Bill S-203 explained in plain English

On December 8, 2015, in the Senate, Bill S-203, which aims to end the captivity of whales and dolphins by amending the Criminal Code and other Acts, was introduced and received its first reading. This is the initial procedural step for a bill in the Senate, where it is formally presented. The record also includes debates and discussions on various other matters, including congratulatory remarks for the new Speaker, the anniversary of the École Polytechnique tragedy, terrorism, and reports from various commissioners and officers. Several other bills also received their first reading on this date.

On January 27, 2016, the Senate was in session. Most of the sitting was dedicated to routine proceedings, including tabling reports and giving notice of various motions for committees to study specific topics. Two bills were discussed at second reading: Bill S-201, concerning genetic non-discrimination, and Bill S-203, concerning the ending of captivity for whales and dolphins. The debate for Bill S-203 was adjourned, meaning it was not concluded during this sitting. Other discussions included congratulating a senator on their 25th anniversary, comments on the Energy East Pipeline, Bell Let's Talk Day, and tributes to René Angélil.

This record details a Senate debate on Bill S-203, an Act to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. Senator Wilfred P. Moore, the bill's sponsor, presented arguments for the bill's second reading. He explained that the bill aims to phase out keeping whales, dolphins, and porpoises in captivity in Canada, with exceptions for rescues and rehabilitation. He cited evidence of the cruelty and suffering these animals endure in captivity and highlighted concerns about specific facilities like Marineland and the Vancouver Aquarium. The debate also touched on the bill's proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, Fisheries Act, and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Other discussions in the Senate on this day included debates on Bill S-201 (Genetic Non-Discrimination Act), Bill S-215 (sentencing for violent offences against Aboriginal women), and various committee business.

On March 22, 2016, the Senate debated Bill S-203, an act to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. Senators spoke in support of the bill, citing scientific evidence that captive cetaceans suffer and that their confinement in tanks is harmful. The debate highlighted concerns about the small living spaces of captive animals compared to their natural ocean habitats and discussed specific examples of whales and dolphins in Canadian aquariums. The bill aims to phase out captivity, with exceptions for rescue and rehabilitation. Senators mentioned that other countries have already implemented similar measures and that public opinion and scientific understanding have evolved. The debate also covered the gradual economic impact of the bill and noted support from various animal welfare organizations and individuals. The debate for Bill S-203 was adjourned, meaning it was not finalized on this date and would continue at a later sitting.

On March 22, 2016, the Senate continued its debate on Bill S-203, an act to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. Senator Janis G. Johnson spoke in strong support of the bill, highlighting scientific evidence that captive marine mammals suffer and that Canada should take action. She noted that other countries have already banned or are phasing out captivity and that Bill S-203 is a reasonable and balanced approach. The debate on this bill was adjourned.

On May 3, 2016, the Senate continued its debate on Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). During this sitting, Senators also discussed Asian Heritage Month, National Hospice Palliative Care Week, National Vision Health Month, and various government financial matters. The debate on Bill S-203 specifically involved a detailed discussion of the arguments for and against the bill, with one senator expressing strong opposition, citing constitutional concerns, scientific reasons, and economic impacts, while also defending the practices of Canadian zoos and aquariums. Another senator questioned the bill's impact on research and rescue efforts.

This artifact is a record of a debate in the Senate on June 1, 2016, concerning Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying). The debate involved testimony from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Jody Wilson-Raybould, and the Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, who answered questions from Senators. The discussion focused on the bill's provisions related to medical assistance in dying, its constitutionality, its consistency with the Supreme Court's Carter decision, and its implications for vulnerable individuals, medical practitioners, and provincial healthcare laws. Senators raised concerns about the clarity of terms like "reasonably foreseeable death" and "irremediable," the exclusion of certain groups from eligibility, the protection of conscientious objectors, and the adequacy of safeguards. The ministers defended the bill as a balanced approach that respects individual autonomy while protecting vulnerable persons and upholding the value of life, emphasizing the need for federal legislation to provide a consistent national framework.

