Journals of the Senate
56 Elizabeth II, A.D. 2007, Canada
Journals of the Senate
1st Session, 39th Parliament
Issue 84
Thursday, March 29, 2007
1:30 p.m.
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
Adams, Angus, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Biron, Bryden, Callbeck, Campbell, Carney, Carstairs, Chaput, Cochrane, Comeau, Cook, Cools, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, De Bané, Di Nino, Downe, Dyck, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortier, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Grafstein, Gustafson, Hays, Hervieux-Payette, Hubley, Johnson, Joyal, Keon, Kinsella, Lapointe, Lavigne, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Mahovlich, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Milne, Mitchell, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Nolin, Pépin, Poy, Ringuette, Rivest, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Smith, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Trenholme Counsell, Watt, Zimmer
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
Adams, *Andreychuk, Angus, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Biron, Bryden, Callbeck, Campbell, Carney, Carstairs, Chaput, Cochrane, Comeau, Cook, Cools, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, De Bané, Di Nino, Downe, Dyck, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortier, Fraser, Furey, Goldstein, Grafstein, Gustafson, Hays, Hervieux-Payette, Hubley, Johnson, Joyal, Keon, Kinsella, Lapointe, Lavigne, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, Mahovlich, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Milne, Mitchell, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Nolin, *Oliver, Pépin, Poy, Ringuette, Rivest, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Smith, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Trenholme Counsell, Watt, Zimmer
PRAYERS
The Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that a communication had been received from the Secretary to the Governor General.
The communication was then read by the Honourable the Speaker as follows:
RIDEAU HALL
March 29, 2007
Mr. Speaker:
I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will proceed to the Senate Chamber today, the 29th day of March, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of giving Royal Assent to certain bills of law.
Yours sincerely,
Sheila-Marie Cook
Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
SENATORS' STATEMENTS
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
DAILY ROUTINE OF BUSINESS
Tabling of Documents
The Honourable Senator Comeau tabled the following:
Reports on Plans and Priorities, Main Estimates, 2007-2008:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Grain Commission
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canadian Revenue Agency
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Library and Archives Canada
The National Battlefields Commission
National Film Board
Public Service Commission Canada
Public Service Labour Relations Board
Public Service Staffing Tribunal
Status of Women Canada
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Immigration and Refugee Board
Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
Environment Canada
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy
Parks Canada
Department of Finance Canada
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Canadian International Trade Tribunal
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Canadian International Development Agency
NAFTA Secretariat - Canadian Section
Health Canada
Assisted Human Reproduction Canada
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission Canada
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
Canada Industrial Relations Board
Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Canadian Polar Commission
Indian Specific Claims Commission
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada
Industry Canada
Canadian Space Agency
Registry of the Competition Tribunal
Copyright Board Canada
National Research Council Canada
National Sciences and Engineering Research Council
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Statistics Canada
Department of Justice Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Courts Administration Service
Offices of the Information and Privacy Commissioners of Canada
Supreme Court of Canada
National Defence
Canadian Forces Grievance Board
Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
National Energy Board
Northern Pipeline Agency Canada
Privy Council Office and Public Appointments Commission Secretariat
Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Security Intelligence Review Committee
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Canada Border Services Agency
Correctional Service Canada
National Parole Board
The Correctional Investigator Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP — External Review Committee
Commission for Public Complaints Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Public Works and Government Services Canada
Transport Canada
Canadian Transportation Agency
Infrastructure Canada
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
Treasury Board of Canada, Secretariat
Canada School of Public Service
Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists
Public Service Human Resources Management Agency of Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada
Western Economic Diversification Canada.
—Sessional Paper 1/39-724.
Presentation of Reports from Standing or Special Committees
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, presented its seventh report (budget—study on the present state and the future of agriculture and forestry in Canada).
(The report is printed as appendix "A'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, presented its eighth report (budget—study on rural poverty in Canada).
(The report is printed as appendix "B'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Grafstein, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, presented its fourteenth report (Bill C-37, An Act to amend the law governing financial institutions and to provide for related and consequential matters, without amendment).
