Bill S-209 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 42nd Parliament, 1st 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-209 proposes amendments to the Official Languages Act to enhance the quality of federal communications and services in both official languages and to specify locations where these services must be offered.
This bill proposes changes to the Official Languages Act. It aims to ensure that federal institutions offer communications and services of equal quality in both English and French. The bill also clarifies specific locations where federal institutions must provide services in both official languages, such as airports and railway stations serving metropolitan areas. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for regular reviews of regulations related to official languages, to be conducted after every decennial census.
- Amends the Official Languages Act.
- Introduces the concept of "equal quality" for communications and services provided by federal institutions in both official languages.
- Specifies locations where federal institutions must provide communications and services in both official languages.
- Establishes a requirement for a review of regulations under Part IV of the Act after every decennial census.
- Modifies provisions related to the consultation process with linguistic minority communities regarding the quality of services.
- Clarifies circumstances under which exceptions to providing services in both official languages may be made.
- Federal institutions
- Members of the public
- English and French linguistic minority communities
- Federal institutions have a duty to ensure communications and services are of equal quality in both official languages.
- Federal institutions must provide communications and services in both official languages at specific locations, including railway stations and airports serving metropolitan areas, and airports serving the national capital or provincial/territorial capitals.
- Federal institutions must seek the views of linguistic minority communities on the quality of services provided.
- Members of the public have the right to communicate with and receive services from federal institutions in either official language at specified locations.
- The Act comes into force 180 days after receiving royal assent.
- The bill does not specify the exact number of federal institutions or offices that will be directly affected by the new requirements.
- The bill references regulations to be made by the Governor in Council, the details of which are not provided in the bill text.
- The bill does not detail the specific measures federal institutions must take to ensure 'equal quality' beyond seeking community views.
Modifies sections concerning communications and services to the public, including defining 'metropolitan area', establishing duties for federal institutions in specific locations, and ensuring equal quality of services in both official languages.
Source: Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
Requires a review of regulations made under this part after every decennial census, and outlines the process for tabling and publishing proposed regulations.
Source: Section 6 and 7
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 textParliamentary Process
Bill S-209, concerning amendments to the Official Languages Act regarding communications and services, completed its First Reading in the Senate on December 8, 2015, and was subsequently referred to a committee.
This artifact details the First Reading of Bill S-209 in the Senate on December 8, 2015. This is the initial stage where the bill is formally introduced to the Senate. The bill was later referred to a committee on November 17, 2016, and had its Second Reading on February 3, 2016. The artifact also notes major speeches related to the bill at the Second Reading stage and lists similar bills introduced in previous Parliaments.
Bill S-209 received first reading in the Senate, following which the sitting proceeded with tabling of reports, introduction of other bills, and extensive debate on multiple issues, including two questions of privilege.
On December 8, 2015, in the Senate, Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public), was introduced and received first reading. The rest of the sitting involved various procedural matters including tabling of reports, introduction of other bills, and debates on issues such as terrorism, violence against women, and the role of the Senate. There was also a significant discussion regarding questions of privilege related to media leaks and the government's failure to appoint a government leader in the Senate.
Bill S-209 completed its second reading in the Senate on November 17, 2016, and was sent to committee, following debates and speeches on various dates.
On November 17, 2016, Bill S-209 completed its second reading stage in the Senate and was referred to a Senate committee for further consideration. The second reading debate occurred on multiple dates, including February 3, 2016, March 9, 2016, May 5, 2016, June 21, 2016, November 3, 2016, and November 17, 2016. The artifact indicates that a "Sponsor's speech" was given by Senator Maria Chaput on February 3, 2016, and a "Response speech" was given by Senator Ghislain Maltais on March 9, 2016. The provided text does not contain the content of these speeches or debates, only their occurrence and scheduling.
On February 3, 2016, the Senate debated Bill S-209 at second reading, concerning amendments to the Official Languages Act regarding communications with and services to the public, before adjourning the debate.
