FederalBill S-240Second Reading
Bill S-240: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (declaration of exception pursuant to subsection 33(1) of the Charter for mandatory minimum sentences for child sexual abuse and exploitation material offences)
Sponsor: Sen. Leo HousakosIntroduced November 5, 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 Criminal Code to invoke the notwithstanding clause (Section 33 of the Charter) to shield mandatory minimum sentences for possession and accessing of child sexual abuse and exploitation material from constitutional challenges under Section 12 (protection against cruel and unusual punishment).
Plain-language summary by Legisail.
Business impact
This bill primarily affects the criminal justice system and has negligible direct impact on businesses. It does not create new regulatory obligations, licensing requirements, or operational changes for any industry. Businesses that work in content moderation, internet services, or digital platforms would not see any change to their existing obligations. The bill is focused entirely on criminal sentencing policy for individuals convicted of specific offences.
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Where this bill is
First ReadingNovember 5, 2025
Second ReadingApril 3, 2026
Next: Committee review
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- Bill number
- S-240
- Type
- Senate Public Bill
- Current chamber
- Senate
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Session
- 45-1