Bill S-3 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-3 amends the Energy Efficiency Act to clarify how energy-using product classes are defined, expand reporting requirements for dealers and the Minister, and strengthen energy efficiency standards for interprovincial trade and imports.
Bill S-3 makes several changes to the Energy Efficiency Act, which is a federal law that sets energy efficiency standards for products sold or used in Canada. The bill clarifies how the government can group energy-using products into "classes" for the purpose of setting standards. Products can now be grouped based on their common energy-consuming features, what they are designed for, or the conditions in which they are normally used. The bill requires that all energy-using products shipped between provinces or imported into Canada meet federal energy efficiency standards and labelling rules. Previously, only some interprovincial shipments may have been covered. Dealers (companies that sell or lease energy-using products) must now tell the Minister of Natural Resources about the energy-using products they ship or import. They must keep documents and records for six years to prove the accuracy of this information. The bill allows the Minister to exempt dealers from reporting if they have already provided the same information or if products have identical energy efficiency features to products already reported. The government can now designate more types of manufactured products as "energy-using products" if those products are designed to use energy or affect how much energy is consumed. This broadens what products can be covered by energy efficiency standards. The bill also requires the Minister to report every three years on how Canada's energy efficiency standards compare to those in other provinces, the United States, Mexico, and U.S. states. Within four years of the law taking effect, the Minister must report on whether energy efficiency standards have been set for all energy-using products that significantly affect energy consumption in Canada. The exact date when this law takes effect will be set by the Governor in Council at a later time.
- Clarifies that classes of energy-using products may be based on common energy-consuming characteristics, intended use, or normal conditions of use (Section 1, adding section 2.1)
- Requires dealers to comply with federal energy efficiency standards and labelling rules for all interprovincial shipments and imports of energy-using products (Section 2, amending subsection 4(1))
- Requires dealers to provide the Minister of Natural Resources with prescribed information about shipments and imports of energy-using products, including their energy efficiency (Section 3, replacing section 5)
- Allows the Minister to exempt dealers from reporting if information was already provided or if products have identical energy efficiency characteristics to previously reported comparable products (Section 3, subsection 5(2))
- Requires dealers to keep documents and records for six years to verify the accuracy and completeness of information provided to the Minister (Section 4, replacing sections 7 and 8)
- Broadens the definition of energy-using products to include any manufactured product or class of products that affects or controls energy consumption, not just those designed to operate using specific energy sources (Section 5(1), amending paragraph 20(1)(a))
- Clarifies the Minister's authority to prescribe energy efficiency standards for energy-using products or classes of energy-using products (Section 5(2), amending paragraph 20(1)(b))
- Broadens the scope of labelling regulations to cover energy-using products or their packages, or classes of energy-using products or their packages (Section 5(3), amending paragraph 20(1)(c))
- Requires the Minister to report every three years on how stringent federal energy efficiency standards are compared to standards established by provinces, Mexico, the United States, or U.S. states (Section 6, amending section 36)
- Requires the Minister to report within four years on the extent to which energy efficiency standards have been prescribed for all energy-using products whose use has a significant impact on energy consumption in Canada (Section 7, replacing section 37)
- Dealers of energy-using products (companies or individuals who sell or lease energy-using products across provincial borders or import them into Canada)
- Manufacturers and importers of energy-using products
- The Minister of Natural Resources (who administers the Energy Efficiency Act)
- Provinces and other jurisdictions (whose energy efficiency standards will be compared to federal standards)
- Consumers who purchase or lease energy-using products (indirectly affected through labelling and standards requirements)
- Dealers must ensure energy-using products shipped interprovincially or imported meet federal energy efficiency standards and labelling requirements
- Dealers must provide the Minister with prescribed information about energy-using products they ship or import, including details about energy efficiency
- Dealers must keep documents and records for six years to support the information provided to the Minister
- The Minister may exempt dealers from providing information if it was previously provided or if products have identical energy efficiency to comparable products already reported
- The Minister must report every three years comparing federal energy efficiency standards to those of provinces, Mexico, and the United States
- The Minister must report within four years on whether energy efficiency standards cover all energy-using products with significant impact on energy consumption in Canada
- The Act received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009
- The Act comes into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council (commencement date not specified in the bill)
- The Minister must report every three years on comparison of energy efficiency standards (after the Act comes into force)
- The Minister must report within four years of the Act coming into force on the extent to which standards have been prescribed for all significant energy-using products
- The exact date when the Act comes into force is not specified in the bill—it will be set later by order of the Governor in Council
- The specific forms, manner, and timing of information dealers must provide to the Minister are to be 'prescribed' (determined by regulation) rather than specified in the bill
- The bill does not specify which products qualify as having a 'significant impact on energy consumption in Canada' for the four-year reporting requirement
- The bill does not specify what penalties or enforcement mechanisms apply if dealers fail to comply with the new reporting and record-keeping requirements
- It is unclear whether existing exemptions or transition periods will apply to dealers when the new rules take effect
Multiple sections of this federal law are amended to expand how product classes can be defined, require dealers to report shipment and import information, broaden the types of products that can be covered by efficiency standards, expand labelling requirements, and expand the Minister's reporting obligations regarding energy efficiency standards.
