Journals of the Senate
55 Elizabeth II, A.D. 2006, Canada
Journals of the Senate
1st Session, 39th Parliament
Issue 7
Thursday, April 27, 2006
1:30 p.m.
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
Adams, Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Austin, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Bryden, Callbeck, Carney, Carstairs, Champagne, Chaput, Comeau, Cook, Cools, Corbin, Cordy, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, Di Nino, Downe, Dyck, Eggleton, Forrestall, Fortier, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Grafstein, Gustafson, Harb, Hays, Hervieux-Payette, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Kirby, Lapointe, Lavigne, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Mahovlich, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Nolin, Pépin, Peterson, Phalen, Plamondon, Poulin (Charette), Prud'homme, Ringuette, Rivest, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, Tkachuk, Trenholme Counsell, Watt
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
Adams, Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Austin, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Bryden, Callbeck, Carney, Carstairs, Champagne, Chaput, Comeau, Cook, Cools, Corbin, Cordy, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, Di Nino, Downe, Dyck, Eggleton, Forrestall, Fortier, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Grafstein, Gustafson, Harb, Hays, Hervieux-Payette, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Kirby, Lapointe, Lavigne, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Mahovlich, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Nolin, Pépin, Peterson, Phalen, Plamondon, Poulin (Charette), Prud'homme, Ringuette, Rivest, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, Tkachuk, Trenholme Counsell, Watt
PRAYERS
SENATORS' STATEMENTS
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
DAILY ROUTINE OF BUSINESS
Presentation of Reports from Standing or Special Committees
The Honourable Senator Rompkey, P.C. tabled the following (Sessional Paper No. 1/39-51S):
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans has the honour to table its
FIRST REPORT
Your Committee, which was authorized by the Senate to incur expenses for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such legislation and other matters as were referred to it, reports, pursuant to rule 104, that the expenses incurred by the Committee during the First Session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament are as follows:
1. With respect to its study of the federal government's evolving policy framework for managing Canada's fisheries and oceans:
Professional and Other Services: $ 69,664.20 Transport and Communications: 11,833.52 Other Expenditures: 617.59 Witness Expenses: 29,693.78 TOTAL: $ 111,809.09
During the session, Your Committee held 29 meetings over more than 45 hours. It heard from 68 witnesses during these hearings, which included meetings in Vancouver. Your Committee also conducted fact-finding work in Prince Rupert, Tofino, Ahousat, and the Vancouver area, during which it was able to meet with another 72 individuals. Your Committee submitted three reports to the Senate relating to its work.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM ROMPKEY
Chair
The Honourable Senator Grafstein tabled the following (Sessional Paper No. 1/39-52S):
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce has the honour to table its
FIRST REPORT
Your Committee, which was authorized by the Senate to incur expenses for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such legislation and other matters as were referred to it, reports, pursuant to rule 104 of the rules, that the expenses incurred by the Committee during the First Session of the Thirty-eight Parliament are as follows:
1. With respect to its examination and consideration of legislation:
Professional and other services: $ 4,515.23 Transportation and Communications: — All other expenditures: 11,200.00 Witness expenses: 6,876.38 TOTAL: $ 22,591.61
2. With respect to its special study on the present state of the domestic and international financial system authorized by the Senate on Wednesday, October 20, 2004:
Professional and other services: $ 545.91 Transportation and Communications: 888.96 All other expenditures: — Witness expenses: 1,505.86 TOTAL: $ 2,940.73
3. With respect to its special study on consumer issues arising in the financial services sector authorized by the Senate on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 and Thursday, June 16, 2005:
Professional and other services: $ 33,383.20 Transportation and Communications: — All other expenditures: — Witness expenses: 3,201.06 TOTAL: $ 36,584.26
4. With respect to its special study on issues dealing with charitable giving in Canada authorized by the Senate on Thursday, November 18, 2004 and Tuesday, March 22, 2005:
Professional and other services: $ 8,144.50 Transportation and Communications: — All other expenditures: — Witness expenses: 3,446.13 TOTAL: $ 11,590.63
5. With respect to its special study on issues dealing with productivity and competitiveness authorized by the Senate on Tuesday, November 23, 2004:
Professional and other services: $ 5,835.20 Transportation and Communications: — All other expenditures: — Witness expenses: 3,524.68 TOTAL: $ 9,359.88
6. With respect to its special study on issues dealing with the demographic change that will occur in Canada within the next two decades authorized by the Senate on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 and Thursday, June 16, 2005:
Professional and other services: $ 939.50 Transportation and Communications: — All other expenditures: — Witness expenses: 4,092.98 TOTAL: $ 5,032.48
During the session, your Committee held 47 meetings (87.3 hours), heard 189 witnesses and submitted 18 reports in relation to its work. Your Committee examined 7 bills (S-17, S-19, C-5, C-29, S-25, C-55 and C-259) and received a total of 15 orders of reference.
