Bill S-228

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures)

This enactment amends the Criminal Code to clarify that a sterilization procedure is an act that wounds or maims a person for the purposes of subsection 268(1).

[The Speaker, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I have the honour to inform the House that a communication has been received as follows:

Rideau Hall

Ottawa

June 15, 2026

Mr. Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Ken MacKillop, Deputy of the Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 15th day of June 2026 at 8:25 p.m.

Yours sincerely,

Ryan McAdam

Executive Director

Office of the Secretary to the Governor General

The bills assented to on Monday, June 15 were Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts, Bill S-228, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures) and Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing).

Indigenous and Northern Affairs

[Terry Sheehan, Liberal, Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report on the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs in relation to Bill S-228, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures. The committee has studied the bill and has decided to report the bill back to the House without amendments.

Forced and Coerced Sterilization

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has a long and painful history of forced and coerced sterilization, particularly affecting indigenous peoples. For decades, individuals were subjected to permanent procedures without their informed consent, including in residential schools and in northern and remote communities.

While many believe this practice belongs to the past, it does not. Survivors continue to come forward today, sharing experiences of pressure, coercion and procedures performed without their consent.

I am proud to sponsor Bill S-228, introduced by Senator Yvonne Boyer, which will clarify in the Criminal Code that performing a sterilization without consent constitutes aggravated assault. This legislation will strengthen accountability and affirm that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental human right.

I want to recognize the courageous survivors who are in Ottawa this week, whose advocacy has brought this issue to national attention.

I ask that all members support Bill S-228 and help to ensure that this injustice never happens again.

Black History Month

[Jamie Schmale, Conservative, Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes, ON]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has a long and painful history of forced and coerced sterilization, particularly affecting indigenous peoples. For decades, individuals were subjected to permanent procedures without their informed consent, including in residential schools and in northern and remote communities.

While many believe this practice belongs to the past, it does not. Survivors continue to come forward today, sharing experiences of pressure, coercion and procedures performed without true consent.

I am proud to sponsor Bill S-228, introduced by Senator Yvonne Boyer, which will clarify in the Criminal Code that performing a sterilization without consent constitutes aggravated assault. This legislation will strengthen accountability and affirm that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental human right.

Message from the Senate

[The Assistant Deputy Speaker (Alexandra Mendès), Alexandra Mendes]

I have the honour to inform the House that a message has been received from the Senate informing this House that the Senate has passed the following bill, to which the concurrence of the House is desired: Bill S-228, an act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures).

I also have the honour to inform the House that a message has been received from the Senate informing the House that the Senate has passed the following bill to which the concurrence of the House is desired: Bill S-1001, an act to authorize Gore Mutual Insurance Company to apply to be continued as a body corporate under the laws of the Province of Quebec.

The bill is deemed to have been read the first time and ordered for a second reading at the next sitting of the House.