On October 27, 2016, the Senate debated the second reading of Bill S-203, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). Senator David M. Wells spoke against the bill, arguing that ending the captivity of whales and dolphins would be detrimental to important research conducted in marine mammal facilities. He cited his experience in the fishing industry and his visit to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, highlighting the research being done on beluga whales and the support from scientists globally for research in marine mammal facilities. He also referred to the guidelines from the Canadian Council on Animal Care for the care and use of marine mammals. Senator Wells concluded that prohibiting cetacean captivity would be a mistake and urged senators to vote against the bill. Senator Wilfred P. Moore, the bill's sponsor, questioned Senator Wells's points, particularly regarding the impact on research and the notion of quality of life. Senator Donald Neil Plett raised a concern about the bill potentially creating a new offence under the Criminal Code and questioned whether it should be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. Senator Moore indicated that a clause related to the Criminal Code penalty would be withdrawn, rendering the question moot, but Senator Plett stated he had not yet seen the proposed amendment. The debate on Bill S-203 was adjourned.

On November 22, 2016, the Senate debated Bill S-203, concerning the captivity of whales and dolphins. While the bill's sponsor, Senator Moore, argued for its importance and the need to send it to committee for study, Senator Tannas moved an amendment to delay the bill's second reading by six months, effectively seeking to kill it. Senator Tannas argued that there was insufficient scientific evidence to support the bill's premise as a major issue in Canadian aquariums and raised concerns about the impact on institutions like the Vancouver Aquarium. Senator McCoy argued against the "hoist motion" (the amendment to delay), stating that such a motion is a "killing motion" and that the Senate's tradition is to allow bills to be thoroughly discussed in committee. Senator Fraser also opposed the hoist motion, calling it an attempt to obstruct the bill. Senator Moore, the bill's sponsor, spoke against the hoist motion, urging senators to let the bill proceed to committee for expert testimony. Senator Dyck also opposed the hoist motion, suggesting it was a decision based on political process rather than the bill's merits. The Senate ultimately voted to defeat the hoist motion, indicating a willingness to continue debating the bill at second reading. The debate was then adjourned.

On November 23, 2016, the Senate debated Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). The debate focused on the ethical and scientific arguments surrounding the captivity of whales and dolphins, with proponents arguing it is cruel and harmful to these intelligent creatures, while opponents raised concerns about its impact on scientific research. The Senate agreed to proceed with the bill, referring it to the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. The sitting also included the introduction of a new senator, discussions on various other topics like military aircraft procurement, the opioid crisis, and mental illness, and the Minister of Health answering questions.

On October 31, 2017, the Senate convened. A significant portion of the sitting involved the presentation of committee reports. Notably, the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans presented its Seventh Report concerning Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). This report is now on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting. The Senate also observed tributes to the late Honourable P. Michael Pitfield, a former senator and public servant.

This record details a Senate sitting on November 28, 2017. While the sitting covered a wide range of topics including tributes to individuals, committee reports, and debates on various bills, Bill S-203, concerning the captivity of whales and dolphins, was discussed at the report stage. The Senate proceeded to consider the seventh report of the Fisheries and Oceans Committee, which included amendments to Bill S-203. The debate on this report was adjourned.

On December 14, 2017, the Senate sat and conducted various procedural business. This included tabling reports from parliamentary delegations and committees, presenting new bills for first reading, and continuing debates on other bills. The Senate also discussed and voted on various motions and concluded the day with expressions of good wishes for the holiday season. Notably, there was a debate and a vote on a motion to resolve into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bill C-45 (cannabis legalization) and an amendment to that motion. The Senate also continued debate on Bill S-203, concerning the captivity of whales and dolphins, and ultimately adjourned the debate. Royal Assent was also received for several bills, including Bill S-203.

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on January 30, 2018. The sitting included tributes to the late Honourable Tommy Banks, discussions on various commemorations, tabling of reports, question period on diverse topics, and debates on several bills. Specifically for Bill S-203, 'An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins)', the sitting record shows that the 'Debate at consideration of committee report' was continued. This indicates that senators were discussing the report from the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans concerning Bill S-203, but the debate was adjourned without a final decision being made on that day.

The Senate sat on April 18, 2018. The sitting included tributes to the late former Senator Douglas Everett, discussions on various topics including Autism, the Commonwealth Games, and child cybersex trafficking, and routine proceedings. Notably, the Senate debated the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans concerning Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). The debate included arguments for and against the bill's passage, with concerns raised about the consultation process with government departments and provinces, the existing legal framework for animal welfare, and the potential economic and social impacts on institutions like Marineland and the surrounding region. A motion to adjourn the debate on Bill S-203 was ultimately put to a vote and negatived.