Source: Sections 1-7
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A legislative summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available.. On 29 January 2009, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, in the Senate and it was given first reading. The Energy Efficiency Act was proclaimed in 1992 and regulates the energy use standards of many imported and interprovincially traded energy-using products. The Act also provides for the labelling of energy-using products and the collection of data on energy use. Under the Act, energy-use labels must be attached to certain energy-using products, such as clothes dryers, clothes washers, integrated over/under washer-dryers, dishwashers, electric ranges, freezers, refrigerators and combination refrigerator-freezers, and room air conditioners before they can be sold. This bill seeks to amend the Energy Efficiency Act to establish the power to regulate energy efficiency standards for classes of products that affect energy consumption and to enhance labelling requirements for consumer and commercial products. Under the current Act, the government must regulate product by product; the amendments in Bill S 3 provide the ability to regulate “classes of products,” which would allow the government to address in one regulation all products that use energy or affect power consumption. This is an expansion of the Act’s original regulatory reach. Also notable among the energy efficiency measures provided for in the bill are standards to regulate the amount of standby power consumed by products when they are not in use. When the Act was proclaimed in 1992, “standby mode” had not been generally recognized as a function that often consumes large amounts of energy, and it was not dealt with in the legislation. The amendments in Bill S-3 seek to address changes in products and energy efficiency standards since that time.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, completed its first reading in the Senate on January 29, 2009, and subsequently received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009.
This artifact details the first reading of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, in the Senate on January 29, 2009. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced to the Senate. The bill later received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009, becoming Chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2009.
On January 29, 2009, the Senate held a sitting where new bills were introduced, including Bill S-3 to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, alongside debates on various legislative matters and procedural points.
On January 29, 2009, the Senate convened for a sitting. During this sitting, Routine Proceedings included the tabling of Supplementary Estimates (B) for 2008-09 and the introduction and first reading of three bills: an Act to amend the Customs Act, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act (Bill S-3), and an Act to amend the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act. The sitting also included Question Period covering topics such as the equalization program, the upcoming visit of President Obama, pay equity, Budget 2009, and the regulation of securities. The Senate also debated and adjourned debates on several bills, including those concerning the Canada Elections Act, the Employment Insurance Act, and amendments to the Constitution Act, 1867. A point of order was raised regarding Bill S-207, an Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act, concerning its introduction in the Senate and the requirement for a Royal Recommendation. The Senate also debated a motion to strike a Special Committee on Aging and a motion to amend real property provisions for Senators. Finally, the sitting concluded with a motion to adjourn until February 3, 2009.
Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, completed its Senate second reading stage on February 3, 2009, before receiving royal assent on May 14, 2009.
This artifact summarizes the proceedings for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, specifically detailing its passage through the Senate's second reading stage. It indicates that the bill received royal assent on May 14, 2009, and became chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada 2009. The record shows the bill had first reading on January 29, 2009, and its second reading in the Senate occurred on February 3, 2009. It also lists the dates for major speeches related to the second reading, committee consideration, and third reading in both the Senate and the House of Commons, noting its final agreement in both chambers.
