Bill S-218 explained in plain English
An Act respecting National Fiddling Day
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-218 designates the third Saturday in May of each year as National Fiddling Day in Canada.
Bill S-218 is a short law that creates a national observance called "National Fiddling Day" in Canada. The day is set for the third Saturday in May each year. The bill recognizes that fiddle playing is an important part of Canada's cultural and social history and is practised across all regions of Canada. It also notes that immigrants to Canada and their descendants have contributed to and enriched fiddle music traditions over many generations. The bill mentions that an international campaign started in 2012 among fiddle players to promote recognition of a World Fiddle Day on this same date, partly to honour Antonio Stradivari, a famous maker of stringed instruments. However, the bill makes clear that National Fiddling Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day (meaning it does not affect regular business, work, or school operations).
- Designates the third Saturday in May in each year as National Fiddling Day throughout Canada
- Recognizes fiddle playing as having significance in Canada's cultural and social history
- Clarifies that National Fiddling Day is not a legal holiday and does not create a non-juridical day (Section 3)
- All Canadians
- Fiddle players and fiddling enthusiasts
- Communities and organizations interested in recognizing and celebrating fiddle music and Canadian cultural heritage
- No legal obligations or rights are created by this bill; it is a commemorative designation only
- Bill received Royal Assent on 31 March 2015
- National Fiddling Day is observed on the third Saturday in May each year, beginning in 2015
- The bill does not specify what activities or observances should occur on National Fiddling Day, or how it should be celebrated
- The bill does not establish any funding, programs, or government initiatives related to National Fiddling Day
- Since National Fiddling Day is not a legal holiday, schools, businesses, and government offices remain open and operating normally on this day
A new law is created that officially designates the third Saturday in May as National Fiddling Day in Canada
Source: Section 1-2
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-218, an Act respecting National Fiddling Day, completed its first reading in the Senate on April 2, 2014, and later received royal assent on March 31, 2015.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, in the Senate. The bill completed its first reading on April 2, 2014. It later received royal assent on March 31, 2015, becoming chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada 2015.
The Senate introduced Bill S-218 respecting National Fiddling Day and debated various other matters, including significant procedural debate regarding a pre-study of the Fair Elections Act (Bill C-23).
On April 2, 2014, the Senate met and, among other business, introduced Bill S-218, an Act respecting National Fiddling Day. This bill was given first reading and placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading. The sitting also included discussions on World Autism Awareness Day, the passing of Angèle Arsenault, the Lieutenant Governor's Military Service Pin, NATO's 65th anniversary, changes to Veterans Affairs service delivery, the sale of diplomatic residences, the Fair Elections Act (Bill C-23) and a motion to allocate time for its pre-study, and the need for improved electrical transmission between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. A significant portion of the debate focused on the procedural aspects and controversies surrounding the pre-study of Bill C-23, with the Senate ultimately adopting a motion to limit debate on it.
The Senate held the second reading of Bill S-218, "An Act respecting National Fiddling Day," on April 29, 2014, with speeches from the sponsor and a responder.
This artifact details the second reading stage of Bill S-218, "An Act respecting National Fiddling Day," in the Senate. On April 29, 2014, the Senate considered the bill at its second reading. Speeches were made by Senator Elizabeth Hubley (Sponsor) and Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen (Response). The bill later proceeded through other stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, eventually receiving Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming Statutes of Canada 2015, c. 6.
On April 29, 2014, the Senate held a sitting that included tributes to former members, debated Bill S-218 regarding National Fiddling Day, and addressed other legislative and committee matters.
On April 29, 2014, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included tributes to the late Honourable James Michael (Jim) Flaherty and the late Right Honourable Herbert Eser (Herb) Gray. Following these tributes, the Senate proceeded with business related to various bills and committee reports. A significant portion of the sitting involved the second reading debate of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. Senator Elizabeth Hubley introduced the bill, explaining its significance in celebrating Canadian culture and heritage. Senators also discussed other matters, including the expropriation of farmland, the status of humpback whales, and a bill respecting Lincoln Alexander Day. Several debates on other inquiries and motions were adjourned.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-218, the sponsor explained the significance of establishing National Fiddling Day, citing the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference and the cultural importance of fiddling music in Canada.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the Senate of Canada on April 29, 2014, concerning Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The debate at second reading included the sponsor's speech, which provided reasons for establishing National Fiddling Day. Other proceedings included tributes to former parliamentarians, tabling of reports, and debates on various other matters, but these are not directly related to Bill S-218's procedural stage in this artifact.
