Bill S-217 explained in plain English

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on January 27, 2009. During this sitting, Senators observed a moment of silence for fallen soldiers in Afghanistan. Several Senators made statements on topics including the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, the 40th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the UN Human Rights Council's resolution on the conflict in Gaza, and youth justice initiatives. Several bills were introduced and received first reading, including "An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day" (Bill S-217). There was also a notice of motion regarding the striking of a Special Committee on Aging, a notice of motion to authorize a study on credit and debit card systems, and notices of inquiry concerning Iran's nuclear capacity and the Treaty on Cluster Munitions. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to Question Period, focusing on the state of the economy and the government's handling of it, as well as the appointment process for senators. Finally, the Senate began consideration of the Speech from the Throne, with debate adjourned.

This artifact documents a sitting of the Senate on March 10, 2009. The sitting included a silent tribute to a fallen soldier, announcements about the Senate's official photograph, and various statements on topics such as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, International Women's Day, the situation in Afghanistan, and the Eastern Shore of Lake Winnipeg. Routine proceedings involved the presentation of committee reports and the first reading of several bills, including the National Cemetery of Canada Bill and a bill to amend the Bank of Canada Act. Question Period addressed issues like disenfranchised Canadian citizens, pay equity, violence against Aboriginal women, and overseas corporate responsibility. The Orders of the Day included debate on the Speech from the Throne, and second reading debates on bills related to the Criminal Code, Canada Elections Act, Parliament of Canada Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Canada Securities, and importantly, Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. The debate for Bill S-217 was adjourned.

This document is a record of the Senate proceedings on March 11, 2009. The main item related to Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was the continuation of the debate at the second reading stage. Senator Jerahmiel S. Grafstein spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting that it would establish November 15 as National Philanthropy Day to recognize the importance of charitable giving and volunteering in Canada. He explained that this recognition would encourage donations, build communities, and strengthen the partnership between the government and the voluntary sector. The debate was adjourned after his speech, meaning the bill did not move forward on this date. The rest of the proceedings included tributes to Senator Michel Biron, who was retiring, discussions on various other bills and committee reports, and questions regarding the government's economic action plan and funding for science and research.

On March 11, 2009, in the Senate, the debate on Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, continued at the second reading stage. Senator Jerahmiel S. Grafstein spoke in favour of the bill, emphasizing that recognizing November 15 as National Philanthropy Day would encourage charitable giving and volunteerism, strengthen communities, and further the partnership between the government and the voluntary sector. He highlighted the significant economic and social contributions of the non-profit sector in Canada and urged senators to pass the bill to formally recognize this day. The debate was then adjourned.

On March 26, 2009, the Senate continued the debate on Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. Senator Andrée Champagne indicated she had previously spoken against the bill but was reconsidering her position and intended to propose an amendment. She then moved to adjourn the debate.

On May 5, 2009, the Senate of Canada debated Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. During the debate, Senator Andrée Champagne expressed her support for the bill, noting the significant contributions of Canadians through philanthropy and volunteer work. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and celebrating National Philanthropy Day, drawing parallels to other designated national days. Senator Champagne moved that the bill be approved at second reading, emphasizing that further in-depth study in committee would be beneficial to ensure the date receives appropriate attention and that the celebration does not infringe on other observances. The motion to approve the bill at second reading was agreed to, and the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology for further examination.

On May 5, 2009, the Senate was engaged in various proceedings. A key item was the second reading of Bill S-217, an Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day. The bill was debated, with Senator Andrée Champagne speaking in support of the bill's objective but suggesting a careful committee review of its details. Ultimately, the motion for second reading was agreed to, and the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Other proceedings included tabling committee reports, introducing new bills, debating various issues like science funding and the European Union ban on seal products, and a Speaker's ruling regarding a point of order on Bill S-219.

On May 14, 2009, the Senate debated and considered various matters. A key procedural item related to Bill S-217, the "An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day," was the presentation of the Sixth Report of the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee. This report indicated that the committee had examined Bill S-217 and proposed amendments. The Senate agreed to place the consideration of this report on the Order Paper for the next sitting. The sitting also included discussions on other bills, government estimates, and various other topics raised by senators, including statements on St. Peter's College, the Kelowna Accord, the commercial seal hunt, and international issues. Other procedural actions included tabling of estimates, first readings of bills, and adjournment motions.

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on May 27, 2009. The sitting included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to paying tribute to Senator J. Trevor Eyton, who was retiring after nearly two decades of service. Senators from various parties shared reflections on his extensive career in law, business, and public service, highlighting his contributions and personal qualities. The sitting also involved the tabling of committee reports, the first reading of bills, and debates on various matters including the federal deficit, funding for science and technology, the state of the lobster fishery, government support for linguistic duality, and amendments to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act and the Criminal Code. Notably, the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology concerning Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, was adopted, and the bill as amended was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading.

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on May 28, 2009. The Senate conducted routine proceedings, including tabling committee reports, introducing bills, and discussing various matters. The sitting also included Question Period where senators asked questions of the government on topics such as the lobster industry, the federal deficit, labour market agreements, Inuit youth, obstetrical services, and the situation at General Motors of Canada. The Senate then proceeded to "Orders of the Day" where several bills were discussed at various stages, including Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, which was adjourned for debate at the third reading stage. Other bills discussed included amendments to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act, the Marine Liability Act, the Federal Courts Act, and the Canada Elections Act. Several committee reports were also presented and debated, and motions were made concerning various studies and procedural matters. The sitting concluded with an adjournment motion.

This record details a sitting of the Senate on June 2, 2009. The sitting included various procedural activities such as Senators' Statements on diverse topics, the presentation of committee reports, the introduction of new bills, question period, and the consideration of various government and private member's bills. Notably, the Senate heard from Mary Simon, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, in a Committee of the Whole to discuss progress on commitments following the government's apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools. The Senate also debated and passed Bill S-217, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day, and debated a motion for concurrence in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut's passage of the Official Languages Act. A question of privilege concerning a media briefing on a government bill before its introduction was also raised and the Speaker reserved their ruling.