Bill S-228 explained in plain English

On March 24, 2022, the Senate debated Bill S-228, which aims to remove the property and net worth qualifications for senators. Senator Dennis Glen Patterson introduced the bill, stating it would remove a major barrier for potential senators, thereby increasing diversity in the Senate. He argued that the current requirements, established in 1867, are anachronistic and prevent qualified individuals from serving due to factors like rising inflation and housing costs. Senator Patterson also highlighted that the property qualification requirement for senators from Quebec is particularly outdated and geographically restrictive. The debate included questions from other senators about the historical context of these requirements, the process for amending the Constitution, and the possibility of ensuring senators continue to reside in the provinces they represent. The debate on Bill S-228 was adjourned.

On March 24, 2022, the Senate debated Bill S-228, an act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, concerning property qualifications for Senators. Senator Dennis Glen Patterson, the bill's sponsor, delivered a speech outlining his reasons for proposing the bill for a third time. He argued that the existing property and net worth requirements are outdated barriers to diversity in the Senate, preventing many qualified Canadians from serving. He cited recent economic data on Canadian debt and inflation to show how these requirements exclude average citizens. He also explained that the property requirement poses unique challenges for residents of Nunavut and Indigenous homeowners who may not hold freehold title. The Supreme Court of Canada's 2014 decision was referenced, clarifying that Parliament could unilaterally remove the net worth requirement and the property requirement for senators outside Quebec. Senator Patterson expressed hope that this bill would modernize the Senate. Following his speech, Senators Mary Coyle, Colin Deacon, Paula Simons, Marty Deacon, and Frances Lankin asked questions, which Senator Patterson answered. The debate was adjourned after Senator David Wells moved to adjourn it.

On April 7, 2022, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-228, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, specifically concerning the property qualifications for Senators. Senator Paula Simons spoke about the historical origins of the property requirement, dating back to the 1860s, and argued that it is anachronistic and discriminatory in modern Canada, particularly for Indigenous peoples and those living in areas with high property values. She noted that while the Supreme Court has affirmed Parliament's ability to amend this qualification, Quebec's unique situation requires its agreement. Senator Simons also mentioned concerns raised by constitutional law experts about potential barriers to Senators living in their provinces after the requirement is removed. The debate was adjourned.

This record details a sitting of the Senate on April 7, 2022, where various bills and motions were discussed and advanced. Notably, the Senate considered Bill S-228, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867, regarding property qualifications for Senators. During the debate on this bill, Senator Paula Simons shared historical context for these qualifications and argued they are anachronistic. The Senate also adopted a motion to amend the Saskatchewan Act, regarding the taxation of Canadian Pacific Railway, after considerable debate on retroactivity and fairness. Several other bills, including those related to environmental protection, pandemic observance, and fighting forced labour, were advanced to further stages or referred to committees. The Senate also addressed matters concerning open banking, the Gwich’in land claim agreement, support for Ukraine, systemic racism, and international trade issues.

During a Senate sitting on May 19, 2022, senators made statements on various topics including National Fiddling Day, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, and paid tribute to Gord Cunningham on his retirement. Routine proceedings included tabling a committee report on Bill S-6 and the first reading of Bill S-246 (Lebanese Heritage Month). Question Period saw discussions on national defence, the Canada Disability Benefit, anti-racism, CERB, foreign affairs, violence against women, and infrastructure. The Senate then debated and advanced several bills to committee, including Bill S-8 (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), Bill S-225 (Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act), Bill S-228 (Constitution Act, 1867 - property qualifications of Senators), and Bill S-236 (Employment Insurance Act - Prince Edward Island). The Senate also debated motions to pre-study Bill C-11 (Online Streaming Act) and Bill C-13 (Official Languages Act). The sitting concluded with adoption of a motion to adjourn until May 31, 2022.

On September 22, 2022, the Senate sat and began with Senators' Statements, including tributes to individuals and discussions on the importance of agriculture and the contributions of Iranian Canadians. Routine Proceedings followed, with notices of motions related to committee reports and business of the Senate. The Senate then moved into Question Period, where the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations answered questions on various topics including the Parole Board of Canada's review of a case involving Indigenous offenders, Canada's inflation rate and its impact on remote Indigenous communities, the implementation of Indigenous fisheries rights, the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Senate also heard discussions on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Action Plan, Indigenous consultation processes, Indigenous self-determination, Indigenous representation in leadership positions, Indigenous policing, tuberculosis countermeasures, illegal operations on federal land, Indian Status card applications, Indigenous art, the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and Indigenous housing. Following Question Period, the Senate proceeded to debate and consider various legislative items. Notably, there was a continued debate on Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, with senators discussing its implications for Canadian content and the regulation of online platforms. There was also debate on Bill S-228, an Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (property qualifications of Senators), with senators arguing for the removal of outdated property requirements to make the Senate more inclusive. Additionally, there was debate on Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, concerning the welfare of certain animals in captivity. Other items included reports from the Indigenous Peoples Committee regarding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Indian registration, and an inquiry on the contributions of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples. The Senate also authorized joint committees to hold hybrid meetings and adjourned until September 27, 2022.

The Senate debated several motions on April 27, 2023. A motion to authorize the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to study the Emergencies Act was debated but adjourned. A motion to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity was also debated but adjourned. A motion to allow the Standing Committee on Human Rights to hold in-camera meetings was adopted. The Senate also confirmed Royal Assent for Bill C-21 (An Act to amend the Income Tax Act) and Bill C-22 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code). The sitting was suspended at 5:59 PM.