Bill S-4 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts
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
Bill S-4 amends federal legislation to restructure Senate leadership allowances, require consultation with Senate leaders on certain officer appointments, and allow Senate party leaders to change committee membership.
Bill S-4 amends federal legislation related to Parliament and officers of Parliament. The bill makes three main changes: 1. **Senate Leadership Allowances**: Starting July 1, 2022, it creates a new system of additional annual allowances for senators who hold leadership positions. The Leader of the Government in the Senate or Government Representative gets $90,500 per year (unless they already receive a salary under the Salaries Act). The Leader of the Opposition gets $42,800. Leaders of the three other recognized Senate parties or parliamentary groups each get between $42,800 and $21,300, depending on their group's size. Deputy leaders, whips, and other support positions receive smaller amounts ranging from $1,500 to $27,000. These allowances increase annually based on the index of wage increases in the private sector with large bargaining units. 2. **Consultation on Officer Appointments**: It requires that Senate leaders and recognized party/group leaders be consulted before the Governor in Council appoints certain officers of Parliament, including the Senate Ethics Officer, Information Commissioner, Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, Commissioner of Official Languages, Commissioner of Lobbying, and Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. Similar consultation requirements apply to appointments under other legislation related to parliamentary review committees and national security bodies. 3. **Committee Membership**: It allows the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and leaders or facilitators of recognized Senate parties or groups to change the membership of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration. The bill comes into force on a date to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council, but only after Parliament has appropriated money for the purpose of the bill.
- Establishes additional annual allowances for senators holding leadership positions, ranging from $1,500 to $90,500 per year, effective July 1, 2022
- Indexes these allowances annually based on wage growth in the private sector's large bargaining units
- Requires the Governor in Council to consult with Senate leaders before appointing the Senate Ethics Officer, Information Commissioner, Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, Commissioner of Official Languages, Commissioner of Lobbying, and Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
- Requires consultation with Senate leaders before appointing Senate members to the National Security and Intelligence Committee
- Allows Senate party and group leaders to change the membership of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
- Expands consultation requirements to include leaders of recognized Senate parties and parliamentary groups in addition to government and opposition leaders
- Makes related amendments to the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act to include the new Senate allowances in the definition of 'annual allowance'
- Senators holding leadership positions (leaders and deputy leaders of government, opposition, and recognized Senate parties or groups)
- Senators holding support positions (whips, liaisons, caucus chairs, and deputy whips)
- The Governor in Council (when appointing officers of Parliament)
- The Prime Minister (when appointing Senate members to national security committees)
- Officers of Parliament including the Senate Ethics Officer, Information Commissioner, Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, Commissioner of Official Languages, Commissioner of Lobbying, and Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
- Parliament (which must appropriate funds for the allowance increases)
- The Governor in Council must consult with Senate leaders before appointing various officers of Parliament (Senate Ethics Officer, Information Commissioner, Auditor General, Privacy Commissioner, Commissioner of Official Languages, Commissioner of Lobbying, and Public Sector Integrity Commissioner)
- The Prime Minister must consult with Senate leaders before appointing Senate members to the National Security and Intelligence Committee
- Senate party and group leaders, along with the government and opposition leaders, may change the membership of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
- Senators in leadership positions are entitled to receive the specified additional annual allowances
- The allowances are indexed annually if the senator continues to hold the position
- July 1, 2022: Senate leadership allowances become effective
- March 31, 2023 onwards: Indexed allowance increases apply for fiscal years after this date, adjusted annually based on private sector wage growth
- Date to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council: The bill comes into force (contingent on Parliament appropriating funds)
- New annual salary costs for Senate leadership positions ranging from $1,500 to $90,500 per position, effective July 1, 2022
- Annual adjustments to these allowances based on the index of wage increases in the private sector for large bargaining units
- The bill cannot come into force until Parliament appropriates moneys for these purposes
- The bill does not specify which order of the Governor in Council will set the commencement date
- The bill text does not explain what 'recognized party or parliamentary group in the Senate' means or how recognition is determined
- The bill is silent on whether the consultation requirement for officer appointments gives Senate leaders veto power or is merely advisory
- The bill text does not clarify how the annual indexing adjustment is applied if the index is negative or zero
- The bill does not specify what happens if there are fewer than three recognized parties or groups in the Senate
- It is unclear how the bill affects senators who change or leave their leadership positions during a fiscal year
Changes to Senate leadership positions, allowances, consultation requirements, and committee membership powers
Source: Sections 1-6
Definition of 'annual allowance' is updated to include the new Senate leadership allowances under section 62.4 of the Parliament of Canada Act
Source: Section 7
Information Commissioner appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 8
Auditor General appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 9
Privacy Commissioner appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 10
Commissioner of Official Languages appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 12
Commissioner of Lobbying appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 13
Public Sector Integrity Commissioner appointments now require consultation with Senate leaders in addition to House leaders
Source: Section 14
Parliamentary Review Committee membership expanded to include Senate party leaders and facilitators
Source: Section 11
Appointment of Senate members requires consultation with Senate party leaders in addition to the Prime Minister
Source: Section 15
Board chair selection requirements now include consultation with Senate party leaders and facilitators
Source: Section 16
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 textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A legislative summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. On 30 April 2021, Sen. Marc Gold introduced Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts, in the Senate and it was given first reading. Bill S-4 amends the Parliament of Canada Act and makes consequential and related amendments to other Acts to, among other things, (a) change the additional annual allowances that are paid to senators who occupy certain positions so that the government’s representatives and the Opposition in the Senate are eligible for the allowances for five positions each and the three other recognized parties or parliamentary groups in the Senate with the greatest number of members are eligible for the allowances for four positions each; (b) provide that the Leader of the Government in the Senate or Government Representative in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and the Leader or Facilitator of every other recognized party or parliamentary group in the Senate are to be consulted on the appointment of certain officers and agents of Parliament; and (c) provide that the Leader of the Government in the Senate or Government Representative in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and the Leader or Facilitator of every other recognized party or parliamentary group in the Senate may change the membership of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and related acts, completed its first reading in the Senate on April 30, 2021, and went through subsequent readings and a procedural motion before awaiting first reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-4 in the Senate, which occurred on April 30, 2021. It also outlines the subsequent stages of the bill in the Senate, including second reading on May 6, 2021, and third reading on May 27 and June 1, 2021. A specific procedural motion was adopted on May 25, 2021, to regulate the Committee of the Whole consideration of the bill's subject matter on May 27, 2021. This motion set specific times for the sitting, the committee's commencement and duration, allowed for the attendance of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and officials, and governed the speaking time for senators and witnesses. The bill has since moved to the House of Commons for first reading.
On April 30, 2021, the Senate introduced Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act, and conducted other Senate business.
This record details a sitting of the Senate on April 30, 2021. During this sitting, Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts, was introduced and received first reading. The sitting also included Senators' Statements on various topics, procedural motions, and discussions during Question Period covering issues such as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Canada-China relations, and Indigenous housing.
The Senate completed its Second Reading stage for Bill S-4 on May 26, 2021, following specific procedural arrangements for a subsequent committee review.
On May 26, 2021, the Senate's Second Reading stage for Bill S-4 was completed. The record indicates that a special motion was adopted on May 25, 2021, to manage the proceedings for the Committee of the Whole consideration of the bill's subject matter on May 27, 2021. This motion set specific timings for the sitting, the start of the committee, the duration of the committee's work (maximum 95 minutes), the appearance of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and officials, limits on introductory remarks, the possibility of yielding unused speaking time, and the adjournment time. The second reading itself occurred on May 6, 2021, with speeches from the sponsor and several other senators.
On May 6, 2021, the Senate held a sitting that included discussions on Bill S-4 regarding Senate modernization, a point of order regarding committee appointments, and debates on various bills and issues including judicial training, and COVID-19 related matters, concluding with Royal Assent for several bills.
