Report: Senate passes crime bill

The Senate has voted to pass third reading of Bill C-22.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper had threatened to call an election if the Senate did not pass the legislation.

Text of Bill C-2.

The bill raises the age of consent from 14 to 16, provides for stricter mandatory minimum sentences and bail conditions for gun-related crimes, harsher penalties for driving while drug impaired, and eases the application of the dangerous offender declaration.

Brief: Second Reading Debates

On Tuesday, Bill C-42, amending the Museums Act, received Second Reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Human Rights.  The Bill will result in the establishment of a Museum of Human Rights.

Bill C-40, amending the Canada Labour Code and other Acts was also debated at Second Reading.  If passed, C-40 will provide leave-of-absence for active members of the Reserve Forces, and will allow for deferral of Student Loan payments.  It will also provide for members of the Reserves to return their positions in the Federal civil service after a leave of absence.