Bills are proposed laws. They vary in size, effect and the public interest they receive. Typically, Government bills are introduced by a Cabinet Minister in the House of Commons (C-bills), but this type of legislation (S-bills) can also originate in the Senate if it does not initiate spending or impose a tax.

Here’s a list of Government legislation currently before the Senate.

Bill S-4: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make related amendments to other Acts (COVID-19 response and other measures)

Sponsor: Senator Pierre Dalphond

• This legislation aims to modernize the criminal justice system. It helps address challenges faced by the courts, which were caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill S-5: Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act

Sponsor: Senator Stan Kutcher

• This legislation aims to strengthen Canada’s chemicals management regime and recognizes a right to a healthy environment.

Bill S-6: An Act respecting regulatory modernization

Sponsor: Senator Yuen Pau Woo

• As part of the Regulatory Modernization Initiative, this legislation updates or repeals provisions that have become barriers to innovation and economic growth, and adds new provisions with a view to support innovation and economic growth.

Bill S-7: An Act to amend the Customs Act and the Preclearance Act, 2016

Sponsor: Senator Gwen Boniface

• This legislation aims to safeguard traveller privacy and rights in the examination of personal digital devices by Canada Border Services Agency officers and United States Customs and Border Patrol preclearance officers operating in Canada.

Bill C-8: Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021

Sponsor: Senator Clément Gignac

• This legislation proposes to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures.

Bill S-8: An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Sponsor: Senator Peter Harder

• This legislation proposes that foreign nationals subject to sanctions are inadmissible to Canada.