Bill S-227 explained in plain English

On May 5, 2015, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included the introduction and first reading of Bill S-227, "An Act respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day." This is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced and read for the first time. The sitting also included other proceedings such as the appointment and welcoming of the new Speaker, Leo Housakos, discussions on various reports, and debates on other bills. The introduction of Bill S-227 marks the beginning of its legislative journey through the Senate.

During this Senate sitting on May 12, 2015, senators discussed various topics including a joint parliamentary symposium in France, awareness for hemochromatosis and National Fiddling Day, and issues faced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada. There was also a debate on Bill C-2 concerning supervised access to drugs. Several notices of motions were given, including one to authorize committees to study the subject matter of Bill C-59 (Economic Action Plan 2015) and another to extend a committee's report date. Bills were also introduced and read for the first time. Reports from various international meetings were tabled. A significant portion of the sitting involved a debate on the Economic Action Plan 2015, focusing on household debt and government spending, with exchanges between Senators Hervieux-Payette and Carignan. Debates also occurred on Bill C-26 (Tougher Penalties for Child Predators) and Bill C-452 (exploitation and trafficking in persons), with senators raising concerns about judicial discretion, evidence, and constitutional implications. The Senate also debated Bill C-279 concerning gender identity and amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code. Finally, Bill S-227, an Act respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, and Bill S-226, an Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act, were brought up for second reading and debate was adjourned. A report on housing on First Nations reserves was adopted, and a motion to strike a Special Committee on Senate Transformation was debated.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-227, an Act respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Senator Jane Cordy spoke in support of the bill. She highlighted the passion of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada and shared personal stories of individuals affected by sickle cell disease. She explained the nature of the disease, its prevalence, and the importance of early diagnosis and awareness. The debate was adjourned to allow Senator Don Meredith to speak.

On May 28, 2015, the Senate convened for a sitting that included several discussions and procedural actions. The debate at second reading for Bill S-227, An Act respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, was resumed and the bill was subsequently referred to committee. Other matters addressed included the presentation of committee reports, the first reading of Bill C-52, debates on Bill C-51 (An Act to enact the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act and the Secure Air Travel Act, to amend the Criminal Code, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts), Bill C-12 (An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act), and a point of order regarding Bill C-377 (An Act to amend the Income Tax Act). The sitting also included statements on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, the ninety-seventh anniversary of Azerbaijan's independence, National Vision Health Month, and the work of Memorial University of Newfoundland. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the Mental Health Commission, progress on Bill C-279 (transgender rights bill), amendments to Bill S-3 (An Act to amend the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act) from the House of Commons, and the adoption of a report on bee health. The sitting concluded with motions to take notice of June as Deaf-Blind Awareness Month and to adjourn until June 2, 2015.

On May 28, 2015, the Senate proceeded to second reading of Bill S-227, An Act respecting National Sickle Cell Awareness Day. Senator Don Meredith spoke in support of the bill, highlighting the importance of increasing public knowledge about sickle cell disease and addressing common myths. He shared personal stories and cited the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada's advocacy for a national awareness day to improve care, treatment, and research. The Senate then adopted the motion for second reading, and the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.