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C-321At third reading in the Senate

Law to protect healthcare workers and first responders from assault

Protecting healthcare workers and first responders

Introduced Mar 9, 2023·Last discussed Dec 10, 2024
Summary

This proposed law wants to change the rules about attacking healthcare workers and first responders. Right now, if someone assaults anyone, they can be charged with a crime. This proposed law says that if the person they attack is a healthcare worker (like a nurse or doctor) or a first responder (like a paramedic or firefighter), the attacker could face harsher punishment. This could mean a longer jail sentence or a bigger fine. This proposed law affects anyone who might assault a healthcare worker or first responder. It also affects the healthcare workers and first responders themselves, as it aims to provide them with more protection while they are working. It doesn't change the definition of assault, just the possible consequences if the victim is in one of these professions. This proposed law matters because healthcare workers and first responders are essential to our communities. They often work in stressful and dangerous situations. By making it clear that attacks against them will be taken very seriously, this proposed law hopes to discourage violence and make sure these workers feel safer and more protected while they are helping others.

Bill Timeline
Introduced in the House
Mar 9, 2023
Approved in principle (House)
Jun 21, 2023
Vote on Bill C-321 — approve in principlePassed
320 Yea0 Nay
Jun 21, 2023
Vote on Bill C-321 — accept committee changes?Passed
323 Yea0 Nay
Jan 31, 2024
Passed the House
Feb 28, 2024
Final vote on Bill C-321Passed
318 Yea0 Nay
Feb 28, 2024
Introduced in the Senate
Feb 29, 2024
Approved in principle (Senate)
May 30, 2024
Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Crime & Public SafetyStronger law enforcement

The bill increases penalties for assaults on healthcare workers and first responders, aligning with a 'tough on crime' approach.

This bill
Bill Quality

This bill has not yet been published on the government website.

Progress

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