-
Financial intelligence agency slow to provide police with info to curb money laundering: AG
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-29 14:19:17.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Public Safety, Justice, Governance]A federal auditor general report tabled in the House of Commons reveals that the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) takes an average of about four months to provide financial intelligence to law enforcement agencies. Half of the surveyed police and law enforcement respondents reported receiving FINTRAC intelligence too late to be useful for freezing assets, intercepting transactions, or apprehending suspects. The auditor general concluded that inadequate tools and processing delays hinder FINTRAC from effectively carrying out its mandate to detect and deter money laundering and terrorist financing.
Read Original -
Feds open to supporting elements of Divorce Act amendments, but fate unclear
Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-28 22:11:44.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Governance]Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced that the federal government is open to supporting elements of Bill C-223, a private member's bill introduced by Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner to amend the Divorce Act. The proposed legislation seeks to curb parental alienation claims, establish new screening requirements for lawyers regarding family violence, and provide judges with tools to identify coercive control in child custody cases. While women's groups and legal advocates like the National Association of Women and the Law have raised concerns about the bill's potential dilution or stalling in committee, discussions continue to balance child protection with judicial discretion.
Read Original -
C-41 (45-1) - Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-27 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Healthcare, Justice, Governance]The Minister of Justice introduced Bill C-41, titled the Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act, in the House of Commons during the 1st session of the 45th Parliament on October 27, 2026. The legislation proposes amendments to the Criminal Code and related statutes concerning medical assistance in dying (MAID). The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons following its first reading and introduction.
Read Original -
'It's time to abolish the Indian Act,' Manitoba premier tells PM in historic meeting with chiefs
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-26 19:39:49.0
Tags: [National, Manitoba, Indigenous, Governance, Justice]During a historic first ministers' meeting in Ottawa alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney and Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for the federal government to abolish the 150-year-old Indian Act. Kinew argued that the race-based legislation and status card system are incompatible with modern Canadian human rights and self-determination, stating that the act must be dismantled in cooperation with First Nations people and governments. The closed-door summit marked the first gathering of its kind between First Nations leaders and first ministers since the 2005 Kelowna Accord talks.
Read Original -
Reminder: Firearms Amnesty Extended Beyond October 30 Expiry Date
Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-23 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]The Government of Canada has extended its federal firearms amnesty period beyond the previously scheduled expiry date of October 30, 2026, tying the new deadline to 90 days after the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision on appeals challenging the May 2020 firearms prohibitions. The amendment covers amnesty orders associated with federal bans implemented in May 2020, December 2024, and March 2025, protecting affected individuals and businesses from criminal liability while maintaining compliance. In response, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office continues to provide provincial support through its Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, offering firearm verification, certificates of exemption, and appraisals for affected owners and businesses navigating the federal regulations.
Read Original -
Yukon government asks court to toss Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in lawsuit over mining regulation changes
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-23 18:41:15.0
Tags: [National, Indigenous, Mining, Resources, Justice, Governance]The Yukon government filed a statement of defence in the Yukon Supreme Court asking to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation regarding temporary amendments made in May 2025 to placer-mining, quartz-mining, and water-use regulations. The amendments, set to remain in effect until December 31, 2028, allow the territorial government to extend soon-to-expire permits and licences for eligible operators to mitigate a major permitting backlog. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in's January lawsuit alleges that the territory failed to consult the First Nation in violation of its final agreement and seeks financial compensation, whereas the government argues it had no duty to consult during the legislative process and that the First Nation delayed legal action.
Read Original -
Top court will hear appeal on ruling that found feds violated Charter during convoy protest
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-22 16:08:52.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Emergency, Governance]The Supreme Court of Canada agreed to hear an appeal regarding a 2024 Federal Court ruling—later upheld by the Federal Court of Appeal in January 2026—which found that the federal government of former prime minister Justin Trudeau infringed the Charter rights of Freedom Convoy participants when it invoked the Emergencies Act on February 14, 2022. The lower courts ruled that the Liberal cabinet lacked reasonable grounds and a legal basis to believe the protests posed a national security threat. This legal challenge contrasts with the findings of the 2023 Public Order Emergency Commission led by Commissioner Paul Rouleau, which concluded that the government had met the high legal threshold required to invoke the act.
