Bill S-223 explained in plain English
An Act respecting Kindness Week
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd Parliament, 2nd 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
This Act establishes the third week of February as "Kindness Week" throughout Canada.
This bill, titled the Kindness Week Act, designates the third week of February each year as "Kindness Week" across Canada. The preamble to the bill states that kindness promotes values like empathy and respect, benefits the health and well-being of Canadians, and encourages volunteerism and charitable giving. It also suggests that a Kindness Week could foster a year-round culture of kindness.
- Designates the third week of February each year as "Kindness Week" across Canada.
- States that this designation is intended to encourage acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving.
- Suggests that this week could connect individuals and organizations to share resources and foster kindness.
- Expresses a hope that Kindness Week might encourage a culture of kindness in Canada throughout the year.
- All Canadians
- Individuals
- Organizations
- The third week of February in each year is designated as Kindness Week.
- The bill does not specify any particular activities or events that must occur during Kindness Week, nor does it create any new government programs or funding related to it. The effects are aspirational, aiming to encourage certain values and actions.
- The bill does not detail how the designation of "Kindness Week" will be officially recognized or promoted beyond its legislative establishment.
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-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, successfully completed its procedural stages in the Senate and received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in the Senate. It details the First Reading on February 10, 2021, and subsequent stages including Second Reading, Committee Consideration, and Third Reading, which were all completed. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming a statute. The record also notes a similar bill, S-244, from a previous Parliament.
During a Senate sitting on February 10, 2021, Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, was introduced and received first reading, while the rest of the sitting focused on other legislative matters and policy discussions.
On February 10, 2021, the Senate convened for a sitting that included Senators’ Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. During Routine Proceedings, Senator Jim Munson introduced Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, which was given first reading. The rest of the sitting was occupied by statements on various topics, question period addressing diverse government policies and actions, and debate on a bill to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). The record does not detail the outcome of Bill S-223 at this stage.
The Senate completed the second reading stage of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, on March 17, 2021, as part of its journey to receiving Royal Assent.
The Senate considered Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, at its second reading stage on March 17, 2021. This stage involved major speeches, and the artifact indicates the bill was later agreed to in the Senate. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming chapter 9 of the Statutes of Canada 2021.
On March 17, 2021, the Senate held a sitting that included debates on various bills, including Bill C-7 concerning medical assistance in dying and Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, which was moved to second reading and referred to committee, followed by Royal Assent for several bills.
This record details a Senate sitting on March 17, 2021. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings, Question Period where senators questioned the Government Representative on several issues including Bill C-7, National Defence, Indigenous Services, and the air sector. The Orders of the Day featured debates and motions on several bills, including Bill C-7 (medical assistance in dying), Bill S-220 (use of wood in public works), Bill S-223 (Kindness Week), and motions related to committees studying worker futures, forced sterilization, and anti-racism in healthcare. The sitting concluded with Royal Assent being given to several bills, including Bill C-7 and Bill C-24. The debate on Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, was moved to second reading and referred to committee.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-223, Senator Jim Munson spoke in support of establishing a national Kindness Week, emphasizing its benefits for children and communities, and the bill was referred to committee.
This artifact is a record of a speech given by Senator Jim Munson during the second reading debate of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. Senator Munson spoke in support of the bill, highlighting its importance for children and communities, and shared personal anecdotes and examples of kindness. He discussed the inspiration behind the bill, Rabbi Reuven Bulka, and the potential positive impacts of a nationally recognized Kindness Week. The Senate proceeded to a second reading of the bill, and it was subsequently referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-223, Senator Jim Munson spoke in support of establishing a national Kindness Week, emphasizing its benefits for children and communities, and the bill was referred to committee.
This artifact is a record of a speech given by Senator Jim Munson during the second reading debate of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. Senator Munson spoke in support of the bill, highlighting its importance for children and communities, and shared personal anecdotes and examples of kindness. He discussed the inspiration behind the bill, Rabbi Reuven Bulka, and the potential positive impacts of a nationally recognized Kindness Week. The Senate proceeded to a second reading of the bill, and it was subsequently referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
The Senate completed its committee stage review of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, which subsequently received Royal Assent.
The Senate completed its consideration of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in committee on April 20, 2021. The bill later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, and became Chapter 9 of the Statutes of Canada, 2021.
On April 20, 2021, the Senate held a sitting that included tributes to Prince Philip, discussions on various committee reports (including one on Bill S-223), extensive debate on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and procedural matters concerning medical assistance in dying and Indigenous rights.
On April 20, 2021, the Senate convened for a sitting. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to tributes and condolences on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with messages from the House of Commons also being addressed. The Senate also observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the Nova Scotia mass shooting tragedy and the late Ismail Ocal. Routine Proceedings included the tabling of Budget 2021 documents and the presentation of several committee reports, including the report on Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. Question Period focused on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, with extensive discussion on supply and distribution challenges. The Senate also debated and adopted motions related to the appointment of a Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying and authorized the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples to study Bill C-293. The sitting concluded with an adjournment motion.
