Journals of the Senate
69 Elizabeth II , A.D. 2020, Canada
1st Session, 43rd Parliament
Issue 14 (Unrevised)
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
2 p.m.
The Honourable GEORGE J. FUREY, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
AtaullahjanBattersBellemareBernardBlack (Ontario)BoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanCordyCormierCotterCoyleDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDoyleDuncanDupuisForestForest-NiesingFrancisFureyGagnéGalvezGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKeatingKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaLovelace NicholasMacDonaldManningMartinMarwahMassicotteMcInnisMcPhedranMitchellMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieMunsonNgoOhOmidvarPatePetitclercPlettRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithStewart OlsenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
AtaullahjanBattersBellemareBernardBlack (Ontario)BoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanCordyCormierCotterCoyleDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDoyleDuncanDupuisForestForest-NiesingFrancisFureyGagnéGalvezGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKeatingKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaLovelace NicholasMacDonaldManningMartinMarwahMassicotteMcInnisMcPhedranMitchellMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieMunsonNgoOhOmidvarPatePetitclercPlettRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithStewart OlsenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
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
Tributes
Tribute was paid to the memory of the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C., former senator, whose death occurred on February 26, 2020.
The Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of former senator the Honourable David P. Smith, P.C.
Senators’ Statements
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Tabling of Documents
The Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., tabled the following:
Departmental Results Reports for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019:
Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canada Border Services Agency
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Canada Revenue Agency
Canada School of Public Service
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Grain Commission
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Canadian Space Agency
Canadian Transportation Agency
Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Copyright Board of Canada
Correctional Service of Canada
Courts Administration Service
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Department of Finance Canada
Department of Justice Canada
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
Employment and Social Development Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Health Canada
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Indigenous Services Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Invest in Canada
Library and Archives Canada
Military Grievances External Review Committee
Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
National Battlefields Commission
National Energy Board
National Film Board
National Research Council of Canada
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Northern Pipeline Agency
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada
Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Office of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner
Office of the Correctional Investigator
Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
Parks Canada Agency
Parole Board of Canada
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board
Polar Knowledge Canada
Privy Council Office
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Prosecution Service of Canada
Public Safety Canada
Public Service Commission of Canada
Public Services and Procurement Canada
RCMP External Review Committee
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Security Intelligence Review Committee
Shared Services Canada
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Statistics Canada
Status of Women Canada
Transport Canada
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Western Economic Diversification Canada—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-362.
Departmental Plans for 2020-21:
Accessibility Standards Canada
Administrative Tribunals Support Service of Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Canada Border Services Agency
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Canada Revenue Agency
Canada School of Public Service
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Canadian Energy Regulator
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canadian Grain Commission
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
Canadian Space Agency
Canadian Transportation Agency
Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP
Copyright Board of Canada
Correctional Service of Canada
Courts Administration Service
Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Department for Women and Gender Equality
Department of Finance Canada
Department of Justice Canada
Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
Employment and Social Development Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Health Canada
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Indigenous Services Canada
Infrastructure Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Invest in Canada Hub
Library and Archives Canada
Military Grievances External Review Committee
Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada
National Battlefields Commission
National Film Board
National Research Council of Canada
National Security and Intelligence Review Agency
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Northern Pipeline Agency Canada
Office of the Auditor General of Canada
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada
Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada
Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Office of the Correctional Investigator
Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Intelligence Commissioner
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
Parks Canada Agency
Parole Board of Canada
Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Canada
Polar Knowledge Canada
Privy Council Office
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Prosecution Service of Canada
Public Safety Canada
Public Service Commission of Canada
Public Services and Procurement Canada
RCMP External Review Committee
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
Shared Services Canada
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Statistics Canada
Transport Canada
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Western Economic Diversification Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-363.
Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act and the Canada Border Services Agency Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-364.
Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-4, An Act to implement the Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican StatesCode, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-365.
Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Judges Act and the Criminal Code, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-366.
Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 94), pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-367.
Estimates for the year 2020-21, Parts I and II: The Government Expenditure Plan and Main Estimates.—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-368.
Question Period
The Senate proceeded to Question Period.