The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology considered Bill S-218 on multiple dates in February 2015.
The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (referred to as CHPC in the House of Commons) considered Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. This occurred on two separate dates in February 2015. The committee stage is a part of the legislative process where detailed examination of a bill takes place.
The Senate adopted a committee report on Bill S-218, leading to the bill passing third reading.
On June 19, 2014, the Senate of Canada met. During this sitting, the Senate considered and adopted the Thirteenth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology concerning Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. This report included an amendment to the bill's preamble. Following the adoption of the report, the bill proceeded to third reading and was passed.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, on June 19, 2014, before it eventually received Royal Assent.
This artifact details the Senate's third reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, which occurred on June 19, 2014. This stage was completed. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada 2015. The provided text also lists earlier and later stages of the bill's progression through both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first and second readings and committee considerations.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, following the adoption of a committee report on the bill.
On June 19, 2014, the Senate debated Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. This was the third reading stage of the bill. The Senate adopted the thirteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology concerning Bill S-218. The bill then proceeded to third reading, where it was passed.
This artifact details the procedural step of the first reading of Bill S-218 in the House of Commons on September 24, 2014, as part of its overall journey to receiving Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, in the House of Commons on September 24, 2014. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced. The overall bill later received Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming Chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada, 2015. The provided text details the bill's progression through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings, committee considerations, and third reading.
During the first reading debate for Bill S-218, the House of Commons formally introduced the bill after other parliamentary business, completing the procedural step of first reading.
On September 24, 2014, during the first reading stage of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, the House of Commons completed its procedural steps. The artifact provided is a record of the sitting, which included various statements by members, oral questions on diverse topics, and routine proceedings. Specifically under routine proceedings, a motion was introduced to present Bill S-218, which was then deemed adopted, read the first time, and ordered to be printed. This process marks the formal introduction of the bill in the House.
The House of Commons completed its Second Reading of Bill S-218 on November 28, 2014, after which it proceeded through further stages and eventually received Royal Assent.
On November 28, 2014, the House of Commons completed the Second Reading stage for Bill S-218, "An Act respecting National Fiddling Day". This means the House of Commons agreed to the principles of the bill and referred it to a committee for further study. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming law as chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada, 2015.
On October 7, 2014, the House of Commons began the second reading debate for Bill S-218, but the session was largely consumed by a debate and vote on a government motion concerning military action in Iraq, overshadowing the discussion on National Fiddling Day.
This record documents a debate in the House of Commons on October 7, 2014, regarding the second reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. While the debate was scheduled to discuss this bill, the majority of the discussion focused on a government motion concerning Canada's military contribution against ISIL in Iraq and Syria. The record indicates that the debate on Bill S-218 itself was brief, with the motion regarding ISIL dominating the proceedings.
A Member of Parliament delivered a speech during the second reading debate of Bill S-218, emphasizing the historical and cultural importance of fiddle music across Canada and advocating for the designation of National Fiddling Day.
This document is a record of a speech given in the House of Commons on October 7, 2014, during the second reading debate of Bill S-218, an Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The speech discussed the history and cultural significance of fiddle music in Canada, highlighting various regional styles and influential musicians. It also touched upon the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the role of the fiddle in community gatherings and social events.
This House of Commons Hansard record from October 7, 2014, details a debate where Members from multiple parties expressed support for Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, emphasizing its cultural significance, while also engaging in extensive procedural debate on a separate matter concerning military action.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on October 7, 2014, concerning Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The debate primarily focused on procedural matters related to a motion to limit debate on a different government business (Military Contribution Against ISIL) and also included discussions on various other topics presented during Routine Proceedings and Statements by Members. The specific discussion related to Bill S-218 itself was brief and occurred at the end of the day's proceedings, during Private Members' Business. Members from all parties spoke in support of the bill, highlighting the cultural significance of fiddling in Canada, its regional diversity, and its role in community gatherings and heritage preservation. The debate also touched upon the importance of supporting cultural traditions and artists.
