Bill S-221 explained in plain English

This artifact details a sitting of the Senate on March 3, 2009. It includes various procedural items such as tabling reports, giving notices of motions, and debating bills. Notably, Bill S-221, concerning amendments to the Financial Administration Act regarding borrowing of money, had its second reading debate adjourned. The sitting also included discussions on other matters like fixed election dates, bankruptcy and insolvency studies, the Quebec City Armoury, Employment Insurance processing, and committee meeting times. Several senators also paid tribute to the late Honourable Michael Baker, Q.C. and discussed the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama and the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. The sitting concluded with various committee business and continued debate on other bills and motions.

On March 3, 2009, Senator Lowell Murray introduced Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Financial Administration Act (borrowing of money), at the second reading stage in the Senate. He explained that the bill aims to restore Parliament's authority over government borrowing, which he stated was removed by a 2007 budget implementation bill. Senator Murray noted that this change was made quietly within a larger, omnibus bill, and that his bill seeks to return to the previous practice where Parliament would approve government borrowing through a borrowing bill, except for limited circumstances like refinancing existing loans or temporary loans. He highlighted that this issue has become more urgent due to projected budget deficits. The debate on the bill was adjourned.

This artifact details a sitting of the Senate on May 5, 2009. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings (including the tabling of committee reports and first readings of bills), Question Period where senators asked questions on topics ranging from science funding to international trade, and Orders of the Day. The Orders of the Day section shows several bills at different stages of the legislative process, including debates on criminal code amendments, election act amendments, and amendments to the Financial Administration Act. Notably, debate on Bill S-221, An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act (borrowing of money), was continued. Several other bills were also debated or referred to committee. The record also includes a ruling by the Speaker regarding a point of order concerning Bill S-219 (student loans) and its requirement for a Royal Recommendation, leading to the bill being withdrawn. Another ruling addressed Bill S-230 (Bank of Canada Act) regarding its commencement clause and Royal Recommendation, allowing debate to continue. The sitting concluded with the adjournment of several debates.

This record details a sitting of the Senate on June 17, 2009. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings where reports were tabled and motions were adopted, Question Period where Senators asked questions on diverse government matters, and Orders of the Day which covered the progression of several bills through different stages of the legislative process. Notably, debates on Bill S-7 (Constitution Act, 1867 - Senate term limits) and Bill S-221 (Financial Administration Act - borrowing of money) were continued, and Bill C-41 (Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement) and Bill C-24 (Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Implementation) advanced. Procedural matters, such as a question of privilege and a point of order, were also addressed. The sitting concluded with tributes and the adjournment of further business.

The Senate convened on October 28, 2009. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings where reports were tabled and notices of motions were given, and Question Period where senators discussed H1N1 vaccine safety, pension reform, and elder abuse. The main business of the day, Orders of the Day, involved continuing debates on the second reading of Bill S-214 (Canada Securities Bill) and Bill S-221 (An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act). Debate on Bill S-221 was adjourned to allow for further review. The sitting also included a ruling by the Speaker on a question of privilege regarding a provincial minister's appearance before a committee and another ruling on a question of privilege concerning a press release from the Leader of the Opposition. The Senate adjourned until the next day.

This record details a Senate sitting on December 15, 2009, where various topics were discussed, including early childhood education, Canada-South Korea relations, the National Anti-Drug Strategy, and the Federal Accountability Act. Several bills were also addressed, with debate continuing on Bill S-221, An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act (borrowing of money). The sitting concluded with the Senate adjourning until January 26, 2010.