by Frank Bergman
Canada’s Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing mounting backlash after critics warned that a little-noticed piece of legislation could dramatically expand state power inside private homes.
The proposed law, Bill C-16, titled the “Protecting Victims Act,” would create a new Criminal Code offense targeting patterns of “coercive or controlling conduct” within relationships.
But opponents say the sweeping language risks turning ordinary family interactions into potential criminal investigations.
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis sounded the alarm in a public warning to Canadians.
“Do you think the government should criminalize everyday interactions in your home with your family?” Lewis wrote on X.
“If not, you should read Bill C-16.
“The bill creates new offences (Criminal Code Section 264.01), which are deeply concerning for normal, loving family interactions, based on a ‘pattern of coercive or controlling conduct,’ even when no violence, threats, or illegal acts occur.”
She continued:
“It criminalizes a pattern of otherwise lawful and often common behavior that may later be perceived as threatening by an intimate partner.
“That means ordinary family interactions could be re-interpreted as criminal after the fact.”
Lewis pointed to routine household situations that could fall under scrutiny, including:
• Asking a spouse where they are after they said they’d be home
• Expressing concern about excessive drinking
• Disagreeing about finances or spending
• Asking a partner not to give children junk food
• Raising concerns about time away from family