Orders of the Day
SPEAKER'S RULING
I am prepared to rule on the point of order raised on February 18 by Senator Housakos, who questioned the receivability of motion 12, under Other Business, moved by Senator Woo. The motion proposes extensive changes to the Rules of the Senate, particularly in relation to the leaders and facilitators, but also relating to other points such as critics of bills. The concern was that the changes would be so extensive that they would undermine basic principles underpinning the constitutional architecture of our parliamentary system of government — in particular the role of the opposition — and would not respect provisions of the Parliament of Canada Act.
In considering this issue, we must remember that, as noted at page 219 of Senate Procedure in Practice, “in keeping with parliamentary tradition and custom, the Speaker does not rule on points of order about constitutional matters, points of law or hypothetical questions of procedure”. Instead, points of order, like questions of privilege, address concrete issues that have arisen. A point of order is the mechanism for honourable senators to question whether proceedings are respecting our Rules and normal practices. We must also consider that one of the basic privileges of a parliamentary body — necessary for it to perform its duties — is the regulation of internal affairs, which includes establishing the processes and rules that govern proceedings. While changes to the Rules usually originate or go through the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, they can also be proposed by motion in the Senate, as recognized by rule 5-6(1)(a), which establishes that such a motion requires two days’ notice.
As was noted during debate on the point of order, the Rules of the Senate have continually evolved since Confederation. The first Rules only included passing reference to the government — in provisions concerning expenses relating to costs for private bills — and there was no mention of the opposition. More than a century later, the 1969 Rules contained only three references to the Leader of the Government and one reference to the Leader of the Opposition. The situation has obviously evolved significantly since then — notably in 1991, when Government Business was given priority and other measures, such as the processes for time allocation for such business, were introduced. This brief overview indicates the extent that our Rules have evolved over the years to meet the Senate’s changing needs, and reminds us that features that we consider fundamental have not always been so prominent in the written texts.
As I understand it, if Senator Woo’s motion were adopted, the Rules would continue to recognize the positions of Government Leader and Opposition Leader. The same would be true for the deputy leaders and the whips. The definitions of these positions would remain unchanged. The occupants of these positions would therefore continue to receive any resources and rights afforded to them by policy or legal instruments outside the Rules. Other senators in leadership positions would acquire certain powers, such as to defer votes. In addition, the differences between the Government and Opposition Leaders and the other leaders and facilitators — in relation to speaking times, for example — would be reduced.
These are significant changes, and honourable senators will no doubt wish to consider them carefully before making a decision. This is appropriate when we are dealing with the Rules, which determine how our business is conducted. The need for careful reflection when considering such changes does not, however, mean that the Senate cannot make them if it so wishes. The Rules have changed significantly over the years, and the changes proposed in the motion would continue this. As such, the motion is in order, and debate can continue.
Government Business
Motions
Orders No. 1 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Other Business
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 9 and 10 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, seconded by the Honourable Senator Klyne, for the second reading of Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Modern Slavery Act and to amend the Customs Tariff.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, for the Honourable Senator Duncan, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marwah, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 12 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-213, An Act to change the name of the electoral district of Châteauguay—Lacolle.
The Honourable Senator Dalphond moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boyer, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 14 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-215, An Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (farming exemptions).
The Honourable Senator Griffin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C., that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Black (Ontario) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Richards, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 16 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Private 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.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo, for the adoption of the third report (interim) of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, entitled Policy on Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Senate Workplace, presented in the Senate on February 6, 2020.
