Bill S-8 explained in plain English

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on April 29, 2010. It details various proceedings including Senators' Statements on notable individuals and issues, Routine Proceedings where committees presented reports and new bills were introduced, Question Period addressing government programs and policies, and Orders of the Day where debates on various bills were continued or adjourned. The primary legislative item discussed during this sitting was Bill S-8, an Act respecting the selection of senators, which was at the second reading stage and its debate was adjourned. Other significant discussions included a debate on maternal and infant health initiatives, a report on poverty and homelessness, and proceedings related to a bill amending the Criminal Code concerning child protection during bail processes.

On April 29, 2010, the Senate debated Bill S-8, an Act respecting the selection of senators. Senator Bert Brown, the sponsor of the bill, explained that the bill is an offer to the provinces to develop their own legislation and hold elections for senators to fill future vacancies. He provided historical context for Senate reform and the Triple-E (elected, effective, and equal) Senate movement, citing past elections in Alberta and discussions with various provincial governments and prime ministers. Senator James S. Cowan, the Leader of the Opposition, questioned the provinces' willingness to fund these elections and the potential involvement of federal political parties. Other senators also raised questions about the bill's constitutional basis and its approach to provincial versus federal elections. The debate was adjourned, meaning the discussion on the bill was not completed on this date.

On June 2, 2010, the Senate continued its debate at the second reading stage for Bill S-8, an Act respecting the selection of senators. The main discussion focused on whether senators should be elected, with Senator Nolin arguing against it, emphasizing the importance of competence and "sober second thought" over popularity. He contended that an elected Senate would be redundant to the House of Commons and could harm the representation of minorities. Senator Nolin also expressed concern about the potential for an elected Senate to lose its independence. Other discussions during the sitting included the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act, rural post office closures, official language training in the military, the prison farm program, the protection of children, poverty and homelessness among urban Aboriginals, climate change discussions at the G8 summit, and the proliferation of nuclear materials. Additionally, the Senate debated Bill C-232, an Act to amend the Supreme Court Act concerning official languages, and Bill C-288, an Act to amend the Income Tax Act concerning tax credits for new graduates in designated regions. The sitting concluded with the adoption of a committee report and a motion to authorize a committee to study progress made on commitments related to the apology to Indian Residential Schools students.

On June 2, 2010, the Senate continued the second reading debate on Bill S-8, An Act respecting the selection of senators. Senator Pierre Claude Nolin spoke against the bill, arguing that it would prioritize popularity over competence in selecting senators. He suggested that the current system, where the Prime Minister recommends nominees, allows for the selection of competent individuals, including those from minority groups. He stated that the Senate's role is to provide "sober second thought" and complement the House of Commons, not to be elected. Other senators engaged in a discussion about the role of elected versus appointed senators, media perception, and the effectiveness of the Senate. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not completed on this day.

On June 17, 2010, the Senate continued debate on Bill S-8, An Act respecting the selection of senators. Senators Bob Runciman and Hugh Segal spoke in favour of the bill. Senator Runciman argued that the bill would introduce democratic accountability by allowing provinces to choose how senators are selected, and that this would better represent regional interests. Senator Segal stated that the bill would help moderate the Prime Minister's power by providing the Senate with a measure of electoral legitimacy. Senator Mac Harb and Senator Anne C. Cools raised questions about the implications of an elected Senate, particularly regarding its powers and the selection of the Prime Minister. Senator Segal responded to their concerns, emphasizing that the bill is a modest initiative allowing provinces to choose their method of selection. The debate on Bill S-8 was continued.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting on July 7, 2010. During this sitting, senators made statements about the 100th anniversary of St. Thomas University and the achievements of Ramesh Ferris. Committee reports were presented, and notices of motions were given regarding the scheduling of future sittings. A significant portion of the sitting involved Question Period, where various issues were raised, including the "Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Bill" (Bill S-4), costs for additional Senate sittings, natural disasters affecting First Nations communities, and the defence budget. Debates continued on several bills, including "Bill S-8 - An Act respecting the selection of senators", the "Canada-Russia Friendship Day Bill", and the "Italian-Canadian Recognition and Restitution Bill". There was also a debate on the "Truth in Sentencing Act" and its financial implications. Finally, senators discussed the "Erosion of Freedom of Speech" and the success of the "2010 Olympic Winter Games" in promoting fitness. The sitting concluded with the adoption of a report from the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