Respectfully submitted,
JERAHMIEL S. GRAFSTEIN
Chair
The Honourable Senator Bacon tabled the following (Sessional Paper No. 1/39-53S):
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications has the honour to table its
FIRST REPORT
Your Committee, which was authorized by the Senate to incur expenses for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such legislation and other matters as were referred to it, reports, pursuant to rule 104, that the expenses incurred by the Committee during the First Session of the Thirty-eight Parliament are as follows:
1. With respect to its examination of legislation:
Professional and Other Services: $ — Transport and Communications: 2,426.10 Other Expenditures: — Witness Expenses: 2,423.69 TOTAL: $ 4,849.79
2. With respect to its study of the current state of Canadian media industries:
Professional and Other Services: $ 170,844.90 Transport and Communications: 269,855.48 Other Expenditures: 18,046.03 Witness Expenses: 8,093.47 TOTAL: $ 466,839.88
Your Committee received eight orders of reference from the Senate during the session in question — seven relating to bills or the subject-matter of bills, and one order of reference for a study of the Canadian news media.
During the session your Committee held 69 meetings, during which it received evidence from 275 witnesses. A total of more than 150 hours was spent in meetings. As part of its work on the Canadian news media, hearings were conducted in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, St. John's, Halifax, and Dieppe. In addition, Your Committee conducted fact-finding work on the news media in Washington, D.C.
The Committee presented reports on two bills without amendment, two bills without amendment but with observations, and one bill with amendment and with observations.
Your Committee submitted nine reports to the Senate dealing with its work during the session.
Respectfully submitted,
LISE BACON
Chair
Tabling of Reports from Inter-Parliamentary Delegations
The Honourable Senator Comeau tabled the following:
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the meetings of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 11 to 15, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-54.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Seminar for Members of Parliament on the Implementation of Legislation on Indigenous Peoples' Rights, held in Geneva, Switzerland, July 25 and 26, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-55.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the second World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, held in New York, New York, from September 7 to 9, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-56.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Twelve Plus Group of the IPU, held in Ghent, Belgium, on September 19, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-57.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the 113th IPU Assembly and related meetings, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 14 to 19, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 58.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations, held in New York, New York, October 31 and November 1, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-59.
Report of the Canadian Delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, respecting its participation at the Hong Kong Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, held in Hong Kong, China, December 12 and 15, 2005.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-60.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
A point of order was raised regarding electronic disturbances in the Senate Chamber.
Debate.
SPEAKER'S STATEMENT
I will be happy to try to be of service to the chamber. I should like to consult with many of the honourable senators. In the meantime, I would urge upon the house that we try to respect the letter of rule 19 (4):
No person, nor any Senator, shall bring any electronic device which produces any sound, whether for personal communication or other use into the Senate Chamber, whether on the floor, inside the Bar, outside the Bar or in the galleries ...
Honourable senators, until such time that the Rules Committee and the chamber itself changes that rule, that is the rule of the Senate.
I just might add a footnote: Having read the Hansard from the other day, Senator Lapointe is quite right. There is one instrument that transmits via satellite, and it overrides everything, including the computer in your own office. Often you will hear, if you are using that system, the static coming on your computer in your own office. It is a reality. It is a problem, and we do have a rule. I think even if one had that type of machine and turned it off, it is still problematic.
There is the rule, honourable senators. Let us try to respect that rule as much as we can.
To be of service to the house, I welcome the opportunity to have a little time so I can consult with as many honourable senators as I can. If anyone would like to send me material so that we might come up with a proposal that we could refer to the Rules Committee, I welcome that.
The Speaker reserved his final decision.
MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
A Message was brought from the House of Commons in the following words:
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
IT WAS ORDERED,—That the list of members and associate members for Standing Joint Committees of the House be as follows:
Library of Parliament
Members: Mike Allen, Gérard Asselin, Colleen Beaumier, Blaine Calkins, Joe Comuzzi, Peter Goldring, Gurbax Malhi, Fabian Manning, Jim Peterson, Louis Plamondon, Denise Savoie, Bruce Stanton—(12).
