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.