August 7, 2026

MBC News Host: Danielle Dufour

The House of Commons passed an amendment to the Canadian Criminal Code to criminalize forced or coerced sterilization. Bill S-228 received Royal Assent on June 15. The law states that sterilization without legal consent constitutes aggravated assault which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Silvia McKay, one of the first survivors to come forward with her story in 2015, was there when the Bill passed and said, “It was very emotional and overwhelming. All these years I’ve advocated, I’ve always wanted accountability and justice. The sadness only comes because of what happened to me.”

“I was sterilized against my will in 2001. I was 29 years old,” said McKay. “I signed no consent, I said no many times, and nobody listened.”

This occurred at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.

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