Bill S-223, an act respecting Kindness Week, successfully completed its third reading in the Senate on May 4, 2021, and later received Royal Assent.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, on May 4, 2021. This stage involves the final consideration and approval of a bill in the Senate. This bill later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming Statutes of Canada 2021, c. 9.
The Senate concluded the third reading of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, passing the bill after brief remarks by Senators Munson and Martin.
The Senate was holding its third reading debate for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. After several senators spoke, the bill was read a third time and passed. The rest of the sitting included various procedural matters, senator statements on diverse topics like Asian Heritage Month and World Press Freedom Day, and debates on other bills and inquiries, including those concerning mandatory minimum penalties, broadcasting, copyright, victims of sexual assault, climate change, and long-term care.
Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, underwent First Reading in the House of Commons on May 13, 2021, and later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021.
This record indicates that Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, completed its First Reading in the House of Commons on May 13, 2021. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced. The bill later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming a statute.
During the House of Commons sitting on May 13, 2021, Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, was introduced and received first reading.
This document is a record of the House of Commons sitting on May 13, 2021. During the Routine Proceedings section, the Member for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes (Mr. Michael Barrett) introduced Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. The motion to introduce the bill was agreed to, and the bill was given first reading.
The House of Commons agreed to Bill S-223 at its second reading stage on May 14, 2021, after which it proceeded to receive Royal Assent.
In the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, during the second reading stage of Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, the House agreed to the bill. This stage is a procedural step where the general principles of a bill are debated. The bill later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, making it law.
The House of Commons completed all stages of Bill S-223, an act to establish Kindness Week, following speeches from various members supporting the initiative.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. This stage of the process involved speeches from Members of Parliament expressing their support for the bill, highlighting the importance of kindness, and sharing personal reflections and anecdotes. The bill, inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka, aims to designate the third week of February annually as Kindness Week across Canada to promote values like empathy, respect, and compassion. The debate also touched upon the challenges of promoting kindness in the current social and political climate, including the impact of social media and the need for positive action. The bill was ultimately deemed to have passed all stages of the House of Commons.
This House of Commons debate records the final procedural steps and expressions of support for Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, before it was passed.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, concerning Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week. The debate focused on the procedural aspects of passing the bill, with members from various parties expressing support for the idea of a national Kindness Week. The bill, inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka, aimed to encourage values such as empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion across Canada. The debate highlighted the need for kindness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and concluded with the bill being read the second time, considered in committee, reported, concurred in, and read the third time and passed.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons on Bill S-223, Members of Parliament discussed the importance of establishing a national Kindness Week to promote positive values and community well-being.
This artifact is a record of a debate that took place in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, during the second reading stage of Bill S-223, "An Act respecting Kindness Week." The debate included speeches from various Members of Parliament, including Mr. Michael Barrett (CPC), Ms. Emmanuella Lambropoulos (Lib.), Mr. David Sweet (CPC), Mr. Yves Perron (BQ), Mr. Peter Julian (NDP), and Mr. Paul Manly (GP). The primary discussion focused on the importance of establishing a national Kindness Week, inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka, to promote values such as empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The debate highlighted how kindness can counter bullying, support community well-being, and foster a more positive society. The bill ultimately received Royal Assent, making it law.
This House of Commons debate records the procedural stage of the second reading of Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, where members spoke in favour of establishing a national annual Kindness Week.
This artifact is a record of debate in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, concerning Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week. The debate focused on the procedural step of the second reading of the bill. Members from various parties spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting its purpose to establish a national Kindness Week during the third week of February each year. The discussions emphasized the bill's potential to promote values such as empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, particularly in the context of the ongoing pandemic. The speakers noted the inspiration for the bill came from Rabbi Reuven Bulka, founder of Kind Canada. The bill proceeded through the House, with members indicating support, and was ultimately passed. This artifact does not contain the full text of the bill, but rather a record of the discussion surrounding its second reading.
This House of Commons Hansard record from May 14, 2021, primarily details procedural debates and discussions related to Bill C-15 (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act) and mentions the second reading of Bill S-223 (Kindness Week Act).
This record details a debate in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, concerning Bill S-223, "An Act respecting Kindness Week." While the bill itself aims to establish a national Kindness Week, the debate record provided does not contain the text of the bill or details about its passage. Instead, it primarily features discussions related to Bill C-15, "An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples." The debate on Bill C-15 involved significant procedural discussions about time allocation and also included various members speaking on different topics. The artifact itself is a record of this debate, not the bill's text or its final outcome at this stage.
The House of Commons completed its report stage for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, on May 14, 2021, before it received Royal Assent.
The House of Commons Report stage for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, was completed on May 14, 2021. This bill later received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming chapter 9 of the Statutes of Canada 2021. The artifact indicates that at this stage, the House of Commons considered the bill. The provided text does not detail the specific proceedings or discussions during the report stage itself, only that it was completed. It also lists previous stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first, second, and third readings, and committee deliberations.
