Bill S-244 explained in plain English
An Act respecting Kindness Week
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 42nd Parliament, 1st 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
This bill proposes to designate the third week of February every year as "Kindness Week" across Canada.
Bill S-244 proposes to establish the third week of February each year as "Kindness Week" throughout Canada. The preamble to the bill states that kindness encourages values like empathy and respect, contributes to the well-being of Canadians, and that designating a Kindness Week could foster more acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving. The bill aims to encourage a culture of kindness across the country.
- Establishes the third week of February each year as "Kindness Week" across Canada.
- States that the purpose of designating Kindness Week is to encourage acts of kindness, volunteerism, and charitable giving.
- All Canadians
- The third week of February each year is designated as "Kindness Week".
- The bill does not specify any particular activities or requirements beyond designating the week.
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-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, completed its first reading in the Senate on February 13, 2018, a procedural step before further debate and consideration.
This record indicates that on February 13, 2018, Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, completed its first reading in the Senate. This is a procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The bill later proceeded through other stages in the Senate, including second reading, committee study, and third reading, before awaiting first reading in the House of Commons. The provided text does not detail the content of the bill itself, only its procedural progression.
On February 13, 2018, the Senate introduced Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, and conducted other legislative business.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting that took place on February 13, 2018. During this sitting, Senator Jim Munson introduced Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, which received its first reading. The sitting also included various other proceedings, such as senators making statements, tabling documents, presenting committee reports, debating bills (including the Cannabis Bill, Bill C-45), and responding to questions during Question Period.
Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, completed its second reading in the Senate on April 25, 2018, with further related speeches occurring in May, September, and October of that year, before proceeding to further stages.
This artifact summarizes the progress of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, through the Senate. It notes that the bill completed its second reading stage on April 25, 2018, and that there were subsequent speeches related to the second reading on May 24, September 20, September 25, and October 23, 2018. The bill then moved through committee consideration and third reading in the Senate, before awaiting first reading in the House of Commons.
On April 25, 2018, the Senate held a sitting that included statements on various social issues, routine proceedings, question period on budgetary and other matters, and continued debates on several bills, including an adjournment of the debate on Bill S-244, "An Act respecting Kindness Week."
This document summarizes a Senate sitting that took place on April 25, 2018. The sitting included Senators' Statements on various topics, including Anti-Semitism, Parkinson's Awareness Month, and a story about random acts of kindness in Newfoundland. Routine Proceedings involved the presentation of committee reports and the introduction of several notices of motion, including one to alter the timing of Question Period and others related to committee meetings and study deadlines. Question Period addressed topics such as Budget 2018, Indigenous and Northern Affairs, Canadian Heritage, and the Champlain Bridge. The "Orders of the Day" section shows that debate continued on several bills and committee reports, and a debate on Bill S-244, "An Act respecting Kindness Week," was adjourned.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-244, Senator Jim Munson advocated for the establishment of an annual Kindness Week in Canada, citing its benefits for individual well-being and societal connection.
This record details a debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in the Senate. Senator Jim Munson spoke in favour of the bill, which aims to recognize the third week of February annually as Kindness Week in Canada. He highlighted existing kindness initiatives and the personal inspiration behind the bill, emphasizing the physical and mental health benefits of kindness for individuals and its positive social impact. He also noted the bill's potential to foster a kinder, healthier Canada. Other senators made comments and asked questions, and the debate was adjourned.
During a Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, debate on Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, continued at second reading, with senators expressing admiration for the bill's intent but questioning its legislative necessity and potential impact, ultimately agreeing to send it to committee for study.
This Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, included routine proceedings, question period, and the continuation of debates on several bills. Specifically for Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, the debate at second reading was continued. While the bill's intention to promote kindness was acknowledged, concerns were raised about the overuse of legislative tools for commemorative days and whether a national Kindness Week would effectively foster societal change. The bill was ultimately supported to move to committee for further study.
The Senate debated and continued proceedings on various bills, including the 'Kindness Week Bill' (S-244), where concerns were raised about the proliferation of officially recognized commemorative days and weeks.
This document records the Senate's proceedings on May 24, 2018. The Senate's activities included Senators' Statements on various topics, the tabling of documents, committee reports being presented, and Question Period where Senators asked questions of the Government Representative. The Senate also continued debate on several bills, including Bill C-24 (Salaries Act), Bill C-65 (Canada Labour Code), Bill S-238 (Fisheries Act - shark fins), Bill S-244 (Kindness Week), Bill S-248 (National Physicians’ Day), Bill C-243 (National Maternity Assistance Program Strategy), and Bill C-377 (Electoral District Name Change). Motions regarding Question Period and adjournment were also adopted. The debate on Bill S-244, "An Act respecting Kindness Week," was continued, with Senator Donald Neil Plett expressing concerns about enshrining too many days and weeks into legislation.
