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2nd Session, 43rd Parliament
Volume 152, Issue 5

Tuesday, October 27, 2020
The Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker

SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
QUESTION PERIOD
ORDERS OF THE DAY

THE SENATE

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The Senate met at 2 p.m., the Speaker in the chair.

Prayers.

SENATORS’ STATEMENTS

Small Business Week

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Honourable senators, last week marked Small Business Week. Last week I also released the preliminary findings from my survey of businesses in Nunavut, and the results were disconcerting, to say the least. Of the 162 respondents, 153 said they were unsure if their business could return to pre-pandemic levels without government intervention, and 88% that expressed an opinion expressed some level of concern regarding the survivability of their business.

These businesses represent 13 different sectors across all 25 communities in Nunavut, and 34 of them are Inuit-owned businesses. Together they provide 4,226 precious jobs, 1,327 of which belong to Inuit beneficiaries, and 3,337 are permanently based in the territory. Since the start of the pandemic, they have already cut 793 jobs, with more cuts being imminent.

Colleagues, the average decline of revenues as reported by respondents was 59%. That total varied by sector, with the five hardest-hit sectors being training at 87%, consulting and professional services at 75.6%, arts and culture at 73%, tourism at 62% and retail at 61%. The survey results also clearly indicate that the federal programming to date has been slow to roll out, included a cumbersome application process and disqualified many businesses from applying due to overly exclusive eligibility requirements.

This situation is untenable, and it is important for the government, in the wake of a second wave and a projected third wave, to immediately provide sector-specific support. Several suggested solutions were put forward in the survey, and I look forward to publishing a more in-depth report and analysis on the findings.

One of the examples I want to highlight is that of the hotel industry in Nunavut. I asked a question about this very issue during the last sitting. Only 3 hotels out of the 22 that responded did not see a decline in revenue since March, and of the 5 hotel respondents that do not have any other revenue streams, such as the retail division, the average income decline was 92%.

A reasonable proposal was brought forward to the federal government in early June. It proposed a modest subsidy based on vacant rooms. Four months later, there has still been no response, let alone action — troubling, to say the least.

Honourable senators, hotels provide a vital service to the territory. We cannot allow these companies to falter.

The Late Honourable Nicholas William Taylor

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I deliver this statement on behalf of Senator Paula Simons:

They called him Alberta’s truest Grit. Here in Ottawa, people knew the Honourable Nicholas Taylor as a distinguished silver-haired senator. In Alberta, people knew Nick Taylor as the Don Quixote of provincial politics, who never lost his courage or his wicked sense of humour.

Nick Taylor died in Calgary on October 3, one month before his ninety-third birthday.

Born in Bow Island, in southern Alberta, he graduated from the University of Alberta with degrees in geology and mining and engineering. After 10 years as an oil company geologist, he started his own exploration company, which, in its heyday, had offices in Calgary, London, Syracuse, Tel Aviv, Cairo and Istanbul.

In 1968, Nick Taylor made a most unusual move for an Alberta oilman: He joined the Federal Liberal Party and ran for a seat in Calgary. He lost. But that that didn’t stop him.

In 1974, he became the Leader of Alberta’s Liberal Party, at a time when “Liberal” was a dirty word in Alberta, when the party didn’t have a single seat in the legislature. Without a seat of his own, Nick Taylor would sit up in the gallery, watching the debate and entertaining reporters.

He never gave up. In 1986, he finally won a seat in Westlock, in rural Alberta, and led a caucus of four onto the floor of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. There he used his wit to win the hearts of Albertans, even if his party couldn’t win their votes.

“In a battle of wits, these people are totally unarmed,” he once said of the Progressive Conservative government. Of another political rival, he joked, “If there are only two cow patties in a cow pasture, he’d step in both at the same time.”

Another time he sang the Star-Spangled Banner during Question Period to protest the government’s attempt to bring in more private health care. Reportedly, two different Alberta premiers actually forbade their own members from laughing at Nick Taylor’s jokes and heckles. Predictably, it didn’t work.