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Angus moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gustafson, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a third reading later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, presented its fifth report (budget—study on the Canadian Environment Protection Act).
(The report is printed as appendix "C'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Banks, for the Honourable Senator Kenny, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, presented its twelfth report (budget—study on the need for a National Security Policy).
(The report is printed as appendix "D'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Day, for the Honourable Senator Kenny, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, presented its thirteenth report (budget—study on the services and benefits provided to veterans in recognition of their services to Canada—power to travel).
(The report is printed as appendix "E'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Day moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Furey, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Furey presented the following:
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration has the honour to present its
FOURTEENTH REPORT
Your Committee recommends that the following funds be released for fiscal year 2007-2008.
Agriculture and Forestry (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 4,500 Transportation and Communications 1,000 All Other Expenditures 1,000 TOTAL $ 6,500
Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 12,000 Transportation and Communications — All Other Expenditures 2,000 TOTAL $ 14,000
Foreign Affairs (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 3,000 Transportation and Communications 750 All Other Expenditures 750 TOTAL $ 4,500
Human Rights (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 5,000 Transportation and Communications — All Other Expenditures 2,000 TOTAL $ 7,000
Scrutiny of Regulations (Joint Committee)
Professional and Other Services $ 1,200 Transportation and Communications 1,650 All Other Expenditures 2,640 TOTAL $ 5,490
Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 5,250 Transportation and Communications — All Other Expenditures 2,000 TOTAL $ 7,250
Transport and Communications (Legislation)
Professional and Other Services $ 10,000 Transportation and Communications — All Other Expenditures 2,000 TOTAL $ 12,000
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE J. FUREY
Chair
The Honourable Senator Furey moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore, 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.
The Honourable Senator Rompkey, P.C., Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, presented its seventh report (budget—study of the Federal Government's New and Evolving Policy Framework for Managing Canada's Fisheries and Oceans).
(The report is printed as appendix "F'')
The Honourable Senator Rompkey, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif, 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.
The Honourable Senator Bacon, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, presented its seventh report (budget—study on the examination of containerized freight traffic handled by Canada's ports).
(The report is printed as appendix "G'')
The Honourable Senator Bacon moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., 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.
The Honourable Senator Bacon, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, presented its eighth report (budget—study on the examination and report on the objectives, operation and governance of the Canadian television fund—power to hire staff).
(The report is printed as appendix "H'')
The Honourable Senator Bacon moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., 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.
The Honourable Senator Fraser, Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, presented its eighth report (budget—study on an invitation to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs—power to hire staff).
(The report is printed as appendix "I'')
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif, 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.
The Honourable Senator Fraser, Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, presented its ninth report (budget—study on the Federal Public Service—power to hire staff).
(The report is printed as appendix "J'')
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Eggleton, P.C., Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, tabled its twelfth report entitled: Pay Now or Pay Later, Autism Families in Crisis.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-725S.
Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills
A message was brought from the House of Commons with a Bill C-18, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to DNA identification, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Johnson, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
First Reading of Commons Public Bills
A message was brought from the House of Commons with a Bill C-277, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (luring a child), to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
A message was brought from the House of Commons with a Bill C-293, An Act respecting the provision of official development assistance abroad, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Dallaire moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ANSWERS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS
Pursuant to rule 25(2), the Honourable Senator Comeau tabled the following:
Reply to Question No. 25, dated February 6, 2007, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Downe, respecting Canada Research Chairs Program.—Sessional Paper No. 1/39-726S.
MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
A message was brought from the House of Commons to return 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,
And to acquaint the Senate that the Commons has passed this bill, without amendment.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills
Third reading of Bill C-37, An Act to amend the law governing financial institutions and to provide for related and consequential matters.
The Honourable Senator Angus moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, that the bill be read the third time.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the third time and passed.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, without amendment.
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
The Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., called the attention of the Senate to the inquiry standing in the name of the Honourable Senator Comeau, concerning the Budget, entitled Aspire to a Stronger, Safer, Better Canada, tabled in the House of Commons on March 19, 2007 by the Honourable James M. Flaherty, P.C., M.P., Minister of Finance, and in the Senate on March 20, 2007.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fraser, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until 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.
Reports of Committees
Orders No. 1 to 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Senate Public Bills
Orders No. 1 to 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Commons Public Bills
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Mitchell, seconded by the Honourable Senator Trenholme Counsell, for the second reading of Bill C-288, An Act to ensure Canada meets its global climate change obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator Comeau, that Bill C-288 be not now read a second time, but that the subject-matter thereof be concurrently referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce and the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources;
That the committees report back no later than December 31, 2007; and
That the Order to resume debate on the motion for the second reading of the bill not appear on the Order Paper and Notice Paper until such time as both committees have reported on the subject matter of the bill.
The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was negatived.
The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Mitchell, seconded by the Honourable Senator Trenholme Counsell, for the second reading of Bill C-288, An Act to ensure Canada meets its global climate change obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The bill was then read the second time, on division.
The Honourable Senator Mitchell moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Hubley, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 2 and 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees
Orders No. 1 to 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the consideration of the sixth report (interim) of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, entitled: Understanding Freefall: The Challenge of the Rural Poor, tabled in the Senate on December 13, 2006.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Mercer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Goldstein, that further debate on the consideration of the report be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Order was called for the consideration of the fourth report of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (Report No. 78 — Disallowance), presented in the Senate on February 13, 2007.
Pursuant to subsection 19.1(5) of the Statutory Instruments Act, the resolution contained in the fourth report of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations was deemed adopted.
Orders No. 11 to 15 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Consideration of the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (budget—study on the present state and the future of agriculture and forestry in Canada), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., that the report be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (budget—study on rural poverty in Canada), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., that the report be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (budget—study on the Canadian Environment Protection Act), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dallaire, that the report be adopted.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the twelfth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence (budget—study on the need for a National Security Policy), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Banks moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dallaire, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Stratton, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the thirteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence (budget—study on the services and benefits provided to veterans in recognition of their services to Canada—power to travel), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Downe moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the ninth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (budget—study on the Federal Public Service—power to hire staff), presented in the Senate earlier this day.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Milne, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
A message was brought from the House of Commons to return Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act,
And to acquaint the Senate that the Commons has passed this bill, without amendment.
Other
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Dallaire, calling the attention of the Senate to the final phase of the restoration of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, begun in 2001 under the auspices of the Canadian Battlefield Memorials Restoration Project.
Debate concluded.
Orders No. 140 (motion), 3, 26, 23 (inquiries), 92 (motion), 22, 9, 12, 14, 21, 8, 25 (inquiries), 81, 119 (motions), 20, 15, 6 and 19 (inquiries) were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Adams calling the attention of the Senate to issues concerning the fishing industry in Nunavut related to the use of fishing royalties, methods of catch, foreign involvement and a proposed audit of Inuit benefit from the fishery.
After debate,
Further debate on the inquiry was adjourned until the next sitting in the name of the Honourable Senator Baker, P.C.
Order No. 5 (motion) was called and pursuant to rule 27(3) was dropped from the Order Paper.
INQUIRIES
The Honourable Senator Mercer called the attention of the Senate to gender equality in the process of governance, specifically how we, as senators in the Senate of Canada, can be a model for gender equality by requiring that the number of senators in this place be composed of 50 per cent women and 50 per cent men.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Ordered, That Motions No. 154, 157, 158, 161, 162, 163, 164 and 165 on the Notice Paper be brought forward.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Di Nino:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, in accordance with rule 86(1)(q), be authorized to examine and report on recent work completed in relation to drinking water in First Nations' communities, notably: the November 2006 Report of the Expert Panel on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations; the 2005 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development on Drinking Water in First Nations Communities; and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development's Plan of Action to address drinking water concerns in First Nations' communities.
That the Committee submit its report on this matter to the Senate no later than June 15, 2007.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif:
That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Thursday, April 27, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, which was 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, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and that the Committee retain until June 30, 2008 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Milne:
That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Thursday, April 27, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, which was authorized to invite the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs 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, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and that the Committee retain until June 30, 2008 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Stollery moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C.:
That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, which was authorized to examine and report on the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon in July 2006, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from March 30, 2007 to June 29, 2007; and
That the Committee retain until September 30, 2007 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Milne:
That, notwithstanding the Orders of the Senate adopted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 and on Thursday, December 14, 2006, the date for the Special Senate Committee on the Anti-terrorism Act to submit its final report be extended from March 31, 2007 to February 23, 2008.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cowan:
That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Thursday, April 27, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, which was authorized to 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, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from March 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and that the Committee retain until June 30, 2008 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fraser moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Milne:
That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, which was authorized to examine and report upon Canada's international obligations in regards to the rights and freedoms of children, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from March 31, 2007 to April 30, 2007 and that the Committee retain until July 30, 2007 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Fairbairn, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C.:
That, pursuant to rule 95(3)(a), the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry be authorized to sit on Friday, March 30, 2007, even though the Senate may then be adjourned for a period exceeding one week.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
INQUIRIES
The Honourable Senator Di Nino called the attention of the Senate to problems and challenges faced by victims of crime.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Stratton, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
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 Di Nino:
That when the Senate adjourns today, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Ordered, That the Senate adjourn at pleasure to reassemble at 5:30 p.m. and that the bells ring for fifteen minutes.
(Accordingly, at 5:01 p.m. the Senate adjourned at pleasure.)
At 5:25 p.m., the sitting resumed.
Pursuant to rule 134(8), the proceedings were interrupted to resume after Royal Assent.
ROYAL ASSENT
The Senate adjourned during pleasure to await the arrival of Her Excellency the Governor General.
After awhile, Her Excellency the Governor General, having come and being seated at the foot of the Throne.
The Honourable the Speaker commanded the Usher of the Black Rod to proceed to the House of Commons and acquaint that House that:
"It is the pleasure of Her Excellency the Governor General that they attend her immediately in the Senate Chamber.''
The House of Commons being come,
One of the Clerks at the Table then read the title of the Bills to be assented to as follows:
An Act to amend the National Defence Act, the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the Criminal Records Act (Bill S-3, Chapter 5, 2007)
An Act to amend the law governing financial institutions and to provide for related and consequential matters (Bill C-37, Chapter 6, 2007)
An Act to amend the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (Bill S-2, Chapter 7, 2007)
To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced by the Clerk of the Senate in the following words:
"In Her Majesty's name, Her Excellency the Governor General doth assent to these Bills.''
5:39 p.m.
The Speaker of the House of Commons addressed Her Excellency the Governor General as follows:
"May it Please Your Excellency:
The Commons of Canada have voted supplies to enable the Government to defray certain expenses of the public service.
In the name of the Commons, I present to Your Excellency the following Bills:
An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2007 (Bill C-49, Chapter 3, 2007)
An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2008 (Bill C-50, Chapter 4, 2007)
To which Bills I humbly request Your Excellency's Assent.''
After one of the Clerks at the Table read the title of the Bills,
To these Bills the Royal Assent was pronounced by the Clerk of the Senate in the following words:
"In Her Majesty's name, Her Excellency the Governor General thanks her loyal subjects, accepts their benevolence and assents to these Bills.''
5:42 p.m.
The Commons withdrew.
After which Her Excellency the Governor General was pleased to retire.
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 28(2):
Reports of Library and Archives Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, pursuant to the Access to Information Act and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1 and P-21, sbs. 72(2). —Sessional Paper No. 1/39-723.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Di Nino:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:45 p.m. the Senate was continued until Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at 2 p.m.)
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 85(4)
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The name of the Honourable Senator Grafstein substituted for that of the Honourable Senator Jaffer (March 28).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence
The name of the Honourable Senator Hays substituted for that of the Honourable Senator Zimmer (March 28).
Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
The names of the Honourable Senators Mahovlich and Eyton substituted for those of the Honourable Senators Chaput and St. Germain (March 28).
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
The names of the Honourable Senators Meighen and Di Nino substituted for those of the Honourable Senators Gustafson and Meighen (March 29).