Bill S-218 explained in plain English

On May 12, 2010, in the Senate, Senator Peter A. Stollery introduced Bill S-218, an Act respecting Canada-Russia Friendship Day. This marked the first reading of the bill, and it was then placed on the Order Paper for second reading at a later date. The rest of the sitting involved various other proceedings, including senators' statements on diverse topics, tabling of committee reports, question period on matters of national and international importance, and debates on other bills.

On May 26, 2010, the Senate convened for a sitting that included a silent tribute to fallen soldiers, the introduction and swearing-in of a new senator, and various procedural matters. The Senate proceeded to debate Bill S-218, An Act respecting Canada-Russia Friendship Day, but the debate was adjourned. Other proceedings included the tabling of committee reports, the tabling of proposed legislation, the introduction of new bills, and discussions during question period on topics like official languages, the Church of Scientology, and climate change policy. Several other bills and inquiries were also addressed, including Bill S-9 concerning auto theft and property crime, which was read a second time and referred to committee.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-218, An Act respecting Canada-Russia Friendship Day, Senator Peter A. Stollery spoke. He shared his personal reflections on Russia, drawing from his own extensive travels and research, as well as reports from the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He discussed the evolution of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, highlighting changes in its economy and infrastructure, and contrasted Western media perceptions with his observations on the ground. He also touched upon Canada-Russia trade relations and demographic trends. Following his speech, Senator Hugh Segal moved to adjourn the debate.

On July 7, 2010, the Senate sat and conducted routine proceedings, including presenting committee reports and giving notice of motions. The Senate also addressed questions regarding the "Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Bill" (Bill S-4), costs for additional sittings, natural disasters affecting First Nations communities, the defence budget, the "Truth in Sentencing Act", and the tax status of the Church of Scientology. The Senate also continued debate on several bills, including the "Senatorial Selection Bill" (Bill S-8) and "Canada-Russia Friendship Day Bill" (Bill S-218). The debate on Bill S-218 was adjourned to a later sitting.

On October 5, 2010, the Senate of Canada held a sitting where various matters were discussed and addressed. A key item on the agenda was Bill S-218, "An Act respecting Canada-Russia Friendship Day," which was debated at its second reading. Following the debate, the bill was moved to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology for further study. The sitting also included routine proceedings such as the tabling of annual reports from various commissions and offices, the presentation of a report by the Special Senate Committee on Anti-Terrorism, and the first reading of a bill to amend the Canada Pension Plan. During Question Period, senators raised issues concerning climate change legislation, the 2011 census, and funding for a sports complex in Quebec City. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to a discussion and ruling on a question of privilege raised by the Leader of the Opposition concerning statements made about a witness who had appeared before a committee. Other debates continued on bills related to the Conflict of Interest Act and climate change accountability. A motion to encourage a change in the official name of the Canadian Navy was referred to committee.

This record details the Senate proceedings on October 5, 2010. A significant portion of the sitting involved various senators making statements on diverse topics, such as remembering individuals, commenting on political events, and discussing natural disaster responses. Routine proceedings included the tabling of annual reports by various offices and the first reading of a bill to amend the Canada Pension Plan. The Question Period addressed topics like climate change legislation, the 2011 census, and a sports complex in Quebec City. The main procedural event related to Bill S-218, 'An Act respecting Canada-Russia Friendship Day,' was its second reading debate, where Senator Hugh Segal spoke in support of the bill, highlighting historical and contemporary aspects of Canada-Russia relations. Following the debate, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Other proceedings included continued debate on a bill to amend the Conflict of Interest Act, debate on a climate change accountability bill, and a motion regarding the name of the Canadian Navy, which was referred to committee. A motion to authorize travel for the Aboriginal Peoples committee was withdrawn as it was deemed irrelevant. Finally, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking Trade and Commerce was authorized to conduct a statutory review of the Business Development Bank of Canada.