Bill S-219 explained in plain English

This document records the proceedings of the Senate on June 1, 2010. During this sitting, several reports were tabled, including those related to the Canadian Forces Pension Plan, the Commission of Inquiry into the Mulroney-Schreiber Dealings, and anti-terrorism measures. A key procedural event was the first reading of Bill S-219, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act (rural postal services and the Canada Post Ombudsman). Other proceedings included notices of motions regarding committee meetings and a condemnation of attacks in Pakistan. The Senate also engaged in Question Period on various topics, including foreign affairs, the economy, and government spending on security for the G8 and G20 summits. Debates occurred on Bills S-11 (Safe Drinking Water for First Nations) and C-311 (Climate Change Accountability), both of which had their second reading adjourned. There was also a debate on the Senate's online presence and website.

On June 3, 2010, the Senate held its second reading debate on Bill S-219, an act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act concerning rural postal services and the establishment of a Canada Post Ombudsman. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not concluded on this day and will be continued at a later time. The rest of the sitting involved various other proceedings including tabling of reports, questions from senators, and debates on other bills and motions.

On June 3, 2010, in the Senate, the debate on Bill S-219, an Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, was adjourned. The bill aims to address rural postal services and establish a Canada Post Ombudsman. Senator Robert W. Peterson spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the challenges faced by rural Canadians, including the closure of post offices and mailboxes, and expressed concern about the potential privatization of Canada Post. He emphasized the importance of mail service as a vital link for rural communities and urged support for amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act.

On September 29, 2010, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, question period, and orders of the day. During the 'Orders of the Day' section, Bill S-219, an Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, was listed for debate at second reading. The debate on Bill S-219 was continued, and Senator Consiglio Di Nino requested an adjournment to complete his research, with the debate being adjourned in his name.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-219, an Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, Senator Elizabeth Hubley spoke in support of the bill. She highlighted concerns about the decline of rural postal services, including office closures and cancelled roadside delivery, arguing that these changes negatively impact rural communities and their economic development. Senator Hubley emphasized the bill's provision for a minimum six-month consultation period before changes to services are made, and its aim to restore services to 2005 levels. She also noted the bill's proposal to establish a Canada Post ombudsman to investigate administrative issues and review policies for fairness. The debate was adjourned following Senator Hubley's remarks.

This artifact is a record of Senate proceedings on December 7, 2010. The Senate began by paying tribute to the late former Senator Norman K. Atkins. Routine proceedings included tabling reports and presenting committee reports. Several bills were introduced at first reading. Question period included a question about long-term disability benefits for Nortel employees and delayed answers to oral questions regarding the Canadian Polar Commission and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The Senate then proceeded to Orders of the Day, which included debates on various bills. Notably, Bill S-219, concerning the Canada Post Corporation Act, had its second reading debate continued and was adjourned. The debate for Bill S-216 concerning long-term disability benefits was deferred to a later date. The Senate also debated Bill S-10 regarding controlled drugs and substances, and Bill S-204 concerning the protection of children, with a motion in amendment to Bill S-10 being negatived. Debates on Bill C-36 (Canada Consumer Product Safety Act), Bill S-220 (Official Languages Act), Bill C-232 (Supreme Court Act), and a motion to establish a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Mass Atrocities were also conducted or continued.

During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-219, which aims to protect and strengthen postal services in rural communities and establish a Canada Post Ombudsman, Senator Catherine S. Callbeck spoke in support of the bill. She highlighted the importance of post offices to rural communities, noted past closures of rural post offices and mailboxes, and emphasized the bill's proposed requirement for written notice and consultations before changes to postal services. She also supported the creation of an ombudsman to investigate complaints. The debate on Bill S-219 was adjourned and will continue at a later sitting. The rest of the sitting included various other proceedings such as Senators' Statements on diverse topics, tabling of committee reports, question period on various government services and policies, and debates on other bills.

This artifact is a record of proceedings in the Senate on March 1, 2011. It includes tributes to former Senator Marian L. Maloney, discussions on international events like the political uprising in Libya, and routine proceedings such as tabling of estimates and reports. The Senate also debated several bills, including those related to the Canada Post Corporation Act, criminal code amendments, immigration, and electoral reform. The specific item related to Bill S-219, An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, involved a second reading debate where the bill's provisions were discussed. The debate focused on rural postal services and the establishment of a Canada Post Ombudsman. One senator raised concerns about the bill potentially conflicting with existing legislation and creating financial implications for Canada Post, while another argued that the bill's provisions were already being addressed by existing government initiatives or were problematic.

This record details a Senate debate at the second reading stage for Bill S-219, which aims to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act. The debate primarily focused on the proposed changes regarding rural postal services and the establishment of a Canada Post Ombudsman. A key point of discussion was the potential conflict between the proposed bill and existing legislation like the Canada Labour Code and the Criminal Code regarding employee safety in rural delivery. Concerns were also raised about the financial implications for Canada Post and the effectiveness of a longer notification period for service changes. The debate also touched on the existing ombudsman services at Canada Post and the government's recent initiatives like the Canadian Postal Service Charter. Ultimately, a senator argued that since the bill's proposed measures were largely already in place or potentially in conflict with other laws, the bill should not be supported.