This record details a Senate sitting on May 6, 2021, which included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. Several bills were discussed, including Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act, which aims to update the Act to better reflect the Senate's current multi-group reality and more partisan role. Senators debated Bill C-3, regarding amendments to the Judges Act and Criminal Code, and considered amendments proposed by Senator Boisvenu concerning mandatory judicial training on domestic violence. A point of order was raised by Senator Plett concerning remarks made by Senator Dalphond regarding committee appointments. The sitting also addressed inquiries on various topics, including COVID-19 vaccine rollout, pandemic supplies, international aid, anti-Asian racism, the position of the Governor General, access to safe drinking water, compensation for dairy farmers, and the budget's impact on employment insurance zones in Prince Edward Island. Royal Assent was given to several bills, including Bill C-3 and Bill C-14.
In the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-4, Senator Peter Harder explained the bill's purpose to legislate the Senate's current multi-group structure and move towards less partisanship, with other senators generally supporting its aim to reflect the evolving reality of the chamber.
This is a record of the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-4. Senator Peter Harder sponsored the bill, explaining that it aims to update the Parliament of Canada Act to align with the Senate's current operational reality and its move towards being less partisan and more independent. He noted that the bill would provide legislative recognition to the new groups that have formed within the Senate, such as the Independent Senators Group, Canadian Senators Group, and Progressive Senate Group, by allowing their leaders official roles and commensurate allowances. The bill also proposes changes to how leaders of recognized groups are consulted on appointments to key parliamentary offices and committees, and amends the Emergencies Act to ensure representation from these groups on review committees. The debate included discussions from Senators Yuen Pau Woo, Jane Cordy, and Donald Neil Plett, who, despite some reservations about the extent of non-partisanship, generally supported the bill's aim to reflect the Senate's current multi-group structure and provide fairness. The debate was adjourned after Senator Plett's remarks, indicating that further discussion would take place.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-4, a motion was adopted to convene a Committee of the Whole to discuss the bill's subject matter, alongside other procedural and debate items.
On May 25, 2021, the Senate debated Bill S-4, "An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts." The debate at second reading was continued. Additionally, the Senate adopted a motion to affect Thursday's sitting to resolve into a Committee of the Whole to consider the subject matter of Bill S-4. This committee was scheduled to hear from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, accompanied by officials, and was allocated a maximum of 95 minutes. The Senate also dealt with other matters including senators' statements on various topics, the first reading of several bills, and ongoing debates on other legislative items. Notably, a point of order was raised and argued, with the Speaker reserving a ruling. The sitting concluded with the Senate adjourning.
The Senate debated Bill S-4 at second reading, focusing on preserving the roles of government and opposition and the importance of consensus in Senate rule changes, while also addressing various other national and international issues.
On May 26, 2021, the Senate held its second reading debate on Bill S-4, an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act. The debate focused on preserving the roles of government and opposition within the Senate, and the principle of achieving Senate rule changes through consensus. The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Plett, spoke in support of the bill, arguing it upholds these principles and acknowledges the existing structure of the Senate. Other Senate business included statements on Asian Heritage Month, tributes to individuals, and discussions on international trade, health, foreign investment, the opioid crisis, constitutional matters, and the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. The Senate also introduced a bill to amend the Investment Canada Act and tabled a report from a parliamentary association.
The Senate concluded its third reading of Bill S-4 after adopting a procedural motion to manage the consideration of the bill's subject matter.
The Senate completed the third reading stage for Bill S-4 on June 1, 2021. Prior to this, on May 25, 2021, the Senate adopted a motion to manage the proceedings for the Committee of the Whole consideration of the bill's subject matter. This motion set specific timings for the sitting, including when the committee would meet, its maximum duration, who would attend as witnesses (the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and officials), limits on introductory remarks, provisions for yielding speaking time, and an adjournment deadline.
The Senate held a Committee of the Whole to discuss Bill S-4, which aims to update the Parliament of Canada Act to reflect the Senate's current structure and recognized groups, followed by an adjournment of the third reading debate for the bill.