On September 20, 2018, the Senate met to discuss various matters including recognizing notable Canadians, addressing government policies through Question Period, debating bills on topics like organ trafficking and kindness week, and considering committee reports on veteran transition and historical injustices.
On September 20, 2018, the Senate met. The Senate began by hearing several senators' statements recognizing individuals and events, including the Polaris Music Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher, Paralympic swimmer Katarina Roxon, and acknowledging Alzheimer's Awareness Month. The Senate also heard statements about homophobia and discrimination in the military, and a publication called "Downhome" celebrating 30 years. Following this, the Senate moved into Routine Proceedings where a notice of motion was given regarding the study of open banking. The Senate then proceeded to Question Period, where numerous topics were discussed, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the detention of refugee children, tariffs, icebreaker fleets, cannabis, the Phoenix pay system, judicial appointments, and various other government matters. Several delayed answers to oral questions were also tabled. Under Orders of the Day, the Senate considered messages from the House of Commons regarding amendments to the Food and Drugs Act, a motion to affect Question Period, and adjournment. Several bills were also debated, including an amendment to the Criminal Code and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act concerning human organ trafficking, Bill S-244 (An Act respecting Kindness Week), a bill to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act, and a private bill respecting Girl Guides of Canada. Reports from committees were also discussed, including the National Security and Defence Committee's report on veteran transition and the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee's report on forced adoptions. Debates also continued on the government's legal obligation to protect the voluntary blood system and on anti-Black racism. Finally, the Senate addressed procedural matters such as committee meetings and authorizations.
On September 25, 2018, the Senate continued debates on various bills, including S-244 (Kindness Week), C-47 (Arms Trade Treaty), and C-59 (National Security), heard statements from senators, and addressed committee reports, notably on the Phoenix pay system.
This record details a Senate sitting on September 25, 2018. The sitting included various procedural items such as the presentation of committee reports and the continuation of debates on several bills. Notably, there was continued debate on Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, with Senator Mary Coyle speaking in support of the bill and sharing personal anecdotes and research on the importance of kindness. Other significant discussions included debates on Bill C-47 concerning the Arms Trade Treaty and Bill C-59 regarding national security matters, as well as a report on the Phoenix pay problem. The sitting also included statements by senators on various topics, a period for questions to the Minister of Justice, and the tabling of several reports.
During a Senate sitting on October 23, 2018, senators engaged in debates and procedural actions on multiple bills, including those related to oil tanker moratoriums, national security, environmental assessments, firearms, and kindness week, alongside discussions on Senate reform and other inquiries.
On October 23, 2018, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters, statements by senators on diverse topics such as historical achievements, human rights, health, and sports, and the tabling of several reports. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to the debate and procedural progression of various bills at different stages, including second reading debates on Bill C-48 (Oil Tanker Moratorium Bill), Bill C-21 (Customs Act amendment), Bill C-57 (Federal Sustainable Development Act amendment), Bill C-59 (national security matters), Bill C-69 (Impact Assessment Act and Canadian Energy Regulator Act), and Bill C-71 (firearms legislation). Additionally, debates continued on Bill C-51 (Criminal Code and Department of Justice Act amendment) at third reading and Bill S-203 (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins) at third reading, which included a failed motion in amendment. Bills S-244 (Kindness Week), S-238 (shark fin importation ban), S-240 (human organ trafficking), and S-1003 (United Church of Canada Act amendment) also proceeded through various stages. Question Period involved discussions with the Minister of Democratic Institutions on Senate reform, election financing, and appointments. The sitting concluded with several inquiries being debated or adjourned, and a committee being authorized to extend the date for its final report.
This record indicates that the Senate committee's consideration of Bill S-244 was not completed on November 1, 2018, and the bill is currently awaiting first reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact records the status of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, at the stage of Senate Consideration in committee on November 1, 2018. The stage state is marked as 'Not completed', indicating that the committee's work on this bill was not finished at this point. The bill's overall status is that it is a Senate bill awaiting first reading in the House of Commons. The record also notes the latest activity was third reading on December 11, 2018, in the Senate, and lists previous readings and major speeches.
