The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAtaullahjanAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanChristmasClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleDagenaisDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanDupuisForestFrancisFureyGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldGreeneHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaLovelace NicholasMacDonaldManningMarshallMarwahMassicotteMcCallumMcPhedranMégieMercerMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieOhPatePattersonPetitclercPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAtaullahjanAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanChristmasClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleDagenaisDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanDupuisForestFrancisFureyGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldGreeneHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaLovelace NicholasMacDonaldManningMarshallMarwahMassicotteMcCallumMcPhedranMégieMercerMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieOhPatePattersonPetitclercPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWooYussuff

The first list records senators present in the Senate Chamber during the course of the sitting.

An asterisk in the second list indicates a senator who, while not present during the sitting, was in attendance to business, as defined in subsections 8(2) and (3) of the Senators Attendance Policy.

PRAYERS

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Bellemare presented the following:

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament has the honour to present its

FIRST REPORT

Pursuant to rule 12-7(2)(a), your committee recommends that the Rules of the Senate be amended:

1.by renumbering current rules 2-4(1) to 2-4(3) as rules 2-4(5) to 2-4(7), and by adding the following new rules 2-4(1) to 2-4(4):

“Election of the Speaker pro tempore

2-4. (1) At the beginning of the first session of each parliament, and at any subsequent time during the course of sessions of that parliament that the position becomes vacant, the Speaker pro tempore shall be elected by secret ballot, provided that if more than two senators stand for election, the election will be conducted by ranked ballot.

Process of election

2-4. (2) Within the first five sitting days of a parliament, and subsequently within the first five sitting days of a vacancy arising in the position of Speaker pro tempore during the course of the parliament, the Speaker shall, after consulting with the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition, and the leader or facilitator of any other recognized party or recognized parliamentary group, inform the Senate of the process for senators to become candidates and for the conduct of the election.

Term of office of Speaker pro tempore

2-4. (3) Once the Speaker pro tempore has been elected by the Senate, they shall serve for the duration of the session.

Subsequent sessions

2-4. (4) At the beginning of any subsequent session in the same parliament, if a sitting senator held the position of Speaker pro tempore at the time of prorogation of the previous session, a motion to again name that senator as Speaker pro tempore will be deemed moved, seconded and adopted, without debate or vote, immediately after the Speaker reports the Speech from the Throne and any consequential business arising from the Speech.”;

2.by deleting rule 12-2(1) and by renumbering current rules 12-2(2) to 12-2(6) accordingly; and

3.by updating all cross references in the Rules, including the lists of exceptions, accordingly.

Your committee also notes that any system established under these new rules should ensure that the secrecy of all senators’ ballots, as provided for in new rule 2-4(1), is fully respected.

Respectfully submitted,

The Honourable Senator Bellemare moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gignac, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

The Honourable Senator Francis presented the following:

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples has the honour to present its

SECOND REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-219, An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, December 9, 2021, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the second report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples (Bill S-219)

The committee observes that this bill recognizes that there are different ceremonies, regalia and rites that reflect the diversity of Indigenous communities. According to witnesses, a National Ribbon Skirt Day will serve to educate all Canadians about Ribbon Skirts and the contributions of Indigenous women and girls. The committee recognizes that a proposed National Ribbon Skirt Day is only the start of a broader movement to celebrate Indigenous cultures and languages.

The Honourable Senator McCallum moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Francis, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

Tabling of Reports from Interparliamentary Delegations

The Honourable Senator Wells tabled the following:

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, First Part of the 2022 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, by videoconference, from January 24 to 28, 2022.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-593.

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Pursuant to the order adopted December 7, 2021, the Honourable Senator Gagné informed the Senate that Question Period with the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety, will take place on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at the later of the end of Routine Proceedings or 2:30 p.m.

Government Business

Bills – Second Reading

Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Second reading of Bill C-15, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.

