Bill S-215 explained in plain English
An Act respecting National Immigration Month
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 45th 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-215 designates November as National Immigration Month in Canada each year.
Bill S-215 designates the month of November as 'National Immigration Month' across Canada each year. The bill references the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which came into effect on November 1, 2001, and notes that Canada already celebrates National Francophone Immigration Week in November. It does not create new programs, penalties, or funding.
- Designates November as 'National Immigration Month' in all provinces and territories annually (Section 2).
- All Canadians, as the designation applies nationwide.
- The bill does not specify activities, funding, or formal recognition mechanisms for National Immigration Month beyond the designation.
The bill acknowledges this law as part of Canada's immigration framework.
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-215's first reading in the Senate on May 28, 2025, marked its formal introduction, with subsequent steps including committee review and second reading.
Bill S-215, titled 'An Act respecting National Immigration Month,' underwent its first reading in the Senate on May 28, 2025. This procedural step formally introduced the bill for consideration. The bill was then referred to a committee on June 18, 2025, and is scheduled for second reading on June 5, 2025. During the first reading, no substantive debate occurred, as this stage is purely procedural. The sponsor, Amina Gerba (Progressive Senate Group), delivered a speech during the second reading (Sitting 7), and a response speech was given by Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative) during Sitting 13. The bill's progression reflects standard parliamentary stages, with further review and debate planned in committee.
The Senate debate covers the introduction of bills, questions about official languages appointments, trade disputes, and a reference to the Speech from the Throne.
The Senate debate transcript includes several key topics. First, there is a welcome to new senators, followed by the introduction of bills S-211 and S-212. A senator raises a question about the appointment of the Commissioner of Official Languages, which the government responds to by citing the 2023-2024 budget. Another senator questions the government's stance on interprovincial trade disputes, and the government acknowledges the complexity of such issues. Finally, a speech from the throne is referenced, with a note on land acknowledgment practices.
Bill S-215 completed its Senate second reading on June 5, 2025, and was referred to committee for further review on June 18, 2025.
Bill S-215, which proposes to establish National Immigration Month, has completed its second reading stage in the Senate on June 5, 2025 (Sitting 7). The bill was referred to a committee for further consideration on June 18, 2025. During the second reading, the sponsor (Amina Gerba, Progressive Senate Group) delivered a speech on June 5, and a response speech was given by Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative) on June 18. The bill was previously introduced in the 44th Parliament as S-286 and had reached the second reading stage in the Senate. The current status is 'at consideration in committee' in the Senate.
The Senate debate on June 5, 2025, focused on immigration policy reforms, historical context, and support for Bill S-215 to modernize Canada's immigration system.
The provided text contains Senate debate transcripts from June 5, 2025, discussing immigration policy and historical context. Key topics include: 1. A senator outlines Canada's immigration policies and their historical evolution, referencing the 19th-century Northwest Rebellion and the 1940s private sponsorship program. 2. A personal story from Senator Gerba about her family's immigration experience during the 1960s. 3. Discussion of Bill S-215, which aims to modernize immigration processes and address gaps in the current system. 4. Reference to Haitian immigration contributions and the need for policy reform. 5. A speech supporting Bill S-215, emphasizing its role in improving immigration outcomes. The debate concludes with a motion to adjourn the Senate.
Senators debated immigration policies, emphasizing the need for inclusive recognition of immigrants' contributions and the importance of addressing historical and contemporary challenges in Canada's immigration system.
The Senate debate focused on immigration policy, with senators discussing the historical and contemporary role of immigrants in Canada. Key topics included the proposed Bill S-215, which aims to establish a national immigration month, and the need to address past discriminatory immigration policies. Senators highlighted the importance of recognizing immigrants' contributions to Canada's identity and economy, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges related to immigration status and origin-based discrimination. The debate included references to historical events like the Northwest Rebellion and the contributions of specific immigrants such as Dr. Yvette Bonny and Bruny Surin. The discussion emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and celebrating Canada's multicultural heritage.
On June 12, 2025, the Senate debated agricultural policy and supply management reforms, with no bills passed and a motion to adjourn the session.