Read Original -
S-242 (45-1) - Georgina’s Law
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-21 17:30:09.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Bill S-242, titled Georgina’s Law and sponsored by Senator Fabian Manning, is a Senate Public Bill proposing an Act respecting national action for the prevention of intimate partner violence. The bill completed third reading in the Senate on February 24, 2026, and subsequently reached the House of Commons for first reading on May 27, 2026. It is currently undergoing debate at second reading in the House of Commons as of October 21, 2026. This legislation builds on similar efforts from the previous parliamentary session, notably Bill S-249 from the 44th Parliament.
Read Original -
Carney says Albertans chose unity and to move forward with 'purpose' and 'high ambition'
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-20 16:41:56.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Governance, Immigration, Justice]Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to Alberta's October 2026 provincial referendum, where 75.5 per cent of voters chose to remain in Canada while 24.5 per cent voted to hold a separation referendum. Discussing the ballot's other questions with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Carney stated that federal-provincial reforms regarding immigration controls and the appointment of provincial judges can be achieved through cooperation rather than complex constitutional amendments. Carney noted that federal reductions in asylum seekers, temporary foreign workers, and foreign students demonstrate alignment on sustainable immigration levels. Meanwhile, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized Ottawa's priority to work collaboratively with Alberta following the decisive unity vote.
Read Original -
C-293 (45-1) - An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violent home invasion)
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-20 10:02:00.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Private Member's Bill C-293, titled An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violent home invasion), was introduced and read for the first time in the House of Commons by Member of Parliament Michael Guglielmin for Vaughan—Woodbridge. The legislative initiative aims to amend the Criminal Code of Canada specifically regarding the offense of violent home invasions. As of its introduction on October 20, 2026, the bill is currently outside the Order of Precedence and awaits second reading in the House of Commons.
Read Original -
S-252 (45-1) - An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consent to pornographic material)
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-20 00:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Senator Yonah Martin introduced Senate Public Bill S-252, entitled An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consent to pornographic material), during the 45th Parliament, 1st session. The bill received its first reading in the Senate on October 20, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Criminal Code of Canada regarding provisions surrounding consent to pornographic material. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate.
Read Original -
Trudeau government advised it would be expected to carry out ICC arrest warrants, including for Netanyahu
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-16 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Defence, Governance]An internal memo dated June 10, 2024, written by Nathalie Drouin, then Justin Trudeau's national security adviser, advised the federal government that Canada has international legal obligations under the Rome Statute and Canada's Extradition Act to pursue the arrest of individuals subject to International Criminal Court warrants, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The heavily redacted document, obtained by CBC News via an access to information request, notes that Canada would be expected to seek an arrest warrant in a Canadian court upon receiving a cooperation request. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and political successor Mark Carney later stated that Canada would abide by court regulations and act on warrants, the federal government has permitted Netanyahu's aircraft to pass through Canadian airspace without enforcement, highlighting ongoing legal debates regarding sovereign airspace obligations.
Read Original -
Supreme Court will hear appeal of federal ban on single-use plastics
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-15 14:56:24.0
Tags: [National, Environment, Justice, Governance]The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear an appeal regarding the federal government's ban on single-use plastics under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. In 2021, the Liberal government classified plastic-manufactured items—such as grocery bags, cutlery, styrofoam containers, stir sticks, and straws—as toxic, prompting a legal challenge by the industry group Responsible Plastic Use Coalition. While a 2023 Federal Court ruling struck down the ban as sweeping and an overreach into provincial jurisdiction, the Federal Court of Appeal subsequently overturned that decision in January, upholding the toxic classification and restoring the regulations.
Read Original -
As Smith applauds judicial appointments, lawyers speak out against referendum's judges question
Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-14 18:26:42.0
Tags: [Alberta, National, Justice, Governance]Premier Danielle Smith's government and federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser appointed Malcolm Lavoie to the Alberta Court of King's Bench and Thomas Rothwell to the Alberta Court of Appeal, amid an ongoing provincial referendum question regarding federal judicial appointment powers. The referendum asks voters if Alberta should seek a constitutional amendment to transfer superior court and Court of Appeal appointment responsibilities from the federal government to the provinces. Opponents, including the Alberta Lawyers for Judicial Independence, argue that the current federal-provincial Judicial Advisory Committee process maintains judicial independence and that provincially appointed judges already handle the vast majority of cases in Alberta.
