Bill C-321 aims to amend the Criminal Code to better protect healthcare workers and first responders. The bill focuses on assaults against these individuals. The main change is that courts must consider it a serious factor if someone assaults a healthcare worker or first responder while they are doing their job. This means the person who committed the assault could face a harsher sentence. The bill recognizes the increasing violence against those who provide essential services and seeks to ensure they feel safe and valued by the justice system. It applies to offenses listed in paragraph 264.1(1)(a) or sections 266 to 269 of the Criminal Code.
Crime
This bill addresses public safety by seeking to provide greater protection to healthcare workers and first responders from assault. It increases the potential penalties for those who assault these individuals while they are performing their duties, by requiring courts to consider the victim's profession as an aggravating circumstance during sentencing.