Nick Taylor sat in the Alberta legislature for 10 years before being named to the Senate in 1996. He served here until 2002, when he retired and went back to oil exploration.

But he never lost his passion for politics or for Alberta.

In 2019, the Standing Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources held hearings in Calgary on Bill C-69, the impact assessment act. The bill was deeply unpopular in Calgary and there were heated demonstrations outside and inside the hotel where the hearings were taking place. That didn’t stop oilman Nick Taylor, at the age of 91, from striding into the hotel ballroom to testify passionately in favour of the bill.

Nick Taylor won the affection and respect of Albertans. He will be severely missed. Our sympathies to his wife, Peg, and their children Patrice, Jennifer, Terry, Sheila, Ally, Susan and Sarah.

OCanadaMasks

Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, I rise today as we enter the start of a new session to stress the importance of supporting local vendors and artisans as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

(1410)

In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight OCanadaMasks and their creator Ann-May Cheng, president of TAMA Designs Inc. from Toronto. For over 26 years, Ms. Cheng has been operating an apparel manufacturing business in Toronto. TAMA was a manufacturer of high-end ladies’ sportswear until the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As I’m sure you will all remember, retail operations were shut down soon after the pandemic began. It quickly became apparent that hospitals were in desperate need of non-medical-grade masks for patient and visitor use, so Ann-May mobilized some of her workers to make reusable, fabric face masks for donation to local hospitals.

I am pleased to share that they have since donated over 2,000 masks with more donations to be made. Toronto General Hospital, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Humber River Hospital, SickKids Hospital, and Lakeridge Health’s Ajax Pickering Hospital are just some of the hospitals that have benefited from Ann-May’s donations.

Ann-May also found that friends, family members and colleagues were interested in purchasing locally-produced, well-made reusable masks for personal use, and so the “OCanada” online shop began.

This summer I purchased the signature OCanada masks for my Canadian Senators Group colleagues. These Canada flag masks, which I and many of my CSG colleagues are wearing today, serve as an important reminder that we continue to support each other to overcome this pandemic, as we are all in this together.

I would like to thank Ann-May and her team for creating these masks and supporting medical health care workers across the province. Your work, alongside the work of many other local mask makers across Canada, has been critical throughout the pandemic.

Honourable colleagues, if you are looking to purchase reusable fabric masks, I urge you to support local vendors. While last week was Small Business Week, we should continue to buy local and support small businesses each and every week. Our support can help people in your community keep their small businesses afloat, especially during these challenging times. It also helps boost our local economies, meaning that more small and family-run businesses will survive and thrive. Thank you, meegwetch.

The Late Honourable Alan Abraham, C.M., O.N.S.

Hon. Terry M. Mercer: Number one, it’s a pleasure to be back.

Honourable senators, it was with sadness that I learned earlier this month that the Honourable Alan Abraham, former Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia and trusted friend of many passed away.

Al’s resume is too long and extensive to repeat here. Suffice to say, it was not a surprise when the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau appointed him as Lieutenant-Governor in 1984.

A lieutenant-colonel in the Princess Louise Fusiliers, his experience in engineering and construction, combined with his dedication to volunteerism, perfectly placed him in the position that he served with respect and humility.

Honourable senators, I remember first meeting Al. From that encounter on, you always felt like he genuinely cared about how you were and what was going on in your life.

Whether it be a conversation about politics, or community-building or family, he always had a smile and always made you feel like you mattered.

If you were having a moderate to bad day, His Honour always cheered you up and put a positive spin on things.

He fully embodied the term “honourable.”

My sincere condolences go out to his children Louise Abraham-Pace, Alan Abraham Jr., and Robert Abraham and his six grandchildren. Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Canada have lost him, but we are all better for having known him.