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator Hartling:
That the report be not now adopted, but that it be amended:
1.by replacing paragraph 1 with the following:
“1. (a) That the revised Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Senate Workplace, appended to this report, be adopted;
(b) That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to study and recommend amendments to the Policy adopted pursuant to paragraph 1(a), when and if the committee is formed;
(c) That the papers and evidence received and taken, and work accomplished, by the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights in relation to Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, during the first session of the Forty-second Parliament, be referred to the committee for the purposes of its study of the Policy pursuant to paragraph 1(b);
(d) That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights submit its final report on its study pursuant to paragraph 1(b) to the Senate no later than 30 days after the adoption of this report or the formation of the committee, whichever comes later; and
(e) That the content of any report from the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights presented to the Senate in relation to its study pursuant to paragraph 1(b), if the report is adopted by the Senate, be deemed referred to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, and the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators for the purpose of their respective studies pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 3;”;
2.in paragraph 2, by:
(a)adding the words “,when and if the committee is formed,” after the word “Parliament”; and
(b)by replacing the date “April 30, 2020” by the words “60 days after the adoption of this report or 60 days after the formation of the committee, whichever comes later”;
3.in paragraph 3, by replacing the date “April 30, 2020” by the words “60 days after the adoption of this report or 60 days after the formation of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, whichever comes later”; and
4.by adding the following new paragraph 6:
“6. That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, and the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit with the Clerk of the Senate, any reports authorized by this report, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been presented in the Chamber.”.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the motion in amendment be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
Order No. 4 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain:
That, in light of the reports of the Senate Ethics Officer dated March 9, 2017, and June 28, 2019, concerning the breaches by former Senator Don Meredith of the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, the Senate call upon the Prime Minister to advise Her Excellency the Governor General to take the necessary steps to revoke the honorific style and title of “Honourable” from former senator Meredith.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 7, 8 and 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Gagné:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, when and if it is formed, be authorized to examine and report on the future of workers in order to evaluate:
(a)how data and information on the gig economy in Canada is being collected and potential gaps in knowledge;
(b)the effectiveness of current labour protections for people who work through digital platforms and temporary foreign workers programs;
(c)the negative impacts of precarious work and the gig economy on benefits, pensions and other government services relating to employment; and
(d)the accessibility of retraining and skills development programs for workers;
That in conducting this evaluation the committee pay particular attention to the negative effects of precarious employment being disproportionately felt by workers of colour, new immigrant and indigenous workers; and
That the committee submit its final report on this study to the Senate no later than April 7, 2022.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, for the Honourable Senator Duncan, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Woo, seconded by the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain:
That the Rules of the Senate be amended:
1.by replacing rule 3-6(2) by the following:
“Adjournment extended
3-6. (2) Whenever the Senate stands adjourned, if the Speaker is satisfied that the public interest does not require the Senate to meet at the date and time stipulated in the adjournment order, the Speaker shall, after consulting all the leaders and facilitators, or their designates, determine an appropriate later date or time for the next sitting.”;
2.by replacing rule 4-2(8)(a) by the following:
“Extending time for Senators’ Statements
4-2. (8)(a) At the request of a whip or the designated representative of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group, the Speaker shall, at an appropriate time during Senators’ Statements, seek leave of the Senate to extend Statements. If leave is granted, Senators’ Statements shall be extended by no more than 30 minutes.”;
3.by replacing rule 4-3(1) by the following:
“Tributes
4-3. (1) At the request of any leader or facilitator, the period for Senators’ Statements shall be extended by no more than 15 minutes for the purpose of paying tribute to a current or former Senator.”;
4.by replacing rules 6-3(1)(a), (b) and (c) by the following:
“Leaders and facilitators
(a) any leader or facilitator shall be permitted up to 45 minutes for debate;
Sponsor of a bill
(b) the sponsor of a bill shall be allowed up to 45 minutes for debate at second and third reading;
Spokesperson on a bill
(c) the spokesperson on a bill from each recognized party and recognized parliamentary group, except for the party or group to which the sponsor belongs, shall be allowed up to 45 minutes for debate at second and third reading; and”;
5.by replacing rule 6-5(1)(b) by the following:
“(b) the time remaining, not to exceed 15 minutes, if the Senator who yielded is a leader or facilitator.”;
6.by replacing the portion of rule 7-1(1) before paragraph (a) by the following:
“Agreement to allocate time
7-1. (1) At any time during a sitting, the Leader or the Deputy Leader of the Government may state that the representatives of the recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups have agreed to allocate a specified number of days or hours either:”;
7.by replacing the portion of rule 7-2(1) before paragraph (a) by the following:
“No agreement to allocate time
7-2. (1) At any time during a sitting, the Leader or the Deputy Leader of the Government may state that the representatives of the recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups have failed to agree to allocate time to conclude an adjourned debate on either:”;
8.by replacing rule 7-3(1)(f) by the following:
“(f) Senators may speak for a maximum of 10 minutes each, provided that a leader or facilitator may speak for up to 30 minutes;”;
9.by replacing rules 9-5(1), (2) and (3) by the following:
“(1) The Speaker shall ask the whips and the designated representatives of the recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups if there is an agreement on the length of time the bells shall ring.
(2) The time agreed to shall not be more than 60 minutes.