The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Second reading of Bill C-16, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

Motions

Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

The Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson:

That the provisions of the order of November 25, 2021, concerning hybrid sittings of the Senate and committees, and other matters, be extended to the end of the day on April 30, 2022;

That the Senate commit to the consideration of a transition back to in-person sittings as soon as practicable in light of relevant factors, including public health guidelines, and the safety and well-being of all parliamentary personnel; and

That any further extension of this order be taken only after consultation with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and parliamentary groups.

The Honourable Senator Wells moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

Inquiries

Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

Other Business

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

Orders No. 1, 2 and 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Bovey, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Cormier moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Orders No. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, for the second reading of Bill S-224, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Orders No. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Second reading of Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Criminal Records Act, the National Defence Act and the DNA Identification Act.

The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wells, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Dagenais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Order No. 18 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dean, for the second reading of Bill S-233, An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Wells moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Orders No. 20, 21 and 22 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Second reading of Bill S-237, An Act to establish the Foreign Influence Registry and to amend the Criminal Code.

The Honourable Senator Housakos moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wells, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Orders No. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Reports of Committees – Other

Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 14 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion, as amended, of the Honourable Senator Dalphond, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy:

That the Senate:

1.recall that, despite the commitment found in section 55 of the Constitution Act, 1982 to have a fully bilingual Constitution, as of today, of the 31 enactments that make up the Canadian Constitution, 22 are official only in their English version, including almost all of the Constitution Act, 1867; and

2.call upon the government to consider, in the context of the review of the Official Languages Act, the addition of a requirement to submit, every 12 months, a report detailing the efforts made to comply with section 55 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

The question being put on the motion, as amended, it was adopted.

o o o

Order No. 19 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Tannas, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice:

1.except as provided in this order, the question not be put on the motion for third reading of a government bill unless the orders for resuming debate at second and third reading have, together, been called at least three times, in addition to the sittings at which the motions for second and third readings were moved;

2.when a government bill has been read a first time, and before a motion is moved to set the date for second reading, the Leader of the Government in the Senate or the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate may, without notice, move that the bill be deemed an urgent matter, and that the provisions of paragraph 1 of this order not apply to proceedings on the bill; and

3.when a motion has been moved pursuant to paragraph 2 of this order, the following provisions apply:

(a)the debate shall only deal with whether the bill should be deemed an urgent matter or not;

(b)the debate shall not be adjourned;

(c)the debate shall last a maximum of 20 minutes;

(d)no senator shall speak for more than 5 minutes;

(e)no senators shall speak more than once;

(f)the debate shall not be interrupted for any purpose, except for the reading of a message from the Crown or an event announced in such a message;

(g)the debate may continue beyond the ordinary time of adjournment, if necessary, until the conclusion of the debate and consequential business;

(h)the time taken in debate and for any vote shall not count as part of Routine Proceedings;

(i)no amendment or other motion shall be received, except a motion that a certain senator be now heard or do now speak;

(j)when debate concludes or the time for debate expires, the Speaker shall put the question; and

(k)any standing vote requested shall not be deferred, and the bells shall ring for only 15 minutes.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Wells moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Deacon (Nova Scotia), seconded by the Honourable Senator Kutcher:

That the Senate adopt the following Environmental and Sustainability Policy Statement, to replace the 1993 Senate Environmental Policy, adopted by the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration:

“SENATE OF CANADA ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY STATEMENT

OBJECTIVE

The Senate of Canada is committed to reducing the Senate’s carbon footprint to net zero by 2030 and to implement sustainable practices in its operations. Achieving this goal requires a whole-of-organization approach which prioritizes reduction of outputs and utilizes standard-leading emission offsets. The road to net zero will include quantifiable regular reporting on progress towards target. These actions are to demonstrate leadership as an institution on climate action, to encourage accountability of federal institutions and to inform the legislative process.