[Translation]

Latin American Heritage Month

Hon. Rosa Galvez: I rise today in honour of the third Latin American Heritage Month. Canada’s Latin American community is strong, creative and resilient. It grows in numbers and in influence every year. I am very honoured and proud of its members’ accomplishments in all fields. It is a community of good-hearted people with a strong moral compass, a community where love and collaboration abound.

[English]

I would like to recognize National Defence and Global Affairs Canada, which have active Latin American staff communities, organizations such as CALAREO, CALACS, Hispanotech, Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council and many others who serve the professional, research and graduate communities, and of course, the ambassadors of ParlAmericas who have been working diligently to reinforce the links between our nation and theirs.

October has been a very active month for us. The community has kept in touch with webinars covering a wide variety of subjects, such as the participation of Latin American women in politics and science, and the impacts of COVID-19 on our communities.

As these celebrations continue into November, I encourage all my dear, honourable colleagues to seek out and participate in them. I encourage you to participate in traditions and culture that you might not have experienced before. The Latin American community is very welcoming and would love to share its richness with you.

I wish everyone a happy Latin American Heritage Month. Thank you. Gracias. Meegwetch.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

The Senate

Notice of Motion to Authorize Hybrid Sittings

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I give notice that, later this day, I will move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice:

1.as soon as practicable after the adoption of this order the Senate begin to hold hybrid sittings, with all senators able to participate in sittings either from the Senate Chamber or through an approved videoconference technology to be determined from time to time by the Speaker after consulting with the leaders and facilitators, with the provisions of this order applying until hybrid sittings cease;

2.the Speaker, after consulting the leaders and facilitators, determine the date on which such hybrid sittings shall commence;

3.hybrid sittings be considered, for all purposes, proceedings of the Senate, with senators participating in such sittings by videoconference from a designated office or designated residence within Canada being considered, for all purposes, including quorum, present at the sitting; the sitting being considered to take place in the parliamentary precinct; and times specified in the Rules or this or any other order being Ottawa times;

4.subject to variations that may be required by the circumstances, senators, to participate by videoconference, must:

(a)use a desktop or laptop computer and headphones with integrated microphone provided by the Senate for videoconferences;

(b)not use other devices such as personal tablets or smartphones;

(c)be the only people visible on the videoconference from an active video feed, other than those in the Senate Chamber; and

(d)except while the bells are ringing for a vote:

(i)have their video on and broadcasting their image at all times; and

(ii)leave the videoconference if they leave their seat;

5.the Senate recognize that, except as provided in this order, there should generally be parity of treatment among all senators attending in person and those attending by videoconference and that proceedings should follow usual procedures, subject to such variations required for technical reasons as may be directed by the Speaker, subject to appeal to the Senate if technically feasible;

6.senators participating by videoconference need not stand;

7.without restricting the operation of rule 3-6 and the right of senators to move a motion to adjourn the Senate as allowed under the Rules, without affecting requirements in certain circumstances that the Senate continue sitting after receipt of a message from the Crown or the announcement that a message is anticipated, and except as otherwise provided in this order:

(a)when the Senate sits on a Monday, the provisions of rule 3-3(1) be suspended and the sitting:

(i)start at 6 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 9 p.m.;

(b)when the Senate sits on a Tuesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of business for the day or 9 p.m.;

(c)when the Senate sits on a Wednesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;

(d)when the Senate sits on a Thursday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of business for the day or 9 p.m.; and

(e)when the Senate sits on a Friday, the sitting:

(i)start at 10 a.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;

8.the Speaker be authorized to suspend the sitting as required for technical and other reasons;

9.the Speaker be authorized to direct that the sitting be adjourned for technical reasons, provided that this direction be subject to appeal if technically feasible;

