Bill S-240 explained in plain English

This Senate sitting on October 27, 2009, included tributes to the late Honourable Jean-Marie Poitras, a former senator, and to Jack Poole, a prominent Canadian. The Senate also heard about the dedication of a Veterans Memorial on Boularderie Island and congratulated Mr. Ernie Ingles on his appointment as President of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries. Additionally, the Bedford Institute of Oceanography's 47th anniversary was recognized. Procedurally, several committee reports were tabled, including one on updating the Senate Rules. A bill to establish a national registry of medical devices (Bill S-243) received its first reading. Several bills were listed for second reading, with debate adjourned or continued on some, including Bill S-240, An Act respecting a national day of service to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canadians in the face of terrorism. Question Period addressed topics such as the H1N1 vaccine, the treatment of Omar Khadr, the rights of women parliamentarians in Afghanistan, climate change agreements, and elder abuse. Responses were also provided to written questions regarding the sale of Crown properties, official language obligations at Crown corporations, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Convention, and reduced services in Nova Scotia.

On October 27, 2009, the Senate was debating Bill S-240, An Act respecting a national day of service to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canadians in the face of terrorism, particularly the events of September 11, 2001. Senator Pamela Wallin spoke in favour of the bill, explaining that it proposes to designate September 11 each year as a national day of service. She highlighted that the bill is intended to remember the events of 9/11, honour the victims, and inspire acts of kindness and volunteerism in Canada, similar to initiatives seen in the United States following their passage of the Serve America Act. She emphasized that the bill is simple, non-partisan, and does not impose mandatory funding or participation. The debate on the bill was adjourned after her speech.

This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on December 15, 2009. The sitting included statements by senators on various topics, routine proceedings, question period, and the consideration of several bills. Notably, debate on Bill S-240, An Act respecting a national day of service to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canadians in the face of terrorism, particularly the events of September 11, 2001, was adjourned. Several other bills proceeded through various stages, including third reading and second reading debates.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-240, Senator Grafstein spoke about a large-scale event organized by Canadians in New York City following the September 11th attacks to show solidarity. He highlighted the generosity and initiative of Canadians in organizing this event and commended Senator Wallin for bringing forward the bill. The debate was adjourned, meaning the Senate did not complete its discussion on the bill during this sitting.