of law, and the accountability of public institutions.
As Ukrainians continue to defend their country against Russia’s illegal invasion, they are also defending the values that define and unite democracies. My heart is with the people of Ukraine today as they fight to uphold the principles of democracy.
On the International Day of Democracy, we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic values and principles that are at the core of who we are as Canadians. Let us reflect on our democratic values.
John Aldag
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City
Contacts:
Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
✔︎ Bill C-281, International Human Rights Act
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-281, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Broadcasting Act and the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
Bill C-281 creates significant issues that could inadvertently endanger the lives of detained human rights defenders and weaken Canada’s sanctions regime. Additionally, the Bill uses terminology that does not have agreed international or domestic legal definitions, duplicates provisions that are previously legislated and includes provisions that would be difficult to enforce. The Government continues to support measures that will promote human rights abroad and protect human rights defenders around the world. Given that all opposition parties indicated their support for the Bill and the significant issues in Bill C-281, the Government will support the Bill with the intent of putting forward substantive amendments to improve the legislation at the committee stage.
Passed.
Bill Status
At second reading in the Senate
✔︎ Bill C-291 (Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material)
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Government of Canada is committed to preventing and protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation of any kind, including internationally. Canada works closely with international partners to combat online child sexual exploitation. This includes not only the exchange of information regarding new and emerging threats, but also the sharing of best practices and lessons learning in combatting this crime.
Passed.
Bill Status
At consideration in committee in the Senate
✔︎ Bill S-223 (Trafficking in Human Organs)
Voted yea. Bill adopted.
Bill
Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs)
Vote
Yea.
Rationale
The Bill’s proposed offences address some gaps in existing criminal law. For example, human trafficking offences prohibit trafficking persons to extract their organs, but do not prohibit conduct related to purchasing organs, such as transplant tourism.
Passed.
Bill Status
Royal Assent received