Bill S-210 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 43rd 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-210 creates a new position of Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate and corrects a reference to the Canada Council for the Arts in the Parliament of Canada Act.
This bill creates a new position called the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate. The person in this role will be an officer of the Library of Parliament and will work to promote the arts in Canada through Parliament. They can create artwork (at the request of either Speaker), sponsor art events and exhibitions, and advise on the Library's art collection. The two Speakers (of the Senate and House of Commons) together will choose the laureate from a list of three names selected by a committee that includes the Parliamentary Librarian, the Director of the National Gallery of Canada, the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the President of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. The position is held for up to two years. The bill also fixes a reference in the Parliament of Canada Act to the "Canada Council for the Arts" in the English version of the law (changing it from "Canada Council").
- Creates a new position of Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, which is an officer of the Library of Parliament
- Allows the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate to produce artwork at the request of either Speaker, especially for state occasions in Parliament
- Allows the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate to sponsor art events and exhibitions
- Allows the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate to advise the Parliamentary Librarian on art collection and acquisitions for the Library
- Authorizes the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate to perform other related duties requested by either Speaker or the Parliamentary Librarian
- Establishes that the two Speakers (Senate and House of Commons), acting together, will select the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate from a list of three candidates proposed by a selection committee
- Specifies that the selection committee will be chaired by the Parliamentary Librarian and will include the Director of the National Gallery of Canada, the Commissioner of Official Languages, the Chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the President of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (or their designates)
- Sets the maximum term of office at two years, with tenure at the pleasure of the two Speakers acting together
- Defines 'arts' for the purposes of this section to include drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, videography and filmmaking
- Corrects a reference to the Canada Council for the Arts in the English version of the Parliament of Canada Act
- The Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Commons (who together select and oversee the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate)
- The Parliamentary Librarian (who chairs the selection committee and works with the laureate on Library collections)
- The future Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate (the person in this new position)
- The selection committee members: Director of the National Gallery of Canada, Commissioner of Official Languages, Chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts, and President of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts
- Parliament of Canada (institution that benefits from the laureate's work promoting the arts)
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate has the right to be selected by the two Speakers from a list of three candidates reflecting Canada's diversity
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate has the right to hold office for a term not exceeding two years
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate has the right to produce or cause to be produced artistic creations at the request of either Speaker
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate has the right to sponsor artistic events and exhibitions
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate has the right to give advice to the Parliamentary Librarian on the Library's art collection and acquisitions
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate is obligated to promote the arts in Canada through Parliament
- The Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate is obligated to perform duties related to fostering knowledge, enjoyment, awareness and development of the arts
- The two Speakers are obligated to act together in selecting the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate and in determining tenure
- The selection committee is obligated to submit a list of three names reflecting Canada's diversity in confidence
- The bill does not specify a commencement date or when the position will come into effect
- The bill does not specify any financial costs, budgets, or funding arrangements for the position or related activities
- The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties
- The bill does not specify a start date or commencement date for when the position will be established
- The bill does not specify compensation, salary, or benefits for the Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate
- The bill does not specify whether the position is full-time or part-time
- The bill does not specify how or when the position may be terminated before the end of the two-year term
- The bill does not specify the process or timeline for selecting the first Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate
- The bill does not specify whether the term can be renewed beyond the initial appointment
New section 75.01 is added to establish the position of Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate. Also, subsection 75.1(2) is updated to correct a reference to the Canada Council for the Arts in the English version.
Source: Clause 1 (new section 75.01) and Clause 2 (subsection 75.1(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-210, establishing a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, passed its first reading in the Senate on February 4, 2020, and was subsequently debated at second reading on February 6, 2020.
This record shows that Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, completed its first reading in the Senate on February 4, 2020. The bill was later debated at second reading on February 6, 2020, where a speech was given by Senator Patricia Bovey.
The Senate began its sitting with the introduction of new senators, tributes to victims of a tragic air disaster, tabling of reports, and the first reading of three bills, including Bill S-210.
