Bill S-230 explained in plain English
An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 45th 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-230 would establish a national soil health strategy requiring federal collaboration, public consultation, and regular reporting to Parliament.
Bill S-230 would create a national strategy to protect, conserve, and improve soil health in Canada. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food would lead the development of this strategy, working with other federal ministers, provinces, territories, and stakeholders. A public consultation process is required. The strategy would include targets, timelines, and resources for soil health initiatives. A National Advocate for Soil Health would be appointed to oversee implementation. The strategy must be reported to Parliament within two years of the bill becoming law, with subsequent reports every three years. A national soil information system would also be developed.
- Creates a National Strategy for Soil Health under the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Requires collaboration with federal ministers, provinces, territories, and stakeholders
- Mandates public consultation for strategy development
- Establishes a National Advocate for Soil Health with specific responsibilities
- Requires reporting to Parliament on strategy implementation and outcomes
- Mandates development of a national soil information system
- Sets a two-year deadline for initial strategy reporting
- Requires triennial (every three years) reviews and reports
- Federal ministers
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Agricultural stakeholders
- Landowners
- Environmental organizations
- Parliament
- The exact responsibilities of the National Advocate for Soil Health are not fully detailed in the provided text
- Specific criteria for the national soil information system are not outlined
- The exact scope of 'public consultation' is not defined
- Implementation timelines for specific initiatives are not detailed
The strategy would work with existing federal-agricultural programs and agreements
The strategy would align with international soil health standards
The strategy would require coordination with provincial and territorial governments
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
The Senate completed the first reading of Bill S-230 on June 10, 2025, marking its initial procedural step in the legislative process before advancing to the House of Commons for second reading.
The Senate completed its first reading of Bill S-230 on June 10, 2025. This procedural step marked the bill's initial introduction to the Senate. The bill, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, is now progressing to the second reading stage in the House of Commons. Key procedural milestones include a Senate pre-study on June 10, 2025, and subsequent stages such as second reading (June 12, 2025), committee consideration (February 3–26, 2026), and report stage (March 24, 2026). The sponsor, Senator Robert Black, delivered a speech during the Senate first reading, and Senator Salma Ataullahjan provided a response speech during the second reading. The bill was placed in the House of Commons Order of Precedence on April 22, 2026, advancing to second reading in the House.
The Senate debated issues related to child benefits, sterilization consent, and a private insurance merger bill, with discussions on policy implementation and ethical considerations.
The Senate debate focused on several key issues. First, the Hon. David M. Wells raised concerns about the Canada Child Benefit and Canada Child Tax Credit, emphasizing the need for clarity in implementation. The Hon. Scott Tannas responded by highlighting the government's efforts to improve the system. Later, the debate shifted to Bill S-228, which addresses sterilization without consent, with senators discussing its implications for vulnerable populations. A private bill, S-1001, was also debated, involving a merger of insurance companies. Senator Tannas declared a private interest in this bill. Finally, a motion was proposed to refer certain documents to the Ethics Committee for review.
Bill S-230 completed its Senate second reading stage on November 20, 2025, with major speeches delivered in October and November 2025, and the bill now proceeds to committee review and further parliamentary stages.
Bill S-230, which proposes a national strategy for soil health, completed its Senate second reading stage on November 20, 2025. The Senate second reading was initially scheduled for June 12, 2025, with major speeches delivered on October 2, October 28, and November 20, 2025. The bill was placed in the House of Commons Order of Precedence on April 22, 2026, indicating it is now ready for further consideration in the House. The next procedural steps include committee review, report stage, and third reading in the Senate, followed by potential House of Commons proceedings. The sponsor, Senator Robert Black (Canadian Senators Group), delivered a speech on November 20, 2025, and Senator Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative) responded during the same sitting.
On June 12, 2025, the Senate debated agricultural policy and supply management reforms, with no bills passed and a motion to adjourn the session.
