Bill S-203 explained in plain English

On March 4, 2010, the Senate convened. The proceedings included a moment of silence for soldiers killed in Afghanistan, a reminder about accommodations for the budget speech, congratulations to newly appointed Senators, and discussions regarding the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the late Jacques Hétu. Routine proceedings saw various documents tabled, including committee reports and estimates. Importantly, Bill S-203, an Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was introduced and received its first reading. Other bills were also introduced or received first reading. The Senate also conducted Question Period, addressing topics like justice bills, appointments to the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, the approval of the drug bevacizumab, and carbon emission reductions. The sitting concluded with the adjournment of debate on the Speech from the Throne, adoption of committee reports, and adjournment of the Senate.

On April 13, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. The debate on this bill was adjourned, meaning it was not concluded during this sitting. Other matters discussed and debated in the Senate on this day included various reports, questions on ethics and access to information, bills concerning family homes on reserves, autism awareness, and inquiries on freedom of speech, parliamentary reform, and nuclear proliferation. The sitting included a silent tribute to a fallen soldier, recognition of parliamentary staff, and welcomes to visitors.

On April 27, 2010, the Senate proceeded with debate on various matters. The debate for Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was continued. Senators spoke about the importance of philanthropy and volunteering in Canada, with many senators sharing their personal involvement in charitable organizations. They emphasized that recognizing National Philanthropy Day through legislation would acknowledge the significant contributions of volunteers and charitable giving to Canadian society. The bill had previously passed the Senate and was at the committee stage in the House of Commons but did not proceed further in that session. Senators expressed a desire to pass the bill quickly.

This record details a debate in the Senate on April 27, 2010, regarding Bill S-203, an Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. The bill's sponsor, Senator Terry M. Mercer, spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the importance of philanthropy and volunteerism in Canada and noting that previous versions of the bill had been introduced by former Senator Jerry Grafstein. Senator Mercer explained that recognizing National Philanthropy Day with legislation would demonstrate parliamentary support for charitable giving and the work of volunteers. He also mentioned other government initiatives related to volunteers and charities, such as a proposed Prime Minister's award and the elimination of the disbursement quota for charitable organizations. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not concluded on this day.

On April 29, 2010, the Senate convened. The sitting included Senators' Statements where tributes were paid to author Antonine Maillet and concerns were raised about physical activity levels in children. A discussion also commemorated the 40th anniversary of Robert Bourassa's election as Premier of Quebec. Routine Proceedings saw the presentation of the second report of the Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee on Bill S-3, and the first reading of Bill C-302, an act recognizing injustices against Italian Canadians during WWII. Several reports from the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association were also tabled. Notices of motions were given regarding the striking of a special anti-terrorism committee and authorizing a committee to refer documents from previous studies to a current one on Bill S-215. During Question Period, senators inquired about the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, maternal and infant health initiatives in Ethiopia, and festival funding. Under Orders of the Day, the second reading debate for the Senatorial Selection Bill (Bill S-8) and the Governance of Canadian Businesses Emergency Bill, 2010 were adjourned. The second reading debate for the National Philanthropy Day Bill (Bill S-203) continued, and the bill was referred to committee. The second reading debate for a bill to amend the Criminal Code (Bill C-464) also continued. Other proceedings included the adoption of a report regarding a study on the DNA Identification Act, debate adjournment on a report concerning rules of procedure and rights of parliament, adoption of a report on poverty, housing, and homelessness, and adjournment of debates on reports concerning Canada and Russia, and contraband tobacco. A motion to recognize National Korean War Veterans Day was debated and adjourned. Finally, a motion to resolve into a Committee of the Whole to hear parliamentary representatives from Poland was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

On April 29, 2010, during the Senate's second reading debate, Senator Andrée Champagne spoke in support of Bill S-203, an Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. She highlighted the significant contributions of Canadians through philanthropy to various sectors like healthcare, education, and social services, emphasizing its role in building the nation and its international reputation. She noted that National Philanthropy Day, celebrated annually on November 15th, has been recognized since 1986 and is supported by organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Senator Champagne pointed out that the Minister of Canadian Heritage had already declared November 15th as National Philanthropy Day in October 2009, making Clause 3 of Bill S-203, which calls for the Minister to make such a declaration, redundant. She provided statistics from a 2007 survey showing the extent of Canadian charitable giving and volunteerism, and referenced significant fundraising efforts for disaster relief, such as the Haiti earthquake. The Senator concluded by expressing her eagerness to debate the bill further in committee.

On June 8, 2010, the Senate convened and engaged in various procedural activities. A key event was the presentation of the Seventh Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, which included amendments to Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. The Senate also heard several statements from senators on diverse topics, received tabled documents, and debated various bills and inquiries. The sitting concluded with the first reading of Bill C-9.

This artifact documents a sitting of the Senate on June 9, 2010. During the sitting, various matters were discussed, including the internment of Italian-Canadians during World War II, the sixty-sixth anniversary of D-Day, and the Millennium Development Goals. Routine proceedings included the presentation of a report on the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act and the first reading of a bill to amend the Official Languages Act. Question Period addressed issues such as midwifery in the North, security for the G8 and G20 Summits, pesticide and fertilizer regulations, and the acquisition of fighter jets. A significant portion of the sitting involved debate on Bill C-9, the Jobs and Economic Growth Bill, with extensive discussion on its omnibus nature and various economic measures. The Senate also considered the Main Estimates for 2010-11 and proceeded with debate on several other bills. Notably, Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was considered, and its seventh report, including amendments, was adopted.

This document records a Senate sitting on June 10, 2010, where Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was debated and passed at its third reading. The sitting also included Senators' Statements on various topics, the tabling of reports, routine proceedings, a question period addressing multiple government issues, and debates on other bills including Bill C-9 (Jobs and Economic Growth Bill), Bill S-7 (State Immunity Act), Bill C-268 (Criminal Code amendment on human trafficking), and Bill C-288 (Income Tax Act amendment on new graduate tax credits). The Senate adjourned until June 15, 2010.