This artifact is a record of the Senate debate on February 3, 2016, concerning Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public). The debate at the second reading stage is recorded here. The Senate also discussed other matters, including the 100th anniversary of the Parliament Hill fire, tributes to individuals, reports from committees, and other bills. During Question Period, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard addressed various topics. The debate on Bill S-209 was adjourned.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-209, the sponsor argued for updating the criteria used to determine the need for official language services to be more inclusive and reflective of community vitality.
This artifact is a record of a Senate debate on February 3, 2016, concerning Bill S-209, which aims to amend the Official Languages Act regarding communications with and services to the public. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Maria Chaput, spoke in favour of its second reading, explaining that the bill seeks to update how "significant demand" for services in the minority official language is determined. Specifically, it proposes using "knowledge of the official language" instead of just "first official language spoken" and considering the "vitality" of a community, not just its size. Senator Chaput argued that current regulations, dating back to 1991, are outdated and negatively impact official language minority communities. The debate on this bill was adjourned, meaning it will continue at a later date.
The Senate held a debate on Bill S-209 at second reading, discussing the sponsor's dedication and the challenges of implementing language laws, before adjourning the debate for committee study.
On March 9, 2016, the Senate debated Bill S-209, which aims to amend the Official Languages Act regarding communications with and services to the public. The debate focused on the bill's sponsor, Senator Chaput, and the general principles of official languages legislation. A key concern raised was the practical difficulty of defining 'sufficient' numbers of people for the Act to apply, making enforcement challenging. The debate was adjourned to allow for further study in committee. The sitting also included other proceedings such as senators' statements, the introduction of new bills, committee business, and a question period with the Minister of Natural Resources.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-209, Senator Maltais discussed the complexities of language legislation and the practical challenges of enforcing the Official Languages Act.
On March 9, 2016, the Senate continued its debate on Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act. Senator Ghislain Maltais spoke about the bill, acknowledging Senator Chaput's dedication to the French language and francophone minorities. He noted that legislating on language matters can be sensitive and legally complex, citing past language legislation debates in Quebec. He questioned the practical enforceability of the bill, particularly regarding the definition of 'sufficient' numbers of people for the Act to apply, and suggested that goodwill and courage would be needed. He also emphasized the roles of Parliament and provincial governments in upholding official languages legislation. The debate was adjourned.
This Senate sitting on May 5, 2016, involved Senators' Statements, Question Period on diverse topics, and continued debates on several bills, including Bill S-209 concerning official languages, and other committee reports and inquiries.
On May 5, 2016, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various proceedings. The sitting began with Senators' Statements, recognizing Asian Heritage Month and offering condolences for the wildfires in Fort McMurray. Routine Proceedings followed, with the tabling of government responses and notices of motions. The Question Period addressed a range of topics including international trade, human rights in Iran, the role of government representatives, assistance for Fort McMurray fire victims, palliative care, transfer payments to the territories, the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization, Canada Post home delivery, and funding for Montreal's anniversary celebrations. The Orders of the Day featured a motion to adjust Question Period timing, and continued debates on Bill S-209 (Official Languages Act), Bill S-211 (National Sickle Cell Awareness Day), the Internal Economy Committee's third report, and motions regarding the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee. Inquiries on partisanship and the Senate's legislative work were also debated, with some adjourned. The sitting concluded with a motion to adjourn until May 10, 2016.
On June 21, 2016, the Senate held tributes, heard committee reports, debated several bills including those concerning official languages, copyright, and budget implementation, and engaged in Question Period with the Minister of Agriculture.
This document details proceedings in the Senate on June 21, 2016. The Senate engaged in various activities including tributes to departing pages, statements on veterans' care, National Aboriginal Day, and the Muslim community. Several committee reports were presented and tabled. The Senate also debated and advanced legislation, including bills related to copyright, public service labour relations, and budget implementation. Question Period involved the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food addressing questions on internal trade barriers, international trade agreements, and regulations. The Senate continued debate on Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act. Finally, the Senate considered reports on human rights, international trade, and the South China Sea, and approved the adoption of several committee reports and motions.
This Senate debate record from November 3, 2016, includes discussions on various matters and notes that debate on Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act, was adjourned.
