This bill has received Royal Assent and is, or will soon become, law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment designates March 11th in each and every year as “Pandemic Observance Day”.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other S-209s:
S-209 (2020)
An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum (voting age)
S-209 (2020)
An Act to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act
S-209 (2015)
An Act to amend the Official Languages Act (communications with and services to the public)
S-209 (2013)
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (exception to mandatory minimum sentences for manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death)
Votes
April 17, 2024Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill S-209, An Act respecting Pandemic Observance Day
March 22, 2023Passed 2nd reading of Bill S-209, An Act respecting Pandemic Observance Day
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill S-209 seeks to officially designate March 11 of each year as "Pandemic Observance Day." This day would serve as an opportunity for Canadians to remember the effects of the pandemic, commemorate the efforts to get through it, and reflect on how to prepare for future pandemics. The bill aims to honor the lives lost, recognize the sacrifices of frontline workers, and learn from both the successes and failures of the COVID-19 response, with the goal of building resilience and preparedness for future global health crises.
Conservative
Against a pandemic observance day: Conservative members argued that a specific day is unnecessary, as the pandemic's impact is unforgettable. They suggest the focus should be on addressing systemic failures and preventing future mistakes.
Government inaction criticized: Members criticized the government's response to the pandemic and the state of the healthcare system. They also stated that the focus should be on action and addressing systemic failures rather than symbolic gestures.
Allegations of corruption: The Conservative speakers claimed the government was incompetent and potentially corrupt in its handling of the pandemic, citing issues like PPE shortages, questionable contract awards, and wasteful spending.
NDP
Supporting pandemic observance day: The NDP supports the creation of a pandemic observance day to commemorate the efforts made during the pandemic, remember its effects, and reflect on ways to prepare for future pandemics.
Government response inadequate: NDP members believe the government's response was insufficient, pointing to initial resistance to regular CERB payments and the subsequent targeting of individuals who relied on CERB, while wealthy corporations received support without being held accountable.
Lessons must be learned: The NDP emphasizes the importance of learning from the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid repeating mistakes, particularly in areas such as long-term care, support for vulnerable populations, and global vaccine equity, as existing systems remain largely unchanged.
Bloc
Supports pandemic observance day: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill S-209, which establishes March 11 as Pandemic Observance Day. The day is intended to remember the solidarity and resilience shown during the pandemic, to never forget those affected, and to learn from the mistakes that were made.
Remembering frontline workers: Members emphasized the importance of remembering and thanking the frontline workers, including health care workers, asylum seekers who worked in long-term care facilities, maintenance staff, grocery store clerks, teachers, delivery drivers, and others who risked their health and well-being to provide essential services.
Acknowledging the sacrifices of youth: The Bloc acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, including students who had to adapt to online learning and missed out on important milestones. Members highlighted the impact of the pandemic on their mental health, finances, and overall well-being and supported enabling commemorative activities in schools.
Seniors, hardest hit: Members highlighted the severe impact of the pandemic on seniors, particularly those in long-term care facilities, who experienced isolation, sickness, and loss. They emphasized the need to honor their courage and resilience.
Liberal
Supports Pandemic Observance Day: The Liberal Party supports the establishment of a Pandemic Observance Day on March 11th to commemorate the efforts made by Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to help Canadians grieve and reflect on how to prepare for future pandemics. The date marks when the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Remember and Learn: The party believes it is crucial to remember the lessons learned from the pandemic, both the mistakes and the successes, to better prepare for future pandemics and to honor frontline workers, victims, and the impact on society, including disruptions to education, families, and the economy.
Need for global cooperation: Liberals emphasized the need for global cooperation and preparedness in addressing future pandemics, as the world is interconnected and viruses can spread rapidly. They noted that the World Health Organization continues to warn about future pandemics.
Strengthen Healthcare: Speakers noted that the pandemic has placed a great strain on the healthcare system, and that a day of observance would remind us that we need to care for our system, noting overcrowded emergency rooms and a burned-out workforce.
Pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, 2022, the division stands deferred until Wednesday, March 22, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.
It being 3:16 p.m., pursuant to order made on Thursday, June 23, 2022, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at second reading stage of Bill S‑209, under Private Members' Business.
Call in the members.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