Bill S-244, an Act respecting Kindness Week, completed its third reading in the Senate and is now awaiting first reading in the House of Commons.
The Senate completed the third reading of Bill S-244, an Act respecting Kindness Week. The bill then moved to the House of Commons, where it is awaiting its first reading. The process involved several stages in the Senate, including first reading, second reading, consideration in committee, and multiple instances of third reading. Major speeches were also delivered during the second reading phase.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, Senator Jim Munson spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting its potential benefits, before the debate was adjourned.
On November 6, 2018, the Senate of Canada convened for its third reading of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week. Senator Jim Munson moved the third reading of the bill, expressing gratitude for the support it had received and reiterating the positive impacts of kindness. He shared personal anecdotes and examples of kindness in action across Canada, emphasizing the bill's potential to foster a kinder society. Senator Donald Neil Plett's motion to congratulate Senator Leo Housakos on his investiture as Archon of the Eastern Orthodox Church was also noted. The sitting also included routine proceedings, the continuation of debates on other bills (National Security Bill, 2017; Constitution Act, 1867; Senate Modernization; and a motion regarding the genocide of Pontic Greeks), and a Question Period with the Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction. The debate on Bill S-244 was adjourned on motion by Senator Yonah Martin.
The Senate debated and passed Bill S-244 at third reading, designating a national Kindness Week, with senators expressing support for its aims while noting potential concerns about redundancy.
This Senate sitting record from December 11, 2018, shows proceedings at the third reading stage for Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week. While the sitting covered many topics including senators' statements, tabling of reports, and debates on other bills, the specific procedural action related to Bill S-244 was its third reading and subsequent passage. The debate at this stage focused on the principles and potential impact of designating a Kindness Week. One senator expressed support, highlighting Canadian traditions of kindness and volunteerism, referencing historical examples like Operation Yellow Ribbon and the legacy of Korean missionaries. Concerns were also noted about potential redundancy with existing initiatives and the risk of public apathy, but the senator ultimately supported the bill's aim to encourage kindness. The bill successfully passed third reading and was sent to the House of Commons.
Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, has not yet undergone First Reading in the House of Commons but has completed its process in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in the House of Commons. The bill has not yet reached the First Reading stage in this chamber. It shows the history of the bill in the Senate, including its First Reading on February 13, 2018, and subsequent stages like Second Reading, consideration in committee, and Third Reading on December 11, 2018. The bill is currently a Senate bill awaiting its First Reading in the House of Commons.
The House of Commons Second reading stage for Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, has not yet occurred, with the bill currently awaiting first reading in the House of Commons.
This record indicates that the "House of Commons Second reading" stage for Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, has not yet been reached. The bill is currently a Senate bill awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons. The last recorded activity for this bill was its third reading in the Senate on December 11, 2018. The bill's first reading in the House of Commons occurred on February 13, 2018. The artifact lists potential dates for second reading speeches in the House of Commons in May, September, and October 2018, as well as a committee consideration date in November 2018, and third reading dates in November 2018. It also notes sponsor and response speeches in the Senate in April and May 2018, with Senator Donald Neil Plett listed as a participant.
Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, has progressed through readings in both the Senate and the House of Commons and is currently at the 'Consideration in committee' stage in the House of Commons, which has not yet been reached.
This artifact describes the procedural stage of Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has reached the stage of 'Consideration in committee' but this stage has not yet been reached in the current legislative process. The artifact also lists the bill's progress through the House of Commons, including first reading, second reading, and third reading, as well as its progression through the Senate. It notes the dates of these readings and related sittings. The current status is that it is a Senate bill awaiting first reading in the House of Commons, with its latest activity being third reading in the Senate on December 11, 2018.
Bill S-244 has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons and is currently awaiting its first reading there.
This record indicates that Bill S-244, an Act respecting Kindness Week, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. The bill is currently awaiting its first reading in the House of Commons. Its latest activity was third reading in the Senate on December 11, 2018. It has undergone first and second readings, consideration in committee, and third reading in the Senate.
Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons and is currently awaiting its First Reading in that chamber.
This record indicates that the House of Commons has not yet reached the Third Reading stage for Bill S-244, An Act respecting Kindness Week. The bill, originating in the Senate, is currently awaiting first reading in the House of Commons. The latest recorded activity related to this bill was Third Reading in the Senate on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Key dates for its progress include First Reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, and Second Reading on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, with subsequent major speeches and committee considerations in the fall of 2018. The sponsor of the bill in the Senate was Donald Neil Plett.
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 is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
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