Bill S-5 · 37th Parliament · Jean Chrétien
National Acadian Day Act
An Act respecting a National Acadian Day
Senate bill. Became law.
- IntroducedOct. 1, 2002
- Debated in principleOct. 7, 2002
- Studied by a committeeDone
- Passed its first chamberJune 4, 2003
- Passed the second chamberJune 12, 2003
- Became lawJune 19, 2003
Where members stand
Votes and debate for this bill have not been read yet.
How it changed on the way
86% of the text as introduced was changed or removed by the time it became law (205 words introduced, 291 passed).
substantial changeintent broadened
The bill kept the core designation of August 15 but added a definition section and greatly expanded the preamble with new historical context and emphasis on sharing Acadian heritage with all Canadians. These additions broadened the act's framing from a simple recognition to one highlighting national relevance and first permanent French settlement.
- Preamble was lengthened with four new WHEREAS clauses on Acadian origins and wider Canadian interest.
Before: “WHEREAS the Acadian people have contributed, for nearly 400 years, to the economic, cultural and social vitality of Canada;”
After: “WHEREAS Acadians, in view of their origin, history and development, constitute the first permanent settlement from France in Canada and now reside in most of the provinces and territories of Canada;”
- The operative clause on the day was renumbered from 2 to 3 with minor quote style change.
Before: “Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 15th day of August shall be known under the name of "National Acadian Day".”
After: “Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 15th day of August shall be known under the name of”
How precisely it is written
preciseChallenging the law: HardDisputing a charge: Hard
The Act uses an exact date and a short defined term to create a purely symbolic designation with no obligations or prohibitions. Operative text leaves nothing open to interpretation or official discretion.
Discretion. No power is delegated to any minister, official, or regulation; the designation operates automatically each year.
Challenging the law itself. The law creates only a name for a day and engages no obvious Charter rights such as expression or equality in a manner that could ground a vagueness or overbreadth claim.
Disputing a charge under it. The statute imposes no duties or bans, so no person can be accused of breaching it and therefore no factual dispute about violation can arise.
Read by a language model from the royal assent text; every quoted phrase appears in the bill. A reading of the drafting, not legal advice.
Did it work?
The evidence has not been searched yet.
Who lobbied on it
No lobbying registration naming this bill is loaded.
Stages and dates from LEGISinfo.