The House of Commons debated procedural matters for Bill C-15, passed Bill S-223, and addressed various other issues during oral questions and statements by members.
This record details a sitting of the House of Commons on May 14, 2021. The primary focus of the sitting was a debate and procedural vote related to Bill C-15, An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The House also briefly considered and passed Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. Several other matters were discussed during statements by members and oral questions, covering a range of topics including human rights, health, official languages, and government policies. The sitting concluded with the passage of Bill S-223 and the deferral of a vote on Bill C-15.
On May 14, 2021, the House of Commons completed the report stage and passed Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, designating the third week of February annually for its celebration.
This record details the House of Commons' proceedings on May 14, 2021, specifically related to the report stage of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. The primary event recorded is the sponsor's speech, followed by the bill's passage through its final stages in the House. The discussions highlighted the bill's purpose: to designate the third week of February annually as Kindness Week across Canada. Speakers emphasized the importance of kindness, empathy, respect, and compassion, particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic. The bill's passage was supported by members from various parties, and it was ultimately deemed passed.
The House of Commons unanimously agreed to pass Bill S-223, establishing Kindness Week as an annual event in Canada to promote positive values and charitable acts.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week. The bill was introduced in honour of Rabbi Reuven Bulka, the founder of Kind Canada, and aims to designate the third week of February each year as Kindness Week across Canada. The purpose of this week is to encourage values such as empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, and to promote acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving. The bill was passed at report stage without amendment.
The House of Commons completed the report stage for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, leading to its swift passage through subsequent stages.
This artifact is a record of discussion from the House of Commons during the report stage of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. This specific artifact relates to the stage where the House agreed to the report stage of the bill. Following this, the bill proceeded through its final stages, including second reading, committee of the whole, and third reading and passage, all on the same day. The bill's status is Royal Assent received, meaning it has completed all legislative stages and become law.
The House of Commons completed its final review of Bill S-223, "An Act respecting Kindness Week," on May 14, 2021, with Members discussing the importance of kindness and ultimately passing the bill to establish a national Kindness Week.
This artifact is a record of discussion from the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, related to Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. The House completed the report stage and gave the bill final approval (concurrence). This discussion primarily involved speeches from members of Parliament, with the overall theme being the importance of promoting kindness, empathy, and compassion, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic. The bill, inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka, aims to establish the third week of February each year as a national Kindness Week. Members expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to foster a culture of kindness, encourage volunteerism, and improve the well-being of Canadians. The artifact indicates that the bill was ultimately passed by the House.
The House of Commons completed the Third Reading of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, on May 14, 2021, paving the way for Royal Assent.
This record details the completion of the Third Reading stage for Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021. This stage was completed, and the bill subsequently received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021, becoming chapter 9 of the Statutes of Canada 2021. The record also notes that this stage was subject to a special order as detailed in the House of Commons Journals of May 13, 2021.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-223, designating the third week of February annually as Kindness Week to promote positive values and encourage acts of kindness across Canada.
On May 14, 2021, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-223, "An Act respecting Kindness Week." The bill, which was introduced in the Senate by Senator Munson and inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka, designates the third week of February each year as Kindness Week across Canada. The purpose of this initiative is to promote values such as empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, and to encourage acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving. Several members spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting its importance in fostering a culture of kindness, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic. The bill was passed without amendment.
During the third reading debate on Bill S-223, members of the House of Commons spoke in favour of establishing a national Kindness Week to promote positive values and encourage acts of kindness, ultimately passing the bill.
This artifact is a record of the debate during the third reading of Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week, in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021. The debate focused on the purpose and importance of establishing a national Kindness Week. Members expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential to promote empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, and to encourage acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving. The bill was inspired by Rabbi Reuven Bulka and his efforts to counter bullying and foster a culture of kindness. The debate occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and members noted the amplified need for kindness and community support during this challenging time. The bill was ultimately passed.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-223, establishing a national Kindness Week.
The House of Commons concluded the third reading of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. This stage of the process involved a debate where members discussed the importance of kindness and the bill's aim to establish a national Kindness Week. The bill was passed without amendment.
The House of Commons passed Bill S-223, establishing Kindness Week to be celebrated annually in February.
On May 14, 2021, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-223, an Act respecting Kindness Week. The bill aims to designate the third week of February each year as Kindness Week across Canada. The debate highlighted the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion, especially during the pandemic, and encouraged acts of volunteerism and charitable giving. The bill's passage was a collaborative effort, with support expressed from various parties.
On May 14, 2021, the House of Commons debated Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week, which aimed to establish an annual Kindness Week to promote positive values and actions.
During the third reading debate in the House of Commons on May 14, 2021, members discussed Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week. The bill, which had already received Royal Assent, was brought forward to establish the third week of February annually as Kindness Week across Canada. The intent was to promote values like empathy, respect, gratitude, and compassion, and to encourage acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Members shared personal experiences and perspectives on the importance of kindness, the impact of social media on public discourse, and the need for kindness in political interactions.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
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 does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
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