Bill S-248 explained in plain English
An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day
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
Bill S-248 designates May 1 as National Physicians' Day across Canada.
Bill S-248 is a short act that creates a national observance day called "National Physicians' Day" to be held on May 1 each year. The bill recognizes the contributions of physicians, medical residents, and medical students to Canada's health care system. May 1 was chosen because it is the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first woman to practise medicine in Canada. The bill clarifies that National Physicians' Day is not a legal holiday, meaning it does not affect work schedules or create statutory holidays. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and appreciate physicians' work.
- Designates May 1 as National Physicians' Day each year throughout Canada
- Recognizes the contributions of physicians, residents, and medical students to Canadian health care
- Establishes the observance to honour Dr. Emily Stowe, the first woman to practise medicine in Canada, whose birthday is May 1
- Clarifies that National Physicians' Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day, meaning it does not create statutory time off or affect work obligations
- Physicians across Canada
- Medical residents
- Medical students
- Canadian patients and the general public
- Provincial and federal governments that may recognize the day
- May 1 is designated as National Physicians' Day
- The designation applies throughout Canada each and every year
- May 1 of each year shall be known as National Physicians' Day
- The bill does not specify a date of royal assent or commencement; the stage indicates it is at report stage in the House of Commons
- The bill does not specify whether provincial and territorial governments will formally recognize the day or take any particular action on it
- The bill does not detail what types of events or activities will mark National Physicians' Day
- The bill does not specify a commencement date; the current status indicates it is at report stage in the House of Commons, meaning it has not yet received royal assent
The bill notes that May 1 is already observed as Doctors' Day in Ontario and Nova Scotia; the national designation aligns with and extends this existing provincial observance
Source: Preamble
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
This artifact details the procedural step of Senate First Reading for Bill S-248, noting its completion on March 28, 2018, and subsequent legislative journey.
This artifact describes the Senate First Reading stage for Bill S-248, "An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day." This stage was completed on March 28, 2018. The provided text also outlines the bill's subsequent progress, including its movement through the House of Commons where it is currently at the report stage. It lists dates for first and second readings, committee considerations, and third reading in the Senate, as well as first and second readings in the House of Commons.
On March 28, 2018, the Senate introduced Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, marking its first reading, alongside other Senate business including committee report presentations and question period discussions.
On March 28, 2018, during a Senate sitting, Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, was introduced and received its first reading. The sitting also included statements on various topics, routine proceedings such as committee report presentations and notices of motions, and a question period covering issues like the federal budget, the Trans Mountain Pipeline, and telecommunications in northern communities. Several other bills and committee reports were also addressed.
The Senate completed the Second Reading of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, on October 24, 2018, before it proceeded to the House of Commons.
This artifact details the procedural steps for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, during its Second Reading in the Senate. It shows that the Senate completed its Second Reading on October 24, 2018. The artifact also lists key dates, including the First Reading, the Second Reading itself, consideration in committee, and Third Reading. It notes that the bill later moved to the House of Commons where it reached the report stage.
A Senate sitting on April 19, 2018, included statements, routine proceedings, question period, and consideration of various bills and reports, with the second reading debate of Bill S-248 being adjourned.
This document is a record of a Senate sitting on April 19, 2018. During the sitting, senators made statements on various topics, including Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, the Atlantic Memorial Park Project, labour market barriers for immigrants, and World Autism Awareness Day. They also dealt with routine proceedings, question period, and various orders of the day. Notably, the second reading debate for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, was adjourned.
In the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-248, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Art Eggleton, spoke in support of declaring May 1st as National Physicians’ Day to recognize the contributions of Canadian doctors.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, Senator Art Eggleton spoke in favour of the bill. He explained that the bill proposes to declare May 1st as National Physicians’ Day, noting that this date is the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe, a pioneering female physician and suffragist in Canada. Senator Eggleton highlighted the significant contributions of Canadian physicians to the healthcare system, medical innovation, and national identity. He also mentioned that some provinces already celebrate May 1st as a day to honour physicians, and that many other countries have similar national days. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was postponed to a later time.
On May 22, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-248 at second reading, heard discussions on various Senate business including the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, and addressed other legislative matters and inquiries.