On April 26, 2018, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural activities and debates. Key among these was the adoption of the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans concerning Bill S-203, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). While the report and amendments were adopted, Senator Dennis Glen Patterson raised significant concerns about the bill's potential impact on Indigenous harvesting rights, its potential encroachment on provincial jurisdiction, and the lack of scientific evidence to support the claim that captivity itself is cruel. The sitting also included debates on other matters, such as the Criminal Code and Department of Justice Act amendments (Bill C-51), constitutional amendments regarding senatorial qualifications, and inquiries on historical figures and Senate policies. Several committees received authorization to meet during Senate sittings or to extend reporting dates. Routine proceedings involved tabling of reports and first reading of a bill from the House of Commons.

On May 29, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins), at the third reading stage. The debate focused on the ethical considerations of cetacean captivity, the scientific evidence regarding their well-being in confinement, and the potential impact of the bill on conservation and education. Various senators spoke, with many supporting the bill and its proposed ban on captivity, citing changing societal attitudes and international trends. Amendments were discussed and adopted to address concerns raised by Indigenous groups and to allow for research and rescue exceptions. The debate also touched upon the potential role of Canada in establishing an open-water sanctuary for whales and dolphins. The debate was adjourned.

On June 11, 2018, the Senate held its third reading debate for Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins). This debate record captures discussions on the bill, as well as other Senate business, including tributes, tabling of reports, notices of motions, and questions during Question Period. The primary focus related to Bill S-203 was a speech by Senator Dan Christmas, who spoke about the bill's significance from an Indigenous perspective, the legislative process for private members' bills, and the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and the natural world. He highlighted that the study of Bill S-203 involved a historically high number of meetings and witnesses for a Senate public bill.

This document is a record of the Senate's proceedings on June 12, 2018. It details various activities including tributes to departing pages, recognition of National Blood Donor Week, and statements on international affairs. Routine proceedings involved tabling reports and the first reading of a bill. Question period covered topics like NAFTA negotiations, foreign relations, and resource management. The Senate then proceeded to debate and vote on several bills. Specifically, Bill C-74, related to budget implementation, and Bill C-46, concerning impaired driving, were debated extensively, including amendments and procedural motions. Finally, the Senate engaged in the third reading debate of Bill S-203, which aims to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. This stage included proposed amendments and further debate, with the bill ultimately receiving Royal Assent.

On June 19, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins), at its third reading. While the official text provided does not detail the substance of this specific debate or any procedural votes that occurred, it lists Bill S-203 as an item under "ORDERS OF THE DAY" for "Third Reading—Motion in Amendment—Motion in Subamendment—Vote Deferred". This indicates that the debate on the bill's third reading, including proposed amendments and subamendments, was ongoing and a vote had not yet taken place at the time of this record.

This record details the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-203, an act to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. During this stage, a subamendment to an amendment was proposed and subsequently negatived. Following this procedural step, the Senate proceeded with other business, including debates on various bills, reports from committees, and administrative motions. The sitting concluded with senators wishing each other a happy summer recess and thanking Senate staff.

On October 2, 2018, the Senate of Canada was in session. The sitting included the usual proceedings such as Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, and Question Period. Several senators made statements on various topics, including the installation of a former colleague as Chancellor of a university, Latin American Heritage Month, the civil war in Yemen, Treaty Day, and the thirtieth anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement. Various reports were tabled, and notices of motions were given, including one to revoke the honorary citizenship of Aung San Suu Kyi. The Senate also debated and voted on motions related to this revocation and continued debate on Bill S-203, an Act to end the captivity of whales and dolphins. The Question Period involved a Minister of the Crown answering questions on topics such as trade agreements, housing, and social development. The sitting concluded with continued debate on inquiries regarding literacy and essential skills, beneficial ownership transparency, and the preservation of records related to Indian Residential School survivors.

On October 23, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins) at its third reading. During the debate, a motion in amendment by Senator Tannas, seconded by Senator Batters, was proposed. This amendment aimed to exempt individuals listed in a schedule to the bill (specifically, the Ocean Wise Conservation Association, also known as the Vancouver Aquarium) from certain sections of the Criminal Code, the Fisheries Act, and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, provided they conduct scientific research or provide care to cetaceans. The motion in amendment was ultimately negatived (not agreed to) by the Senate. Following this, the Senate proceeded to the third reading of Bill S-203, as amended. The Senate then passed the bill on division, meaning some senators did not agree but did not formally vote against it. Following the passage of Bill S-203, other legislative matters were debated and processed.