PRINCIPLES

The Senate is committed to achieving its objective through adherence to the following principles:

1.Serve as a model of environmental leadership in accordance with the best practices of international, federal, provincial and municipal environmental laws, regulations, standards and guidelines where applicable;

2.Integrate a robust accountability framework into the operating planning cycle. This includes benchmarking, tracking and applying results-based management to achieve continuous improvement in environmental performance, in accordance with the best practices of accountability frameworks of internationally recognized standards. Progress should be reported publicly on a regular basis to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (CIBA).

3.Require environmentally conscious acquisition of goods and services that incorporates: the purchase of environmentally responsible products and services; the selection of innovative suppliers demonstrating environmentally sound business practices; and the setting of environmental requirements in requests for proposals.

4.Reduce the environmental impact of activities by using resources more efficiently, with a focus on the reduction of outputs throughout the Senate’s operations.

5.Incentivize and enhance environmental awareness throughout the Senate through education and support, while recognizing and incorporating environmental actions undertaken by Senate employees and senators.

6.Operate facilities and conduct activities of the Senate in a sustainable manner with a view to preventing pollution and reducing waste. Consider environmental impacts and implications when planning projects and activities.

7.Develop and implement tools that promote and integrate environmental considerations into day-to-day operations of the Senate to encourage Senators and Senate employees to make environmentally friendly decisions within their activities and tasks.”;

That the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration examine the feasibility of implementing programs to establish:

(a)an accountability framework and annual reporting cycle;

(b)the promotion of climate-friendly transportation policies and reduced travel;

(c)enhanced recycling and minimizing waste;

(d)a digital-first approach and reduction in printing;

(e)support from central agencies to allow the Senate to charge carbon offsets as part of operating a sustainable Senate; and

(f)a process for senators and their offices to propose environmental and sustainability recommendations; and

That the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration acquire any necessary goods and services to examine the feasibility or to implement these recommendations.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

o o o

Orders No. 50, 52 and 55 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Inquiries

Orders No. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

MOTIONS

The Honourable Senator Mockler moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wells:

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to study matters relating to federal estimates generally and other financial matters, as described in rule 12-7(5); and

That the committee submit its final report no later than April 14, 2024, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C.:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

(Accordingly, at 5:30 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)

DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)

Report on the review of the Farm Debt Mediation Act and the Farm Debt Mediation Service for the fiscal years 2016-17 to 2020-21, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 1997, c. 21, sbs. 28(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-582.

Report on the administration of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 1999, c. 33, sbs. 342(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-583.

Debt Management Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 49(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-584.

Copy of the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations (P.C. 2022-257), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act, S.C. 1992, c. 17, sbs. 7(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-585.

Copy of the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (P.C. 2022-256), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act, S.C. 1992, c. 17, sbs. 7(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-586.

Report on the state of Canada’s forests for the year 2021, pursuant to the Department of Natural Resources Act, S.C. 1994, c. 41, sbs. 7(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-587.

Report of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer entitled International Comparison of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Performance, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-588.

Legislative Costing Note of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer entitled Increasing the maximum number of weeks of employment insurance sickness benefits to 52 weeks from 15 weeks, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-589.

Work Plan of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer for 2022-23, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-590.

Interim Order No. 58 Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, pursuant to the Aeronautics Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-2, sbs. 6.41(5) and (6).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-591.

Report of the Canadian Human Rights Commission for the year 2021, pursuant to the Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6, sbs. 61(4) and to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, s. 32.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-592.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights

The Honourable Senator Omidvar replaced the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne (March 29, 2022).

Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

The Honourable Senator Mockler replaced the Honourable Senator Boisvenu (March 29, 2022).

The Honourable Senator Clement replaced the Honourable Senator Moncion (March 29, 2022).

The Honourable Senator Boisvenu replaced the Honourable Senator Mockler (March 27, 2022).

The Honourable Senator Moncion replaced the Honourable Senator Clement (March 25, 2022).