10.the times provided for adjournment of the sitting in paragraph 7 be considered the ordinary time of adjournment for the purposes of the Rules, and, for greater certainty, any provisions of the Rules permitting the continuation of the sitting beyond that time in certain circumstances continue to apply, provided that if the provisions of paragraph 9 are invoked when an item that would allow the Senate to continue beyond the ordinary time of adjournment is under consideration, that item of business shall, except in the case of an emergency debate and subject to the provisions of rule 4-13(3), be dealt with at the start of the Orders of the Day of the next following sitting;

11.on the first day of debate on a motion moved in relation to a case of privilege, debate may be adjourned, even if normally prohibited under rule 13-6(6);

12.the evening suspension provided for in rule 3-3(1) only be until 7 p.m.;

13.when the Senate sits on a day other than a Friday, any provision of the Rules requiring that something take place at 8 p.m. be read as if the time therein were 7 p.m.;

14.the Senate recognize the importance of providing the Speaker with information necessary to allow him to assist with the orderly conduct of business in hybrid sittings, and therefore, subject to normal confidentiality practices, strongly encourage all senators:

(a)to advise their party or group representatives, or the Clerk of the Senate or his delegate, as far in advance as possible, if they intend to intervene during the sitting; and

(b)to provide the Clerk of the Senate or his delegate, as far in advance as possible with an electronic copy in English and French of any amendment, subamendment, notice of motion, notice of inquiry, committee report to be tabled or presented, bill to be introduced, or any other document required for the sitting as far in advance as possible;

15.a senator who has provided an advance copy of a document under subparagraph 14(b) be considered to have fulfilled any obligation to provide a signed copy of that document;

16.the following provisions have effect in relation to voting:

(a)only senators present in the Senate Chamber shall participate in:

(i)the procedure for a voice vote; and

(ii)in the determination as to whether leave is granted for bells of less than 60 minutes;

(b)to be one of the senators requesting a standing vote, a senator participating by videoconference must clearly indicate this request, but need not stand;

“(c) then:

(i) ask the “yeas” in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called;

(ii) ask the “yeas” participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for voting “yea” for their names to be called;

(iii) ask the “nays” in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called;

(iv) ask the “nays” participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for voting “nay” for their names to be called;

(v) ask those who are abstaining in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called; and

(vi) ask those who are abstaining and participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for abstaining for their names to be called.”;

(d)except as provided in subparagraph (g), if a vote is deferred pursuant to rule 9-10, it shall be held at 3:30 p.m. on the next day the Senate sits, after a 15-minute bell, interrupting any proceedings then underway, except another vote or the bells for a vote;

(e)except as provided in subparagraph (g), if a vote is deferred pursuant to rule 4-6(1), it shall be held at 3:30 p.m. on the same day, after a 15-minute bell, interrupting any proceedings then underway, except another vote or the bells for a vote;

(f)except as provided in subparagraph (g), in the case of votes deferred pursuant to other provisions of the Rules, the usual processes for such votes shall hold, with the sitting being suspended, if necessary, at the end of the time otherwise provided for the end of the sitting pursuant to this order; and

(g)if a deferred vote is to be held on a Monday, it shall be held at the end of Question Period, after a 15-minute bell;

17.for greater certainty, leave be considered granted when requested, unless the Speaker, after a sufficient period of time, hears an objection from a senator, either in the Senate Chamber or participating by videoconference;

18.from the time of the adoption of this order:

(a)any return, report or other paper deposited with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to rule 14-1(6), may be deposited electronically;

(b)the government be authorized to deposit electronically with the Clerk of the Senate any documents relating to its administrative responsibilities, following the process of rule 14-1(6); and

(c)written replies to oral questions and to written questions may be deposited with the Clerk of the Senate electronically following the process of rule 14-1(6), provided that written replies to oral questions be published as an appendix to the Debates of the Senate of the day on which the tabling is recorded in the Journals of the Senate; and

19.the terms of this order cease to have effect, and hybrid sittings cease, at the end of the day on December 18, 2020.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(1420)

[Translation]

Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act

Bill to Amend—First Reading

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) introduced Bill S-2, An Act to amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act.

