Bill S-209 explained in plain English

On March 9, 2010, in the Senate, Bill S-209 was introduced and received first reading. This is the initial stage where a bill is formally presented to the Senate. The debate and proceedings also included tributes to Senator James Gladstone, Constable Vu Pham, and Honourable Marcel Prud'homme, discussions on International Women's Week, the 100th anniversary of Girl Guides of Canada, Commonwealth Day, and the tabling of various reports and other bills. There was also a debate on Employment Insurance and the representation of women on corporate boards.

On March 11, 2010, the Senate convened for its second reading debate on Bill S-209, an act to establish a national day of service to honour victims of terrorism, particularly those affected by the events of September 11, 2001. Senator Pamela Wallin moved the second reading of the bill, speaking in support of its aim to commemorate 9/11 through acts of kindness and service. She highlighted that the bill is non-partisan, has no mandatory provisions, and is inspired by similar legislation in the United States. Following her remarks, Senator Segal moved to adjourn the debate, indicating that the Senate would continue its discussion at a later date. The sitting also included various other routine proceedings, statements by senators on diverse topics, and question period exchanges.

On March 11, 2010, in the Senate, Senator Pamela Wallin spoke in support of Bill S-209, an act to establish a national day of service to honour Canadians' courage and sacrifice in the face of terrorism, particularly following the events of September 11, 2001. Senator Wallin explained that the bill was inspired by similar initiatives in the United States and aimed to encourage acts of kindness and service as a way to remember and honour victims of terrorism. She emphasized that the bill is simple, contains no mandatory provisions, and does not oblige the government to fund any events. The debate on Bill S-209 was adjourned after her speech.

On April 14, 2010, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-209, an Act respecting a national day of service to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canadians in the face of terrorism. Senator Hugh Segal spoke in support of the bill, highlighting Canada's response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and emphasizing the importance of a national day of service to commemorate these events and honour those who serve. Other Senate business included statements on various topics, the tabling of reports, the introduction of new bills, and debates on other inquiries and motions. The sitting concluded with the adoption of the motion for the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne.

On May 27, 2010, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included "Senators' Statements," "Routine Proceedings," "Question Period," and "Orders of the Day." During "Orders of the Day," the debate on Bill S-209, "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 continued. One senator spoke in favour of the bill's intent to commemorate 9/11 through community service, while also raising questions about its implementation and inclusivity. The senator expressed reservations about legislating a day based on a single event in another country and suggested considering other initiatives for recognizing Canadian volunteerism and commemorating victims of terrorism globally. Ultimately, the senator supported sending the bill to committee for further discussion of these reservations. The debate was then adjourned. Other proceedings included the tabling of various committee reports, the adoption of a motion to print an address by the President of Mexico as an appendix, the withdrawal of a bill concerning international boundary waters, and the continuation of debates on other bills and inquiries.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-209, Senator Elizabeth Hubley spoke in response to the bill. The bill aims to establish a national day of service on September 11 to honour victims of terrorism and commemorate Canadian efforts against it. Senator Hubley acknowledged the bill's intent to recognize the kindness and community service shown by Canadians following the September 11, 2001, events. However, she raised concerns about the bill focusing on a single event in another country, potentially overlooking other acts of terrorism globally and Canadian volunteerism. She questioned how a legislated day of service would be implemented and communicated annually, and whether it would create an obligation for participation. Senator Hubley also noted that other similar initiatives, such as recognizing a national day of remembrance for mass atrocities and a national philanthropy day, were also before the Senate. Ultimately, she supported sending the bill to committee for further discussion of these reservations.

On July 8, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting that included statements from senators on various topics, routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. A key item under "Orders of the Day" was the continuation of the second reading debate for Bill S-209, 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. During this debate, Senator Tommy Banks expressed reservations about the proliferation of designated days and questioned the specific wording of the bill, suggesting it be sent to committee for further study. Senator Hugh Segal and Senator Pamela Wallin spoke in favour of the bill moving forward, with Senator Wallin noting that the language used in the bill was requested by families affected by terrorism. The debate on Bill S-209 was adjourned. The sitting also addressed other matters, including reports from committees, motions regarding sitting times, and discussions on various legislative items like the Jobs and Economic Growth Bill and the Truth in Sentencing Act.

On November 3, 2010, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-209, an Act respecting a national day of service to honour Canadians' courage and sacrifice in the face of terrorism, particularly following the events of September 11, 2001. Senator Grant Mitchell expressed concerns about the process of designating special days for recognition, suggesting it had become too arbitrary and lacked a structured, objective approach. He argued for a more managed process with clear criteria, similar to how honours like the Order of Canada or bravery medals are awarded, to ensure fairness and avoid diminishing other potential honours. Senator Hugh Segal questioned whether Senator Mitchell believed the bill was too narrowly focused and asked if he thought a broader process was necessary. Senator Mitchell clarified that he believed the current bill's focus was on terrorism and September 11, but that a better process was needed for designating such days. Senator Pamela Wallin suggested sending the bill to committee for study, which Senator Mitchell agreed was a valid point but deferred to leadership discussions on the procedural steps. Senator Joseph A. Day raised a question about whether

On December 13, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various proceedings. The Senate's agenda involved tabling committee reports, first readings of bills, question period, and continuing debates on several bills. Notably, debate on Bill S-209, concerning a national day of service to honour Canadians' courage and sacrifice in the face of terrorism, was continued.

On March 8, 2011, the Senate of Canada met. The sitting included tributes to the late Honourable Keith D. Davey, discussions on various topics including Canada's energy future, colorectal cancer awareness, and nutrition month, as well as routine proceedings, question period, and the tabling of committee reports. Several bills were at various stages of debate, including Bill S-209, 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, which was read a second time and referred to committee. The Senate also adopted motions recognizing the one-hundredth anniversary of International Women's Day and urging the government to revise the twenty-dollar banknote.