On February 4, 2020, the Senate proceeded with its sitting, which included the introduction of two new senators, Honourable Judith Keating and Honourable Brent Cotter. The Senate observed a moment of silence and offered tributes in memory of the victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Several reports from the Parliamentary Budget Officer were tabled. Routine proceedings included the first reading of three bills: Bill S-208 (Criminal Code amendment), Bill S-209 (Department for Women and Gender Equality Act amendment), and Bill S-210 (Parliament of Canada Act amendment). During Question Period, senators asked questions of the Government Representative in the Senate on various topics, including amendments to legislation, the Parole Board of Canada, government spending reviews, and the case of Vice-Admiral Mark Norman. The Senate also began debate on the first report of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators concerning Senator Lynn Beyak, and debate was adjourned on the motion for an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne and on two inquiries.
On February 6, 2020, Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, was undergoing debate at the second reading stage in the Senate.
This record shows the procedural status of Bill S-210 in the Senate on February 6, 2020. The bill was at the second reading stage, meaning Senators were debating its principles. The debate had not been completed at this point. A similar bill, S-234, was introduced in a previous Parliament but was not proceeded with.
The Senate convened on February 6, 2020, for a sitting that included tributes, discussions on current issues, question period, and the adjournment of debate on several bills, including Bill S-210 regarding a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate.
On February 6, 2020, the Senate met to discuss various matters. The sitting included tributes to former Senator Nicole Eaton, discussions on Black History Month, Food Freedom Day, Guaranteed Livable Income, and the tragic death of Marylène Levesque. Routine proceedings involved tabling reports and introducing a bill to change an electoral district name. Question Period covered topics such as carbon tax exemptions for farmers, the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, inter-provincial trade, Statistics Canada, the North Warning System, the International Civil Aviation Organization's actions regarding Taiwan, and the federal fiscal deficit. The Senate then debated various items, including committee reports, motions to invite ministers to question period, and adjourned debate on several bills. Notably, Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, had its second reading debate adjourned. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn until February 18, 2020. The sitting concluded with various inquiries and continued debates.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-210, Senator Bovey advocated for the creation of a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, emphasizing the role of art in society and proposing the bill as a means to foster a greater appreciation for the arts within Parliament and across Canada.
On February 6, 2020, the Senate held a debate regarding Bill S-210, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate). Senator Patricia Bovey spoke in favour of the bill, explaining its purpose is to establish a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate. She highlighted the benefits of such a position, drawing parallels with existing laureates in other jurisdictions and emphasizing the role of art in social change, economic contribution, and connecting with Canadians. The debate was adjourned, meaning it was not completed during this sitting.
Bill S-210, aiming to establish a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate and has not yet reached third reading.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-210, concerning the creation of a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, has not yet reached the third reading stage in the Senate. The bill's latest activity was a debate at its second reading on February 6, 2020. The bill was first read on February 4, 2020. The artifact also notes a similar bill, S-234, introduced in a previous Parliament, which was not proceeded with after its first reading in the House of Commons.
Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, has not yet had its First Reading in the House of Commons and is currently at Second Reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-210 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has not yet reached the First Reading stage in the House of Commons. The bill is currently at the Second Reading stage in the Senate. The artifact also notes that a similar bill, S-234, was introduced in a previous Parliament but was not proceeded with.
Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, is currently at second reading in the Senate, and the second reading stage in the House of Commons has not yet occurred.
This artifact describes the procedural status of Bill S-210, "An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate)", specifically noting that the 'House of Commons Second reading' stage has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At second reading in the Senate'. The latest activity recorded was a debate at second reading in the Senate on Thursday, February 6, 2020. The bill had its first reading on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, and its second reading in the Senate on Thursday, February 6, 2020, where Senator Patricia Bovey delivered a sponsor's speech. The artifact also notes a similar bill, S-234, was introduced in a previous Parliament but was not proceeded with.
Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, has not yet undergone committee consideration in the House of Commons and is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that the House of Commons has not yet reached the stage of "Consideration in committee" for Bill S-210. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate. The provided text details the bill's first and second reading dates in the Senate and notes a previous similar bill (S-234) that was not proceeded with after its first reading in the House of Commons.
Bill S-210, concerning a Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate, has not yet reached the House of Commons Report stage and is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the status of Bill S-210, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate). The bill has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. Its current status is 'At second reading in the Senate'. The latest activity noted was a debate at second reading in the Senate on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
The House of Commons Third reading stage for Bill S-210 has not yet been reached, with the bill currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes the House of Commons Third reading stage for Bill S-210. However, the record indicates that this stage has not yet been reached. The bill's current status is 'At second reading in the Senate'. The latest activity noted is debate at second reading in the Senate on February 6, 2020. The artifact also references a similar bill, S-234, from a previous Parliament which was not proceeded with.
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