This artifact is a record of a Senate sitting on May 22, 2018. It includes various Senate proceedings such as Senators' Statements on diverse topics, Routine Proceedings including the presentation of a committee report and the first reading of a bill, Orders of the Day where debates on specific bills continued, and a Question Period where the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour addressed various issues. The sitting included debate on Bill S-245 concerning the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, and Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, which was at the second reading stage and debated. Amendments were proposed and debated for Bill S-245, but ultimately defeated. Bill C-49, which had been amended by the Senate, was sent back from the House of Commons with disagreements, and the Senate subsequently voted not to insist on its amendments. The sitting concluded with the Senate continuing debate on an inquiry into anti-Black racism and a motion concerning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Senate on May 22, 2018, during the second reading debate of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, Senator Ghislain Maltais spoke in support of the bill, commending physicians for their service and lengthy training.
This record details a Senate sitting on May 22, 2018. While the sitting included discussions on various other topics like the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, suicide awareness, and the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project, this artifact specifically concerns the second reading debate for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. During this debate, Senator Ghislain Maltais spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the dedication of physicians and the importance of a day to recognize their contributions. He emphasized the extensive training physicians undergo and the vital role they play in saving lives, drawing from personal experience. Senator Mégie's motion to adjourn the debate was adopted. The bill was then moved to the next stage of the legislative process.
During a Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, senators continued debate on multiple bills, including one to designate National Physicians’ Day, and addressed committee reports and inquiries.
This Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, included routine proceedings, question period, and the continuation of debate on several bills. Notably, the Senate debated Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, with senators discussing the bill's intent to designate May 1st as National Physicians' Day, the long and challenging path physicians undertake, and the choice of the date itself. Other debates included Bill C-24 (Salaries Act amendments), Bill C-65 (harassment and violence in the workplace), Bill S-238 (shark fin importation ban), Bill S-244 (Kindness Week), Bill C-243 (national maternity assistance program strategy), and Bill C-377 (electoral district name change). Several reports were presented and adopted, and various inquiries were adjourned.
The Senate debated and advanced Bill S-248, concerning National Physicians' Day, to committee while also discussing other legislative matters and current issues.
On October 24, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. The bill was read for a second time and then referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology for further study. The sitting also included statements from senators on various topics, a question period addressing carbon taxes, Inuit employment, and foreign affairs, and continued debates on other bills.
This record details the procedural progression of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, through various stages in the Senate and its current status in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the procedural steps for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, in the Senate. It indicates that the stage 'Senate Consideration in committee' was completed on November 1, 2018. The overall status of the bill is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons, with the latest activity being the presentation of a committee report on June 5, 2019. The artifact also lists dates for various stages including first and second readings, committee consideration, and third reading in the Senate, as well as first and second readings in the House of Commons.
The Senate's Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee presented its report on Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, without amendment, and the bill was scheduled for third reading.
On November 1, 2018, the Senate of Canada met. During this sitting, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology presented its 28th report concerning Bill S-248, "An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day." The committee reported the bill without amendment, and the Senate scheduled it for third reading at a later date. The sitting also included senators' statements on various topics, tabling of government reports, question period, and debates on other legislative items and motions. The proceedings of this specific sitting do not indicate whether Bill S-248 has become law or any of its specific impacts.
This record outlines the procedural progression of Bill S-248 through the Senate to third reading and its subsequent movement to the House of Commons.
This record shows the procedural steps for Bill S-248, "An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day," up to its completion of the third reading stage in the Senate on November 27, 2018. It details when the bill was first introduced, read a second time, considered by a committee, and reached third reading in the Senate. The artifact also notes subsequent progress in the House of Commons, including its status at report stage and the presentation of a committee report. It lists specific dates for these procedural events.
The Senate convened for a sitting that included routine proceedings, question period, and debates on multiple bills, with the third reading debate for Bill S-248 being adjourned.
This Senate sitting on November 20, 2018, included various procedural activities, including tabling reports, presenting committee reports, introducing new bills, and discussing existing ones. The debate at third reading for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, was adjourned. Other significant discussions included debates on Bill C-59 (national security) and Bill C-71 (firearms). A motion to change the order for committees was adopted.
The Senate held its third reading debate for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, and then proceeded to other business including debates on various reports and bills.
The Senate began the process for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. This occurred during the "Third reading" stage. Following this, the Senate engaged in debate and discussion on various other matters, including reports from committees, notices of motions, and other bills. The proceedings concluded for the day after these discussions.
Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on January 30, 2019, and has since progressed through other legislative stages.
The provided text describes the procedural steps of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, within the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has completed its first reading on January 30, 2019. The text also notes subsequent stages the bill has gone through, including second reading, committee study, and third reading, with a note that the bill is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons. The dates for these various procedural events are listed.
