Justice minister suggests new bill could address ‘coercive control’ in relationships

By Canadian Press on November 26, 2025.

OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser says the issue of coercive control is “top of mind” as he prepares an upcoming justice bill.

MPs on the House of Commons status of women committee called on the federal government Tuesday to criminalize coercive behaviour in intimate relationships, which they said can include things like financial control, punishing pets, or isolating individuals.

Fraser plans to introduce legislation before the end of the year that covers a range of issues, including gender-based violence.

Fraser says he is weighing feedback from the committee and from experts on the subject of coercive control.

MPs on the status of women committee say they want an earlier bill criminalizing coercive control brought back.

That private member’s bill from former NDP MP Laurel Collins, which would have amended the Criminal Code to create a specific offence, did not become law before the election was called.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2025.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

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