The Liberal government has tabled sweeping new legislation that it says will protect victims and survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence and protect children from predators.

Calling the Protecting Victims Act “one of the most consequential reforms of the Criminal Code in a generation,” the legislation also challenges a 2016 Supreme Court ruling that allows cases to be stayed if they are significantly delayed. 

“These reforms strengthen the tools available to protect women and girls, and to hold offenders accountable. Alongside our broader efforts to prevent violence before it happens, we are building a safer and more just Canada,” Justice Minister Sean Fraser said in a statement.