On May 27, 2021, the Senate completed its third reading stage for Bill S-4. This involved a Committee of the Whole meeting where the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, discussed the bill's purpose and implications with senators. The bill aims to update the Parliament of Canada Act to reflect the current reality of the Senate, including the formation of new non-partisan groups. It seeks to extend official recognition to these groups, ensuring they have a role in Senate governance and the parliamentary appointments process. Senators engaged in discussions about the bill's provisions, the role of partisanship in the Senate, the proposed commencement date, and the future of Senate modernization. Following this, the Senate adjourned, and later, the debate on Bill S-4 at third reading was adjourned. The sitting also included discussions on various other matters, including the opioid crisis, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, the late John Gomery, transition housing for veterans, the RCMP anniversary, and the late Jin Soo (Steven) Lee. Routine proceedings included tabling of reports and authorization for committees to study estimates. Question Period covered topics such as COVID-19 vaccine rollout, softwood lumber, port governance, long-term care, mandatory isolation for temporary foreign workers, the national housing strategy, and Canada-China relations.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-4, senators discussed its potential impact on the role of the official opposition and the modernization of Senate governance, before the bill was passed.
On June 1, 2021, the Senate of Canada convened for its third reading debate on Bill S-4, an act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act. While the debate record covers various Senate proceedings, the specific discussion on Bill S-4 involved Senator Denise Batters expressing concerns that the bill would diminish the role of the official opposition by granting equal powers to independent senator groups and introduce new, undefined terms into parliamentary tradition. Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain spoke in support of the bill, highlighting its role in updating Senate governance to reflect current realities and promote fairness and equity among all senators. The bill was ultimately passed, with the Senate resolving into a Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act, has completed its Senate stages and is awaiting first reading in the House of Commons, with procedural details from its Senate passage outlined.
This record indicates that Bill S-4 has passed its first reading in the Senate and is awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons. The artifact details the procedural steps taken in the Senate, including a specific motion passed on May 25, 2021, to expedite the committee of the whole consideration of the bill's subject matter. This motion set a specific timeline and format for receiving the Minister and officials to discuss the bill. The record also lists key dates for Senate readings and speeches associated with the bill.
Bill S-4, an Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and related Acts, has not yet reached Second Reading in the House of Commons, having previously passed through various stages in the Senate.
This artifact describes the status and process of Bill S-4 in the House of Commons. The bill has not yet reached the Second Reading stage in the House of Commons. The summary outlines the bill's progression through the Senate, including its first, second, and third readings, and a specific procedural motion passed in the Senate to expedite consideration of the bill's subject matter in a Committee of the Whole. It also lists the dates of these events and mentions key speeches given during the Senate's Second Reading.
Bill S-4 is awaiting committee consideration in the House of Commons, having completed its stages in the Senate.
This record describes the stage of Bill S-4 in the House of Commons where it is awaiting consideration in committee. It indicates that this stage has not yet been reached. The record also details the bill's progress in the Senate, including its third reading on June 1, 2021, and a specific motion passed by the Senate on May 25, 2021, to manage the Committee of the Whole proceedings on the bill's subject matter.
Bill S-4, a Senate bill, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, with its latest activity being third reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-4 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill is currently at the Report stage but this stage has not yet been reached. The latest activity noted is the third reading in the Senate on June 1, 2021. The House of Commons has not yet considered this bill at the Report stage. The text also includes procedural details from the Senate concerning a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the subject matter of Bill S-4, including specific timings, who would attend, and time limits for remarks and debate.
The "House of Commons Third reading" stage for Bill S-4 has not yet been reached, with the bill currently awaiting first reading in the House of Commons after having undergone third reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of "House of Commons Third reading" for Bill S-4. However, the stage "Not reached" indicates that this step in the legislative process has not yet occurred in the House of Commons. The provided text details the bill's status as a Senate bill awaiting first reading in the House of Commons and outlines past activities like first and second readings, as well as third reading in the Senate. It also includes a specific motion adopted by the Senate on May 25, 2021, which set out rules for a Committee of the Whole to consider the subject matter of Bill S-4.
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