An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders)
Bill C-321 (44-1) was a Conservative Private Member's Bill from Todd Doherty to make assaulting a health-care worker or first responder an aggravating factor at sentencing under the Criminal Code. Nurses' and paramedics' groups backed it after the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions reported about 64 percent of nurses faced workplace violence in 2023. The bill passed the House of Commons with cross-party support and reached third reading in the Senate, but the 44th Parliament ended before it could receive royal assent, so it did not become law.
Status
Quick learn
Would make assaulting a health-care worker or first responder an aggravating factor at sentencing. Backed across party lines, it passed the Commons and reached Senate third reading, but the 44th Parliament ended before it could become law. A Conservative bill from Todd Doherty.
Issues this bill touches
- Healthcare
Statutory aggravating factor at sentencing for assaults on health-care workers.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Second reading in the House of Commons.
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Third reading in the House of Commons.
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First reading in the Senate.
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Second reading in the Senate.
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Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada