CANADA
Can’t Buy My Silence- Canada is actively collaborating with lawmakers at both the federal and provincial levels in Canada to advance legislative reform aimed at restricting the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
PROVINCIAL LAW REFORM IN PLACE
✅ Prince Edward Island
Law Passed: Non-Disclosure Agreements Act (2021)
Scope: Limits NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination.
Significance: First Canadian province to legislate restrictions on NDAs.
Model: Based on Ireland’s NDA legislation (“conditions approach”)
The President and Chair of the Board at the UPEI share their experiences in the post-NDA era.
✅ Ontario
Law Passed: Bill 26 (in effect July 1, 2023)
Scope: Bans universities from using NDAs in sexual harassment cases.
PROVINCIAL BILLS PROGRESSING OR BEING EXPLORED
Alberta
Bill Proposed: Bill 205- NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS ACT
Scope: Straightforward ban on NDAs for sexual misconduct, retroactive
Next Steps: Sent directly from 2nd reading to Committee on Families & Communities. To participate in testimony before the Committee, please write info@cantbuymysilence.com!
British Columbia
Bill Proposed: Bill M 217 – Non-Disclosure Agreements Act (May 6, 2024)
Scope: Would ban NDAs in cases of harassment or discrimination.
Status: Fell off the order paper after Fall 2024 election.
Government Position: Attorney General is still considering options to prevent victim silencing. There is an ongoing. consultation based on the conditions approach.
Watch This Space
Manitoba
Bill Proposed: Bill 225 THE NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS ACT (2022)
Status: NDA Bill passed Committee stage.
Highlights: 20+ people testified under parliamentary privilege. You can watch here and it is inspiring because testimony is protected from legal action by parliamentary privilege
Outcome: Died on the order paper after November 2023 election.
Watch This Space
Nova Scotia
Bill Proposed: Bill 13 – Non-disclosure Agreements Act (Feb 19, 2025)
Status: Tabled by NDP Leader Claudia Chender.
Current Progress: First Reading.
Bill Proposed: Here is the Liberal Bill, Bill 217 (March 3, 2026)
Status: Tabled by Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette
Current Progress: First Reading.
Ontario
Bill Proposed: Bill 124 – Stopping the Misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements Act, 2023
Scope: Broader restrictions on NDAs in discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault.
Status: Fell off the order paper after Spring 2025 election.
Next Steps: Labour Minister Piccini promised stakeholder consultation in November of 2023 but it has never happened
Watch This Space
Saskatchewan
Bill Proposed: Bill 613 – Fairer Workplace, Better Jobs Amendment Act (2023)
Scope: NDA restrictions in employment context.
Status: Fell off the order paper after Fall 2024 election.
Watch This Space
New Brunswick
Law Reform Notes reports detailed discussion re bringing forward NDA legislation
Green Party Resolution introduced by Leader Megan Mitton (watch here)
FEDERAL LEVEL
Can’t Buy Silence Act Senate of Canada
Bill Proposed: Senate Bill S-232 (May 2023- Bill S-261, reintroduced June 2025)
Introduced By: Senator Marilou McPhedran.
New sponsor discussions in progress following retirement of Senator McPhedran
Scope: Restricts NDAs in government and federally funded organizations, covering misconduct or use of public money.
Reach: Affects ~400,000 federal employees.
Bill C-16 Protecting Victims Act
The federal Government accepted an amendment stating that “for greater clarity” signing an NDA does not affect the right to report possible criminal offences to police.