Bill C-2 explained in plain English

On December 10, 2019, the House of Commons began its first reading debate on Bill C-2, an act concerning the granting of funds for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. The record mainly details a debate initiated by the Official Opposition regarding the establishment of a special committee to examine Canada's relationship with China. Opposition members argued for the committee's necessity due to the complex and deteriorating nature of the relationship, citing issues such as the detention of Canadians in China, trade disruptions (particularly with canola), human rights concerns, and the role of Huawei. Government members, while acknowledging the importance of the issues, generally argued that existing standing committees were sufficient to address these matters. The debate also touched upon the anniversary of the detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and the government's ongoing diplomatic efforts. Following extensive debate, the motion to establish the special committee was debated and voted upon.

This artifact is a record of discussions that took place in the Senate on December 12, 2019. The primary focus was the upcoming Royal Assent ceremony for Bill C-2, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. The Senate also spent a significant portion of the sitting paying tribute to Senator Joseph A. Day, who was retiring. Other proceedings included the tabling of various reports, notices of motions, and question period discussions on a range of topics. Several bills were also introduced or debated, including a bill to amend the Criminal Code concerning conversion therapy and a bill to amend the National Capital Act. The sitting concluded with expressions of good wishes for the holiday season.

The House of Commons debated an opposition motion to establish a special committee to study Canada's relationship with China. The motion was proposed by the Official Opposition and detailed the committee's composition, mandate, and powers. Various MPs from different parties shared their views on the motion, highlighting concerns about human rights, trade disruptions (like canola exports), national security (including Huawei and the 5G network), and the arbitrary detention of Canadians in China. The debate also touched on the government's handling of the relationship, suggesting improvements and the need for a unified parliamentary approach. Ultimately, the motion to create the special committee was agreed to by the House.

This document records proceedings from the Senate on December 12, 2019. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to tributes for Senator Joseph A. Day, who was retiring. The Senate also received several reports, introduced a bill to amend the Criminal Code, and debated or adjourned debate on other bills and motions, including a motion to impose sanctions against Chinese and/or Hong Kong officials. The Senate also formally gave Royal Assent to Bill C-2, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. This particular artifact is a discussion record, meaning it details debates and procedural actions rather than the full text of legislation.

This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on December 10, 2019. During this sitting, members debated and voted on various matters, including an opposition motion to establish a special committee on Canada-China relations. The House also proceeded with the consideration and passage of Bill C-2, an act granting funds for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. The sitting included routine proceedings, statements by members on various topics, and oral questions directed to government ministers.

This artifact documents a Senate sitting on December 12, 2019. The primary focus was the retirement of Senator Joseph A. Day, with numerous senators paying tribute to his career. Other proceedings included the tabling of various annual reports and committee reports, the introduction of a bill to amend the Criminal Code, and several notices of inquiry. The sitting concluded with the Governor General granting Royal Assent to Bill C-2. The debate on Bill C-2 is not detailed in this artifact; its mention is solely in the context of Royal Assent.

On December 10, 2019, the House of Commons debated an opposition motion to establish a special committee to examine Canada's relationship with China. The motion proposed examining various aspects, including consular, economic, legal, security, and diplomatic relations, and suggested specific rules for the committee's composition and operation, including the appearance of certain ministers and the Prime Minister as witnesses. The debate involved members from multiple parties discussing concerns about China's human rights record, trade issues like canola exports, the arbitrary detention of Canadians in China, and China's growing global influence. While there was broad agreement on the importance of addressing these issues, there were differing views on whether a special committee was the appropriate mechanism, with some members advocating for the use of existing standing committees. The debate also touched upon the government's handling of the relationship with China, including past decisions and the appointment of an ambassador.

This artifact is a transcript of a Senate debate on December 12, 2019. The main focus of the debate was a tribute to Senator Joseph A. Day, who was retiring. Senators from various parties spoke about his career, contributions, and character, highlighting his work on finance committees, interparliamentary associations, and his role in various caucuses. The transcript also records the tabling of several annual reports from government agencies, the first reading of a bill to amend the Criminal Code, and various notices of motions. A significant portion of the debate involved the Governor General giving Royal Assent to Bill C-2, an act granting sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. The debate also touched upon other matters, including World Soil Day, the commemoration of the École Polytechnique de Montréal tragedy, tributes to former Senator André Pratte and the late William (Bill) McKnight, and discussions on topics such as the carbon tax, BSE status, liquefied natural gas, Indigenous women's rights, the beef and dairy industries, vaping regulations, protection of journalists, and the Trans-Canada Highway.

During the third reading debate of Bill C-2 in the House of Commons on December 10, 2019, the primary focus was not on the bill itself, but on a motion proposed by the Official Opposition to establish a special committee to study Canada-China relations. This motion sparked extensive debate among Members of Parliament from various parties, covering a wide range of issues including the arbitrary detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in China, human rights concerns in China, trade disputes, particularly regarding canola exports, the role of Huawei in Canadian telecommunications, and Canada's broader foreign policy approach towards China. While the debate centered on the creation and mandate of this proposed committee, the official text provided does not detail the procedural outcome of the motion itself, nor does it indicate any votes being taken on the motion.

This artifact contains the Senate debates from December 12, 2019. The primary focus was paying tribute to Senator Joseph A. Day on his upcoming retirement. Senators from different parties shared personal anecdotes and acknowledged his extensive service, highlighting his work in committees, his advocacy for veterans and Indigenous peoples, and his leadership roles. The debates also touched upon other matters, including World Soil Day, the 30th anniversary of the École Polytechnique de Montréal tragedy, the departure of former Senator André Pratte, and the passing of former MP William (Bill) McKnight. Additionally, several reports were tabled, and various notices of motions and inquiries were presented, covering topics such as amending Senate rules, suicide prevention, and issues related to the Criminal Code, National Capital Act, and sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials. The artifact also records the Royal Assent ceremony for Bill C-2, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. Finally, the debates included question period, where senators raised concerns on topics like carbon tax impacts on farmers, BSE status, liquefied natural gas, involuntary sterilization of Indigenous women, support for the beef and dairy industries, regulation of vaping fluids, protection of journalists overseas, and the Trans-Canada Highway.