Bill S-246 explained in plain English
An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service
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-246 establishes a national framework to define and recognize wartime service for Canadian military personnel through objective criteria, stakeholder consultations, and parliamentary reporting requirements.
Bill S-246 creates a national framework to define and recognize wartime service for Canadian military personnel. It requires the federal government to develop objective criteria for designating military operations as wartime service, consult with stakeholders, and report to Parliament. The framework would establish rules for identifying which operations qualify as wartime service, with specific factors like risk levels, operational intensity, and exposure to injury. A public list of designated operations would be maintained.
- Creates a national framework for defining and recognizing wartime service
- Requires the Minister to develop objective criteria for designating military operations as wartime service
- Mandates consultations with veterans' groups, experts, and stakeholders
- Requires reporting to Parliament on framework development and implementation
- Establishes procedures for designating operations as wartime service through orders
- Creates a public consolidated list of Canadian Armed Forces operations
- Federal government (Minister of National Defence)
- Canadian Armed Forces personnel
- Veterans' organizations
- Parliament (House of Commons and Senate)
- Stakeholders and experts consulted during framework development
- The specific criteria for designating operations as wartime service are not fully detailed in the text
- The exact process for stakeholder consultations is not specified
- The final implementation details of the national framework are to be determined by the government
Designation orders under this bill are not subject to the Statutory Instruments Act's requirements
Affects how wartime service designations may be used in legal contexts
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-246's first reading in the Senate on April 16, 2026, formally introduced the bill, which is now advancing to the second reading stage for further discussion.
Bill S-246, titled 'An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service,' underwent its first reading in the Senate on April 16, 2026. This stage marked the formal introduction of the bill to the Senate chamber, where it was acknowledged but not debated. The bill is now progressing to the second reading stage, scheduled for April 23, 2026, where detailed discussion and potential amendments will occur. A speech by the bill's sponsor, Hassan Yussuff (Independent Senators Group), is planned for the second reading but was not included in the first reading record. The bill is currently under consideration by a Senate committee.
The Senate session on April 16, 2026, included discussions on bills related to glioma awareness, physical activity, immigrant contributions, RCMP reforms, and hate crime legislation, alongside personal stories and historical context on multicultural policies.
During the Senate sitting on April 16, 2026, several bills and inquiries were discussed. Bill S-244, which designates May 17 as a glioma awareness day, was mentioned. A debate on the role of physical activity and sport in communities included personal anecdotes from Senator Aucoin about Cape Breton. An inquiry on immigrants' contributions to Canada's growth was highlighted, with historical context on multicultural policies and past failures like restricting Black immigration and internment of Japanese Canadians. Bill S-223 and S-224 related to the RCMP and Director of Public Prosecutions Acts were discussed, with adjournment motions for certain bills. The inquiry on immigrants' role included a personal story from Senator Boudreau. A segment on the Next Generation of Canadian Leaders program and mentorship was also mentioned. The discussion touched on hate crimes and the need for legislation against them.
The Senate completed the second reading of Bill S-246 on April 23, 2026, advancing it to committee consideration, with a sponsor's speech delivered by Senator Hassan Yussuff.
This record documents the Senate's second reading of Bill S-246, which proposes legislation to recognize wartime service. The bill was referred to a committee for further consideration on May 5, 2026, following its second reading on April 23, 2026. During the second reading, Senator Hassan Yussuff (Independent Senators Group) delivered a speech outlining the bill's purpose. This stage is a procedural step in the legislative process and does not itself alter the law. For detailed debate content, refer to the official source.
The Senate debated cybersecurity legislation (Bill C-8), wartime service recognition (Bill S-246), and AI development, focusing on legal rights, national security, and the need for proactive regulation to balance innovation with cultural and ethical considerations.
The Senate debate focused on three main topics: cybersecurity legislation (Bill C-8), wartime service recognition (Bill S-246), and artificial intelligence (AI) development. For Bill C-8, senators discussed amendments to the Telecommunications Act and the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act (CCSPA), with concerns raised about warrantless searches and potential Charter rights violations. The motion to refer Bill C-8 to a committee was debated, alongside a motion to adjourn the Senate. Bill S-246 aimed to recognize wartime service, with emphasis on a national approach to honor veterans. The AI inquiry highlighted rapid technological growth, cultural implications, and the need for proactive regulation to protect cultural sovereignty. Senators called for the Senate to address AI's impact on innovation, rights, and societal values, citing examples like Václav Havel's quote on culture and state responsibility. The debate underscored tensions between technological advancement and legal, ethical, and cultural safeguards.
This text contains Senate procedural debates about adjournments and motions, with no substantive legislative content.
The provided text contains a series of Senate debate records from the Canadian Parliament, focusing on procedural discussions and motions. The debates include motions to adjourn, calls for orders, and procedural motions related to legislative business. No substantive legislative content or bill text is included in the discussion.
On May 5, 2026, the Senate debated bills related to veterans' benefits, wartime service recognition, ethics committee reforms, and the role of the Canadian Rangers, while also acknowledging Canada's participation in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
The Senate debate on May 5, 2026, focused on several key topics. Senators discussed the status of bills S-246 and S-247, which relate to veterans' benefits and wartime service recognition. There was also a motion to establish a special committee to review ethics committee membership changes. Additionally, the Senate addressed the role of the Canadian Rangers in northern communities and the importance of physical activity in Canadian society. A motion to recognize the contributions of wartime service members was debated, and the Senate acknowledged the significance of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games for Canada's sports community.