On June 12, 2025, the Senate debated several bills and motions. Key topics included: 1. Bill C-202 (Supply Management): Senators discussed its impact on small farms, with emphasis on protecting Canadian producers from U.S. market volatility. The Bloc Québécois and Quebec's National Assembly supported the bill, citing its role in maintaining price stability for dairy and poultry sectors. A motion to adjourn the Senate was passed, with the next sitting scheduled for June 17, 2025. 2. Bill C-282 (Food Security): Debate focused on soil degradation and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Senators referenced a Food and Agriculture Organization report highlighting the urgency of addressing soil health. 3. Procedural Actions: The Senate adjourned for the day, with no votes recorded. No bills were passed in the Senate on this date. The debates emphasized agricultural policy, supply management, and environmental sustainability, with no legal changes enacted during this session.
The Senate debated three bills: one to address First Nations legal enforcement gaps, another to clarify RCMP responsibilities for enforcing First Nations laws, and a third to establish Arab Heritage Month, with discussions highlighting reconciliation, treaty obligations, and cultural recognition.
The Senate debate transcripts focus on three key topics: (1) First Nations legal enforcement issues, (2) RCMP accountability for enforcing First Nations laws, and (3) Arab Heritage Month recognition. The discussions reference the 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report and treaty obligations. A bill (S-223) proposes legislative amendments to address gaps in First Nations legal systems, while another (S-224) seeks to clarify RCMP responsibilities. A third bill (S-227) aims to establish Arab Heritage Month to celebrate Arab Canadian contributions. The debates emphasize reconciliation, treaty commitments, and cultural recognition.
The Senate debated two bills on June 18, 2025: one to establish Arab Heritage Month and another to address gaps in First Nations' legal authority over their territories.
On June 18, 2025, the Senate debated two bills. Senator Al Zaibak supported Bill S-227, which establishes Arab Heritage Month, emphasizing the contributions of Arab-Canadians to Canadian society and the importance of cultural recognition. Senator Mary Jane McCallum discussed Bill S-223, which amends the RCMP Act to address gaps in First Nations' legal authority over their territories. She highlighted concerns about the RCMP's refusal to enforce First Nations laws, citing the 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report, and called for improved collaboration between the RCMP and Indigenous communities to ensure public safety.
Bill S-215 is undergoing committee consideration in the Senate as of March 26, 2026, with procedural steps including referrals, readings, and speeches documented in the legislative process.
Bill S-215, titled 'An Act respecting National Immigration Month,' is currently in the Senate's consideration in committee stage as of March 26, 2026. The bill was referred to committee on June 18, 2025, following its second reading on June 5, 2025. Key procedural milestones include its first reading on May 28, 2025, and subsequent committee meetings on November 27, 2025, and March 26, 2026. During the second reading, speeches were delivered by Senator Amina Gerba (Progressive Senate Group) on June 18, 2025, and a response by Senator Salma Ataullahjan (Conservative) on June 12, 2025. The bill's progress is part of a broader legislative process, with a similar bill (S-286) previously introduced in the 44th Parliament. This record reflects procedural steps and does not alter the law itself.
The Senate received a committee report on Bill S-215, stating the bill was examined without amendment and would proceed to third reading.
On June 2, 2026, the Senate convened. As part of the Routine Proceedings, the Ninth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology was presented, concerning Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month. The committee reported that they had examined the bill and found no amendments. The bill was then placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
Bill S-215, concerning National Immigration Month, has completed third reading in the Senate and is now at second reading in the House of Commons.
This artifact details the procedural stages of Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, within the Senate. It shows the bill successfully completed its third reading in the Senate on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The bill was then sent to the House of Commons, where it is currently at the second reading stage. The artifact also lists key dates for its first and second readings, consideration in committee, and third reading in the Senate, along with the sponsor's speech.
The Senate paid tribute to a retiring Senator, debated and passed Bill S-215 respecting National Immigration Month, and engaged in Question Period and committee business, concluding the sitting for the day.
On June 9, 2026, the Senate met for its sitting. The Senate paid tribute to Senator Donna Dasko, who was retiring. The Senate also discussed and advanced several bills, including ones related to appropriations, Christian Heritage Month, and the Criminal Code. Question Period involved discussions on Artificial Intelligence, Indigenous Rights, Red Tape Reduction, the RCMP, Air Passenger Rights, Economic Policy, Forced Labour, and the Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to the third reading and passage of Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month. Other bills and inquiries were also debated and referred to committees. The sitting concluded with Senators wishing each other well for the next day.
Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, has completed its first reading in the House of Commons and has advanced through subsequent stages, with its current status being 'At second reading in the House of Commons'.
This record indicates that Bill S-215, concerning National Immigration Month, has reached the 'First reading' stage in the House of Commons on June 17, 2026. This means the bill has been formally introduced in the House. The record also provides a timeline of subsequent stages the bill has passed, including Second reading, Consideration in committee, and Third reading, all completed in the House of Commons. It also notes that the bill proceeded to the Senate, with a sponsor's speech and a response speech occurring in the Senate. The bill's status is currently 'At second reading in the House of Commons'. A similar bill, S-286, from a previous parliamentary session is also mentioned.
The House of Commons proceedings on June 17, 2026, included statements by members, debates on the economy and public safety legislation, the introduction of new bills including the National Immigration Month Act (Bill S-215), and discussions on telecommunications policy.
This document is a record of the House of Commons proceedings on June 17, 2026. During this sitting, Members of Parliament engaged in various activities, including Statements by Members, Oral Questions on the economy and other issues, and the introduction of several Private Members' Bills. Notably, Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, was introduced and read for the first time. The sitting also included debate and votes on Government Orders and concluded with Adjournment Proceedings. The main focus of the provided text details discussions on the economy, public safety legislation (Bill C-22), and telecommunications policy (Bill C-268), as well as a farewell speech from a retiring Member of Parliament.
Bill S-215, concerning National Immigration Month, was placed on the House of Commons' order of business for second reading on June 17, 2026, following its initial readings and committee stages.
This record indicates that Bill S-215, an Act respecting National Immigration Month, was placed on the Order of Precedence for second reading in the House of Commons on June 17, 2026. The bill had its first reading on May 28, 2025, and second reading on June 5, 2025. Major speeches related to second reading occurred on June 12, 2025, and June 18, 2025. The bill subsequently went through committee consideration and third reading in the House of Commons, and then moved back to the Senate for its first reading on June 17, 2026. The provided text also notes a similar bill, S-286, introduced in a previous Parliament.
Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, has been scheduled for committee consideration in the House of Commons, but this stage has not yet occurred, with previous stages like first and second reading having been completed.
The provided text details the procedural stages of Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, within the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill is currently at the 'House of Commons Consideration in committee' stage, but this stage has 'Not reached'. The artifact lists historical dates for first reading, second reading, and subsequent committee and third reading dates. It also mentions that the bill was placed in the Order of Precedence on June 17, 2026, and details some speeches made during the second reading stage in the Senate and House of Commons. The text also references a similar bill, S-286, from a previous Parliament.
This procedural record shows that Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, has not yet reached the Report stage in the House of Commons, with its latest activity being placed in the Order of Precedence on June 17, 2026.
This artifact outlines the procedural steps for Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, within the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has not yet reached the Report stage. The latest recorded activity is its placement in the Order of Precedence on June 17, 2026. The summary also lists previous procedural milestones, including First Reading on May 28, 2025, Second Reading on June 5, 2025, and subsequent committee considerations and readings in both the House of Commons and the Senate. It also references a similar bill, S-286, from a previous parliamentary session.
Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons, though its progression through earlier stages and Senate readings is documented.
This record shows that Bill S-215, concerning National Immigration Month, has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons. The latest recorded activity is its placement in the Order of Precedence on June 17, 2026. The bill has completed First Reading, Second Reading, Consideration in committee, and Third Reading in the House of Commons. It was also read for the first time in the Senate on June 17, 2026. The artifact also notes a similar bill, S-286, from a previous Parliament.
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