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Gold, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

International Mother Language Day Bill

First Reading

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer introduced Bill S-211, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day.

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Jaffer, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

Criminal Code

Bill to Amend—First Reading

Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu introduced Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors).

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Boisvenu, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

(1430)

[English]

Department for Women and Gender Equality Act

Bill to Amend—First Reading

Hon. Mary Jane McCallum introduced Bill S-213, An Act to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act.

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator McCallum, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

Constitution Act, 1867

Bill to Amend—First Reading

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson introduced Bill S-214, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (property qualifications of Senators).

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Patterson, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

[Translation]

L’Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie

Bureau Meeting and Ordinary Session, July 4-9, 2019—Report Tabled

Hon. Éric Forest: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie concerning the Bureau Meeting and Forty-fifth Ordinary Session Meeting, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 4 to 9, 2019.

Bureau Meeting, January 28-30, 2020—Report Tabled

Hon. Éric Forest: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie concerning the Bureau Meeting, held in Dakar, Senegal, from January 28 to 30, 2020.

[English]

Committee of Selection

Motion for Appointment Adopted

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That, pursuant to rules 12-1 and 12-2, the Honourable Senators Downe, Duncan, Martin, Mercer, Omidvar, Saint-Germain, Seidman, Stewart Olsen and Woo 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 committees, except the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators, during the present session;

That, notwithstanding rule 12-2, the committee not be required to present a report nominating the Speaker pro tempore within a defined period of time;

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practices, and taking into account the exceptional circumstances of the current pandemic of COVID-19, the committee have the power to meet by videoconference or teleconference, if technically feasible;

That, for greater certainty, and without limiting the general authority granted by this order, when the committee meets by videoconference or teleconference:

(a)members of the committee participating count towards quorum;

(b)such meetings be considered to be occurring in the parliamentary precinct, irrespective of where participants may be; and

(c)the committee be directed to approach in camera meetings with the utmost caution and all necessary precautions, taking account of the risks to the confidentiality of in camera proceedings inherent in such technologies; and

That, if a meeting of the committee by videoconference or teleconference is public, the provisions of rule 14-7(2) be applied so as to allow recording or broadcasting through any facilities arranged by the Clerk of the Senate, and, if such a meeting cannot be broadcast live, the committee be considered to have fulfilled any obligations under the Rules relating to public meetings by making any available recording publicly available as soon as possible thereafter.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

[Translation]

The Senate

Notice of Motion to Call Upon the Government to Introduce Legislation to Freeze the Sessional Allowances of Parliamentarians in Light of the Economic Situation and the Ongoing Pandemic

Hon. Lucie Moncion (The Hon. the Acting Speaker): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Senate of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to introduce legislation that would freeze the sessional allowances of parliamentarians for a period that the government considers appropriate in light of the economic situation and the ongoing pandemic or for a maximum period of three years.

Notice of Motion Pertaining to the Salaries of Senators during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Senate recognizes that it would be unbecoming of a public institution, particularly at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardship for Canadians, to use taxpayer funds to increase the salaries of senators by creating additional paid positions on Senate committees, beyond the positions provided for in the Rules of the Senate.

[English]

Arctic

Notice of Motion to Place Fourth Report of Special Committee Tabled during the First Session of Forty-second Parliament on Orders of the Day

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the fourth report of the Special Committee on the Arctic entitled Northern Lights: A Wake-Up Call for the Future of Canada, tabled in the Senate on June 11, 2019, during the First session of the Forty-second Parliament, be placed on the Orders of the Day under Other Business, Reports of Committees – Other, for consideration two days hence.

The Senate

Notice of Motion to Call Upon the Government to Condemn the Joint Azerbaijani-Turkish Aggression Against the Republic of Artsakh

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Senate of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to immediately condemn the joint Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression against the Republic of Artsakh, uphold the ban on military exports to Turkey, recognize the Republic of Artsakh’s inalienable right to self-determination and, in light of further escalation and continued targeting of innocent Armenian civilians, recognize the independence of the Republic of Artsakh.

