Bill S-224 explained in plain English

This artifact details a Senate sitting on February 5, 2009, where Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (vacancies), was introduced and received first reading. The sitting also included routine proceedings, question period regarding Arctic patrol ships and Budget 2009, and debates on other bills. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to tributes for retiring Senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, acknowledging her extensive career and contributions.

This artifact is a record of proceedings in the Senate on February 10, 2009. The primary purpose of this sitting was to discuss Bill S-224, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act concerning vacancies. The debate on Bill S-224 was adjourned. The sitting also included other routine proceedings, question period discussions on various topics like the economy, job losses, and foreign affairs, and debates on other bills and inquiries. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to congratulating Senator Marcel Prud'homme on his 45th anniversary in Parliament.

On February 10, 2009, the Senate debated Bill S-224, an Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act concerning vacancies. Senator Wilfred P. Moore presented the bill, explaining that it aims to limit the Prime Minister's discretion in filling Senate and House of Commons vacancies by establishing timeframes for issuing writs of election and holding by-elections. He argued this is necessary to ensure timely representation for citizens and provinces, and to protect the independence of the legislative branch from executive influence. The debate included discussions on past practices regarding vacancies, the role of the Prime Minister's office, and potential challenges with the bill's enforceability and timing in relation to general elections. The bill was adjourned for further debate.

On March 10, 2009, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural activities and debates. The second reading debate for Bill S-224, "An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (vacancies)," was suspended and later resumed. During the resumed debate, Senator Hugh Segal raised concerns about the bill's potential constitutional implications and its impact on the parliamentary system, suggesting it might be an "unwitting reform of the Constitution by the back door" and a "creeping Americanization" of Canadian governance. He proposed referring the bill's subject matter to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further study. This motion in amendment was debated, with senators discussing the constitutionality of the bill and the role of ministerial opinion. The debate on Bill S-224, including Senator Segal's motion in amendment, was ultimately adjourned.

This artifact documents a debate in the Senate regarding Bill S-224, which aims to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act concerning vacancies. The debate focused on the constitutional implications of prescribing the Prime Minister's advice to the Crown regarding appointments. Concerns were raised about potentially overstepping into areas of constitutional convention and adopting practices similar to the United States, which could infringe upon the parliamentary tradition of the first minister's advice. An amendment was proposed to refer the bill's subject matter to a committee for further study.

This document is a record of a Senate sitting that took place on May 12, 2009. The sitting included "Senators' Statements" on various topics, "Routine Proceedings" where documents were tabled and bills were introduced, "Question Period" where senators asked questions of the government, and "Orders of the Day" where various bills and committee reports were debated or considered. Bill S-224, "An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (vacancies)," was at the "Second reading—Motion in Amendment—Debate Continued" stage. The debate on this bill involved a motion to refer the bill's subject matter to a committee, with discussion focusing on the timing of Senate appointments and the process of filling Senate vacancies. Other bills and committee reports were also discussed, including legislation related to pollution prevention in Arctic waters, human pathogens and toxins, dangerous goods transportation, the National Portrait Gallery, and the broadcasting of the 2010 Paralympic Games. The sitting concluded with the adjournment of several debates.

On May 14, 2009, the Senate held a sitting that included proceedings related to Bill S-224. During the "Orders of the Day" section, the Senate resumed debate on the second reading of Bill S-224, which aims to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act concerning vacancies. An amendment was proposed to refer the bill's subject matter to a Senate committee, with a proposed deadline for the committee's report. A sub-amendment was also introduced to change this deadline. After debate and a vote, the sub-amendment was defeated. Subsequently, the main amendment was also defeated. The Senate then proceeded to a second reading of Bill S-224 itself, which was agreed to on division. Following this, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, also on division. Additionally, a motion concerning the allotment of time for the third reading of Bill S-224 was withdrawn.