(3) With leave of the Senate, the agreement on the length of the bells shall constitute an order to sound the bells for that length of time.”;
10.by replacing rule 9-10(1) by the following:
“Deferral of standing vote
9-10. (1) Except as provided in subsection (5) and elsewhere in these Rules, when a standing vote has been requested on a question that is debatable, a whip or the designated representative of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group may defer the vote.
EXCEPTIONS
Rule 7-3(1)(h): Procedure for debate on motion to allocate time
Rule 7-4(5): Question put on time-allocated order
Rule 12-30(7): Deferred vote on report
Rule 12-32(3)(e): Procedure in Committee of the Whole
Rule 13-6(8): Vote on case of privilege automatically deferred in certain circumstances”;
11.by replacing rule 9-10(4) by the following:
“Vote deferred to Friday
9-10. (4) Except as otherwise provided, if a vote has been deferred to a Friday, a whip or the designated representative of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group may, at any time during a sitting, further defer the vote to 5:30 p.m. on the next sitting day, provided that if the Senate only meets after 5 p.m. on that day, the vote shall take place immediately before the Orders of the Day.
EXCEPTIONS
Rule 12-30(7): Deferred vote on report
Rule 13-6(8): Vote on case of privilege automatically deferred in certain circumstances”;
12.by replacing rule 12-3(3) by the following:
“Ex officio members
12-3.(3) In addition to the membership provided for in subsections (1) and (2), the Leader of the Government, or the Deputy Leader if the Leader is absent, and the leader or facilitator of each recognized party and recognized parliamentary group, or a designate if a leader or facilitator is absent, are ex officio members of all committees except the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators and the joint committees. The ex officio members of committees have all the rights and obligations of a member of a committee, but shall not vote.”;
13.by adding the word “and” at the end of rule 12-5(a) in the English version, and by replacing rules 12-5(b) and (c) by the following:
“(b) the leader or facilitator of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group, or a designate, for a change of members of that party or group.”;
14.by replacing rule 12-8(2) by the following:
“Service fee proposals
12-8. (2) When the Leader or Deputy Leader of the Government tables a service fee proposal, it is deemed referred to the standing or special committee designated by the Leader or Deputy Leader of the Government following consultations with the leaders and facilitators of the recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups, or their designates.
REFERENCE
Service Fees Act, subsection 15(1)”;
15.by replacing rule 12-18(2)(b)(ii) by the following:
“(ii) with the signed consent of the majority of the leaders and facilitators, or their designates, in response to a written request from the chair and deputy chair.”;
16.by replacing rule 12-27(1) by the following:
“Appointment of committee
12-27. (1) As soon as practicable at the beginning of each session, the Leader of the Government shall move a motion, seconded by the other leaders and the facilitators, on the membership of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators. This motion shall be deemed adopted without debate or vote, and a similar motion shall be moved for any substitutions in the membership of the committee.
REFERENCE
Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, subsection 35(4)”;
17.in Appendix I:
(a)by deleting the definition “Critic of a bill”;
(b)by deleting the definition “Ordinary procedure for determining duration of bells”; and
(c)by adding the following new definitions in alphabetical order:
“Designated representative of a recognized party or a recognized parliamentary group
The Senator designated from time to time by the leader or facilitator of a recognized party or a recognized parliamentary group without a whip as that group or party’s representative for a purpose or purposes set out in these Rules. (Représentant désigné d’un parti reconnu ou d’un groupe parlementaire reconnu)”;
“Leaders and facilitators
The Government Leader and the leaders and facilitators of the recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups (see definitions of “Leader of the Government”, “Leader of the Opposition” and “Leader or facilitator of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group”). (Leaders et facilitateurs)”; and
“Spokesperson on a bill
The lead Senator speaking on a bill from each recognized party and recognized parliamentary group, as designated by the leader or facilitator of the party or group in question. (Porte-parole d’un projet de loi)”; and
18.by updating all cross-references in the Rules, including the lists of exceptions, accordingly; and
That the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators be amended by deleting subsection 35(5), and renumbering other subsections and cross-references accordingly.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Tannas moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C., that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Brazeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cormier:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to examine and report on suicide prevention and mental health needs among Canadians, including a particular emphasis on boys and men, and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in suicide statistics, when and if the committee is formed; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2020.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 16, 18, 19, 22 and 25 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
SPEAKER'S STATEMENT
Honourable senators, I am now prepared to hear further arguments in relation to the point of order raised by Senator Gold on February 27 concerning Motion No. 26 moved by Senator Housakos.