(1440)

Notice of Motion to Affect Committee Membership

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, for the remainder of the session, and notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, usual practice or previous order:

1.the Standing Committee on National Security and Defence be composed of twelve senators, other than the ex officio members;

2.the Committee of Selection; the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament; and the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration be empowered to elect up to three deputy chairs;

3.all other committees, except the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators and the joint committees, be empowered to elect up to two deputy chairs;

4.if a committee has elected more than one deputy chair:

(a)the reference to the deputy chair in rule 12-18(2)(b)(ii) be understood as referring to all deputy chairs of the committee acting together;

(b)the reference to the deputy chair in rule 12-23(6) be understood as referring to any deputy chair of the committee acting alone; and

(c)any reference to the deputy chair of a committee in any policy or guideline adopted by the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration be understood as referring to all deputy chairs acting together, until the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration decides otherwise;

5.the Committee of Selection be a standing committee;

6.the Committee of Selection have power to make recommendations to the Senate on issues relating to meetings of either the Senate or committees by videoconference or teleconference, to the coordination of such meetings and to measures that would facilitate or enhance their operations;

7.if a Senate committee establishes a Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, any two members of the subcommittee be authorized to direct the clerk of the committee to convene a meeting of the committee for the purposes of considering a draft agenda by sending a signed letter to the clerk, upon receipt of which the clerk of the committee shall convene a meeting of the committee at the committee’s next meeting time, during a week that the Senate sits, according to the agreed upon schedule for committee meetings that is more than 24 hours after the receipt of the letter;

8.except in the case of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators:

(a)except as provided in sub-paragraph (b), if a senator ceases to be a member of a particular recognized party or recognized parliamentary group for any reason, he or she simultaneously cease to be a member of any committee of which he or she is then a member, with the resulting vacancy to be filled by the leader or facilitator of the party or group to which the senator had belonged, following the processes established in rule 12-5;

(b)if a senator ceases to be a member of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group because that party or group ceases to exist, he or she remain a member of any committee of which he or she was a member, subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (c), but cease to be chair or deputy chair of any committee on which he or she held such a position, and cease to be a member of any Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of which he or she was a member; and

(c)if a non-affiliated senator becomes a member of a recognized party or recognized parliamentary group, he or she thereby cease to be a member of any committee of which he or she is then a member, with the resulting vacancy to be filled either by order of the Senate or the adoption by the Senate of a report of the Committee of Selection; and

9.any changes to the membership of a committee pursuant to paragraph 8 of this order be recorded in the Journals of the Senate.

Medical Assistance in Dying

Notice of Inquiry

Hon. Pamela Wallin: Honourable senators, I give notice that, two days hence:

I will call the attention of the Senate to:

(a)a September 2019 Quebec Superior Court ruling, which declared parts of federal and provincial law relating to medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to be too restrictive;

(b)the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MAiD recipients and practitioners, including restrictions to access, shortages of personal protective equipment and a surge in demand;

(c)the ongoing and tireless work of Dying with Dignity Canada, a non-for-profit organization that advocates for vulnerable Canadians regarding their right to die;

(d)the findings of the federally mandated, December 2018 Canadian Association of Academies report relating to advance requests in medical assistance in dying; and

(e)the urgent need for the Senate to study and propose new rules pertaining to advance requests for medical assistance in dying.

QUESTION PERIOD

Foreign Affairs

Inter-Parliamentary Union Presidency

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Your Honour, before I ask my question, I would like to express my gratitude to you and to Speaker Rota for supporting my candidacy for the presidency of the IPU, and especially Stuart in your office, who has been most helpful.

Senator Gold, we have spoken in this chamber about my run for the presidency of the IPU. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Champagne, has reached out to me, has spoken to me, has offered me his support, for which I am very grateful. However, the two Speakers wrote a letter of support for me; I needed the support of my Parliament to run. I have been asking the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs if they would forward that letter to our diplomatic missions, and they agreed. However, since last Wednesday, every day we call and we are told that it’s being sent out today. About an hour ago, again we were told it’s being sent out today. Time is of the essence. I’m running out of time. The election is on November 1.

There is a rumour going around that my Parliament, my government, does not support me. To put an end to those rumours, the diplomatic missions could just distribute that letter in every country that they’re in. Minister Champagne has been very clear. He gave me his private number. I thank him for his support, but I need the next step to be taken. If the letter is not sent out today, it doesn’t help me because a lot of the countries we are appealing to are closed on Fridays and it’s already Wednesday morning in certain countries.

This is not a criticism; this is asking you for help since you are the government leader in the Senate. Would you please reach out to Minister’s Champagne’s office and tell them time is of the essence? If that letter is going to be sent out — and that is the decision I’ve been told has been taken, that it would be sent out — will you please do it today because today is the deadline for me? Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator. I’m pleased to hear that both our Speaker and the Speaker in the other place, and indeed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, have confirmed their support for you. I know you have the support of all members here in the chamber and I certainly will make every effort to reach the minister’s office today to impress upon them the urgency of getting the letter out. Thank you.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate. Leader, in May, when the Minister of Agriculture was here I asked her about compensation for dairy farmers. Our dairy farmers are hurting, not only due to COVID-19 but also due to the early implementation of the new NAFTA deal, which cost dairy farmers an estimated $100 million.

The minister referred to $1.75 billion in compensation the government has promised dairy farmers over eight years for CETA and for the CPTPP, but compensation talks for CUSMA were ongoing. To date, our dairy farmers have received only $345 million in compensation, which they got last year, and some fine words in the Speech from the Throne.

Leader, when will your government announce how much compensation our farmers will receive for the early implementation of CUSMA, and will you announce a payment schedule for the remaining compensation your government promised our dairy farmers for these other agreements?

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Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The government is very aware of the frustration that particular sector of our economy must be experiencing and is mindful of the contribution the agricultural sector plays to the well-being of our society.

I don’t have the information about which you have asked. I will make inquiries and report back when I can.

Senator Plett: Leader, the end of the year is approaching, and our dairy farmers need some certainty so they can invest in their farms in the months and years ahead. They are still waiting for the government to put some meat on the bones of those fine words in the Speech from the Throne.

Leader, instead of simply saying farmers are important and a priority, will your government realize that they need to take action? Does your government commit that this compensation will be in the hands of dairy farmers this year, in 2020?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. This government has taken numerous steps and invested large sums of money to assist the agricultural sector. I won’t list them all, but they include a $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial agreement for strengthening the sector as part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the $1.25 billion Strategic Innovation Fund, $70 million for agricultural science and $2 billion for rural infrastructure. However, I know these programs don’t necessarily translate into cash in the pocket for individual farmers who, as I said in the beginning, are understandably anxious.

The government is working hard through these circumstances to conclude the next phase, and as soon as the date for the disbursement of those funds becomes available, I will certainly make them public in this chamber.

[Translation]

Health

Access to Medicine

Hon. Chantal Petitclerc: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate regarding the drug Trikafta being unavailable in Canada.

Trikafta is a revolutionary drug that can be used to treat up to 90% of people with cystic fibrosis, and the results are amazing. It’s being called a miracle drug. The Minister of Health says that she’s waiting for the manufacturer of this triple combination therapy to apply for approval, but Vertex says that it’s concerned about Canada’s patented medicine price regulation framework. Patients are stuck in the middle and have no say.

Government Representative, isn’t it time for the Government of Canada to change course on this file and support collaboration with the parties involved in order to speed up the approval of Trikafta and finally make it available to Canadian patients who have been waiting for it for far too long?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The Government of Canada recognizes that access to new therapies is important to patients with serious or terminal diseases like the one you mentioned. I have been told that Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which makes Trikafta, has not yet submitted a marketing application for this product in Canada. It’s up to the manufacturer to decide whether it will apply to market its product in Canada.

