🍁 civid v1

Purpose and scope

• Bill C-235 would amend the Criminal Code to increase possible parole ineligibility for a person convicted of murder, a listed sexual offence and a listed abduction-related offence against the same victim in the same event or series of events.
• The person would receive a life sentence and would be ineligible for parole for at least 25 years. A judge could increase that period to more than 25 years, up to 40 years.

Criminal Code changes

• At a jury trial, the judge would have to ask the jury whether it wishes to recommend a parole-ineligibility period. A recommendation would be optional and considered by the judge.
• In deciding whether to increase the period, the judge would consider the accused’s character, the nature and circumstances of the offences, and any jury recommendation. The judge would have to give oral or written reasons for making or not making an order.
• The convicted person could appeal an order increasing the period. The Attorney General or instructed counsel could appeal a period of less than 40 years or a decision not to make an order.
• The bill would also amend section 746 of the Criminal Code to add a reference to the new provision.

Coordinating amendment

• If Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, receives royal assent, coordinating rules would address how its section 75 and this bill’s section 5 interact, depending on when they come into force.

Status and costs

• The supplied text describes a version reprinted as amended by the justice committee and reported to the House on June 8, 2026. It does not provide a cost estimate.