Bill S-246 completed its committee consideration in the Senate and is now at second reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-246, concerning the recognition of wartime service, completed its committee consideration stage in the Senate on June 2, 2026. The bill has since moved to the House of Commons and is currently at the second reading stage.
The Senate's National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee presented its Fifth Report on Bill S-246, "An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service," stating the bill had been examined and reported without amendment, after which it was scheduled for third reading.
On June 2, 2026, the Senate of Canada met. During the sitting, the Senate's National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee presented its Fifth Report concerning Bill S-246, "An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service." The committee reported that it had examined the bill and presented it without amendment. Following this, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting. The sitting also included other routine proceedings, statements by senators, question period, and debates on various other bills and reports.
Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service, completed third reading in the Senate and is now at second reading in the House of Commons.
This record details the procedural steps for Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service, within the Senate. It indicates that the bill completed its third reading in the Senate on June 4, 2026. Subsequently, the bill moved to the House of Commons, where it is currently at the second reading stage. The record also notes its first reading in the House of Commons on April 16, 2026, and its second reading on April 23, 2026. A major speech was delivered by Senator Hassan Yussuff during the Senate's second reading.
On June 4, 2026, the Senate debated and passed Bill C-9 (combatting hate act) with an amendment, passed Bill S-246 (wartime service recognition), and continued debate on other bills before adjourning.
The Senate convened on Thursday, June 4, 2026. After tributes to departing pages and statements on various topics including D-Day and National Health and Fitness Day, the Senate proceeded with Routine Proceedings. Several committee reports were tabled, and notices of motions were given regarding various bills. During Question Period, senators raised issues concerning francophone minority communities, the Canada Strong Fund, Canadian content, online streaming, outdoor recreation, competition policy, advisory councils on rights and inclusion, unemployed youth, accessibility, the Trail Regional Airport, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, and access to benefits. The Orders of the Day included debates and third readings of several bills, including Bill C-9 (combatting hate act), Bill C-8 (cyber security), and Bill S-246 (wartime service recognition). The Senate adopted an amendment to Bill C-9 to include the noose as a prohibited hate symbol. After considerable debate and a division, Bill C-9 was passed. Bill S-246 was also read a third time and passed after debate. The Senate then proceeded with the second reading debate of Bill S-213 (Canada Elections Act amendments) and Bill S-218 (amendments to the notwithstanding clause). Finally, a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, June 9, 2026, was adopted.
This record details the procedural progression of Bill S-246 through the House of Commons, including its first reading, second reading, committee review, and third reading, before its movement to the Senate.
This artifact shows the procedural steps Bill S-246 has taken in the House of Commons. The bill has completed its first reading, second reading, committee consideration, and third reading. It was then sent to the Senate. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest activity shown is that the bill was placed in the Order of Precedence on June 8, 2026.
The House of Commons conducted the first reading debate for Bill S-246, the Wartime Service Recognition Act, on June 8, 2026.
On June 8, 2026, the House of Commons held its first reading debate for Bill S-246, the Wartime Service Recognition Act. This event marks the initial stage where the bill is introduced and debated in the House. While the provided text details the proceedings and debates surrounding this stage, it does not contain information about the bill's potential impact on specific laws, the creation of new programs, or the establishment of new rights or obligations.
Bill S-246 is currently at the second reading stage in the House of Commons, with no specific activity recorded for this stage on June 8, 2026, but with a history of previous readings and upcoming committee work.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service, in the House of Commons. The bill is currently at the 'Second reading' stage. It was placed in the Order of Precedence on June 8, 2026. The artifact also notes that major speeches related to the second reading are available, and it outlines subsequent procedural steps like consideration in committee and third reading.
Bill S-246, concerning the recognition of wartime service, is currently at the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons, which has not yet occurred, with previous readings and future scheduled dates noted.
The provided text is a record of the legislative process for Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service. It indicates that the bill has reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet been reached. The text also outlines the bill's history, including its first reading on April 16, 2026, second reading on April 23, 2026, and its placement in the Order of Precedence on June 8, 2026. It notes that consideration in committee is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and third reading for June 4, 2026. The bill also had its first reading in the Senate on April 23, 2026.
Bill S-246, concerning the recognition of wartime service, is currently at the Report stage in the House of Commons, with this stage not yet having occurred, and its procedural history up to third reading is documented.
This artifact describes the legislative process for Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service. The bill has reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet occurred. The record shows the bill's progression through earlier stages, including first reading, second reading, committee consideration, and third reading in the House of Commons, as well as its introduction in the Senate. The latest activity recorded is its placement in the Order of Precedence on June 8, 2026.
Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service, has proceeded through first and second readings in the House of Commons and is awaiting its third reading, with committee consideration scheduled.
This artifact describes the procedural stages Bill S-246 has gone through or is scheduled to go through in the House of Commons. The bill has reached the stage of 'House of Commons Third reading', but this stage has not yet been reached. It was placed on the Order of Precedence on June 8, 2026. The bill had its first reading on April 16, 2026, and its second reading on April 23, 2026. It was considered in committee on June 2, 2026, and scheduled for third reading on June 4, 2026. The bill also had a sponsor's speech in the Senate on April 23, 2026.
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