This Hansard record captures a House of Commons debate on Bill S-218, alongside extensive discussion and votes regarding Canada's military intervention against ISIL, including a motion to limit debate and the main motion to proceed with air strikes.
This House of Commons Hansard record details a debate during the second reading of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The artifact focuses on discussions about Canada's military contribution against ISIL, with various members expressing differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of air strikes versus humanitarian aid and other forms of support. The debate also touches upon the government's use of time allocation (closure) and its approach to environmental policy and refugee issues. Ultimately, a motion to limit debate was passed, followed by the main motion to engage in military action against ISIL, which was also passed.
The House of Commons debated Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, focusing on its cultural importance and potential to preserve the tradition of fiddling in Canada, ultimately referring it to a committee.
This artifact is a record of debate in the House of Commons on November 28, 2014, concerning Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The discussion at this stage focused on the cultural significance of fiddling and the need to preserve this tradition in Canada. Members shared personal anecdotes and historical context related to fiddle music and its role in community gatherings. The bill was moved forward to the committee stage for further study.
This record shows that Bill S-218, concerning National Fiddling Day, completed its committee stage in the House of Commons on February 18, 2015, before receiving Royal Assent on March 31, 2015.
This artifact details the process of Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill completed the 'Consideration in committee' stage on February 18, 2015. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming chapter 6 of the Statutes of Canada, 2015. The record lists key dates for various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first reading, second reading, committee work, report stage, and third reading.
The House of Commons received a committee report on Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, with no amendments.
On February 18, 2015, the House of Commons met. During this sitting, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage presented its ninth report concerning Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day. The committee reported that they had studied the bill and were recommending it be returned to the House without any amendments. This procedural step indicates the completion of the committee's review of the bill at this stage.
On March 25, 2015, the House of Commons completed the report stage for Bill S-218 and moved to third reading.
The House of Commons completed its report stage for Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, on March 25, 2015. This stage involved reviewing and potentially amending the bill. Following the report stage, the House of Commons proceeded to third reading and agreed to the bill.
On March 25, 2015, the House of Commons completed its report stage and third reading of Bill S-218, "An Act respecting National Fiddling Day," passing it and sending it for Royal Assent, alongside other legislative business and debates.
This artifact is a record of a House of Commons sitting on March 25, 2015. The sitting included various proceedings, such as Statements by Members, Oral Questions, Routine Proceedings, Government Orders, Private Members' Business, and Adjournment Proceedings. A significant event during this sitting was the third reading and passing of Bill S-218, "An Act respecting National Fiddling Day." The bill was moved for concurrence at report stage and then read the third time and passed, with members from various parties expressing support and sharing personal connections to fiddling music and its cultural significance in Canada. The sitting also included votes on other matters and debates on various bills, including Bill C-26, the "Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act," and Bill S-219, the "Journey to Freedom Day Act." The Adjournment Proceedings touched upon issues of public safety, fisheries, and the CBC. Overall, this record captures a day of legislative activity in the House of Commons.
Bill S-218, concerning National Fiddling Day, completed its third reading in the House of Commons on March 25, 2015, and later received Royal Assent.
This artifact shows that Bill S-218, An Act respecting National Fiddling Day, completed its third reading stage in the House of Commons on March 25, 2015. This means the bill was considered and approved by the House of Commons at this final stage before potentially moving to the next step in the legislative process. The bill later received Royal Assent on March 31, 2015, becoming law.
On March 25, 2015, the House of Commons debated various issues, including national defence and the economy, and ultimately passed Bill S-218, the National Fiddling Day Act.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on March 25, 2015. It includes statements by Members of Parliament on various topics, oral questions and answers regarding national defence, foreign affairs, the economy, public safety, and other matters. The sitting also included routine proceedings such as the presentation of petitions and committee reports. Crucially, this sitting included the final stage of Bill S-218, the "National Fiddling Day Act," which was moved to third reading, debated, and subsequently passed. The sitting concluded with adjournment proceedings and debates on various topics.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced