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Military Justice System Modernization Act

Bill C-11, Military Justice System Modernization Act · Time allocation motion · now law Where it stands

Debate on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act, which changes the military justice system, most notably by removing military courts’ and investigators’ jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada, so civilian police and courts handle those cases; it also makes military justice officials more independent and adds victim support measures. The government moved a motion to limit further debate to one day at report stage and one day at third reading, and much of the debate was about that motion. Conservatives argued debate was being cut short on a serious subject and asked why survivors were not being consulted or given a choice between the civilian and military systems; the minister said the bill follows reviews by Justices Arbour and Fish and codifies an existing practice, and noted opposition amendments were ruled out of order. The Bloc Québécois asked why the government waited so long and raised the capacity of civilian courts, which the minister said was being addressed through agreements with the provinces. Elizabeth May said she supported the bill’s substance but would vote against time allocation.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

1 statement

Elizabeth May

Green
“I will vote against cutting off debate on this bill. Ending debate early hurts democracy, even though I support the changes the bill makes.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, as we are now debating not Bill C-11 itself but time allocation, I would like to remind my hon. friend the Minister of National Defence and cast his mind back to when the Liberals were the third party in the House and the Harper Conservatives used time allocation over and over again. In those days, those of us back in this corner would say frequently that we did not need time allocation, that we should properly debate and that the routine use of time allocation is anti-democratic. I hold to that view no matter who is holding the reins of power. It is anti-democratic to shut down debate early. This is why I will be voting no to time allocation. I do support pursuing Madam Justice Arbour’s recommendations, but I do not like being bulldozed.

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