Bill S-221 explained in plain English

This record details a Senate sitting on March 24, 2016. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, including tributes to the late Rob Ford, observations on Greece Independence Day, recognition of a rescue medal recipient, concerns about the Correctional Service of Canada, and the situation of an imprisoned Ukrainian pilot. Routine Proceedings saw various reports tabled and notices of motions given. The Orders of the Day included the adoption of committee reports on the Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates, and the second reading and third reading of two appropriation bills (Bill C-8 and Bill C-9). Debates continued or were adjourned on several other bills, including those concerning the Canada Border Services Agency Act (Bill S-205), deterring Iran-sponsored terrorism (Bill S-219), amending the Financial Administration Act regarding borrowing (Bill S-204), and amending the Constitution Act, 1867 regarding property qualifications for Senators (Bill S-221). Motions were also adopted concerning committee meetings and amendments to Senate rules. The sitting concluded with Royal Assent being given to two bills and an adjournment motion.

On March 24, 2016, Senator Dennis Glen Patterson spoke in the Senate regarding Bill S-221, an act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, concerning the property qualifications for senators. He argued that the existing requirements for senators to possess a net worth of $4,000 and own property valued at $4,000 in their region are antiquated and exclusionary, preventing a significant portion of Canadians from serving. He cited statistics showing that 44% of Canadian households would not meet these criteria. Senator Patterson explained that his bill aims to remove the net worth requirement for all senators and the property ownership requirement for all regions except Quebec, referencing a Supreme Court decision that allows Parliament to amend the net worth requirement unilaterally, but requires Quebec's consent for a full repeal of the property requirement. He stated that this change would align with modern democratic values and end restrictions that have been in place since 1867. Following his speech, Senators Ghislain Maltais, Larry W. Smith, and Joan Fraser raised concerns and questions about the practical implications of the bill for current Quebec senators who own property, suggesting potential compromises or amendments to address these issues. Debate on the bill was adjourned.

The Senate met on June 1, 2016. A significant portion of the sitting involved a Committee of the Whole discussion on Bill C-14, concerning medical assistance in dying. The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health appeared as witnesses to answer questions from senators. The Senate also dealt with routine proceedings, including tabling reports and first reading of a bill. Debate on several other bills and inquiries was adjourned.

On October 26, 2016, the Senate convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to debate on various bills. Notably, the debate on Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, concerning property qualifications for Senators, was suspended to continue at a later date. This debate involved discussing the historical context and modern relevance of the property qualification for senators. Other legislative items debated included amendments to the Citizenship Act (Bill C-6), the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Bill S-226), and a bill to amend the Criminal Code regarding drug-impaired driving (Bill S-230). Several senators also made statements on various topics, including international affairs, societal issues, and tributes to individuals. The Senate adjourned until October 27, 2016.

This artifact contains the Senate debates from October 26, 2016. The Senate was considering several bills, including Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Property qualifications of Senators). Senator Joan Fraser began her remarks on Bill S-221, explaining that it aims to remove the $4,000 property qualification for senators, which she described as an "antiquated and elitist measure." She noted that this qualification, when introduced in 1867, was equivalent to $10.5 million today and was intended to ensure the Senate represented the interests of the wealthy. Senator Fraser indicated she would continue her remarks the following day and that her discussion would also encompass Senator Patterson's related motion. The debate on Bill S-221 was suspended at 4:00 PM. The record also includes discussions on other matters, such as Bill C-6 (Citizenship Act amendments), Bill S-226 (justice for victims of corrupt foreign officials), Bill S-230 (drug-impaired driving), and Bill S-224 (construction contract payments), as well as routine proceedings and question period exchanges on various topics including international trade, immigration, and judicial vacancies.

This record details a Senate sitting on October 27, 2016. The sitting included Senators' Statements on Indigenous Engineering Inclusion Inc., World Cities Day, and tributes to Michelle Stilwell. Routine Proceedings saw the presentation of a committee report on transitioning to a low carbon economy. Question Period covered topics including trade agreements (CETA and with India), diversity on corporate boards, softwood lumber negotiations, human rights in Vietnam, and the return of foreign terrorist fighters. The Orders of the Day featured continued debates on various bills, including amendments to the Citizenship Act, the Food and Drugs Act, the Constitution Act, 1867 (related to property qualifications for Senators), and legislation concerning whales and dolphins, the national anthem, and construction contracts. A motion to adjust Question Period timing for November 1, 2016, was adopted. The sitting concluded with adjournment.

