By Canadian Press

Parliament passes law allowing jurors to disclose information to health providers

Sep 28, 2022 | 2:45 PM

OTTAWA — Parliament has passed a new law that allows jurors to disclose information about jury proceedings to health care professionals.

The bill creates a carve-out in Canada’s strict jury secrecy rules by allowing people to seek mental health support related to their trial experience without breaking the law.

The Criminal Code will be amended so that jurors can disclose information about a trial to health care professionals who are providing medical or psychiatric treatment, therapy or counselling. 

Members of Parliament unanimously passed the bill this afternoon, and it will come into force 90 days after the Governor General signs it into law. 

Conservative Sen. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, a longtime victims’ rights advocate, introduced the bill in the Senate last November and senators passed it within two weeks. 

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Tory MP Michael Cooper, the bill’s sponsor in the House, said earlier this year that the bill would go a long way toward supporting juror mental health.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2022.

The Canadian Press