This artifact is a record of Senate debates from November 3, 2016. It includes discussions on various topics such as awards received by senators, Remembrance Day, the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls, and legislative matters. Specifically, there is a debate concerning Bill S-209, which aims to amend the Official Languages Act regarding communications and services to the public. Senator Elaine McCoy indicated she would speak on Bill S-209 but requested to adjourn the debate to gather her thoughts.
The Senate debated and passed the second reading of Bill S-209, an act to amend the Official Languages Act, referring it to committee, and also addressed numerous other government and private member's business.
On November 17, 2016, the Senate held its second reading debate on Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public). The Senate agreed to the motion for the second reading of the bill, and it was then referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages for further study. The sitting also included discussions on various other matters, such as the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, the plight of Rohingya Muslims, the legacy of naval architect William J. Roué, and other legislative items.
Bill S-209 is currently at the consideration in committee stage in the Senate, with no specific committee activity detailed in this artifact.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-209 in the Senate. The bill has been referred to a committee for consideration, but no specific activity or debate within the committee stage is detailed in this record. It also notes the bill's first and second reading dates and lists similar bills from previous Parliaments.
Bill S-209 is currently awaiting consideration at the Report stage in the Senate, having previously completed second reading and been referred to a committee.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-209 in the Senate. The bill has reached the Report stage but has not yet been considered at this stage. The last significant action was its referral to a committee on November 17, 2016, following its second reading on February 3, 2016. The artifact also lists similar bills from previous Parliaments that aimed to amend the Official Languages Act.
Bill S-209, concerning amendments to the Official Languages Act, has reached the third reading stage in the Senate, but this stage has not yet occurred, with its referral to committee being the latest activity.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-209, an Act to amend the Official Languages Act. The bill has reached the 'Senate Third reading' stage but this stage has not yet occurred. The last completed major stage was 'Second reading in the Senate'. The bill was referred to a committee on Thursday, November 17, 2016. The artifact also lists similar bills introduced in previous Parliaments, such as S-205, S-211, and S-220, which also aimed to amend the Official Languages Act regarding communications with and services to the public.
Bill S-209 had its First Reading in the House of Commons on December 8, 2015, but this stage was marked as 'Not reached' in this artifact, while the bill is currently under consideration in a Senate committee.
The provided artifact details the procedural steps of Bill S-209 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill reached its First Reading on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. However, the 'Stage state' is listed as 'Not reached', suggesting that this specific procedural step in the House of Commons has not yet occurred or been completed within the context of this record. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate', and its latest activity was a referral to a Senate committee on Thursday, November 17, 2016.
Bill S-209 has not yet undergone second reading in the House of Commons, but has completed second reading in the Senate and is currently at the committee stage there.
This artifact concerns Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public). It indicates that the bill has not yet reached the second reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest activity shown is the bill's referral to a committee in the Senate on November 17, 2016. The artifact also lists dates for first and second readings in the Senate, and notes speeches given by the sponsor and another senator during the Senate's second reading process. Information about similar bills from previous Parliaments is also included.
Bill S-209, concerning amendments to the Official Languages Act, is currently awaiting the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons, a stage that has not yet been reached.
This record indicates that Bill S-209, concerning amendments to the Official Languages Act, has reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' in the House of Commons. However, this specific stage has not yet begun for this bill. The bill was previously referred to a committee in the Senate on November 17, 2016, after its first reading on December 8, 2015, and second reading on February 3, 2016. The record also notes major speeches that occurred during the second reading in the Senate and lists similar bills introduced in previous Parliaments.
The House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-209 has not yet occurred, and the bill is currently under consideration by a Senate committee.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-209. It indicates that the House of Commons Report stage for this bill has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate.' The latest activity noted was its referral to a Senate committee on November 17, 2016. The artifact also lists dates for its first and second readings in the Senate, and notes major speeches made during the second reading process.
Bill S-209 has not reached the third reading stage in the House of Commons and is currently under consideration by a Senate committee.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-209 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the 'House of Commons Third reading' stage has not yet been reached. The bill's current overall status is 'At consideration in committee in the Senate'. The last major procedural action noted for this bill was its referral to a committee in the Senate on Thursday, November 17, 2016. The artifact also lists the dates of the bill's first and second readings in the Senate, along with references to major speeches given during the second reading debate.
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 is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
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