On February 3, 2009, the Senate observed a moment of silence, heard Senators' Statements on various issues, tabled reports, introduced new bills, and adjourned debates on several pieces of legislation, including amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act and the Customs Act, while also discussing points of order and the government's economic plan.
This document details proceedings in the Senate on February 3, 2009. The Senate began with a moment of silence for a fallen soldier. Senators then engaged in "Senators' Statements" on topics such as mental health literacy, arts and culture, the late Edward Samuel Rogers, Black History Month, national historic sites, and pay equity. This was followed by "Routine Proceedings" where various annual reports were tabled and new bills were introduced, including amendments to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and an act respecting commercial electronic messages. The "Orders of the Day" section indicates that debates on several bills, including amendments to the Customs Act and the Energy Efficiency Act, were adjourned. There was also a discussion regarding a point of order on Bill S-201 concerning the establishment of a National Portrait Gallery. The Senate also heard debates on the government's Economic Action Plan, the Iranian nuclear capacity, and a motion to amend a Senate rule regarding user fees. The sitting concluded with the Senate adjourning until the next day.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-3, Senator Cochrane explained how the proposed amendments would modernize the Energy Efficiency Act to cover new products and allow regulation of product classes, aiming to reduce energy consumption and costs for Canadians and the environment.
This is a record of a speech given by Senator Ethel Cochrane during the Senate's second reading debate of Bill S-3. The bill aims to update the Energy Efficiency Act, which was originally passed in 1992. Senator Cochrane explained that the existing act is outdated due to technological and social changes and that the amendments would allow the government to regulate classes of products, not just individual ones. This would streamline the process for products like consumer electronics, thermostats, and devices that use standby power. The goal is to help Canadians and businesses reduce energy consumption and costs, while also benefiting the environment. The speech also noted that the amendments were influenced by proposals from the opposition in a previous parliamentary session and included a preamble committing the government to sustained improvement in energy efficiency. Senator Cochrane highlighted Canada's past success in setting energy efficiency standards and the potential for further progress with this updated legislation, emphasizing that it aligns with the government's climate change goals.
On February 12, 2009, the Senate continued debate on Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, and addressed various other routine matters and questions.
This document details a sitting of the Senate on February 12, 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 asked questions on issues such as the aerospace sector, green technology, Arctic sovereignty, and the case of Omar Khadr. The main business of the day was the continuation of the debate on the second reading of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, which was the focus of a significant portion of the sitting. Several motions related to committee business were also debated and adopted, and the Senate adjourned until February 24, 2009.
During the Senate's debate on Bill S-3, Senator Mitchell supported the bill but raised concerns about its scope, enforcement, and the need for stronger climate change measures and Canadian leadership in green technology.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-3, which aims to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, Senator Grant Mitchell spoke. He expressed general satisfaction with the bill but raised concerns about what it *didn't* include, particularly regarding the manufacturing process's energy consumption and carbon footprint, and the reliance on foreign estimates for appliance efficiency. He questioned the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms without enforcement, the limited scope of the bill's focus on labelling, and the absence of absolute energy efficiency standards for appliances. Senator Mitchell also noted a potential discrepancy in the bill's stated energy savings and asked for clarification on the government's plan to reduce carbon emissions and its commitment to implementing such measures. He contrasted this bill's approach with other climate change initiatives and policies, suggesting it was a compromise that didn't go far enough. He also highlighted concerns about the potential economic impact of the U.S. cap-and-trade system on Canadian businesses and the need for Canadian leadership in developing green technology and markets.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, and referred it to a committee.
On February 24, 2009, the Senate proceeded with the second reading of Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. After the motion for second reading was put, the bill was agreed to and read a second time. Following this, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
The Senate committee completed its consideration of Bill S-3 on March 11, 2009.
This artifact documents the "Senate Consideration in committee" stage for Bill S-3, which occurred on March 11, 2009. This stage is a procedural step where a bill is examined in detail by a Senate committee. The artifact indicates that this stage was completed.
On March 11, 2009, the Senate proceedings included tributes to a retiring senator, the presentation of a committee report on Bill S-3 (Energy Efficiency Act) without amendment, and debates on various other matters.
