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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-11

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
February 07, 2023
Federal Law–Civil Law Harmonization Act, No. 4
  • This bill is part of a process to align federal laws in Canada with the civil law of Quebec and to ensure that each language version of the laws takes into account both the common law and civil law. It amends 52 statutes, including those governing financial institutions like banks, credit associations, insurance companies, and trust companies. It also amends other Acts related to access to information, financial administration, interpretation, and official languages. The goal is to harmonize federal laws with the legal concepts, institutions, and terminology of Quebec civil law. The full text of the bill can be found on the Senate of Canada website.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Federal Law–Civil Law Harmonization Act, No. 4, aims to harmonize federal law with the civil law of Quebec and ensure that each language version takes into account the common law and the civil law. This legislation is necessary because the Civil Code of Québec, implemented in 1994, significantly changed the concepts, institutions, and terminology of civil law. By amending 52 statutes, including those governing financial institutions, access to information, and official languages, this Act ensures consistency and compatibility between federal law and the civil law of Quebec. This harmonization is essential for maintaining legal clarity, promoting bilingualism, and upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Furthermore, it facilitates effective communication and cooperation between English-speaking common law jurisdictions and French-speaking civil law jurisdictions. Ultimately, the Federal Law–Civil Law Harmonization Act, No.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • liamentary Publication, 26 June 2022, Page 6, a motion was moved to add a new provision to the Bill S-11, titled "Exclusion of Certain Acts." The purpose of this motion is to exclude certain acts, such as the Official Languages Act, the Access to Information Act, and the Privacy Act, from the proposed amendments in order to maintain the integrity and applicability of these acts in both common law and civil law jurisdictions. The argument against this motion is that it undermines the principle of harmonization of federal law with the civil law of Quebec. By excluding certain acts, it creates inconsistency and differential treatment between the different legal systems in Canada. It goes against the objective of ensuring that each language version takes into account both common law and civil law. Furthermore, the exclusion of certain acts can result in confusion and legal uncertainty for individuals and organizations operating in Quebec
House Second Reading
  • Feb. 7, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate Third Reading
  • Feb. 7, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • Passed

Senate Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 14, 2022
Legal and Constitutional Affairs (LCJC)
Re. Bill S-11, A fourth Act to harmonize federal law with the civil law of Quebec and to amend certain Acts …
  • Tenth Report

  • The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to present its

    TENTH REPORT

    Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-11, A fourth Act to harmonize federal law with the civil law of Quebec and to amend certain Acts in order to ensure that each language version takes into account the common law and the civil law, has, in obedience to the order of reference of December 8, 2022, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment.

    Respectfully submitted,

    MOBINA S. B. JAFFER

    Chair

  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
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Senate Second Reading
  • Dec. 8, 2022, 3:05 p.m.
  • Passed
Senate First Reading
  • Oct. 26, 2022, midnight
  • Passed