This House of Commons sitting on January 30, 2019, saw the first reading of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, as part of its routine proceedings.
This artifact is a record of the House of Commons sitting on January 30, 2019, specifically detailing the first reading of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. During Routine Proceedings, the House agreed to a motion that the bill be read the first time. This procedural step signifies the formal introduction of the bill into the House for consideration. The rest of the sitting involved various other proceedings, including Statements by Members, Oral Questions, Private Members' Business, government orders, and petitions.
Bill S-248, concerning National Physicians’ Day, has completed its second reading in the House of Commons and is now at the report stage.
This record shows the progression of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, through the House of Commons. It details the completion of the second reading stage. The bill was first introduced and received first reading on March 28, 2018. It then underwent second reading and was referred to a committee on April 19, 2018. Following committee review, it proceeded to third reading on November 20 and 27, 2018. The bill then moved to the Senate, where it received first reading on January 30, 2019. It underwent a second reading in the Senate on April 8, 2019, and was agreed to, then referred back to a committee. The committee presented its report on June 5, 2019. The bill is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons.
On April 8, 2019, the House of Commons debated Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, with members discussing the contributions of physicians and the legacy of Dr. Emily Stowe.
On April 8, 2019, the House of Commons held a second reading debate on Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. Members from various parties spoke about the bill, sharing personal experiences and highlighting the contributions of physicians to Canadian society. The debate included discussions on the historical significance of Dr. Emily Stowe, the challenges faced by physicians in rural areas, the need for foreign credential recognition, and the advocacy role physicians play in their communities. Other procedural matters, including discussions on the Criminal Records Act (Bill C-93) and the Multilateral Instrument in Respect of Tax Conventions Act (Bill C-82), also took place during the sitting.
The House of Commons debated and passed Bill S-248, to designate May 1st as National Physicians' Day, recognizing the contributions and challenges of physicians.
During the House of Commons sitting on May 17, 2019, a debate occurred regarding Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. This bill proposes to designate May 1st as National Physicians' Day to recognize the contributions of physicians across Canada. The debate included support for the bill's intent to celebrate physicians, with some members highlighting the long hours, training, and sacrifices doctors make. Concerns were also raised about doctor shortages, the financial burdens on new doctors, and the challenges physicians face, including violence in the workplace and mental health issues. The bill was ultimately agreed to and referred to the Standing Committee on Health. The sitting also included discussions on other matters, such as Bill C-98 concerning the oversight of the Canada Border Services Agency, and various statements by members on different topics.
The House of Commons completed its committee consideration for Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, on June 5, 2019, after various readings and committee meetings.
This artifact details the procedural steps taken regarding Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, as it moved through the House of Commons. The 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage was completed on June 5, 2019, following committee meetings on June 4 and June 5, 2019. The bill had previously completed its first reading on March 28, 2018, and second reading on April 19, 2018, with subsequent speeches and committee discussions occurring throughout late 2018 and into 2019. It also notes the bill's progress in the Senate, including a sponsor's speech.
On June 5, 2019, the House of Commons held a sitting that included statements by members, oral questions on diverse topics, debates and divisions on the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, and private members' business concerning rural health care and farewell speeches from retiring members.
This is a record of a sitting in the House of Commons on June 5, 2019. The sitting included statements by members, oral questions on various topics including international trade, foreign affairs, taxation, and the environment, and government orders where the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1 was debated and voted upon through several divisions. There were also routine proceedings, including the tabling of reports from various committees and the introduction of new bills, followed by private members' business discussing health care delivery in rural Canada and statements by members not seeking re-election. The sitting concluded with the adjournment proceedings.
Bill S-248, an Act respecting National Physicians’ Day, is at the report stage in the House of Commons with no activity recorded for this specific stage in the provided information.
This record indicates that Bill S-248, concerning National Physicians' Day, is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons, with no specific activity noted for this stage in the provided text. The text outlines the bill's progression through various stages, including first and second readings, committee study, and third reading in both the House of Commons and the Senate, with the latest recorded activity being the presentation of a committee report on June 5, 2019.
Bill S-248, concerning National Physicians' Day, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons, with its most recent procedural step being the presentation of a committee report.
This artifact describes the legislative progress of Bill S-248, An Act respecting National Physicians’ Day. The bill has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest activity recorded was the presentation of a committee report on June 5, 2019. The summary outlines the bill's progression through First Reading, Second Reading, committee deliberations, and Third Reading at various dates in 2018 and 2019, including in the Senate.
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