On June 12, 2025, the Senate debated several bills and motions. Key topics included: 1. Bill C-202 (Supply Management): Senators discussed its impact on small farms, with emphasis on protecting Canadian producers from U.S. market volatility. The Bloc Québécois and Quebec's National Assembly supported the bill, citing its role in maintaining price stability for dairy and poultry sectors. A motion to adjourn the Senate was passed, with the next sitting scheduled for June 17, 2025. 2. Bill C-282 (Food Security): Debate focused on soil degradation and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Senators referenced a Food and Agriculture Organization report highlighting the urgency of addressing soil health. 3. Procedural Actions: The Senate adjourned for the day, with no votes recorded. No bills were passed in the Senate on this date. The debates emphasized agricultural policy, supply management, and environmental sustainability, with no legal changes enacted during this session.
The Senate debated and adopted a motion to protect Canada's supply management system for dairy, poultry, and eggs, while discussing separate proposals to strengthen soil health and agricultural trade policies.
The Senate debated several bills on June 12, 2025, focusing on agricultural policy. Key topics included: 1. Bill C-202 (soil health): A motion to amend the Agriculture Act to establish a national soil health strategy. The debate emphasized the importance of soil for food security, climate resilience, and long-term agricultural planning. Supporters highlighted the need for government-led initiatives and collaboration with stakeholders. 2. Bill C-202 (supply management): A motion to protect Canada's supply management system for dairy, poultry, and eggs. The discussion centered on maintaining food security, supporting small-scale farmers, and countering large corporate imports. Quebec's support for the system was noted, with references to international trade agreements like CUSMA. 3. Bill C-282: A separate motion to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to strengthen supply management. The debate included arguments about balancing domestic interests with global trade obligations. The Senate adopted the motion for Bill C-202 (supply management) unanimously, reflecting cross-party support for protecting Canada's agricultural system.
The Senate debate transcript includes discussions on environmental protection bills, Indigenous cultural heritage, Arab Heritage Month, soil health strategies, and committee authorizations for various studies.
The Senate debate transcript covers multiple bills and motions. Key topics include: 1) Bill S-227 (Arab Heritage Month) - second reading motion. 2) Bill S-226 (Indigenous cultural heritage protection) - discussion on national strategy and Indigenous collaboration. 3) Bill S-225 (environmental protection) - focus on federal government's role. 4) Bill S-224 (Great Lakes protection) - need for stakeholder collaboration. 5) Bill S-223 (Arctic protection) - national strategy importance. 6) Bill S-222 (ocean protection) - national strategy and stakeholder involvement. 7) Bill S-221 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 8) Bill S-220 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 9) Bill S-219 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 10) Bill S-218 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 11) Bill S-217 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 12) Bill S-216 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 13) Bill S-215 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 14) Bill S-214 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 15) Bill S-213 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 16) Bill S-212 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 17) Bill S-211 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 18) Bill S-210 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 19) Bill S-209 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 20) Bill S-208 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 21) Bill S-207 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 22) Bill S-206 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 23) Bill S-205 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 24) Bill S-204 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 25) Bill S-203 (environmental protection) - federal government's role. 26) Bill S-202 (environmental protection) - national strategy. 27) Bill S-227 (Arab Heritage Month) - second reading motion. 28) Bill S-230 (soil health strategy) - importance of soil health and balancing economic development. 29) Bill S-230 (soil health strategy) - balancing economic development with soil preservation. 30) Authorization of committees to study social affairs, legal matters, and AI. 31) Inquiry into Canadian news media's future and funding models.
The Senate debated amendments to the Indian Act, aquaculture in BC, Gaza humanitarian issues, and Indigenous child removals, with ministers emphasizing consultation and senators highlighting systemic inequities.
The Senate debates on October 28, 2025, focused on several key topics: (1) amendments to the Indian Act to address gender-based discrimination and the second-generation cut-off, (2) aquaculture development in British Columbia and its impact on Indigenous communities, (3) the humanitarian situation in Gaza, (4) the establishment of committees to study Indigenous rights and consultation processes, and (5) historical and ongoing issues related to the forcible removal of Indigenous children. The minister of Indigenous Affairs emphasized consultation with First Nations and the importance of balancing legal obligations with economic development, while senators raised concerns about systemic inequities and the need for legislative action. No votes or formal decisions were recorded in the provided text.
The Senate debated Bill S-230 during its November 20, 2025 sitting, with a focus on soil health and its broader implications for human rights, economics, and the environment, referencing a Senate report titled 'Critical Ground'.