Associate Members: Jim Abbott, Diane Ablonczy, Harold Albrecht, Dean Allison, Rob Anders, David Anderson, Vivian Barbot, Dave Batters, Carolyn Bennett, Leon Benoit, James Bezan, Steven Blaney, Sylvie Boucher, Garry Breitkreuz, Gord Brown, Patrick Brown, Rod Bruinooge, Ron Cannan, Colin Carrie, Bill Casey, Rick Casson, John Cummins, Patricia Davidson, Dean Del Mastro, Barry Devolin, Paul Dewar, Norman Doyle, Rick Dykstra, Ken Epp, Ed Fast, Brian Fitzpatrick, Steven Fletcher, Cheryl Gallant, Gary Goodyear, Jacques Gourde, Nina Grewal, Helena Guergis, Art Hanger, Richard Harris, Luc Harvey, Laurie Hawn, Russ Hiebert, Jay Hill, Betty Hinton, Charles Hubbard, Rahim Jaffer, Brian Jean, Randy Kamp, Gerald Keddy, Jason Kenney, Ed Komarnicki, Maka Kotto, Daryl Kramp, Mike Lake, Guy Lauzon, Pierre Lemieux, Tom Lukiwski, James Lunney, Lawrence MacAulay, Dave MacKenzie, Inky Mark, Colin Mayes, Ted Menzies, Rob Merrifield, Larry Miller, Bob Mills, James Moore, Rob Moore, Rick Norlock, Deepak Obhrai, Brian Pallister, Christian Paradis, Daniel Petit, Pierre Poilievre, Joe Preston, James Rajotte, Scott Reid, Lee Richardson, Gerry Ritz, Gary Schellenberger, Bev Shipley, Joy Smith, Kevin Sorenson, Brian Storseth, David Sweet, Myron Thompson, David Tilson, Bradley Trost, Garth Turner, Merv Tweed, Dave Van Kesteren, Peter Van Loan, Maurice Vellacott, Mike Wallace, Mark Warawa, Chris Warkentin, Jeff Watson, John Williams, Lynne Yelich.
Scrutiny of Regulations
Members: Robert Bouchard, Ron Cannan, Dean Del Mastro, Paul Dewar, Ken Epp, Monique Guay, Derek Lee, Brian Murphy, Rick Norlock, Paul Szabo, Garth Turner, Tom Wappel—(12).
Associate Members: Jim Abbott, Diane Ablonczy, Harold Albrecht, Mike Allen, Dean Allison, Rob Anders, David Anderson, Dave Batters, Leon Benoit, James Bezan, Steven Blaney, Sylvie Boucher, Garry Breitkreuz, Gord Brown, Patrick Brown, Rod Bruinooge, Blaine Calkins, Colin Carrie, Bill Casey, Rick Casson, John Cummins, Patricia Davidson, Barry Devolin, Norman Doyle, Rick Dykstra, Ed Fast, Brian Fitzpatrick, Steven Fletcher, Cheryl Gallant, Peter Goldring, Gary Goodyear, Jacques Gourde, Nina Grewal, Helena Guergis, Art Hanger, Richard Harris, Luc Harvey, Laurie Hawn, Russ Hiebert, Jay Hill, Betty Hinton, Rahim Jaffer, Brian Jean, Randy Kamp, Gerald Keddy, Jason Kenney, Ed Komarnicki, Daryl Kramp, Mario Laframboise, Mike Lake, Guy Lauzon, Pierre Lemieux, Tom Lukiwski, James Lunney, Dave MacKenzie, Fabian Manning, Inky Mark, Pat Martin, Colin Mayes, Réal Ménard, Serge Ménard, Ted Menzies, Rob Merrifield, Larry Miller, Bob Mills, James Moore, Rob Moore, Deepak Obhrai, Brian Pallister, Christian Paradis, Daniel Petit, Pierre Poilievre, Joe Preston, James Rajotte, Scott Reid, Lee Richardson, Gerry Ritz, Gary Schellenberger, Judy Sgro, Bev Shipley, Joy Smith, Kevin Sorenson, Bruce Stanton, Brian Storseth, David Sweet, Myron Thompson, David Tilson, Bradley Trost, Merv Tweed, Dave Van Kesteren, Peter Van Loan, Maurice Vellacott, Mike Wallace, Mark Warawa, Chris Warkentin, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Jeff Watson, John Williams, Lynne Yelich.
That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint their Honours of the names of the Members to serve on behalf of this House on the Standing Joint Committees.
ATTEST:
AUDREY O'BRIEN
The Clerk of the House of Commons
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the National Defence Act, the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the Criminal Records Act.
The Honourable Senator Nolin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Austin, P.C., that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Segal:
That the following Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada:
To Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:
We, Her Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Forrestall, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Forrestall:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be authorized to undertake a review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999, c. 33) pursuant to Section 343(1) of the said Act; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than October 2, 2006.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
OTHER BUSINESS
Senate Public Bills
Orders No. 1 to 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-211, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (lottery schemes).
The Honourable Senator Lapointe moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Chaput, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Forrestall, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 5 to 11 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Other
Orders No. 3 and 7 (motions) were called and postponed until the next sitting.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., for the Honourable Senator Bacon, moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dallaire:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications be authorized to examine and report on the current state of Canadian media industries, emerging trends and developments in these industries; the media's role, rights, and responsibilities in Canadian society; and current and appropriate future policies relating thereto;
That the Committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2006 and that it retain until July 31, 2006 all powers necessary to publicise its findings; and
That the papers and evidence received and taken and the work accomplished by the Committee on the subject since the Second Session of the Thirty-Seventh Parliament be referred to the Committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy:
That the Senate urge the government to accompany all government bills by a social and economical impact study on regions and minorities in accordance to the Senate's role of representation and protection of minorities and regions.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Kenny moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to examine and report on the national security policy of Canada. In particular, the Committee shall be authorized to examine:
(a) the capability of the Department of National Defence to defend and protect the interests, people and territory of Canada and its ability to respond to and prevent a national emergency or attack, and the capability of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to carry out its mandate;
(b) the working relationships between the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering, and how they collect, coordinate, analyze and disseminate information and how these functions might be enhanced;
(c) the mechanisms to review the performance and activities of the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering; and
(d) the security of our borders and critical infrastructure.
That the papers and evidence received and taken during the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Parliaments be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2007 and that the Committee retain all powers necessary to publicize the findings of the Committee until May 31, 2007.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine and monitor issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations;
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the First, Second and Third Sessions of the Thirty-seventh Parliament and the first session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2007, and that the Committee retain until May 31, 2007 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to invite the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to appear with his officials before the Committee for the purpose of updating the members of the Committee on actions taken concerning the recommendations contained in the Committee's report entitled A Hard Bed to lie in: Matrimonial Real Property on Reserve, tabled in the Senate November 4, 2003;
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the First, Second and Third Sessions of the Thirty-seventh Parliament and the first session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee continue to monitor developments on the subject and submit a final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2007.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to invite from time to time the President of the Treasury Board, the President of the Public Service Commission, their officials, as well as other witnesses to appear before the Committee for the purpose of examining cases of alleged discrimination in the hiring and promotion practices of the Federal Public Service and to study the extent to which targets to achieve employment equity for minority groups are being met;
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee continue to monitor developments on the subject and submit a final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2007.
After debate,
In amendment, the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., moved seconded by the Honourable Senator Cools, that the motion be amended in the first paragraph by deleting after the word "invite'' the words "from time to time the President of the Treasury Board, the President of the Public Service Commission, their officials, as well as other''.
After debate,
With leave of the Senate, the motion in amendment was modified to read as follows:
That the motion be amended in the first paragraph by deleting after the words "authorized to'' the words "invite from time to time the President of the Treasury Board, the President of the Public Service Commission, their officials, as well as other witnesses to appear before the Committee for the purpose of examining'', and adding the word "examine'' before the words "cases of alleged''.
The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted.
The question was then put on the motion, as amended, of the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine cases of alleged discrimination in the hiring and promotion practices of the Federal Public Service and to study the extent to which targets to achieve employment equity for minority groups are being met;
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee continue to monitor developments on the subject and submit a final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2007.
The motion as amended was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine and report upon Canada's international obligations in regards to the rights and freedoms of children.
In particular, the Committee shall be authorized to examine:
Our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child; and
Whether Canada's legislation as it applies to children meets our obligations under this Convention.
That the papers and evidence received and taken on the subject during the Thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee present its final report to the Senate no later than December 31, 2006 and that the Committee retain until March 31, 2007 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Chaput moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to study and to report from time to time on the application of the Official Languages Act and of the regulations and directives made under it, within those institutions subject to the Act;
That the Committee be authorized to study the reports and papers produced by the Minister of Official Languages, the President of the Treasury Board, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Commissioner of Official Languages as well as any other material concerning official languages generally;
That papers and evidence received and taken during the Thirty-eighth Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee report from time to time to the Senate but no later than June 30, 2007.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Chaput moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Chaput moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorised to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorised to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Callbeck moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C.:
That Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be empowered to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Callbeck moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C.:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry be authorized to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave,
The Senate reverted to Government Notices of Motions.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C.:
That when the Senate adjourns today, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 28(2):
Report of VIA Rail Canada Inc., together with the Auditors' Report, for the year ended December 31, 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 45.
Report of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 46.
Report of the Laurentian Pilotage Authority, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39-47.
Report of the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 48.
Report of the Pacific Pilotage Authority, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 49.
Report of the Blue Water Bridge Authority, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2005, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39- 50.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C.:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:51 p.m. the Senate was continued until Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 2 p.m.)
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 85(4)
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
The names of the Honourable Senators Massicotte and Callbeck substituted for that of the Honourable Senators Mercer and Massicotte (April 26).