Historic Win for the Transit Community
In late October of 2025, the House of Commons of Canada introduced Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing). This bill aimed to make necessary amendments to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and more.
Specifically, one of the major amendments focused on transit workers. Assaults against transit workers have increased over the past decade. Data has shown that violent incidents in some of the country’s largest municipalities have doubled or even tripled between 2015 and 2024. Reports indicate that over 2,000 assaults are reported by transit workers annually.
On February 13th, the bill officially passed the first stage and has been passed through the House of Commons and will now move on to the Senate. This historical amendment is a significant development in Canada’s labour and employment landscape.
What Does Bill C-14 Strive For?
Bill C-14 emphasizes the increased need for public safety and judicial discretion while increasing confidence in the judicial system. One of the most significant outcomes of Bill C-14 is the enhanced sentencing considerations for assaults against transit workers.
Following hard-fought advocacy and committee study, the Act would amend the Criminal Code to include that violence against transit workers who are engaged in the performance of their duties be treated as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Essentially, if a transit worker is assaulted while completing their work, the individual who committed the assault may face greater sentencing.
This amendment means:
- Courts MUST consider an assault on a transit worker as an aggravating circumstance when determining a fit and proportionate sentence for offences such as assault or aggravated assault.
- This amendment applies not only to operators but to any transit employee actively performing their work duties. This includes fare inspectors, station staff, customer service agents and maintenance personnel.
- The amendments introduced by Bill C-14 reflect a broader approach within the Criminal Code of Canada that treats violence against certain sectors of workers as especially serious. Similar to existing sentencing provisions that recognize assaults against peace officers, law enforcement officials, and healthcare professionals as aggravating factors, the amendments reinforce the principle that individuals performing essential public duties warrant heightened protection under the law.
What are the Practical Implications for Transit Workers?
Bill C-14 offers much stronger protections for all transit workers; there are still practical implications for both employees and the employer. These include, but are not limited to:
- Greater importance on immediate documentation.
With the Courts considering the victim’s status as a transit worker during sentencing, employees will need to clearly document that they were actively performing their duties at the time of the assault. The report may need to include the individual’s job title, the assigned route or location, whether the employee was in uniform and how the assault arose. Incomplete reporting could undermine the application of aggravating factors. - Stronger documentation and evidentiary reporting.
The Courts now must consider the victim’s status as a transit worker, making workplace documentation even more vital than before. This includes a greater emphasis on incident reporting accuracy and detailed victim impact statements. Clear, thorough documentation ensures the aggravating factor is applied properly. - Potential increase in surveillance and evidence retention.
Due to aggravating factors needing to be proved in court, video retention policies may be extended, and surveillance reviewed more often. Employers should ensure strong surveillance and camera usage language exists in their collective agreements.
The Takeaway
With the passing of Bill C-14, transit employees may notice fewer incidents are being resolved informally, and more are being escalated to law enforcement. Bill C-14 represents a significant shift in Canada’s labour landscape with a clear emphasis on public safety and accountability.
The amendments provide both newer and stronger protections for workers while reminding everyone of the importance of coordinating workplace safety practices. Transit workers across Canada should continue to monitor the final stages of Bill C-14 and prepare for potential policy and training amendments.
The amendments to Bill C-14 would not have happened without workers like yourself. Thanks to advocates and lobbyists, stronger protections are on the horizon for transit workers.
Disclaimer
The content within this blog is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Watson Palmer Labour Lawyers does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this blog.
If you would like more information, or have a specific question you would like to discuss with our Firm, please contact us by email at jfalcioni@watsonpalmerlaw.com.
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