Read Original -
Conservative MP says foreign influence registry 'in shambles,' calls for minister to appear before committee
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-09 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Public Safety, Governance, Justice]Conservative MP Michael Cooper is demanding that Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree appear before a parliamentary committee following revelations that Canada's newly established Office of the Foreign Influence Commissioner of Canada, led by Commissioner Anton Boegman, has achieved a compliance rate of only two entries and 30 late submissions against an initial Public Safety Department estimate of 2,422 expected registrants. The registry, mandated by federal legislation adopted in 2024 and taking effect on August 4, 2026, has also experienced technical outages due to its implementation as a minimum viable product and two privacy breaches. Furthermore, watchdog oversight gaps have emerged concerning prior cross-border meetings involving Alberta sovereignty campaigners and U.S. entities, which Commissioner Boegman stated do not fall under his mandate because they predated the registry's enactment, drawing sharp criticism from former NDP MP Charlie Angus.
Read Original -
Yukon gun enthusiasts like the idea of an official Yukon firearms advocate
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-08 23:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Yukon Justice Minister Laura Lang tabled the proposed Yukon Firearms Act in the Yukon Legislative Assembly to establish an independent firearms advocate to promote gun ownership and safety in response to federal firearms legislation and buyback programs. The legislation aims to provide an independent voice for Yukon gun owners, advise the territorial government on federal policy impacts, and promote public safety. As of June, 135 firearms had been declared in the Yukon under the voluntary federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program. Opposition NDP MLA Carmen Gustafson criticized the legislation and government priorities, questioning the independence of the position and arguing that government resources should instead target ongoing local crises like the substance use emergency.
Read Original -
C-22 (45-1) - Lawful Access Act, 2026
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-08 10:40:00.0
Tags: [National, Public Safety, Justice, Governance]Bill C-22, titled the Lawful Access Act, 2026, was introduced in the House of Commons by the Minister of Public Safety and advanced to second reading in the Senate on October 8, 2026. The legislation aims to provide law enforcement agencies with new tools to investigate threats and access information under the Criminal Code. Following first reading on March 12, 2026, and committee review by the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU), the bill passed third reading in the House of Commons on June 18, 2026, before moving to the Senate.
Read Original -
C-292 (45-1) - An Act to amend the Criminal Code (victim protection)
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-08 10:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Member of Parliament Anna Roberts (King—Vaughan) introduced Private Member's Bill C-292, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (victim protection), during the 45th Parliament, 1st session. The bill received its first reading in the House of Commons on October 8, 2026. The legislative text is currently outside the Order of Precedence and the full bill text has not yet been published.
Read Original -
Yukon to appoint firearms advocate so gun owners can 'continue to be heard'
Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-08 00:37:21.0
Tags: [National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]Yukon Justice Minister Laura Lang tabled the proposed Yukon Firearms Act in the Legislative Assembly, establishing an independent firearms advocate to represent gun owners and advise the territorial government on federal legislation. The initiative responds to the federal Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program, under which 135 firearms have been declared in the territory as of June. The appointed advocate will serve a term of up to two years, submit annual reports, and act as a direct contact for firearms owners, businesses, and organizations. Public consultation on the framework showed 53.7 percent support among 226 online survey respondents, alongside 28.4 percent strong opposition regarding public expenditure.
Read Original -
Immigration minister appears unaware of court ruling that guarantees Charter rights for refugees
Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-07 08:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Immigration, Justice, Governance]Federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab faced scrutiny from refugee rights advocates and opposition critics after appearing unfamiliar with the landmark 1985 Supreme Court decision Singh v. Minister of Employment and Immigration during a Radio-Canada documentary podcast interview. The Singh decision established that asylum seekers are constitutionally guaranteed Charter rights to fundamental justice, specifically the right to an oral hearing, and led directly to the creation of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The controversy centers around Bill C-12, the Carney government's immigration reform legislation passed in March, which restricts who receives Refugee Board hearings by shifting asylum claims made more than a year after initial entry to a written pre-removal risk assessment instead of an oral hearing. Legal challenges are underway alleging that Bill C-12 violates domestic and international law by undermining the protections mandated by the Singh precedent, while the Prime Minister's Office maintains confidence in Minister Diab's execution of federal immigration targets.
Read Original
