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Senate Bill

Bill S-255

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 13, 2023
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (murder of an intimate partner, one's own child or an intimate partner's child)
  • A proposed law in Canada would change the Criminal Code to make the murder of a partner or a child, either one's own or a partner's, automatically considered first degree murder. This means that such murders would be considered the most serious, regardless of whether the act was planned in advance or not. The bill was introduced in the Senate of Canada and can be found on their website.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The proposed amendment to the Criminal Code seeks to classify the murder of an intimate partner, one’s own child, or an intimate partner’s child as first degree murder, regardless of whether it was planned and deliberate or not. This is a necessary and important step towards recognizing the severity and heinousness of these crimes and ensuring that perpetrators face the appropriate consequences. These types of murders often involve a breach of trust and an abuse of power dynamics within intimate relationships. By explicitly classifying them as first degree murder, we are sending a clear message that society will not tolerate such violence and that the justice system will take strong action to protect vulnerable individuals. This amendment can also serve as a deterrent to potential perpetrators and help prevent further instances of these types of murders. Overall, this amendment is a crucial step towards promoting safety and ending viole

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One could argue that the amendment to the Criminal Code outlined in Bill S-255 may not be effective in reducing the incidence of murder in intimate partner or family relationships. While reclassifying these types of murders as first degree may serve as a deterrent, it does not address the root causes of domestic violence. Furthermore, it may not provide adequate support for victims or resources for perpetrators to address their behavior and prevent escalation. Additionally, it may create unintended consequences, such as incentivizing perpetrators to stay with or seek out intimate partners who have children in order to qualify for a harsher punishment if they were to be murdered. Overall, while the intention behind the amendment is noble, it may not be the most effective solution to addressing domestic violence.
Senate First Reading
  • Nov. 2, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read