Bill S-209 explained in plain English

This document details the proceedings of the Senate on January 27, 2009. The Senate observed a moment of silence for fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. Senators then made statements on various topics, including the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the UN Human Rights Council's resolution on the conflict in Gaza, and youth justice initiatives. Routine proceedings included tabling a document, adopting a motion on senators' property qualifications, and introducing several bills at first reading, including Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children). The Senate also considered notices of motions regarding committee studies and changes to sitting times. Question Period involved discussions on the state of the economy and the government's appointment process. The Senate then began debate on the Speech from the Throne, which was adjourned.

This artifact is a record of the Senate sitting on March 24, 2009. It details the proceedings of the day, including tributes, senators' statements, routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. Notably, it shows that Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children), was brought forward for second reading but its debate was adjourned. It does not contain the text of the bill or any decision made on it during this sitting.

This document records a sitting of the Senate on May 26, 2009. The sitting included tributes to the late Senator Orville Howard Phillips, tabling of various reports, introduction of new bills, oral questions and answers on topics like the economy, employment insurance, official languages, and the supply of medical isotopes. It also featured debates and adjourned debates on several bills, including Bill S-209, which aims to amend the Criminal Code for the protection of children. The debate on Bill S-209 was adjourned to allow for further research.

This document details the proceedings of the Senate on May 28, 2009. It includes Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings where committee reports were presented and bills were introduced or tabled, Question Period addressing issues like the lobster industry and the federal deficit, and Orders of the Day where several bills were debated or referred to committee. Notably, Bill S-209, concerning the protection of children, was debated at second reading. Several other bills related to the RCMP Superannuation Act, Marine Liability Act, Federal Courts Act, National Philanthropy Day, Canada Elections Act, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and Citizenship Act were also discussed or moved through various stages. Committee reports on internal economy, human rights, and transport and communications were presented. The Senate also discussed a motion to support the London Declaration on Combating Antisemitism and a motion to study Senate committee membership. Finally, the Senate adjourned until June 2, 2009.

This document contains the record of the Senate debate on May 28, 2009. The primary focus of this artifact is Bill S-209, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children)". Senator Hervieux-Payette spoke in favour of the bill during the second reading debate, advocating for the repeal of Section 43 of the Criminal Code, which allows for the use of force in disciplining children. She argued that this practice is rooted in outdated beliefs and that scientific evidence shows it causes harm. The debate also included discussions on various other matters before the Senate, such as reports from committees, notices of motions, questions to the government, and debates on other bills.

On June 18, 2009, the Senate proceedings included a debate on Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children). Senator John D. Wallace spoke about the bill, expressing concerns that while well-intentioned, it might not achieve a better balance than the existing law as interpreted by the Supreme Court of Canada. He suggested that public awareness, rather than legislative change, might be a better approach to address misunderstandings about section 43 of the Criminal Code. Senator Sharon Carstairs disagreed with Senator Wallace and stated her strong support for the bill, reserving her right to speak further.

This artifact records a debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-209 in the Senate on June 18, 2009. The debate was continued, meaning it was not concluded on this day. Specifically, Senator John D. Wallace spoke about the bill, which aims to amend the Criminal Code concerning the protection of children. He discussed the existing Section 43 of the Criminal Code and the Supreme Court of Canada's 2004 decision on its constitutionality. Senator Wallace expressed concerns that the proposed changes in Bill S-209 might unnecessarily lead to legal interventions for reasonable parental discipline and suggested that public awareness of the current law might be a better approach. Senator Sharon Carstairs responded, indicating her strong support for the bill and reserving her right to speak further to refute Senator Wallace's arguments.

On June 22, 2009, the Senate sat and addressed various items of business. The debate and proceedings included Senatorial statements on diverse topics, routine proceedings such as the tabling of committee reports and the first reading of bills, and question period. The Senate then moved to Orders of the Day, where several bills were discussed at various stages, including second reading debates on Appropriation Bills, and third reading debates on amendments to the Marine Liability Act, Federal Courts Act, and Criminal Code. Debates were adjourned or bills were referred to committee for other legislative items, including amendments to the Tobacco Act, Criminal Code, and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The Senate also heard from a witness in a Committee of the Whole regarding an appointment, approved a motion to appoint a Commissioner of Lobbying, and debated various committee reports and inquiries.