This record details a sitting of the Senate on December 7, 2016. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, including congratulations to former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, commemorations of social work milestones in Nova Scotia, concerns about hate crimes against Muslims, and updates on the World Sledge Hockey Challenge and a radio program called 'The Fisheries Broadcast'. Routine Proceedings saw various committee reports tabled and notices of motions given, including reports on bovine tuberculosis, crude oil transport, and financial estimates. Question Period addressed topics such as overseas tax evasion, moratoria on crude oil tankers, electoral reform, grain regulations, and gun violence. The Orders of the Day featured continued debate on amendments to the Income Tax Act (Bill C-2) and the Constitution Act, 1867 (Bill S-221), as well as debates on committee reports and motions to amend Senate rules and committee memberships. The primary procedural activity related to Bill S-221 was the continuation of the second reading debate, which was adjourned.

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on March 2, 2017, during the second reading stage of Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Property qualifications of Senators). The sitting included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and the consideration of various Orders of the Day. Bill S-221 itself was debated and then referred to committee. The sitting also addressed numerous other bills and committee reports, and included acknowledgements of visitors and condolences for deceased individuals.

On May 2, 2017, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included various proceedings. The Senate heard statements on Journey to Freedom Day, the election of Saudi Arabia to the Commission on the Status of Women, and Speech and Hearing Month. Routine proceedings included the presentation of reports from Senate committees on Bill S-5 (Tobacco Act and Non-smokers' Health Act) and the Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators. Several notices of motions were given, including those related to extending sittings, authorizing committees to meet, and depositing reports. Question Period addressed a range of topics including immigration, public safety, international affairs, justice, agriculture, and infrastructure. The Senate also resumed debate on various Orders of the Day, including the Citizenship Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Bill, and the Speech from the Throne. Notably, the debate on Senator Lang's amendment to Bill C-6 concerning citizenship revocation for dual nationals convicted of terrorism was extensive, with many senators expressing differing views. Senator Runciman's motion concerning the Underground Infrastructure Safety Enhancement Bill was adopted. Debate continued on Bill S-221 concerning the property qualifications of Senators, with Senator Ringuette proposing referral to committee. Other inquiries and debates included Senate Modernization, a motion regarding the South China Sea, the Trans Canada Trail, and regional universities.

On October 26, 2017, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural activities. The Senate heard statements on the "Me Too" campaign and paid tribute to Dr. Dennis Nimchuk. Routine proceedings saw the presentation and tabling of several committee reports, including those on energy, environment, rules, procedures, internal economy, and inter-parliamentary groups. A notice of motion was also given concerning the study of emerging issues by the Transport and Communications committee. Question Period addressed topics such as the Disability Tax Credit, support for former Sears Canada employees, the transparency of the tax system, Supreme Court judicial nominations, adverse drug reactions, the National Holocaust Monument, litigation management, and the Champlain Bridge project. Several bills were also debated, including those related to the Statistics Act, the National Anthem Act, and the Constitution Act, 1867. The sitting concluded with the Senate adjourning until October 31, 2017.

On December 12, 2017, the Senate debated Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, concerning the property qualifications of Senators. The debate at the second reading stage was continued, meaning it was not completed on this day. The artifact provided is a record of the Senate sitting, which included various procedural items such as the tabling of reports, the introduction of bills, question period, and ongoing debates on several other bills and matters.

This document records a Senate sitting on April 19, 2018. The Senate debated Bill S-221, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 concerning the property qualifications of Senators. The debate on this bill was adjourned, meaning it was not completed during this sitting and will continue at a later date. The sitting also included statements on various topics, routine proceedings, question period covering issues like the oil and gas industry, NAFTA, pipeline protests, cannabis legalization, and judicial appointments. Several other bills and committee reports were also addressed, and some procedural motions were adopted or debated.

On June 14, 2018, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. The Senate's agenda covered various topics, including reports from committees, motions on adjournment and committee procedures, and debates on several bills and inquiries. Notably, the Senate proceeded with third reading and passed Bill C-74 (Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1) and Bill C-50 (Canada Elections Act amendment). Debate continued on Bill C-57 (Federal Sustainable Development Act), Bill S-221 (Constitution Act, 1867 amendment regarding property qualifications of Senators), Bill S-252 (Voluntary Blood Donations Act), and other committee reports and inquiries. The sitting also featured discussions on international relations with Iran, the Canada Summer Jobs program, and the powers of the Auditor General. The Senate adjourned until June 18, 2018.