Bill S-225 explained in plain English

On November 18, 2010, Bill S-225, concerning the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, was introduced in the Senate. This marked its first reading. The sitting also included debates on other matters, such as financial audits, the rights of migrant agricultural workers, tributes to former parliamentarians, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and discussions on bills related to consumer product safety, federal law harmonization with Quebec's civil law, and the impact of dementia. Questions were also raised regarding foreign affairs in Sudan, tobacco products, and financial aid for Haiti.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting on December 1, 2010. During this sitting, senators made statements to honour individuals and events, and conducted routine proceedings. The main focus related to Bill S-225 was the debate at the second reading stage. The debate on Bill S-225, An Act respecting the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, was suspended. Other debates included a bill to amend the Criminal Code regarding child protection (Bill S-204) and a bill concerning the governance of Canadian businesses during an emergency (Bill S-205). Question Period covered topics such as climate change policy, linguistic duality at the Pan American Games, the Harmonized Sales Tax in Quebec, the 2011 Census, and the tobacco control strategy. A Speaker's ruling on a point of order concerning committee proceedings was also delivered.

This Senate debate records the second reading of Bill S-225, An Act respecting the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Hervieux-Payette, spoke in favour of the bill, arguing that it is necessary to reorganize and privatize Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to ensure its profitability and continued benefit to Canada. She emphasized the importance of AECL's contributions to Canada's international reputation, economy, medicine, and nuclear physics. The bill proposes a structure where the federal government would retain a 70% majority share, while the private sector would hold a 30% stake, including management of the corporation. This approach, she argued, would attract private capital, increase marketability, and ensure continued investment in research and development, while maintaining federal control over safety and employees' pensions. Concerns were raised by other senators regarding the proposed ownership structure, the sale of AECL, and the management of its research and commercial operations. The debate also touched upon the need for a secure supply of medical isotopes and the role of government in supporting the nuclear industry.

On December 8, 2010, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-225, An Act respecting the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. The debate on this bill was carried over to a future sitting. Other proceedings during this sitting included senators making statements on various topics, tabling of committee reports, and the introduction of new motions and inquiries. There were also question periods addressing issues like long-term disability benefits for Nortel employees, funding for CBC/Radio-Canada, support for families of deceased soldiers, and the F-35 aircraft purchase. Several other bills were also discussed or debated.

This Senate sitting on March 2, 2011, included routine proceedings, question period, and the consideration of various bills and inquiries. Notably, the debate on Bill S-225, concerning the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, was continued. The sitting also featured statements from senators on diverse topics, including the late Shahbaz Bhatti, congratulations to Senator Donald Oliver, the 2010 IAAF World Junior Championships, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Several reports were tabled, including those from the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, and the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association. Various questions were raised during Question Period on topics such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Prime Minister's Office use, Nutrition North Canada, a national violence prevention strategy, and a CRTC appointment. The Senate also authorized committees to meet during sittings and adjournments, and debated multiple bills, including those concerning child pornography, criminal code amendments for fraud sentencing, maritime law enforcement, and electricity and gas inspection acts. The debate on Bill S-225 was adjourned, indicating it will be considered further.

This is a record of a Senate sitting that took place on March 8, 2011. The sitting included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to paying tribute to the late Honourable Keith D. Davey, a former Senator. The Senate also heard reports on Canada's energy future, discussed Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Nutrition Month, and debated various bills and motions. Specifically for Bill S-225, "An Act respecting the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited," the record shows it was read a second time and referred to committee. The debate on Bill S-225 focused on whether to reverse existing legislation allowing the restructuring and privatization of AECL, with arguments presented both for and against reopening the issue and concerns raised about the feasibility of a hybrid public-private ownership model.

This document is a record of the Senate's proceedings on March 8, 2011. It includes tributes to the late Senator Keith Davey, discussions on various topics including Canada's energy future, colorectal cancer awareness, and International Women's Day. Several bills were also debated or moved forward in the legislative process. The bill concerning the reorganization and privatization of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (Bill S-225) was at the second reading stage and debated. Senators also discussed or moved forward other bills related to criminal law, national defence, aeronautics, and tax law.