An Act to amend the Criminal Code (neglect of vulnerable adults)

Bill C-295 was a Liberal Private Member's Bill amending the Criminal Code (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46) to expand the offence of neglect of vulnerable adults (including the elderly in long-term-care facilities, persons with disabilities, and other dependent adults). Brought after the May 2020 Canadian Armed Forces Operation LASER deployment to Quebec and Ontario long-term-care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced systemic neglect concerns (the resulting report by Brigadier-General Frederic Pare to the federal Cabinet described conditions including failure to bathe residents, ungiven medications, and dehydration). The bill would have added enhanced penalties for facility operators and individuals committing or permitting neglect under section 215 of the Criminal Code. Did not pass second reading.