What each bill does, in plain language. Both sides of the debate where there has been one.
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This bill would establish a National Blanket Ceremony Day in Canada to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples and promote understanding of the impacts of colonization.
What it means for you
Once a year, Canadians would be invited to participate in or learn about the Blanket Ceremony, a teaching tool used to help people understand the history of Indigenous land loss and colonial policies.
SocialGovernanceIdentityReconciliation
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
Creates a national framework to formally recognize certain Canadian military service as 'wartime service,' with clear, objective criteria and a transparent government process for making that designation.
What it means for you
Veterans who served in modern conflicts — even without a formal declaration of war — could receive official symbolic and commemorative recognition of their wartime service, closing a long-standing gap in how Canada honours its military personnel.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 5 points
Supporters say
Canadian Armed Forces members who served in dangerous modern conflicts faced real risk and hardship, but have not always received the same formal recognition as those in earlier declared wars. This bill closes that gap.
By establishing objective criteria — such as level of risk, intensity of operations, and exposure to physical or psychological harm — the framework ensures recognition is based on the realities of service, not bureaucratic labels or politics.
The designation is a meaningful act of commemoration that doesn't change financial entitlements, so it fills a gap in honour and acknowledgment without creating new spending pressures.
Critics say
The government cautioned that the review and assessment process must be done carefully the first time, suggesting concern that rushing the framework could create inconsistencies or unmet expectations for current and future veterans.
No opposition arguments were found in the available Hansard transcript beyond calls for careful implementation.
This bill would allow Canada to permanently seize frozen assets belonging to foreign governments or officials who violate human rights or commit acts of aggression — and use that money to support victims, such as Ukraine.
What it means for you
Canada holds about $23 billion in frozen Russian assets. This bill could let the government take those funds permanently and redirect them to help Ukraine defend itself and rebuild after Russia's invasion.
EconomicGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 5 points
Supporters say
Billions in frozen Russian assets are sitting idle in Canada while Ukraine is actively at war — seizing and redirecting them would give Ukraine real, meaningful support beyond just writing cheques from Canadian taxpayers.
Legal experts and human rights lawyers argue Canada already has the authority to forfeit these assets, and this bill provides the clear legal framework to do so.
Holding Russia financially accountable sends a strong message that countries cannot wage illegal wars of aggression without consequences — it turns frozen assets into a real cost for the aggressor.
Critics say
The government has not yet acted on seizing these assets, which critics say signals reluctance — possibly due to concerns about international legal precedent or diplomatic consequences.
Some worry that permanently confiscating state assets could set a precedent that other countries might use against Canadian assets abroad in future disputes.
This bill would officially designate March as Hellenic Heritage Month across Canada, recognizing the contributions of Greek Canadians to Canadian society.
What it means for you
Every March, Canada would formally celebrate the culture, history, and achievements of Greek Canadians through a nationally recognized heritage month.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would change the law to allow the Canadian government to sell or transfer frozen assets belonging to foreign states — such as Russia — rather than just freezing them.
What it means for you
Canada could potentially use seized Russian government assets to help fund rebuilding efforts in countries like Ukraine, rather than leaving the money frozen indefinitely.
EconomicGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 2 points
Supporters say
Bill S-214 would let cabinet decide on asset seizures under sanctions law, speeding up the process and complementing the time limit proposed in Bill C-219.
Bill S-214 has already passed third reading in the Senate, and the committee should consider adding it to the bill under study.
This bill would establish an official 'Cities and Municipalities Day' in Canada to recognize the role that cities and towns play in Canadians' daily lives.
What it means for you
Canadians would have a designated day each year to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of their local governments and communities.
GovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
Creates a new Crown corporation called the Canadian Corporation for Defence Investment (also known as the Defence Investment Agency) to streamline how Canada buys, produces, and invests in military equipment and supplies, while also expanding the government's authority over defence-related procurement and stockpiling.
