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FederalBill S-236Second Reading

Bill S-236: An Act to amend the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and to establish a framework for implementing the rights of victims of crime

Sponsor: Sen. Leo HousakosIntroduced October 1, 2025Last checked August 28, 2026
Read the official text on parl.caOfficial version — LEGISinfo, Parliament of Canada

What this bill does

This bill amends the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights to strengthen victims' rights by requiring that information be provided to victims automatically (without request), expanding access to legal, social, medical and psychological services, broadening reparations rights, mandating training for criminal justice system employees, and establishing a federal framework for implementing victims' rights.

Plain-language summary by Legisail.

Business impact

Compliance
This bill primarily affects federal government departments, agencies, and bodies within the criminal justice system — such as the RCMP, Correctional Service of Canada, the Parole Board, and federal prosecutors — rather than private-sector businesses. These organizations will need to implement new proactive information-sharing procedures, develop and deliver mandatory training for employees who interact with victims, and establish or enhance support service infrastructure. Private businesses are not directly regulated by this bill, though organizations that provide victim support services (legal aid clinics, counselling providers, restorative justice programs) may see increased demand for their services as the framework creates minimum standards and expands victims' access rights. The size of the organization is less relevant than whether it operates within or contracts with the federal criminal justice system.

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Where this bill is

First ReadingOctober 1, 2025
Second ReadingApril 3, 2026
Next: Committee review

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At a glance

Bill number
S-236
Type
Senate Public Bill
Current chamber
Senate
Jurisdiction
Federal
Session
45-1
Official record