Radio minute: S-228 sends a clear message.

June 10, 2026

This week, Parliament unanimously passed Bill S-228, legislation that makes it clear in the Criminal Code that forced or coerced sterilization is aggravated assault.

Courageous survivors came forward to share deeply personal experiences of having their reproductive rights violated without their free, prior, and informed consent. Indigenous women have been disproportionately affected, with more than 12,000 cases of forced and coerced sterilization reported as late as 2024.

Bill S-228 sends a clear message: no person should ever be pressured, manipulated, or coerced into a procedure that permanently alters their ability to have children.

While it cannot undo the harm that survivors have endured, this legislation strengthens protections, provides greater accountability, and helps ensure these abuses are never repeated.

I want to recognize Senator Yvonne Boyer, advocates, Indigenous organizations and, above all, the survivors whose determination made this change possible.