On March 11, 2009, the Senate was in session. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to tributes honouring Senator Michel Biron, who was retiring. The Senate also received committee reports, including the second report from the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources concerning Bill S-3, An Act to Amend the Energy Efficiency Act. The committee reported the bill without amendment, and it was scheduled for third reading. Other proceedings included notices of motions, debates on various bills, and discussions related to the economy, research funding, and social issues.
The Senate completed the Third Reading stage for Bill S-3 on March 12, 2009, after which it received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009, becoming law.
The Senate completed the Third Reading stage for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, on March 12, 2009. This stage is a final opportunity for the Senate to approve or reject a bill before it moves to another stage or is considered passed. The bill later received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009, becoming Chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2009. The artifact notes that the Senate agreed to the bill at third reading on May 7, 2009, following consideration in committee and report stage.
On March 12, 2009, the Senate debated and passed Bill S-3 at third reading, discussed other legislative matters including Bill C-10 and Bill C-17, and received Royal Assent for Bill C-10.
This document records the proceedings of the Senate on March 12, 2009. The primary procedural event related to Bill S-3 was its third reading and subsequent passing. The Senate also debated other matters, including the Budget Implementation Act, 2009 (Bill C-10), the National Cemetery of Canada Bill (Bill C-17), and various committee reports and inquiries. The Senate concluded its business with Royal Assent being granted to Bill C-10.
Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, underwent its first reading in the House of Commons on March 24, 2009.
The House of Commons formally received Bill S-3 for its first reading on March 24, 2009. This is a procedural step where the bill is introduced to the House. The artifact provided is a record of this procedural event.
The House of Commons held a first reading debate on Bill S-3, during which an opposition motion concerning government spending transparency was debated, alongside various other routine proceedings, oral questions, and adjournment debates.
This document records the first reading debate in the House of Commons for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. The debate primarily focused on an opposition motion regarding the government's use of a $3 billion fund from the main estimates for budget implementation. Members debated the necessity of transparency and accountability in the spending of these funds, with the opposition arguing for more detailed reporting while the government maintained that existing accountability measures were sufficient and that the proposed reporting would cause delays. The document also includes other House proceedings such as the tabling of government responses to petitions, reports from committees, and statements by members on various topics, as well as oral questions and adjournment proceedings.
The House of Commons completed the second reading of Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, on April 2, 2009.
On April 2, 2009, the House of Commons completed the second reading stage for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. This means the House of Commons considered the bill at this stage and agreed to move it forward to committee. The artifact notes that major speeches were made on April 1 and April 2, 2009.
House of Commons members debated Bill S-3, aiming to modernize the Energy Efficiency Act by updating regulations and labelling requirements for energy-using products, with general support expressed for improving energy efficiency and cost savings, while also noting concerns about the bill's scope and integration with the government's broader climate change strategy.
During a House of Commons debate on March 30, 2009, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. The debate focused on updating regulations for energy-using products and controlling energy consumption, with an aim to make the Act more efficient and in line with current technological realities. Discussion also touched on the broader context of climate change and the government's economic action plan, with various members expressing support for the bill's intent to promote energy efficiency and cost savings for Canadians, while also highlighting concerns about the scope and implementation of the proposed measures in relation to Canada's broader climate change strategy.
This Senate sitting on May 14, 2009, included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and extensive debate on multiple bills and reports, with a message from the House of Commons regarding Senate amendments to Bill C-9 being concurred in.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on May 14, 2009. While the bill mentioned in the metadata (Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act) received Royal Assent, this specific record from the Senate sitting does not contain discussion or procedural steps directly related to that bill. Instead, it details various Senate proceedings including Senators' Statements on diverse topics, Routine Proceedings where reports were tabled and bills were given first reading, Question Period addressing government actions and policies, and a lengthy Orders of the Day section where several bills were debated at various stages (second reading, debate adjourned, referred to committee). Notably, a message from the House of Commons regarding Senate amendments to Bill C-9 (An Act to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992) was concurred in. The sitting also included proceedings on various other bills and committee reports. The record concludes with the Senate adjourning.
