Bill S-203 explained in plain English

On January 27, 2009, the Senate held its first reading for Bill S-203, an Act to amend the Business Development Bank of Canada Act concerning municipal infrastructure bonds. The Senate also conducted other business, including tributes, statements on international events and domestic issues, tabling of documents, and a series of first readings for various other bills. The sitting concluded with the adjournment of the debate on the Speech from the Throne.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting on February 4, 2009. The sitting included statements by senators on various topics, routine proceedings where new bills were introduced, question period where senators debated government policies on issues like child care and social housing, and orders of the day where debates on other bills and inquiries continued. A significant procedural event was a point of order raised regarding Bill S-203, concerning the Business Development Bank of Canada Act, which the Speaker reserved judgment on. The debate on Bill S-203, concerning municipal infrastructure bonds, was initiated and then adjourned after a lengthy discussion and questions from senators. Debates and adjournments also occurred for other bills, including those related to World Autism Awareness Day and sustainable development.

On February 4, 2009, the Senate of Canada held its second reading debate for Bill S-203, an act to amend the Business Development Bank of Canada Act concerning municipal infrastructure bonds. The debate was interrupted by a point of order raised by Senator Nolin, who questioned whether the bill, by proposing tax exemptions, constituted an appropriation of public funds. The Speaker reserved judgment on this point of order. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Grafstein, explained that the bill aimed to create a new financial tool for cities to fund infrastructure renewal through tax-exempt bonds, facilitated by the Business Development Bank of Canada. He argued this would encourage investment, improve economic efficiency, and provide a mechanism for greater municipal accountability. Senator Murray raised concerns about potential market crowding and revenue loss for the federal treasury. Senator Nolin further questioned the process of issuing tax exemptions through an amendment to the Business Development Bank of Canada Act rather than the Income Tax Act, and suggested the bill might be an appropriation of funds. The Speaker ultimately reserved his ruling on the point of order, stating that each point of order is unique.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting on February 24, 2009. The sitting included various procedural activities such as tabling reports, giving notices of motions, and debates on several bills and inquiries. Specifically related to Bill S-203, the sitting included a Speaker's ruling on a point of order raised about whether the bill required a Royal Recommendation. The Speaker ruled that Bill S-203 did not require a Royal Recommendation and that debate could continue.

On March 4, 2009, the Senate held its second reading debate for Bill S-203. The debate was continued, meaning it was not completed on this day and would be resumed at a later date. Other Senate business included tributes, tabling of reports, and notices of motions regarding various committee studies and other bills. The Senate also debated and adopted a motion to extend its sitting beyond the usual adjournment time to allow committees to meet and to receive messages from the House of Commons.

On May 6, 2009, the Senate debated Bill S-203, an Act to amend the Business Development Bank of Canada Act concerning municipal infrastructure bonds. During the second reading debate, Senator Stephen Greene argued against the bill, stating it would not significantly reduce financing costs for municipalities and that the Business Development Bank of Canada lacks the capacity to oversee infrastructure projects. He highlighted existing government infrastructure funding programs like the Building Canada Plan and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund as more effective. Senator Jerahmiel S. Grafstein, who introduced the bill, responded that the government is always looking for new solutions and asked if it would be opportune to consider other means to expand infrastructure investment. Following the debate, the bill was read a second time on division and referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.

This record details a Senate proceeding on May 6, 2009. While the main focus of the provided text is on various debates and statements by senators on diverse topics such as recognizing an individual hero, supporting the "Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign," acknowledging Asian Heritage Month, and addressing issues like student debt and unemployment initiatives, it also includes procedural steps for several bills. Specifically, Bill S-203, concerning amendments to the Business Development Bank of Canada Act regarding municipal infrastructure bonds, was read a second time and referred to committee. Other bills mentioned include those related to human pathogens, the Canada Pension Plan, the Fisheries Act, the Indian Oil and Gas Act, the Library and Archives of Canada Act, and the Canada Elections Act and Parliament of Canada Act. The record also captures a significant debate regarding the proper use of "Senators' Statements" for partisan versus non-partisan discussions.