The Senate resumed debate on the point of order, raised on February 27, 2020, concerning Motion No. 26 moved by Senator Housakos.
After debate,
The Speaker reserved his decision.
Motions
Order No. 30 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Omidvar, calling the attention of the Senate to the link between Canada’s past, present and future prosperity and its deep connection to immigration.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Moodie moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 3 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Dyck, calling the attention of the Senate to the deficiencies or gaps in the policies of the Senate of Canada compared to other parliamentary bodies on behaviours of individual senators that constitute bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct that occur during parliamentary proceedings.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Lovelace Nicholas moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 7 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Coyle, calling the attention of the Senate to the importance of finding the right pathways and actions for Canada and Canadians to meet our net-zero carbon emissions targets in order to slow, arrest and reverse human-caused climate change to ensure a healthy planet, society, economy and democracy.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Sinclair, calling the attention of the Senate to the need for this House of Parliament to reevaluate its rules, practices and procedures as they relate to non-government business.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Plett moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 11, 12 and 14 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Bellemare moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, when and if it is formed, be authorized to examine and report on the need to review the Bank of Canada Act in order to:
(a)specify that the Bank of Canada’s mandate covers not only price stability, but also the pursuit of maximum employment or full and productive employment, as is the case in the United States, Australia and, recently, New Zealand;
(b)provide for the signature of an agreement between the Bank of Canada and the Minister of Finance, as has been done since 1991;
(c)provide for transparency measures regarding the procedure and choice of indicators for the setting of the key policy interest rate, as well as analyses of how the conduct of monetary policy affects the inflation rate, employment and income distribution, and report to Parliament; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 20, 2020.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Klyne:
That, in order to promote national unity, to improve collaboration with provincial and territorial initiatives, and to support the competitive needs of domestic business, the Senate now:
(a)call on the government to:
(i)address the issue of inter-provincial trade and assert in law, for judicial clarity, that Section 121 of the Constitution Act, 1867 is the law of the land;
(ii)clarify key principles of inter-provincial trade, such as accelerating mutual recognition, formal harmonization and introduction of federal standards when applicable;
(iii)develop institutional architecture to facilitate inter-provincial trade which would include creating an internal trade commissioner or expanding the Canada Free Trade Agreement Secretariat powers; and
(iv)create a binding investor-state dispute-resolution process where complaints, negotiations, decisions and appeals might occur;
(b)urge the government to move toward enacting a revised Canada Free Trade Agreement as law, cutting back on specific exemptions within the CFTA; and
(c)recommend that the government clarify longer-term integration objectives, such as how to more consistently relate them to urban projects and innovation super-clusters.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Plett moved, for the Honourable Senator Mockler, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
INQUIRIES
The Honourable Senator Busson called the attention of the Senate to the way the Bank of Canada honours Canadians through banknotes.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C.:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 7:35 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)
DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)
Summaries of the Corporate Plan for 2019-23 and of the Capital Budget for 2019 of the Canada Development Investment Corporation, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-357.
Summary of the Corporate Plan for 2019-20 to 2023-24 of Marine Atlantic Inc., pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-358.
Order Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease in Canada (P.C. 2020-70), pursuant to the Quarantine Act, S.C. 2005, c. 20, sbs. 61(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-359.
Order Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease in Canada (Persons Not on Government Flight) (P.C. 2020-71), pursuant to the Quarantine Act, S.C. 2005, c. 20, sbs. 61(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-360.
Annual Report concerning section 38.17 of the Canada Evidence Act from July 15, 2018, to July 14, 2019, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-5, s. 38.17.—Sessional Paper No. 1/43-361.
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Doyle replaced the Honourable Senator Marshall (March 10, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Plett replaced the Honourable Senator Smith (March 6, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., replaced the Honourable Senator Poirier (March 6, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Dean replaced the Honourable Senator Klyne (February 28, 2020).
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator Keating replaced the Honourable Senator Boehm (March 10, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Tannas replaced the Honourable Senator Downe (March 10, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Downe replaced the Honourable Senator Tannas (March 10, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Loffreda replaced the Honourable Senator Forest-Niesing (March 10, 2020).
The Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen replaced the Honourable Senator Martin (March 5, 2020).