What it means for you
Canadian taxpayers and defence industry workers could see faster, more flexible military procurement — meaning the military gets equipment sooner — but with a new Crown corporation adding a layer of government structure to defence spending.
EconomicGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
A single agency that approves and speeds up major national projects, such as ports, rail, energy links and critical minerals, could cut years of delays while working with provinces and Indigenous partners.
A Crown corporation for defence purchases could modernize the armed forces faster and help Canadian companies win military contracts and supply-chain work.
The agency could invest up to $1 billion in Canadian companies through loans, guarantees and insurance, helping build a domestic defence industry and create good jobs.
Critics say
Placing defence purchasing decisions in a Crown corporation, with a board making the choices, would reduce ministerial and parliamentary oversight of large public spending.
Details of the bill were reportedly shared with journalists before it was introduced, which undermines Parliament's right to see legislation first. Critics say the government's investigation was not thorough enough.
Critics say the bill's spending and tax measures are presented as investments when they may not be, which makes the true cost of government harder to see and raises questions about long-term debt.
This bill officially designates October as Hungarian Heritage Month across Canada, recognizing the contributions of Hungarian Canadians to the country.
What it means for you
Every October, Canadians would be encouraged to learn about and celebrate Hungarian culture, history, and the contributions of the more than 350,000 people of Hungarian descent living in Canada.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would strengthen criminal penalties for people who vandalize, damage, or destroy religious property — like churches, mosques, synagogues, or temples — under Canada's mischief laws.
What it means for you
If someone damages a place of worship, they could face tougher criminal consequences than under current law, aiming to deter hate-motivated attacks on religious sites.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 3 points
Supporters say
Places of worship across Canada — churches, cathedrals, and other religious sites — continue to face vandalism and arson, and stronger legal protections are needed to hold offenders accountable.
Faith communities play a vital role in Canadian society, providing compassion, belonging, and community services for generations. Protecting their physical spaces protects the communities they serve.
No religious tradition should have to fear for the safety of its sacred places, and tougher penalties would send a clear message that attacks on religious property are unacceptable.
This bill designates a specific week each year as 'Jury Duty Appreciation Week' to recognize the civic contribution of Canadians who serve on juries.
What it means for you
Once a year, there would be an official national week to honour people who take time away from their lives to serve on a jury — a demanding but essential part of Canada's justice system.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would designate April as National Immigration Month in Canada, recognizing the contributions of immigrants to Canadian society.
What it means for you
Every April, the government would officially recognize and celebrate the role immigrants play in building Canada — through events, awareness campaigns, or public acknowledgements.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
Creates a new criminal offence specifically for stealing or possessing stolen property of cultural or religious significance, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison for theft and up to 5 years for possession.
What it means for you
If someone steals items like religious artifacts, cultural objects, or heritage property, they could face harsher penalties than for ordinary theft — up to 10 years in prison.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 2 points
Supporters say
The bill addresses the theft of religious items, such as mezuzahs (small scrolls placed on doorframes in Jewish homes), which has caused real concern in Jewish communities.
The issue is non-partisan, so the bill could be a good area for cooperation across parties.
Updates federal laws to ensure they work properly under both Quebec's civil law system and the common law used in other provinces, and fixes language in both English and French versions of federal statutes.
What it means for you
Most Canadians won't notice a direct change, but legal professionals will have clearer, more consistent federal laws that respect Quebec's distinct legal tradition alongside common law provinces.
GovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
Bans the importation of goods into Canada that were produced using forced labour, and gives the Minister of Foreign Affairs power to create a watchlist of specific goods suspected of being made with forced labour.
What it means for you
Companies importing goods into Canada would have to prove their products weren't made with forced labour if asked by border officers, or risk having those goods seized and banned from entry.
EconomicSocialGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
Bill C-35 would shift the burden of proof onto importing companies, requiring them to demonstrate their goods are not made with forced labour — rather than placing that burden on government inspectors.
The bill would create a published list of high-risk goods, regions, and companies, giving businesses clearer advance notice of where scrutiny will apply and making the system more transparent.
