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Journals of the Senate

57 Elizabeth II, A.D. 2009, Canada

Journals of the Senate

2nd Session, 40th Parliament


Issue 1

Monday, January 26, 2009

The Senate met this day at 9:30 a.m.,
being the Second Session of the
Fortieth Parliament of Canada
as summoned by Proclamation.

The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker


The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Brazeau, Brown, Callbeck, Campbell, Carstairs, Champagne, Charette-Poulin, Cochrane, Comeau, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dawson, De Bané, Dickson, Downe, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortin-Duplessis, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Gerstein, Grafstein, Greene, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, MacDonald, Mahovlich, Manning, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Nolin, Oliver, Peterson, Phalen, Poy, Prud'homme, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, St. Germain, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Zimmer

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Brazeau, Brown, Callbeck, Campbell, Carstairs, Champagne, Charette-Poulin, Cochrane, Comeau, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dawson, *Day, De Bané, Dickson, Downe, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortin-Duplessis, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Gerstein, *Goldstein, Grafstein, Greene, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, MacDonald, Mahovlich, Manning, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Nolin, Oliver, Peterson, Phalen, Poy, Prud'homme, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, St. Germain, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Zimmer

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

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

January 22nd, 2009

Mr. Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada and His Excellency Jean Daniel Lafond will arrive at the Peace Tower at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, the 26th day of January, 2009.

When it has been indicated that all is in readiness, Their Excellencies will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to formally open the Second Session of the Fortieth Parliament of Canada.

Yours sincerely,

Sheila-Marie Cook

Secretary to the Governor General

The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa

INTRODUCTION OF SENATORS

The Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate had received certificates from the Registrar General of Canada showing that:

Fabian Manning,
Fred J. Dickson,
Stephen Greene,
Michael L. MacDonald,
Michael Duffy,
Percy Mockler,
John D. Wallace,
Michel Rivard,
Nicole Eaton,
Irving Gerstein,
Pamela Wallin,
Nancy Greene Raine,
Yonah Martin,
Richard Neufeld,
Hector Daniel Lang,
Patrick Brazeau,
Leo Housakos, and
Suzanne Fortin-Duplessis,

respectively, had been summoned to the Senate.

The Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that there were Senators without waiting to be introduced.

The Honourable Senator Manning was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Cochrane, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

FABIAN MANNING

of St. Bride's, in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Manning came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Dickson was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Comeau, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

FRED J. DICKSON

One of Our Counsel learned in the law,
of Halifax, in the Province of Nova Scotia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Dickson came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Greene was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Comeau, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

STEPHEN GREENE

of Halifax, in the Province of Nova Scotia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Greene came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator MacDonald was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Oliver, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

MICHAEL L. MacDONALD

of Dartmouth, in the Province of Nova Scotia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator MacDonald came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Duffy was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Keon, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

MICHAEL DUFFY

of Cavendish, in the Province of Prince Edward Island,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Duffy came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Mockler was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Comeau, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

PERCY MOCKLER

of St. Leonard, in the Province of New Brunswick,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Mockler came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Wallace was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Meighen, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

JOHN D. WALLACE

of Rothesay, in the Province of New Brunswick,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Wallace came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Rivard was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Nolin, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

MICHEL RIVARD

of Québec, in the Province of Quebec,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada and We do appoint you for the Division of The Laurentides in Our Province of Quebec.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Rivard came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Eaton was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Meighen, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

NICOLE EATON

of Caledon, in the Province of Ontario,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Eaton came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took her seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Gerstein was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Angus, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

IRVING GERSTEIN

of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Gerstein came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Wallin was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

PAMELA WALLIN

of Kuroki Beach, in the Province of Saskatchewan,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Wallin came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took her seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Raine was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator St. Germain, P.C., and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

NANCY GREENE RAINE

of Sun Peaks, in the Province of British Columbia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Raine came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took her seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Martin was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator St. Germain, P.C., and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

YONAH MARTIN

of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Martin came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took her seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Neufeld was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator St. Germain, P.C., and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

RICHARD NEUFELD

of Charlie Lake, in the Province of British Columbia,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Neufeld came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Lang was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Stratton, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

HECTOR DANIEL LANG

of Whitehorse, Yukon,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this second day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Lang came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Brazeau was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Nolin, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

PATRICK BRAZEAU

of Gatineau, in the Province of Quebec,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada and We do appoint you for the Division of Repentigny in Our Province of Quebec.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this eighth day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Brazeau came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Housakos was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Angus, and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

LEO HOUSAKOS

of Laval, in the Province of Quebec,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada and We do appoint you for the Division of Wellington in Our Province of Quebec.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this eighth day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Housakos came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took his seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable Senator Fortin-Duplessis was introduced between the Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., and the Honourable Senator Prud'homme, P.C., and having presented Her Majesty's Writ of Summons it was read by one of the Clerks at the Table as follows:

CANADA

Michaëlle Jean
(G.S.)

ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

TO
Our Trusty and Well-beloved,

SUZANNE FORTIN-DUPLESSIS

of Québec, in the Province of Quebec,

GREETING:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada and We do appoint you for the Division of Rougemont in Our Province of Quebec.

AND WE do command you, that all difficulties and excuses whatsoever laying aside, you be and appear for the purposes aforesaid, in the Senate of Canada at all times whensoever and wheresoever Our Parliament may be in Canada convoked and holden, and this you are in no wise to omit.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Canada to be hereunto affixed.

WITNESS:

Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of Our Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of Our Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Ottawa, this fourteenth day of January in the year of Our Lord two thousand and nine and in the fifty-seventh year of Our Reign.

BY COMMAND,

TONY CLEMENT

Registrar General of Canada

The Honourable Senator Fortin-Duplessis came to the Table and took and subscribed the Oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed for that purpose, and took her seat as a Member of the Senate.

The Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that the Honourable Senators introduced today had made and subscribed the Declaration of Property Qualification required of them by the Constitution Act 1867, in the presence of the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed to receive and witness same.

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wallace:

That the Senate do now adjourn until 1:30 p.m.

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


SECOND DISTINCT SITTING

1:30 p.m.

The Honourable Noël Kinsella, Speaker.

The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Brazeau, Brown, Callbeck, Campbell, Carstairs, Champagne, Charette-Poulin, Cochrane, Comeau, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dawson, De Bané, Dickson, Downe, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortin-Duplessis, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Gerstein, Grafstein, Greene, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, MacDonald, Mahovlich, Manning, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Nolin, Oliver, Peterson, Phalen, Poy, Prud'homme, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, St. Germain, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Zimmer

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

Andreychuk, Angus, Atkins, Bacon, Baker, Banks, Brazeau, Brown, Callbeck, Campbell, Carstairs, Champagne, Charette-Poulin, Cochrane, Comeau, Corbin, Cordy, Cowan, Dawson, *Day, De Bané, Dickson, Downe, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Eyton, Fairbairn, Fortin-Duplessis, Fox, Fraser, Furey, Gerstein, *Goldstein, Grafstein, Greene, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Keon, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Losier-Cool, MacDonald, Mahovlich, Manning, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, Meighen, Mercer, Merchant, Milne, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Murray, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Nolin, Oliver, Peterson, Phalen, Poy, Prud'homme, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Robichaud, Rompkey, Segal, Sibbeston, Smith, Spivak, St. Germain, Stollery, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Zimmer

PRAYERS

The sitting of the Senate was suspended to await the arrival of Her Excellency the Governor General.

After awhile, Her Excellency the Governor General, having come and being seated upon 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,

Her Excellency the Governor General was then pleased to open the Session by a gracious speech to both Houses, as follows:

Honourable Senators,
Members of the House of Commons,
Ladies and gentlemen,

In these uncertain times, when the world is threatened by a struggling economy, it is imperative that we work together, that we stand beside one another and that we strive for greater solidarity.

Today, in our democratic tradition, Canadians expect that their elected representatives will dedicate their efforts to ensure that Canada emerges stronger from this serious economic crisis.

Once again, the people's representatives have gathered to consider the priorities of another parliamentary session.

Each Throne Speech is a milestone on the remarkable 142-year Canadian journey. Your predecessors, too, were summoned to this chamber at times of great crisis: as Canada struggled to claim her independence, in the shadow of war, during the depth of the Great Depression and at moments when great policy division tugged the very bonds of this union.

Today we meet at a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty. The global credit crunch has dragged the world economy into a crisis whose pull we cannot escape. The nations of the world are grappling with challenges that Canada can address but not avoid.

The Government's agenda and the priorities of Parliament must adapt in response to the deepening crisis. Old assumptions must be tested and old decisions must be rethought. The global economy has weakened since Canadians voted in the last general election. In fact, it has weakened further since Parliament met last month.

Our Government has listened to Canadians who are concerned about how the worldwide recession is affecting their jobs, their savings and their communities. Our Government has reached out to Canadians in all regions, in all communities and from all walks of life.

Our Government has consulted widely:

  • with those who work, those who invest, those who create jobs, those who build infrastructure and those who provide non-profit services;
  • with municipal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal leaders and representatives of communities;
  • in fact, with everyone whose input might help chart a course through the present storm.

Our Government approached the dialogue in a spirit of open and non-partisan cooperation. There is no monopoly on good ideas because we face this crisis together. There can be no pride of authorship — only the satisfaction of identifying solutions that will work for all Canadians.

Acting on the constructive thoughts and suggestions that have been received, our Government will tomorrow present Canada's economic stimulus plan. The plan will protect our economy from immediate threat, while making investments to promote long-term growth.

The economic stimulus plan will be a plan of action.

  • Our Government is stimulating the economy, both through direct government action and by encouraging private expenditure.
  • Our Government is taking immediate action to build Canada through new investment in infrastructure.
  • Our Government is acting to protect the stability of our financial system.
  • Our Government is acting to ensure access to credit for businesses and consumers.
  • Our Government is acting to support Canadian industries in difficulty — including forestry, manufacturing, automotive, tourism, agriculture — and to protect the families and communities who depend on those jobs.
  • Our Government is acting to protect the vulnerable: the unemployed, lower-income Canadians, seniors, Aboriginal Canadians and others hit hardest by the global economic recession.

These actions will be targeted, they will inject immediate stimulus while promoting long-term growth and they will avoid a return to permanent deficits.

These actions will protect the jobs of today while readying our economy to create the jobs of tomorrow.

Canadians face a difficult year — perhaps several difficult years. In the face of such uncertainty, our Government has developed a clear and focused plan. Our Government will spend what is necessary to stimulate the economy, and invest what is necessary to protect our future prosperity.

As Canadians expect, the economy will be the focus of our Government's actions and of the measures placed before Parliament during the coming year. In pursuing measures to support the economy, our Government will also attend to the other important priorities that it set out in the Speech from the Throne to open the 40th Parliament.

The present crisis is new, but the imperative of concerted action is a challenge to which Parliament has risen many times in our history. What will sustain us today will be the same strengths of character that have pulled Canada through critical times before: unity, determination and constancy of purpose.

Honourable Members of the Senate,

Members of the House of Commons:

As you unite in common effort and in common cause, may Divine Providence be your guide and inspiration.

The Commons withdrew.

Her Excellency the Governor General was pleased to retire.

The sitting resumed.

PRO FORMA BILL

The Honourable Senator Comeau, presented to the Senate a Bill S-1, An Act relating to railways.

The Bill was read the first time.


The Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that a copy of the speech of Her Excellency the Governor General had been left in his hands.

The speech was read by the Honourable the Speaker.

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

That the speech of Her Excellency the Governor General delivered this day from the Throne to the two Houses of Parliament be taken into consideration at the next sitting.

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

MOTIONS

The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Raine:

That, pursuant to rule 85(1), the Honourable Senators Brown, Carstairs, P.C., Cochrane, Di Nino, Fairbairn, P.C., Hervieux-Payette, P.C., Munson, Robichaud, P.C. and Tkachuk be appointed a Committee of Selection to nominate (a) a Senator to preside as Speaker pro tempore and (b) the Senators to serve on the several select committees, except the Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators, during the present Session; and

That the Committee of Selection report with all convenient speed the names of the Senators so nominated.

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

REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 28(2):

Letter from the Honourable Senator Raymond Lavigne addressed to the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to rule 136(5) of the Rules of the Senate.—Sessional Paper No. 2/40-1S.

Five-year Report of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency from 2003 to 2008, pursuant to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Act, R.S.C., 1985, C. 41 (4th Supp.) Part 1, sbs. 21 (2.1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/40-2.

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator Comeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fortin-Duplessis:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

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

(Accordingly, at 3 p.m. the Senate was continued until 2 p.m. tomorrow.)


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