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House Bill

Bill C-321

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 29, 2024
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders)
  • This bill is proposing a change to the Criminal Code that would make it an aggravating circumstance if a health care professional or first responder is the victim of an assault. This means that if someone is convicted of assaulting a health care professional or first responder, the fact that the victim is in that profession would be taken into account during sentencing. The purpose of this bill is to provide additional protection for those who care for and protect others, and to send a message that violence against them will not be tolerated.
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  • S1
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  • RA
  • Yea (332)
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The proposed amendment in Bill C-321 serves to address a growing concern of violence against health care professionals and first responders. In recent years, incidents of physical assault, verbal abuse, and harassment against these individuals have increased, which not only affects their physical safety but also their mental health and well-being. By including the victim's status as a health care professional or first responder as an aggravating circumstance, the justice system can send a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This can also act as a deterrent for individuals who may contemplate engaging in such violent acts. Furthermore, this amendment acknowledges the invaluable contributions of health care professionals and first responders and shows that the justice system values and prioritizes their safety and well-being just as they prioritize the safety and well-being of others.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One possible steelman argument opposing this bill is that it could lead to unequal treatment of victims in the justice system. While assaults against health care professionals and first responders are unacceptable, every victim of assault deserves equal protection and justice regardless of their profession. It is the duty of the justice system to consider the severity and impact of the assault on the victim, not their occupation. Furthermore, this bill may create a hierarchy of victims, where those in certain professions are deemed more valuable or important than others, which could infringe upon principles of equality and human rights. Instead of singling out specific professions for special treatment, the justice system should take a comprehensive approach to addressing violent crime and protecting all victims.
Senate Second Reading
  • Feb. 29, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate First Reading
  • Feb. 29, 2024, 2 p.m.
  • Passed

House Motion No. 623

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
Jan. 31, 2024, 5:15 p.m.
Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders)
  • That Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (neglect of vulnerable adults), as amended, be concurred in at report stage.

House Debates

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 15, 2023

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 28, 2023
Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)
Re. Committee Evidence - JUST-85
  • Tue Nov 28, 2023 03:36PM
  • Read
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 26, 2023
Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)
Re. Bill C-321
  • Thu Oct 26, 2023 03:43 - 05:31PM
  • Read
  • Watch
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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House Third Reading
  • June 21, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed
House Second Reading
  • March 16, 2023, 10:20 a.m.
  • Passed
House First Reading
  • March 9, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • Passed