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Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-218

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
November 15, 2022
An Act to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act
  • This bill, known as S-218, proposes an amendment to the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act. The amendment would require the Minister for Women and Gender Equality to examine potential effects of certain bills and amendments on women, particularly Indigenous women, and report those effects to Parliament. The aim of this amendment is to ensure that legislation and proposed changes take into consideration the impact on women and promote gender equality. The bill also includes provisions for the timely tabling and publication of these reports. It is important to note that these requirements would only apply to bills introduced in Parliament six months after the bill receives royal assent.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: Bill S-218 seeks to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act by requiring the Minister for Women and Gender Equality to examine the potential effects of certain bills and amendments on women and report to Parliament accordingly. This amendment is important because it ensures that the impact on women, particularly Indigenous women, is taken into consideration when developing and evaluating legislation. By requiring this examination and reporting process, the government can better understand the gendered implications of proposed bills and make informed decisions that prioritize gender equality. This amendment is a proactive step towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable legislative process, ensuring that women's perspectives and experiences are considered and addressed in policy-making. It also aligns with international commitments to gender equality and human rights, demonstrating Canada's commitme

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One potential steelman argument opposing this amendment to the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act is that it could result in an unnecessary increase in bureaucracy and inefficiency within the government. This amendment would require the Minister for Women and Gender Equality to examine the potential effects of all bills and amendments on women and report to Parliament accordingly. This could create a significant administrative burden for the Minister and their department. Instead of focusing on their primary responsibilities, they would be required to divert their time and resources towards analyzing the potential impacts of bills on women, which is something that should already be considered by the responsible ministers when developing legislation. Additionally, this amendment may duplicate existing processes and mechanisms already in place to assess the potential impacts of legislation on various groups, including women. Thi
Senate First Reading
  • Nov. 15, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read