This artifact documents a sitting of the Senate on October 20, 2010. The Senate engaged in Senators' Statements on various topics, including the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the long-form census, diversity, Citizenship Week, post-secondary education, and the European Union's ban on seal products. Routine Proceedings included tabling reports and the first reading of Bill S-12. Question Period addressed the 2011 Census and violence against women. The main business of the day involved continuing debate on the second reading of Bill S-8 (An Act respecting the selection of senators), Bill S-11 (An Act respecting the safety of drinking water on First Nation lands), and Bill S-205 (An Act to provide the means to rationalize the governance of Canadian businesses during the period of national emergency resulting from the global financial crisis). Debate on Bill S-8 focused extensively on its constitutionality and the division of powers between federal and provincial governments. Debate on Bill S-11 raised concerns about its impact on Aboriginal rights and consultation processes. Debate on Bill S-205 discussed capping executive remuneration and corporate governance in companies receiving government assistance. The sitting concluded with the adjournment of the debate on Bill S-205.

On October 28, 2010, the Senate continued its debate on Bill S-8, An Act respecting the selection of senators. Senators discussed the bill's potential impact on the Canadian parliamentary system, with arguments both for and against an elected Senate. Concerns were raised about maintaining the Senate's role as a 'sober second thought,' its ability to represent diverse populations and minority interests, and the potential for increased partisanship. The debate also touched on the idea of reforming the appointment process for senators. In addition to the debate on Bill S-8, the Senate heard statements on other matters, including Ottawa Fashion Week and recipients of the Order of New Brunswick. Routine proceedings involved tabling of reports and a notice of motion regarding the national long-form census. Question period addressed issues such as child soldiers, veterans' recognition, foreign affairs, and the F-35 aircraft purchase. The Senate also debated Bill S-13, concerning integrated cross-border maritime law enforcement operations with the United States, and adjourned debate on the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The Senate continued its debate on Bill S-8, an Act respecting the selection of senators. Senator Grant Mitchell spoke against the bill, arguing that electing senators would not make the process more democratic and could exacerbate regional imbalances. He also raised concerns about the potential for government gridlock and the impact on the balance of power between the Senate, the House of Commons, and provincial premiers. Other topics discussed during the sitting included tributes to individuals, international relations, Remembrance Day, the F-35 fighter purchase, missing and murdered Aboriginal women, tax benefits for land trusts, and reports tabled by various commissions. The Senate also debated other bills, including Bill S-7 (Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act) and Bill C-232 (Supreme Court Act), and adopted a report concerning an audit of the Senate administration.

On November 30, 2010, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-8, an Act respecting the selection of senators. Senators debated the constitutionality and implications of the bill, which proposes that the Prime Minister consider names put forward by provinces resulting from a democratic consultation process for Senate nominees. The debate focused on whether the bill changes the method of selection, delegates power to provinces, or requires a constitutional amendment. Senators also discussed how the bill would encourage provinces to develop consultative processes for Senate appointments. Additionally, the sitting included tributes to Senator Jean Lapointe, discussions on other bills, and responses to questions regarding long-term disability benefits for former Nortel employees, the deployment of Canadian Forces, and the Canada Revenue Agency website.

On March 1, 2011, the Senate convened for a sitting that included tributes to the late Honourable Marian L. Maloney, discussions on various timely topics such as the Red Cross Month and the situation in Libya, and the tabling of several documents. The sitting also included Question Period, where senators raised concerns on topics including foreign affairs and finance. The Senate then proceeded to "Orders of the Day," where various bills were discussed, debated, or referred to committee. Notably, Bill S-8, "An Act respecting the selection of senators," was continued in debate at second reading. Several other bills, including amendments to the Criminal Code, the National Defence Act, and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, were read a second time and referred to committee. A point of order was raised regarding Bill S-223, concerning amendments to the Canada Pension Plan, questioning its admissibility due to financial implications.

This document records the proceedings of the Senate on March 10, 2011. The main item related to Bill S-8, An Act respecting the selection of senators, was the continuation of the debate at second reading. Other proceedings included senators making statements on various topics, tabling of committee reports on several bills, first readings of new bills, tabling of international delegation reports, notices of motions and inquiries, and question period on government matters. The debate on Bill S-8 focused on Senate reform, its purpose, and the proposed voluntary framework for provinces to consult voters on Senate nominees. The debate on Bill C-59, concerning amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, involved arguments against increased incarceration and costs. The debate on Bill C-61, the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials Bill, discussed its mechanism for freezing assets and its implications for international relations. The debate on Bill S-13, An Act to implement the Framework Agreement on Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations, concluded with amendments and third reading. The debate on the motion to urge the government to reverse its decision to replace the National Long-Form Census with a survey also continued, with strong arguments against the replacement. Finally, debates on the Official Languages Committee report and extending a committee's reporting date, along with the adjournment of the Senate, were recorded.