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C-295At second reading in the Senate

Law Would Toughen Penalties for Neglecting Seniors and Other Vulnerable Adults

Protecting Vulnerable Adults Act

Introduced Jun 20, 2022·Last discussed Dec 7, 2023
Summary

This proposed law, called C-295, aims to protect vulnerable adults. These are people who can't take care of themselves due to age, illness, or disability. The proposed law would make it a crime to neglect these adults if you have a duty to care for them. Neglect means failing to provide necessary things like food, medicine, shelter, or hygiene. This proposed law affects anyone who has a responsibility to care for a vulnerable adult. This could be family members, nurses, or other caregivers. If they intentionally or recklessly fail to provide adequate care, they could face criminal charges. The proposed law aims to hold caregivers accountable for ensuring the well-being of those dependent on them. This matters because it offers greater protection for vulnerable adults. It sends a clear message that neglecting their basic needs is unacceptable and punishable by law. It could encourage better caregiving practices and provide a legal avenue for justice if vulnerable adults are harmed through neglect.

Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Crime & Public SafetyStronger law enforcement

This bill creates a new crime related to neglect of dependent adults, indicating a 'tough on crime' approach by increasing penalties for certain actions.

This bill
Bill Quality

This bill has not yet been published on the government website.

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