Bill C-321

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders)

Sponsor

Todd Doherty Conservative

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Third reading (Senate), as of Dec. 10, 2024

Subscribe to a feed (what's a feed?) of speeches and votes in the House related to Bill C-321.

Summary

This is from the published bill.

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to require a court to consider the fact that the victim of an assault is a person who provides health services or a first responder to be an aggravating circumstance for the purposes of sentencing.

Similar bills

C-211 (43rd Parliament, 2nd session) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders)

C-211 (43rd Parliament, 1st session) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders)

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-321s:

C-321 (2021) An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (tax credit for gifts)

C-321 (2016) An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (prohibition of asbestos)

C-321 (2011) Law An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (library materials)

C-321 (2010) ALS Month Act

Votes

Feb. 28, 2024 Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders)

Jan. 31, 2024 Passed Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders)

June 21, 2023 Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders)

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-321 aims to amend the Criminal Code to include assaults against healthcare workers, including those providing personal care services, and first responders as an aggravating factor during sentencing. This change seeks to recognize the invaluable service of these individuals, denounce violence against them, and deter future assaults by ensuring that perpetrators face increased penalties. The bill expands upon previous legislation to ensure the protection of a broad range of health service providers and first responders, acknowledging the increasing rates of violence they face in their workplaces.

Conservative

Protecting frontline workers: Bill C-321 seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make assaults against healthcare providers and first responders an aggravating factor in sentencing. The Conservatives believe this is vital, as current laws do not adequately protect these workers from increasing violence and harassment.
A necessary deterrent: The bill aims to deter violence against frontline workers, show them they are valued and protected by the justice system, and promote a national conversation about workplace safety. It's intended as a clear message that violence against these heroes will not be tolerated.
Growing violence, lasting impacts: Conservative speakers emphasized the increasing rates of violence against frontline workers and the hidden consequences, including depression, anxiety, burnout, and a desire to leave the profession. They see the bill as a crucial step in supporting and recognizing these workers.
Broad support for action: The Conservatives highlighted the widespread support for the bill from various organizations, including firefighter associations, paramedic unions, and nurses' unions. They cited a poll indicating that a large majority of Canadians support making assaults against healthcare providers and first responders a more serious offense.

NDP

Doubts about court approach: The NDP questions the effectiveness of using the courts to address violence against health care workers and first responders, suggesting it may not be the right approach. They believe the criminal justice system in Canada is already flawed.
Need trauma-informed lens: The NDP emphasizes the importance of addressing violence with a trauma-informed lens, considering the potential impact of Canada's history and policies on individuals entering the health care and criminal justice systems. They raised concerns that the bill may perpetuate systemic racism and calls for attention to other recommendations made in the standing committee report on violence facing health care workers.
Systemic racism concerns: The NDP highlights the issue of systemic racism in the healthcare system, referencing the story of Joyce Echaquan and the inequalities faced by racialized Canadians. They raised concerns about racialized individuals being disproportionately represented as perpetrators in the criminal justice system.

Bloc

Supports the bill: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill C-321, which aims to amend the Criminal Code to consider violence against health care workers or first responders as an aggravating circumstance. They believe it's crucial to protect those who work to keep us safe and that the bill is a partial solution.
Importance of prevention: The Bloc emphasizes the importance of prevention as a primary measure to protect health care providers and first responders, even before considering the rise in assaults or aggravating circumstances. They advocate for eliminating all forms of violence rather than just punishing perpetrators.
Rising violence rates: The Bloc highlights the increasing rates of violence against health care workers, citing data from Quebec that shows a significant rise in reported assaults over the past decade. They also acknowledge that many incidents go unreported, indicating the problem is even more widespread.
Need for government support: The Bloc argues that the government has a duty to transfer money to Quebec to properly fund and subsidize the health care environment. They believe this will reduce frustration among patients and improve the quality of care, indirectly addressing the issue of violence against health care workers.

Liberal

Supports Bill C-321: The Liberal party supports Bill C-321, which aims to amend the Criminal Code to address the increase in violence against health service providers and first responders, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Inclusive protection: The bill was amended to broaden the scope of protection to include all individuals involved in providing health services, from nurses and doctors to personal care workers and administrative staff, ensuring comprehensive coverage against assaults and threats.
Aligns with prior legislation: The amendments in Bill C-321 align with the government's previous Bill C-3, reinforcing the commitment to protect those providing or seeking health services and denouncing workplace violence in critical sectors.
Protecting abortion providers: The legislation provides an additional level of protection to abortion providers in Canada, particularly in light of increasing attacks on such providers in other parts of the world.

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Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

February 16th, 2024 / 2:25 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

It being 2:29 p.m., the time provided for debate has expired.

Accordingly, the question is on the motion.

If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or if a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

February 16th, 2024 / 2:25 p.m.

Conservative

Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC

Madam Speaker, I request a recorded vote.

Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

February 16th, 2024 / 2:25 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes

Pursuant to Standing Order 98, the division stands deferred until Wednesday, February 28, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.

It being 2:29 p.m., the House stands adjourned until Monday, February 26, at 11 a.m. pursuant to Standing Orders 28(2) and 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 2:29 p.m.)

The House resumed from February 16 consideration of the motion that Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders), be read the third time and passed.

Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

February 28th, 2024 / 3:50 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of C-321 under Private Members' Business.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #650

Criminal CodePrivate Members' Business

February 28th, 2024 / 4 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

I declare the motion carried.

(Bill read the third time and passed)