During the Senate's sitting on November 20, 2025, the second reading of Bill S-230 was debated. Senator Salma Ataullahjan commended the bill for addressing soil health, linking it to human rights, economic stability, and environmental protection. She referenced a Senate report titled 'Critical Ground' which emphasizes the importance of soil as a foundational resource. The debate focused on the bill's potential to establish frameworks for soil conservation and sustainable land management. No votes or final outcomes were recorded at this stage.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-230, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, Senator Salma Ataullahjan commended the bill's introduction, calling it long overdue. S
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-230, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, Senator Salma Ataullahjan commended the bill's introduction, calling it long overdue. She emphasized the critical link between soil health and human rights, noting that degraded soils lead to hunger, water quality issues, and conflicts disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Ataullahjan referenced a Senate report highlighting soil's essential role in economic, environmental, and social health, stressing its importance as vital as air and water. The debate continued as part of the second reading process, with no final legislative action taken at this stage.
Bill S-230's Senate consideration in committee occurred between February and March 2026, with procedural steps and speeches documented, but the bill remains at second reading in the House of Commons.
Bill S-230, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, is currently at second reading in the House of Commons. In the Senate, the bill underwent consideration in committee from February 3 to March 12, 2026, during sittings 10, 36, and others. Key procedural dates include: first reading (June 10, 2025), second reading (June 12, 2025), report stage (March 24, 2026), and third reading (March 26, 2026). The Senate placed the bill in the Order of Precedence on April 22, 2026. Major speeches included a sponsor’s speech by Senator Robert Black (Canadian Senators Group) on November 20, 2025, and a response by Senator Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative) on October 28, 2025. This record reflects procedural steps and does not represent the full bill text or legal changes.
On March 12, 2026, the Canadian Senate debated bills including S-214, S-217, S-241, and C-14, with motions to refer bills to committees and discussions about criminal justice reforms and their impact on marginalized communities.
On March 12, 2026, the Senate of Canada debated several bills and motions. Key activities included: 1. Bill S-214: A motion to refer the bill to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee was agreed to. The bill's purpose is not specified in the text. 2. Bill S-217: The bill was passed on third reading, indicating it has completed most stages of Senate review. The bill's subject matter is not detailed in the provided text. 3. Bill S-241: A motion to refer the bill to both the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the Indigenous Peoples Committee was agreed to. The bill's content is not specified in the text. 4. Bill C-14: A detailed debate occurred about the bill's potential impact on marginalized communities. A senator raised concerns about the bill's provisions, citing a personal story involving Michelle Lenius, a woman who experienced systemic issues with bail and sentencing practices. The senator argued for alternative approaches to criminal justice reform. 5. Committee Referrals: Several bills were referred to committees for further review, indicating the Senate is preparing to analyze their details in more depth. The debates reflect ongoing discussions about legal reforms, Indigenous rights, and criminal justice policies. The official text for these proceedings is available at the provided URL.
Bill S-230 completed its Senate Report stage on March 24, 2026, after undergoing committee review and key speeches, and is now at second reading in the House of Commons.
Bill S-230, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, reached the Senate's Report stage on March 24, 2026. This stage involved reviewing and potentially amending the bill before it proceeds to third reading in the Senate. The bill was previously introduced in the Senate on June 10, 2025, with a first reading, followed by second reading debates on June 12, 2025. It underwent committee consideration from February to March 2026, with key speeches delivered on October 2, 2025, and November 20, 2025. The Senate's Report stage was completed on March 24, 2026, after which the bill moved to third reading. The bill is currently at second reading in the House of Commons, with its next scheduled step being a first reading in the Senate on April 22, 2026.
The Senate on March 24, 2026, advanced Bill C-15, debated financial inclusion initiatives, and addressed procedural concerns about bill accessibility during its session.
On March 24, 2026, the Senate held a session featuring several key legislative and procedural activities. The National Finance Committee reported on Bill C-15, which was then referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. A motion to establish an Independent Military Honours Review Board was adopted, marking a procedural milestone. The Senate also debated the role of the Desjardins Group in promoting financial inclusion, with a focus on its international work through the Development and Innovation Division (DID) and its impact on climate resilience. The First Reading of Bill C-23, the Appropriation Act, was announced, followed by a Second Reading debate outlining funding allocations for departments like National Defence, Treasury Board, Canada Post, and Indigenous Services, as well as CBC modernization and Coast Guard security. A Point of Order raised concerns about the availability of the bill text, prompting a discussion on procedural transparency and access to legislative documents.
