Tabled Tuesday, Bill C-16 aims to make hate-motivated killings first-degree murder and to increase penalties for some sex crimes.

OTTAWA — Protecting vulnerable victims is the aim of new legislation introduced in the House of Commons.

Announced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser on Tuesday just after it passed first reading in the House of Commons, Bill C-16 — the — aims to increase maximum sentences for a wide variety of sex crimes and makes hate-motivated killings first-degree murder.

“We are moving forward with changes that would recognize the severe impact that femicide has on families, communities and people in this country,” Justice Minister Sean Fraser said during a noon-hour press conference.

“We specifically will be creating a constructive first-degree murder charge where certa

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