QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Justice
Decriminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure
November 19, 2025
Good afternoon, minister. Welcome to the Senate of Canada.
During the Forty-fourth Parliament, we, in this chamber, started an inquiry on HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. Thanks to the expertise of several of my colleagues, this inquiry led to the publication of a report that sets out 34 strategic recommendations, including one on the decriminalization of HIV non-disclosure.
With World AIDS Day fast approaching, other than the consultations that your government conducted in 2022-23, how does your government intend to follow up on this recommendation and, more importantly, do you really intend to reform the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure?
Thank you for the question.
With respect to your question, we should actually have a deeper follow-up. There are a number of my colleagues who are involved in this conversation.
Obviously, there’s an element of this analysis that touches on potential criminal reforms. Others involve policy decisions that are led or informed by Health Canada. To the extent that we’re able to dig in with more specificity, I would invite a follow-up conversation personally.
I would be more than willing to provide answers to you in writing through my office after we wrap up this session in Question Period today.
Thank you. I’m pleased that you want to continue the conversation.
In an article published by The Canadian Press last August, stakeholders indicated that they were unable to meet with you to discuss this issue. Some people have met with your officials. Do you intend to personally meet with stakeholders? If not, why don’t you want to meet with them, given the numerous claims that have been made in recent years and the importance of this public health issue?
You’re right. The department has been meeting with stakeholders. Next week, my parliamentary secretary also has meetings. It is possible for me to personally meet with stakeholders, but my priority in this parliamentary session is three bills to reform our criminal justice system. It is very difficult for me to meet with stakeholders on every policy under discussion in Canada. Once this third bill is before the House of Commons, then I will be able to meet with stakeholders on other issues.
