History of the Legislation

The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) was originally introduced as Bill C-23 in the House of Commons on December 11, 2002. The legislation was developed in response to the unanimous requests of the provinces and territories in 2001 to establish a National Sex Offender Registry. It died after first reading in the Senate when Parliament prorogued on November 13, 2003. In early 2004, the SOIRA was nominated for reinstatement upon the resumption of Parliament. On February 12, 2004, Bill C-16 (formerly Bill C-23) was re-introduced to the House of Commons. On April 1, 2004, Bill C-16 received Royal Assent thereby effecting the creation and implementation of a National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR). The legislation was proclaimed on December 15, 2004. Comments on the legislation can be directed to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC).

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