SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-266

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 06, 2023
Strengthening Reporting Requirements for Sex Offenders Act (Noah’s Law)
  • Bill S-266 aims to strengthen reporting requirements for sex offenders in Canada. The bill amends the Criminal Code and the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to allow courts to extend the period during which certain sex offenders must comply with reporting obligations, increase reporting frequency, and require offenders to report to a registration centre before moving to a new address. Sex offenders must complete a sexual behaviour treatment program before applying for termination of the order. Failure to comply with residency reporting requirements will be an offence punishable by law. The bill seeks to protect the public and prevent and investigate crimes of a sexual nature in Canada.
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  • S1
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  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • The Strengthening Reporting Requirements for Sex Offenders Act aims to protect the public and assist police in preventing and investigating crimes of a sexual nature by requiring registered sex offenders to report to a registration center more frequently and to report their change of address to the center before moving. The law also allows a court to order a sex offender who is likely to reoffend to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act for 30 years and requires a sexual behavior treatment program before applying for the termination of the order. This is a reasonable stance, as it protects the public from potential dangerous repeat offenders and ensures that sex offenders are held accountable for their actions. While some may argue that this infringes on the privacy rights of sex offenders, the safety of the public and the prevention of sexual crimes take priority.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • The Strengthening Reporting Requirements for Sex Offenders Act presents a violation of civil liberties as it allows for the extension of reporting requirements for up to 30 years, which is a disproportionate punishment for those who have served their sentence. It also imposes mandatory sexual behavior treatment programs before applying for termination of the order, which may not be necessary for all cases. Additionally, the frequency of reporting to registration centers and the requirement to report before moving to a new address may be burdensome and stigmatizing for those who have already paid their debt to society. This Act may also have unintended consequences, such as pushing sex offenders to go underground and avoid registration, which may make them harder to track and monitor. Alternative methods, such as community supervision and support, may be more effective in preventing recidivism.
Senate Second Reading
  • June 6, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate First Reading
  • June 6, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed