Journals of the Senate
2nd Session, 41st Parliament
Issue 130
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
2:00 p.m.
The Honourable Leo Housakos, Speaker pro tempore
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Baker, Batters, Bellemare, Beyak, Black, Campbell, Carignan, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, Day, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Dyck, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Gerstein, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Lang, LeBreton, Lovelace Nicholas, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Merchant, Meredith, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Neufeld, Ngo, Oh, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Runciman, Seidman, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, Tannas, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Watt, Wells, White
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Baker, Batters, Bellemare, Beyak, Black, Campbell, Carignan, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, *Dawson, Day, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Dyck, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Gerstein, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Lang, LeBreton, Lovelace Nicholas, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Merchant, Meredith, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Neufeld, Ngo, Oh, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Runciman, Seidman, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, Tannas, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Watt, Wells, White
The first list records senators present in the Senate Chamber during the course of the sitting.
An asterisk in the second list indicates a senator who, while not present during the sitting, was in attendance to business, as defined in subsections 8(2) and (3) of the Senators Attendance Policy.
PRAYERS
SENATORS' STATEMENTS
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Tabling of documents
The Honourable the Speaker Pro tempore tabled the following:
Special Report to Parliament of the Information Commissioner entitled: Striking the Right Balance for Transparency: Recommendations to modernize the Access to Information Act, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A- 1, sbs. 40(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1097.
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The Honourable Senator Martin tabled the following:
Interim Order Respecting Flight Deck Occupants, dated March 27, 2015, pursuant to the Aeronautics Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-2, sbs. 6.41(5) and (6).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1098.
Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees
The Honourable Senator Day, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, tabled its eighteenth report (Main Estimates 2014-2015).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1099S.
The Honourable Senator Day moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mitchell, 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.
Tabling of Reports from Inter-Parliamentary Delegations
The Honourable Senator MacDonald tabled the following:
Report of the Delegation of the Canadian Section of ParlAmericas respecting its Bilateral Visit to Cartagena, Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia, from February 6 to 13, 2015. —Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1100.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills — Third Reading
Third reading of Bill C-54, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2015.
The Honourable Senator Smith (Saurel) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Unger, that the bill be read the third time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The bill was then read the third time and passed, on division.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill.
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Third reading of Bill C-55, An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2016.
The Honourable Senator Smith (Saurel) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Unger, that the bill be read the third time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The bill was then read the third time and passed, on division.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Eaton, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gerstein, for the third reading of Bill C-40, An Act respecting the Rouge National Urban Park.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Eggleton, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator White, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dagenais, for the third reading of Bill C-44, An Act to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act and other Acts.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Mitchell moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Bills — Second Reading
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees — Other
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Pursuant to rule 5-10(2), Order No. 95 was withdrawn.
Inquiries
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Other
Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commons Public Bills — Third Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Senate Public Bills — Reports of Committees
Consideration of the eleventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, with amendments), presented in the Senate on February 19, 2015.
The Honourable Senator Frum moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Demers, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Cowan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fraser, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Commons Public Bills — Reports of Committees
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Runciman, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, for the adoption of the twenty-fourth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Bill C-279, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code (gender identity), with amendments), presented in the Senate on February 26, 2015;
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Mitchell, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dyck, that the twenty-fourth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be not now adopted, but that it be amended by deleting amendment No. 3.
After debate,
Further debate on the motion in amendment was adjourned until the next sitting in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett.
Senate Public Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 5 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Commons Public Bills — Second Reading
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Second reading Bill C-555, An Act respecting the Marine Mammal Regulations (seal fishery observation licence).
The Honourable Senator Doyle moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Unger, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Fraser, for the Honourable Senator Hervieux-Payette, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
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Orders No. 3 to 5 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees — Other
Orders No. 1 to 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Furey, seconded by the Honourable Senator Eggleton, P.C., for the adoption of the twelfth report of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (Senate budget for 2015-2016), presented in the Senate on February 25, 2015.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
Orders No. 121, 113, 47, 79, 62, 73, 8, 55, 9, 56 and 60 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Nolin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C.:
That a Special Committee on Senate Modernization be appointed to consider methods to make the Senate more effective, more transparent and more responsible, within the current constitutional framework, in order, in part, to increase public confidence in the Senate;
That the committee be composed of nine members, to be nominated by the Committee of Selection, and that five members constitute a quorum;
That the committee have the power to send for persons, papers and records; to examine witnesses; and to publish such papers and evidence from day to day as may be ordered by the committee;
That the committee be authorized to hire outside experts;
That, notwithstanding rule 12-18(2)(b)(i), the committee have the power to sit from Monday to Friday, even though the Senate may then be adjourned for a period exceeding one week; and
That the committee be empowered to report from time to time and to submit its final report no later than December 31, 2015.
The Honourable Senator Fraser, for the Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Inquiries
Orders No. 45, 34, 17, 29, 47, 13, 19, 21, 28, 41, 44, 14, 42, 43 and 20 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen:
That committees of the Senate scheduled to meet today have the power to do so, even though the Senate may then be sitting, and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson:
That, notwithstanding the orders of the Senate adopted on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, and Thursday, June 12, 2014, the date for the final report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights in relation to its examination and monitoring of 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 extended from March 31, 2015, to February 29, 2016.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
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The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson:
That, notwithstanding the order of the Senate adopted on Thursday, February 27, 2014, and Thursday, December 11, 2014, the date for the final report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights in relation to its examination of international mechanisms toward improving cooperation in the settlement of cross-border family disputes, including Canada's actions to encourage universal adherence to and compliance with the Hague Abductions Convention, and to strengthen cooperation with non-Hague State Parties with the purpose of upholding children's best interests be extended from March 31, 2015, to February 29, 2016.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
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The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson:
That, notwithstanding the orders of the Senate adopted on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, and Thursday, June 12, 2014, the date for the final report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights in relation to its examination of issues of discrimination in the hiring and promotion practices of the Federal Public Service, to study the extent to which targets to achieve employment equity are being met, and to examine labour market outcomes for minority groups in the private sector be extended from March 31, 2015, to February 29, 2016.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 4:15 p.m., pursuant to rule 16-1(8), the sitting was suspended to await the announcement of Royal Assent, to reassemble at the call of the Chair with a five minute bell.
At 5:36 p.m. the sitting resumed.
WRITTEN DECLARATION OF ROYAL ASSENT
At 5:37 p.m. the Honourable the Speaker Pro tempore informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:
RIDEAU HALL
March 31st, 2015
Mr. Speaker:
I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 31st day of March, 2015, at 5:02 p.m.
Yours sincerely,
Patricia Jaton
Deputy Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
Schedule
Bills Assented To
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
An Act to amend the Public Service Employment Act (enhancing hiring opportunities for certain serving and former members of the Canadian Forces) (Bill C-27, Chapter 5, 2015)
An Act respecting National Fiddling Day (Bill S-218, Chapter 6, 2015)
An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2015 (Bill C-54, Chapter 7, 2015)
An Act for granting to Her Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the financial year ending March 31, 2016 (Bill C-55, Chapter 8, 2015)
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7):
Report on operations under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Agreement Act for the year 2014, pursuant to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Agreement Act, S.C. 1991, c. 12, s. 7.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1095.
Debt Management Strategy for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, S.C. 1999, c. 26, s. 23.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-1096.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:40 p.m. the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.)
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator Eaton replaced the Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen (March 31, 2015).
The Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen replaced the Honourable Senator Eaton (March 30, 2015).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence
The Honourable Senator Ngo replaced the Honourable Senator Enverga (March 31, 2015).