Bill S-211 explained in plain English

On March 10, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting that included tributes to victims of an earthquake in Chile, recognition of a table officer, and remarks honouring David Pecaut, African Heritage Month, Dominic Giroux, the Bank of Canada's 75th anniversary, National Women's Week, and white-collar crime. The Senate also received committee reports, proceeded with first readings of two bills (Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, and Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act), and heard notices of motions regarding committee studies on energy, environment, natural resources, agriculture, and forestry. The sitting also included Question Period, where various topics such as Budget 2010, overtime expenses, the Harmonized Sales Tax, access to information requests, francophone broadcasting services, and funding for the Arctic Winter Games were discussed. The Senate continued debate on the Speech from the Throne and adjourned debate on second reading for two bills (Bill S-201 and Bill S-202). An inquiry regarding Canada's response to the earthquake in Haiti was also debated. Finally, several procedural motions concerning committee powers, electronic coverage, and meeting times were adopted.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting on April 13, 2010. During this sitting, Senators observed a moment of silence for a fallen soldier, welcomed visitors, and discussed various topics including cancer awareness, a motorcycle rally, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Several documents were tabled, and questions were asked during Question Period on topics such as the distribution of Ethics Commissioner reports, access to information, and support for reservists. The Senate also began or continued debates on several bills, including Bill S-4 (Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Bill) and Bill S-211 (World Autism Awareness Day Bill), both of which had their second reading debates adjourned. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to a debate on the erosion of freedom of speech, with multiple senators sharing their views and historical examples. Other discussions included a motion to televise Senate proceedings, inquiries into parliamentary reform, and a motion recognizing the danger of nuclear proliferation. The sitting concluded with several debates adjourned.

This record details a Senate debate on April 13, 2010, regarding Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. The Sponsor of the bill delivered a speech during the second reading debate. The Senate proceedings also included tributes, recognition of visitors, statements on various topics (Cancer Awareness, Fiftieth Anniversary of Port Dover Motorcycle Rally, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Trails of 1885, Senators' Right to Debate), tabling of documents, question period exchanges, and debates on other bills and inquiries. The debate on Bill S-211 was adjourned.

On April 20, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-211, an Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. Senators spoke about the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder. The debate also touched upon the need for ongoing research and effective treatments. Following the debate, the bill was referred to a committee. The sitting also included discussions on other matters such as World Malaria Day, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, and various government reports and legislative matters. The Senate also debated amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act related to NAFTA, amendments to the Criminal Code regarding trafficking of persons under 18, amendments to the Supreme Court Act concerning official languages, and the Canadian Payments Act. Several reports were also tabled.

On April 20, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day. Senator Judith Seidman spoke in favour of the bill, commending Senator Munson for his advocacy. She highlighted the government's recognition of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and the significant health and social costs associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The speech detailed government investments in autism research, including support for the Canadian Autism Intervention Research Network (CAIRN) and the Pathways in ASD study, aimed at improving treatments and understanding of ASD. The debate also included discussions on other topics, such as World Malaria Day, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, foreign ownership of Canadian satellites, mortgage protection, Canada Post office closures, and amendments to the Criminal Code, Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, Canadian Payments Act, and Supreme Court Act. The debate on Bill S-211 concluded with the bill being referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

On June 8, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters. A significant procedural event was the presentation of the Sixth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. This report concerned Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, and indicated that the committee had examined the bill and proposed several amendments. The report was then placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at a future sitting. The sitting also included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings (tabling of reports and documents), Question Period, and Orders of the Day where various bills and inquiries were debated or adjourned.

On June 9, 2010, the Senate convened. The Senate proceedings included statements by Senators on various topics, including the internment of Italian-Canadians during World War II, the 66th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, the Millennium Development Goals, and the situation in the Republic of Belarus. Routine proceedings involved the presentation of a committee report on an amendment to the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act and the first reading of a bill to amend the Official Languages Act. The Senate also heard a notice of motion to instruct a committee to divide a large bill into five separate bills. Question Period addressed topics such as midwifery services in the North, security for the G8 and G20 summits, pesticide and fertilizer regulations, and the acquisition of fighter jets. The Orders of the Day saw debate adjourned on the second reading of the Jobs and Economic Growth Bill and the Main Estimates for 2010-11. The Senate also considered the report stage of Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, with debate adjourned. Finally, the Senate adopted the seventh report of the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee concerning Bill S-203, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, with amendments.

The Senate met on June 28, 2010. The sitting included a silent tribute to fallen soldiers, several statements from senators on various topics including the First Nations University of Canada, the Battle of the Somme, and the late Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Routine proceedings involved the presentation and tabling of committee reports on several bills, including those amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Employment Insurance Act, the Criminal Code, and the Criminal Records Act, as well as a study on the DNA Identification Act. A notice of motion to extend a Wednesday sitting was also given. The Question Period addressed the costs of public safety legislation and funding for the First Nations University of Canada. The Senate then proceeded to Orders of the Day, which included second reading of appropriation bills, third reading of various amended bills (Criminal Records Act, First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act, Museums Act, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act/Federal Courts Act, Employment Insurance Act), and adjourned debates on other bills and inquiries. Notably, Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, had its sixth report from the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee under debate, with Senator Munson speaking about amendments made to the bill and the need for a national autism strategy. The Senate also authorized the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to study Canada's pandemic preparedness.

On July 8, 2010, the Senate considered Bill S-211, "An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day." The Senate adopted the sixth report of the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee concerning the bill, which included amendments. Following this, the bill was read a third time and passed by the Senate. The sitting also included discussions on various other matters, such as the status of Omar Khadr, the long-gun registry, the Truth in Sentencing Act, and changes to the census, as well as committee reports and other procedural items.

This record details the Senate proceedings on July 8, 2010, including statements by senators on various topics, the presentation of committee reports, questions and answers, and the continuation of debates on several bills. Notably, Bill S-211, An Act respecting World Autism Awareness Day, completed its third reading and was passed by the Senate. The Senate also heard debates on Bill S-209, An Act respecting a national day of service to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canadians in the face of terrorism. Other procedural matters included the presentation of petitions, motions to allot time for debate on Bill C-9, and committee business regarding reports and authorizations to meet during adjournment.