Supporters argue the new framework could make Canada's forced labour import controls more rigorous than those currently in place in the United States or Europe.
Critics say
Canada's existing enforcement has been extremely weak — only two shipments suspected of containing forced-labour goods were stopped in five years, and both were ultimately released back to the companies involved.
Critics argue the real problem is not the legislation but the speed and seriousness of implementation; without fast, meaningful enforcement using new tools, the bill will change little in practice.
A previous supply chain transparency law was quietly amended after passage to remove reporting requirements for distributors and retailers, raising concerns that Bill C-35 could similarly be weakened to benefit large corporations.
This bill would establish a national Judicial Independence Day in Canada to recognize and celebrate the principle that judges must be free from political interference when making decisions.
What it means for you
Canadians would have a designated day to reflect on the importance of an independent judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy and the rule of law.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
The debate · 5 points
Supporters say
The bill would allow Canada to impose sanctions on foreign governments that intimidate, harass, or threaten their own citizens living abroad — a practice known as transnational repression.
It would require the government to formally respond when Parliament passes a motion calling for sanctions against a corrupt foreign leader, making the sanctions process more accountable.
It strengthens existing human rights tools by expanding the Magnitsky sanctions law, which has not been used since 2018, and by adding a clear definition of 'prisoner of conscience.'
Critics say
Publicly listing the names and status of political prisoners could put their families at risk of retaliation from the governments holding them.
The bill overlaps with an earlier bill that passed the House unanimously but died before becoming law, and key differences between the two versions need careful review in committee.
Designates a specific month as Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada, officially recognizing the contributions of Caribbean Canadians to the country.
What it means for you
Canadians of Caribbean heritage would have an official national month celebrating their culture and contributions, similar to other heritage month designations.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
Designates a month to recognize and celebrate Canada's Christian heritage and its historical contributions to Canadian society.
What it means for you
A specific month would be officially recognized by the federal government as Christian Heritage Month, similar to how other heritage months are designated.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would designate a month of the year as Somali Heritage Month across Canada, officially recognizing the contributions and culture of Somali Canadians.
What it means for you
Somali Canadians would have a nationally recognized month to celebrate their heritage, similar to other heritage months already established in Canada.
SocialIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would require Elections Canada to collect demographic information — such as age, gender, and ethnicity — from voters, to better understand who is and isn't participating in Canadian elections.
What it means for you
Elections Canada would gather information about the backgrounds of people who vote, helping identify gaps in voter participation among different groups in Canadian society.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would repeal the Clarity Act, a federal law that sets rules for how Canada would respond to a provincial referendum on separation — including requiring a 'clear majority' on a 'clear question' before Ottawa would negotiate.
What it means for you
If passed, Quebec (or any province) could hold a referendum on independence under its own rules, without federal conditions on the question wording or vote threshold required before Canada would negotiate separation.
GovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would require the federal government to create a national strategy to combat human trafficking in Canada, coordinating efforts across government, law enforcement, and support services.
What it means for you
Victims of human trafficking — often vulnerable women, children, and migrants — could receive better protection and support through a more unified and funded national response.
SocialGovernanceIdentity
No debate summary yet — we'll add the for/against once this bill is debated.
This bill would create a National Thanadelthur Day to honour Thanadelthur, a Dene woman who played a crucial role in establishing peace between Indigenous nations and early European settlers in the early 1700s.
What it means for you
Canadians would have an official day each year to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Thanadelthur, an Indigenous woman leader whose diplomacy shaped early Canadian history.
SocialIdentityReconciliation
The debate · 3 points
Supporters say
over 127,000 cases were reported to police in 2022, and a woman is killed by a partner every 48 hours in Canada.
The bill would create specific criminal offences for intimate partner violence and prevent police from releasing repeat offenders, giving victims stronger legal protections.
Vulnerable groups — including Indigenous women and young women aged 15–24 — are disproportionately affected, making targeted legislation especially urgent.
