45th Parliament · Session 1
Bill C-246: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consecutive sentences for sexual offences)
Introduced
September 23, 2025
Current Stage
BillDefeated
Last Updated
March 25, 2026
Sponsor
Rachael Thomas
Community Support
Community Vote
100% Support
1 votes
Politicians' Vote
47% Support
336 MPs
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Bill C-246
Wed Mar 25 2026
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consecutive sentences for sexual offences)
Impact Rating
4/5
Short Summary
Mandates that jail sentences for multiple sexual offences must be served one after another (consecutively), removing the option for judges to let them run at the same time.
This bill forces judges to impose 'consecutive' sentences for sexual offences, rather than allowing them to be served at the same time ('concurrently'). Currently, if a person is convicted of multiple sexual crimes, a judge can decide if the jail time for each crime should run simultaneously or back-to-back. Under this bill, the judge loses that choice: the jail time for every single sexual offence would have to be added up, meaning the offender serves one sentence after the other, likely resulting in much longer total time in prison.
Why does this bill exist?
Origin (Public Outcry/Event)
Response to public perception that the justice system is too lenient on serial sex offenders and that concurrent sentences diminish the harm done to individual victims.
Amends the Criminal Code to remove judicial discretion regarding sentencing for sexual offences.
Mandates that any prison sentence for a sexual offence must be served consecutively (back-to-back) to any other sentence for a sexual offence.
Applies both when an offender is sentenced for multiple crimes at once, and when an offender is already in prison for a sex crime and is sentenced for another.
Eliminates the 'totality principle' for these specific crimes, where a judge usually reduces the total sentence to ensure it isn't crushing or disproportionate.
Aims to ensure that every individual victim's case results in specific, additional jail time for the offender.
Victims
(Rights Expanded)
Each victim sees their specific case result in added jail time for the offender, rather than it being absorbed into a concurrent sentence.
Judges
(Rights Restricted)
They lose the power to decide how sentences should be served, forcing them to apply a rigid formula.
Taxpayers
(More Expensive)
Will pay more for the extended incarceration of offenders.
Provincial Impact
Provincial Impact
Criminal law is federal; provinces administer the courts and would enforce these sentences.
Benefits & Pros
Ensures that serial sex offenders spend significantly longer periods in prison.
Validates the suffering of each individual victim by ensuring their specific case adds time to the sentence.
Prevents situations where an offender commits multiple assaults but effectively receives 'free' crimes because the sentences run at the same time.
Sends a strong message of deterrence regarding sexual violence.
Beneficiaries
Risks & Cons
High risk of being struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the Charter (protection against cruel and unusual punishment).
Removes the ability of judges to tailor sentences to the specific circumstances of the offender and the crime.
Could result in absurdly long prison terms for lower-level offences if they are numerous.
May discourage guilty pleas, as offenders facing guaranteed massive sentences have no incentive to plead guilty, potentially forcing victims to testify in court.
Affected Groups
Before & After
Currently: An offender is convicted of 3 sexual assaults. The judge gives 2 years for each but orders them served concurrently. Total time: 2 years. Under this Bill: The judge must order them served consecutively. Total time: 6 years.
Real World Scenario
Currently: A predator convicted of 5 counts of sexual interference might receive a global sentence of 4 years. Under this Bill: If the sentence for each count is 1 year, the offender must serve 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5 years. If the sentence for each is 2 years, they must serve 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Votes on this bill
2nd reading of Bill C-246, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consecutive sentences for sexual offences)
Wed Mar 25 2026
Yeas: 157
Nays: 169
Total: 336
Sponsor
Member of Parliament
House of Commons
First reading
Completed on September 23, 2025
Second reading
Not yet started
Consideration in committee
Not yet started
Report stage
Not yet started
Third reading
Not yet started
Senate
First reading
Not yet started
Second reading
Not yet started
Third reading
Not yet started
Abuse Potential
The abuse potential lies in the rigidity of the law leading to unconstitutional outcomes. By removing judicial discretion, the bill creates a scenario where a judge could be forced to impose a sentence that is 'grossly disproportionate' to the crime. For example, an offender with 10 counts of a less severe sexual offence (like unwanted touching) could receive a mandatory cumulative sentence rivaling that of a murderer. This lack of flexibility makes the law highly vulnerable to being voided by the courts for violating Section 12 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Implementation Risk
High. The risk is legal, not logistical. There is a high probability this law would be challenged in court immediately and potentially struck down as unconstitutional.
Broad Economic Impact
Indirect. Higher costs for the prison system.
Everyday Life
Minimal impact. Law-abiding citizens will see no change.
Admin Burden
Low. It simplifies the math for sentencing but complicates the legal appeals process.
Timeline
Immediate upon Royal Assent.