On April 1, 2009, the House of Commons debated Bill S-3, concerning energy efficiency regulations, amidst discussions on the economy, Afghanistan, and other legislative matters.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on April 1, 2009, during the second reading debate for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. The debate focused on the bill's provisions to expand the government's ability to regulate energy-using consumer products and set energy efficiency standards. While the bill's aims were generally supported, concerns were raised about the government's commitment to environmental action and the effectiveness of the proposed measures. The sitting also included Oral Questions on various topics, Private Members' Business including the second reading of the Climate Change Accountability Act, and Routine Proceedings.
During the second reading debate on Bill S-3, Members of Parliament discussed the bill's focus on energy efficiency, with some arguing it was too incremental and lacked a comprehensive strategy, while others highlighted the need for federal leadership in energy efficiency as an economic and social issue.
On April 2, 2009, the House of Commons debated Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, during its second reading. This debate focused on the bill's potential impact, with Members expressing both support for its incremental changes and concerns that it did not go far enough to address Canada's energy efficiency goals. Discussions also touched upon the need for broader government strategies, investments in energy efficiency as an economic stimulus, and the importance of including low-income households in energy efficiency programs. The debate also highlighted the broader context of national and international climate change policies and the government's approach to environmental issues.
The House of Commons committee considered Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, on April 28 and 29, 2009, before moving to report stage.
This record details the House of Commons' consideration of Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, in committee. The committee stage for this bill occurred on April 28 and April 29, 2009. Following this stage, the bill proceeded to report stage and then third reading.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources reported Bill S-3, an act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, without amendment on April 29, 2009.
On April 29, 2009, during a sitting of the House of Commons, a report from the Standing Committee on Natural Resources concerning Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, was presented. The committee reported the bill without amendment, indicating that this procedural step related to the bill's progress through Parliament had been completed. The rest of the sitting involved debates on various other matters, including oral questions, government orders, private members' business, and adjournment proceedings, none of which directly concerned Bill S-3.
The House of Commons completed the Report stage and Third reading for Bill S-3 on May 6, 2009, after the bill had received Royal Assent.
On May 6, 2009, the House of Commons concluded the Report stage for Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. Following this, the House of Commons also completed the Third reading of the bill. The bill had previously received Royal Assent on May 14, 2009, and became chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada 2009.
This House of Commons sitting on May 6, 2009, featured debates on various issues including Employment Insurance and trade, advanced Bill S-3 (An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act) to its final reading, and discussed renewable energy initiatives.
This artifact is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons that took place on May 6, 2009. The sitting included debates on various topics, including Employment Insurance, Sport, Science and Technology, Trade, the Seal Hunt, the Automotive Industry, Status of Women, Canadian Forces, Citizenship and Immigration, and Agriculture and Agri-Food. There were also routine proceedings, such as the tabling of government responses to petitions and committee reports, and the introduction of new bills. The sitting concluded with government orders and private members' business, including debates on the Criminal Code and the Energy Efficiency Act (Bill S-3), and a motion regarding renewable energy. Bill S-3, concerning energy efficiency, was at the report stage and was subsequently passed. The sitting concluded with adjournment proceedings on the economy.
Bill S-3, an Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, completed its third reading in the House of Commons on May 7, 2009, and later received Royal Assent.
This artifact details the completion of the third reading stage for Bill S-3 in the House of Commons on May 7, 2009. The bill was subsequently agreed to at this stage. Earlier in the process, the bill had its first and second readings, and underwent committee review in both the House of Commons and the Senate. The bill eventually received royal assent on May 14, 2009, becoming chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada 2009.
This sitting record from the House of Commons on May 6, 2009, includes debates on multiple topics, including a discussion on Bill S-3, the Energy Efficiency Act, which was at its third reading stage.
This artifact is a record of a House of Commons sitting on May 6, 2009. While the artifact is related to Bill S-3, "An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act," it does not detail the bill's progression through the House. Instead, it primarily contains transcripts of debates on various topics raised by Members of Parliament during the sitting. These debates covered a range of issues including statements by members, oral questions on topics like Employment Insurance, Sport, and Science and Technology, and routine proceedings such as the tabling of committee reports and the introduction of new bills. The debate on Bill S-3 itself is also included, occurring during Government Orders.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, following various procedural actions on May 7, 2009.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on May 7, 2009. It details various proceedings including the tabling of reports, introduction of bills, and debates on government orders and private members' business. Notably, it records the third reading and passing of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Royal assent yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced