Bill S-5 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 3rd 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-5 amends the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to allow the importation of certain used vehicles from Mexico and the United States under specific safety and environmental conditions.
Bill S-5, the "Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act," makes changes to two federal laws to allow Canada to meet its free trade obligations by permitting the importation of certain used vehicles from Mexico. Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act changes, vehicles sold at retail in the United States or prescribed vehicles from Mexico can now be imported into Canada even if they do not initially meet Canadian safety requirements. However, the person importing the vehicle must declare that: - Within a set time period, the vehicle will be brought up to Canadian safety standards - The vehicle will be inspected according to government regulations - Before the vehicle can be licensed in a province, it must be certified by a government-designated person as meeting Canadian safety requirements Similar rules apply under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Used vehicles from the United States or prescribed vehicles from Mexico can be imported if the importer declares that: - Within a set timeframe, the vehicle will meet environmental requirements and be inspected as required - Before the vehicle is licensed in a province or on an aboriginal government territory, it must be certified as meeting Canadian environmental standards The bill also allows the government to make regulations to designate which people can inspect and certify these imported vehicles. The specific date when this law takes effect will be decided by the federal cabinet (Governor in Council) through an order.
- This draft was normalized from a partial local-model response and must be reviewed before publication.
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 14 April 2010, the Leader of the Government in the Senate introduced Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act), in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-5 amends the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to allow, pending their inspection and certification, along with other certain conditions, the importation of certain used vehicles from Mexico and the United States in order for Canada to meet its free trade obligations.
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-5, aimed at amending vehicle safety and environmental protection acts, completed its first reading in the Senate on April 14, 2010, and subsequently received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.
On April 14, 2010, Bill S-5, an Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, had its first reading in the Senate. This is the initial procedural step where the bill is formally introduced in the chamber. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011, becoming a statute. The provided text outlines the progression of the bill through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings, committee considerations, and third readings.
On April 14, 2010, the Senate introduced Bill S-5, and engaged in debates on the Speech from the Throne, budget matters, and various other national issues.
On April 14, 2010, the Senate met and, among other business, Bill S-5, an Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, was introduced and received first reading. The Senate also debated other matters, including the Speech from the Throne, budget policies, and various inquiries and notices of motions. Several senators made statements on topics such as cancer awareness, the late Donald Garth Anderson, the late Honourable Lech Kaczynski, political spin, the late Anna Walentynowicz, and the Armenian Genocide. Questions were also raised and answered regarding the Correctional Service of Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada, student employment, and snow crab quotas. Discussions on other bills and inquiries continued throughout the sitting.
The Senate's second reading stage for Bill S-5 was completed on May 12, 2010, as part of a legislative process that ultimately led to Royal Assent.
On May 12, 2010, the Senate stage for the second reading of Bill S-5 was completed. This stage involved discussions around the bill. The artifact indicates that the bill eventually received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011, becoming Statutes of Canada 2011, c. 1. The process shows multiple readings and committee considerations in both the Senate and the House of Commons after this specific stage.
During the second reading debate on Bill S-5, Senators discussed proposed amendments to vehicle safety and environmental protection acts to comply with NAFTA's provisions on importing used vehicles from Mexico, while also addressing various other Senate business.
This artifact is a record of Senate proceedings from April 20, 2010, specifically focusing on the debate during the second reading of Bill S-5. The debate focused on amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, primarily to align Canadian law with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provisions concerning the importation of used vehicles from Mexico. The discussion included explanations of how these acts regulate vehicle safety and environmental protection, the history of NAFTA and its automotive provisions, and the need for Canada to comply with its trade obligations. The purpose of the amendments is to allow for the importation of used vehicles from Mexico under certain conditions, ensuring they meet Canadian safety and emission standards. The debate also touched upon other matters before the Senate, including 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 petitions for extended employment insurance benefits. The debate on Bill S-5 was adjourned.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-5, Senator Michael L. MacDonald explained that the bill would amend existing acts to align Canada with NAFTA's provisions for importing used vehicles from Mexico, ensuring compliance with trade obligations while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
On April 20, 2010, Senator Michael L. MacDonald spoke in the Senate at the second reading stage of Bill S-5. He explained that the bill would amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to allow Canada to comply with its obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) regarding the importation of used vehicles from Mexico. He noted that currently, imported vehicles over 15 years old do not need to meet safety or emissions standards, and only vehicles from the United States can be imported. The bill aims to allow used vehicles from Mexico to be imported, provided they meet Canadian safety and emissions standards. The debate on the bill was adjourned, meaning it was paused for further discussion at a later date.
The Senate debated Bill S-5 at second reading, focusing on amendments to vehicle safety and environmental protection acts to comply with NAFTA for used vehicle imports from Mexico, and subsequently referred the bill to committee.
The Senate continued its consideration of Bill S-5, An Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. During the second reading debate, Senator Terry M. Mercer spoke about the bill's purpose, which is to align Canada's regulations with its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) obligations concerning the importation of used vehicles from Mexico. He noted that the bill aims to ensure these vehicles meet Canadian safety and environmental standards. Senator Mercer raised questions about the expected number of imported vehicles, the differences in environmental and safety standards between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and the potential impact on provincial regulations. He expressed optimism about receiving answers to these questions and supported referring the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications for further study. Following his remarks, the bill was referred to that committee.
On May 12, 2010, the Senate debated various matters including potential amendments to motor vehicle and environmental protection acts, drug sentencing, national securities regulation, copyright, healthcare fees, international affairs, government spending, contraband tobacco, and Aboriginal affairs, before referring Bill S-5 to committee.
This artifact is a record of a Senate debate on May 12, 2010. It covers various topics, including the Canadian Paraplegic Association, National Nursing Week, diabetes in Aboriginal communities, the National Aboriginal Hockey Championship, and the Stanley Cup. It also includes discussions on national securities regulation, amendments to the Copyright Act, medical user fees, Canada's role in the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, strategic government reviews, and issues related to contraband tobacco. Additionally, it details a debate on Bill S-10 concerning controlled substances and Bill S-5, which amends the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Senate also discussed Bill C-232 regarding the official languages of Supreme Court judges. Several committee reports were tabled and adopted, and the Senate authorized a committee to study the Canadian airline industry. Finally, there was a discussion on accountability, transparency, and responsibility in Canada's Aboriginal affairs.
The Senate completed its committee consideration of Bill S-5 on June 3, 2010, before the bill later received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.
This artifact indicates that the Senate's committee consideration stage for Bill S-5 was completed on June 3, 2010. This stage involves a detailed review of the bill by a committee of senators. The artifact notes that the bill ultimately received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.
The Senate Transport and Communications Committee presented its report on Bill S-5, indicating it had examined the bill and found no amendments, after which the bill was placed on the order paper for third reading.
This document is a record of a Senate sitting that occurred on June 3, 2010. During this sitting, the Senate Transport and Communications Committee presented its third report on Bill S-5, which aims to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The committee reported the bill without amendment. Following this, the bill was scheduled for third reading at the next sitting. The sitting also included Senators' Statements on various topics, the tabling of reports, and debates on other bills, but the primary procedural action related to Bill S-5 was the presentation of the committee's report.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-5, which amends motor vehicle safety and environmental protection laws, before it received Royal Assent.
The Senate completed the third reading stage for Bill S-5 on June 8, 2010. This bill aims to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The artifact notes that the bill later received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.
During the Senate's third reading debate on June 8, 2010, Bill S-5, an act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, was passed by the Senate after procedural discussions and unrelated debates.
On June 8, 2010, the Senate convened for the third reading debate of Bill S-5, which aims to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The sitting included various procedural matters, committee reports, and discussions on unrelated topics, such as the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, environmental protection in the Arctic, housing in the North, and hydroelectric power generation. The third reading of Bill S-5 was moved by Senator Michael L. MacDonald and subsequently passed by the Senate. The debate record indicates other bills were also discussed and advanced, but does not provide the full details of Bill S-5's content or its ultimate fate beyond this stage.
Bill S-5 completed its first reading in the House of Commons on June 10, 2010.
This record indicates that Bill S-5, an Act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on June 10, 2010. First reading is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced in the House. The artifact does not provide details about the content of the bill or any debate that occurred at this stage.
On June 10, 2010, the House of Commons debated Bill S-5 and an opposition motion on securities regulation, alongside various other procedural matters and statements by members.
On June 10, 2010, during the first reading debate in the House of Commons, various bills and motions were introduced and discussed. Notably, Bill S-5, concerning the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, was introduced by the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. The House also debated an opposition motion on securities regulation, with significant discussion on provincial versus federal jurisdiction, the effectiveness of the current passport system, and the potential economic impacts of a national securities regulator. Various other statements by members, oral questions, and points of order were also recorded.
The House of Commons completed the second reading of Bill S-5 on December 6, 2010, agreeing to its referral to a committee.
On December 6, 2010, the House of Commons reached the completion of the second reading stage for Bill S-5. This involved procedural steps where the bill was considered and ultimately agreed to, leading to its referral to a committee for further examination. The artifact indicates that speeches were made during this stage.
This House of Commons debate on December 6, 2010, discussed Bill S-5, an act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to allow the importation of used vehicles from Mexico in compliance with NAFTA, with discussions focusing on safety, environmental standards, and trade obligations.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on December 6, 2010, concerning Bill S-5, which aimed to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The debate focused on aligning Canadian law with North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) provisions that allow for the importation of used vehicles from Mexico, provided they meet Canadian safety and environmental standards. Members discussed the potential impacts on consumers, the auto industry, and the environment, as well as the reasons for the delay in implementing these changes.
During a House of Commons debate on Bill S-5, members discussed aligning Canadian law with NAFTA by allowing used vehicle imports from Mexico, provided they meet Canadian safety and environmental standards, while also considering consumer protection and market impacts.
This document is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on December 6, 2010, concerning Bill S-5, an act to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The debate focused on aligning Canadian law with the automotive provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), specifically concerning the importation of used vehicles from Mexico. The proposed changes would allow for the importation of used vehicles from Mexico, provided they meet Canadian safety and emission standards, or can be modified to do so. The bill aims to fulfill Canada's international trade obligations under NAFTA and was supported by members from various parties, although concerns were raised about implementation, potential for fraud, and the adequacy of environmental and safety standards.
During a House of Commons debate on Bill S-5, members discussed amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to align with NAFTA's provisions for importing used vehicles from Mexico while maintaining Canadian safety and environmental standards.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on December 6, 2010, concerning Bill S-5. The bill, titled the "Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act," aims to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The debate focused on bringing Canada into compliance with the automotive provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which requires the phased allowance of used vehicle imports from Mexico. Discussions touched on the need to ensure these imported vehicles meet Canadian safety and environmental standards, the potential impact on the Canadian auto market, and the delay in implementing these NAFTA obligations. Various members expressed support for the bill's progression to committee stage for further review.
Members of the House of Commons debated Bill S-5, agreeing to its second reading and referral to committee, to bring Canada into compliance with NAFTA by allowing the importation of used vehicles from Mexico while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
During a House of Commons debate on Bill S-5, members discussed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The bill aims to allow the importation of used vehicles from Mexico, in compliance with NAFTA. Speakers from various parties expressed support for the bill, agreeing it was necessary to meet international trade obligations. Concerns were raised about the potential for abuse by 'curbers' (individuals who resell cars), the need for rigorous inspections and regulations for imported vehicles, and the government's delay in introducing the legislation.
Members of the House of Commons debated Bill S-5, which aims to allow the importation of used vehicles from Mexico to comply with NAFTA, ultimately referring it to committee.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-5, members discussed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The main purpose of these amendments was to bring Canada into compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by allowing the importation of used vehicles from Mexico. While most members agreed on the need to comply with NAFTA, some raised concerns about the potential impact on road safety, environmental standards, and the Canadian auto market. The bill was ultimately referred to a committee for further study.
The House of Commons Committee of the Whole stage for Bill S-5 was completed on December 10, 2010.
This record indicates that the House of Commons Committee of the Whole stage for Bill S-5 was completed on December 10, 2010. This is a procedural step where the committee reviews the bill.
On December 10, 2010, the House of Commons debated and passed amendments to the Criminal Code, discussed the 'faint hope' clause for murderers, and addressed various other government and private members' business.
On December 10, 2010, the House of Commons considered various matters, including points of order regarding the interpretation of procedural rules for questions on the order paper and discussions related to Bill C-30 (Criminal Code amendments). The House also engaged in statements by members on diverse topics and proceeded through oral questions on matters such as Canada-U.S. border agreements, the situation in Haiti, and tobacco product regulations. Government Orders included the debate and passage of Bill C-30, which addresses the implications of a Supreme Court of Canada decision on demanding bodily fluid samples for breach of recognizance, probation, or parole. Additionally, the House began consideration of Bill S-6, aimed at repealing the 'faint hope' clause for murderers, with debates focusing on proposed amendments and the impact on victims' families. Routine proceedings included the presentation of committee reports on various bills, the tabling of government responses to petitions, and the introduction of new bills.
The House of Commons completed its Report stage for Bill S-5 on December 15, 2010.
This artifact details the House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-5, which occurred on December 15, 2010. The Report stage is a point in the legislative process where a bill can be further amended before it moves towards final approval. The record indicates that this stage was completed.
During this House of Commons sitting on December 15, 2010, Bill S-5 completed its report stage, and Royal Assent was announced for various bills.
On December 15, 2010, the House of Commons convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, oral questions, private members' business, and the announcement of Royal Assent for several bills. The primary procedural event related to Bill S-5 was that it was completed at the report stage. While the transcript details numerous debates and statements on various topics, including government legislation, specific committee reports, and petitions, it does not contain a distinct debate or procedural motion specifically on Bill S-5 at this stage. The sitting also included the formal notification of Royal Assent being received for bills previously passed by the House. Therefore, the procedural activity for Bill S-5 at this specific sitting was its completion at the report stage, with further actions such as third reading and Royal Assent occurring on different dates.
The House of Commons completed the third reading of Bill S-5 on December 16, 2010, a step that occurred before the bill received Royal Assent in March 2011.
The House of Commons completed the third reading stage of Bill S-5 on December 16, 2010. This stage involved agreement to the bill, following its consideration in committee. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 23, 2011.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-5, the "Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act," at its third reading, allowing for the importation of used vehicles from Mexico to meet NAFTA obligations while maintaining safety and environmental standards.
On December 16, 2010, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-5, the "Ensuring Safe Vehicles Imported from Mexico for Canadians Act." This debate occurred at the third reading stage of the bill's progression through the House. The purpose of this bill was to amend the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to allow for the importation of used vehicles from Mexico into Canada. This change was necessary to comply with Canada's obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Speakers from various parties, including the Conservative, Liberal, and Bloc Québécois parties, spoke during the debate. A key theme was ensuring that while facilitating trade and choice, Canada's safety and environmental standards for vehicles would be maintained. The bill's passage at this stage meant it was approved by the House of Commons and moved to the next step in the legislative process.
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