Justice Minister Moves to Tackle Coercive Control in Relationships

OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at addressing the issue of coercive control within intimate relationships. This initiative follows a recent appeal from Members of Parliament (MPs) on the House of Commons status of women committee, who urged the federal government to criminalize such behaviors.

The committee highlighted that coercive control can manifest in various forms, including financial manipulation, punishment of pets, and the isolation of individuals from their support networks. Fraser emphasized that this issue is “top of mind” as he prepares the upcoming justice bill, which will address a range of topics, particularly focused on gender-based violence.

Legislative Context and Previous Efforts

Fraser is currently gathering feedback from the committee and experts to shape the legislation effectively. The status of women committee has also expressed a desire to revisit an earlier private member’s bill introduced by former NDP MP Laurel Collins. This bill aimed to amend the Criminal Code to define coercive control as a specific offence but did not pass before the recent election.

The committee’s call for action reflects a growing recognition of the detrimental impact of coercive control on victims. The proposed legislation is expected to provide a clearer legal framework to prosecute offenders and protect individuals experiencing such abuse.

Fraser’s commitment to addressing this issue underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the legal protections for victims of gender-based violence in Canada. He aims to introduce the new bill by the end of the year, aligning with the committee’s recommendations and public advocacy for stronger measures.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on November 26, 2025, highlighting the urgent need for legislative action to combat coercive control in relationships.