The Senate completed its third reading of Bill S-230 on March 26, 2026, but the bill remains at second reading in the House of Commons.
The Senate completed its third reading of Bill S-230 on March 26, 2026. This procedural step marked the final stage of the bill's consideration in the Senate before it proceeds to the House of Commons for further stages. The bill, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, had previously passed its first and second readings in the Senate in 2025. The third reading was completed without further amendments, but the bill remains at second reading in the House of Commons as of the latest update.
This Senate debate transcript from June 20, 2023, discusses Bill C-210, focusing on mental health and learning disabilities support, with speeches available at the provided official text URL.
The provided text is a Senate debate transcript from June 20, 2023, discussing Bill C-210, the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Act. The debate includes speeches by Senators highlighting the bill's focus on improving mental health and learning disabilities support in Canada. The official text of the debate is available at the provided URL.
Bill S-230 completed its first reading in the House of Commons on April 22, 2026, marking the start of its legislative journey but not establishing its legal content.
Bill S-230, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on April 22, 2026. This procedural step involved placing the bill in the Order of Precedence, a formal step to schedule it for further consideration. The bill is now at second reading in the House of Commons. The first reading itself does not alter the law or establish the bill's content, as it is merely a formal stage in the legislative process.
The text details parliamentary discussions on bills related to Indigenous self-government and rights, including procedural motions and debate themes without final legislative outcomes.
The provided text contains parliamentary records from the House of Commons, including discussions about bills and procedural motions. Key elements include debates on Bill C-21 (Métis self-government recognition) and Bill C-234 (proposed legislation on Indigenous rights). The text includes procedural details like motions to adjourn, committee references, and voting intentions, but no final legislative outcomes are stated.
Bill S-230 is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons with no recorded activity, following prior stages including first reading, committee review, and Senate referral.
Bill S-230, which aims to develop a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation, and enhancement, is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest recorded activity was placing the bill in the Order of Precedence on April 22, 2026. Previous stages include a first reading on June 10, 2025, and a second reading on June 12, 2025, followed by committee consideration and report stages in early 2026. The bill was also referred to the Senate for pre-study on June 10, 2025. No procedural activity (such as debates or votes) was recorded during the current second reading stage. Major speeches related to the bill occurred in October and November 2025, and the Senate received the bill on June 12, 2025. This record reflects procedural steps, not the full legal text of the bill.
Bill S-230, concerning a national strategy for soil health, has progressed through first reading, second reading, and committee consideration in the House of Commons, and has moved to the Senate.
This record shows the procedural stages of Bill S-230 in the House of Commons. The bill is currently at the 'Second Reading' stage. It has had its first reading, second reading debates, and has been scheduled for committee consideration. It has also passed report stage and third reading in the House of Commons and has proceeded to the Senate. Specific dates for these stages, including committee meetings, report stage, and third reading, are listed.
This record outlines the procedural steps and dates for Bill S-230 through the House of Commons, noting that the Report stage has not yet occurred.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of Bill S-230, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for soil health protection, conservation and enhancement, within the House of Commons. It indicates that the Report stage has not yet been reached. The record lists the dates when the bill was introduced, read for the first and second times, considered in committee, and when major speeches were made during the second reading. It also notes that the bill has proceeded to first reading in the Senate and lists the sponsor and a respondent. The artifact does not contain the full text of the bill or detail the specific outcomes of any debates or votes.
Bill S-230, related to a national soil health strategy, has not yet undergone third reading in the House of Commons, with its procedural progression outlined through various stages.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-230, concerning the development of a national strategy for soil health, has not yet reached the third reading stage in the House of Commons. The bill was placed in the Order of Precedence on April 22, 2026. Previous stages included first reading on June 10, 2025, and second reading on June 12, 2025, with major speeches delivered on various dates in October and November 2025. The bill was considered in committee from February to March 2026, followed by report stage on March 24, 2026. The actual third reading is scheduled for March 26, 2026. The bill was also introduced in the Senate.
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