However, for serious or life-threatening conditions like cystic fibrosis, doctors can request access to drugs through special access programs. I’m told that, as of October 1, 2020, 146 patients in Canada have been granted access to this medication through Health Canada’s special access programs. I also understand that, to help Canadians get better access to effective treatments, the government is working with the provinces, territories and other partners to develop a national strategy for high-cost drugs for rare diseases.

Senator Petitclerc: Thank you, Senator Gold. It’s a very complicated issue, and, as we know, Trikafta is just one aspect of the problem we’re facing, as you mentioned.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the many concerns raised by the latest guidelines of the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board. Several organizations, such as Cystic Fibrosis Canada, have expressed serious concerns about the proposed changes. I’ve heard that these changes could impede access to other breakthrough treatments for various diseases and reduce new drug submissions and clinical trials. In fact, just yesterday, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health voted unanimously to study those guidelines.

Senator Gold, shouldn’t the government also undertake an independent review to ensure that these new guidelines don’t have an impact, not just on patients, but on the R&D sector as well?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. As I said, the government takes access to drugs very seriously, and it is aware of the problems associated with this, particularly for high-cost drugs.

As for undertaking a review, I’m not in a position to comment, but I’m sure the government is working with the pharmaceutical industry and its partners to ensure that, in Canada, we are not inadvertently creating barriers that would prevent Canadians from getting the medications they need.

[English]

Public Safety

Correctional Service of Canada—Prison System

Hon. Kim Pate: Honourable senators, my question is also for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Indigenous women now account for 44% and racialized women are more than half of women in federal penitentiaries. The report released today by the Office of the Correctional Investigator provides a horrific cross-section of the violation of human rights experienced by people in prisons. The Correctional Investigator has underscored that despite the failure of Correctional Service Canada to follow the minister’s direction to step up conditional release during this pandemic, the service instead has interfered with releases and subjected most prisoners to conditions of isolation.

In addition, today, the chair of the ministerial oversight panel for structured intervention units reports that not only was the panel prevented from carrying out its mandate, but the information they have received reveals that in 95% of all cases, CSC is failing to ensure the contact and time out of cell that Bill C-83 promised in order to prevent profoundly harmful and unconstitutional solitary confinement.

Also, consistent with the 2003 finding of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, CSC’s security classification system has recently been publicly exposed as discriminatory on the basis of race, sex and disability. All of this is as Canada’s expenditures on federal prisons has increased by 11% over the past year, Corrections reveals.

How much of this excessive spending will the government redirect to fund community-based alternatives?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. You have raised a lot of issues in your remarks.

The government is aware of the disproportionate impact on racialized communities, women and Indigenous communities in our correctional system in general, prisons in particular. It is working with relevant partners and institutions to understand better why that’s so and, more importantly, to take steps to remedy that.

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With regard to your last point regarding the apparent bias or discrimination embedded in some of the testing tools that are used in corrections that have resulted in disparate treatment for racialized communities, this is a matter that should preoccupy us all and is a matter of considerable concern to the government.

I notice as well that you have introduced a notice of motion in the Orders of the Day, Motion No. 31, to authorize our Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights to examine and report on issues relating to human rights in the prisons. I don’t want to read the whole motion, but it reads, in part:

. . . rights of federally sentenced persons in the correctional system . . . to examine the situation of marginalized or disadvantaged groups in federal prisons . . .

I look forward to seeing this chamber take that up and for the committee to weigh in on these important issues.

Senator Pate: Thank you very much, Senator Gold.

All these egregious breaches reveal the need for an effective oversight mechanism. What measures is the government putting in place to put an end to the massive systemic injustices and inequalities that these various reports have laid bare? And when will we look at implementing the effective judicial oversight of corrections that we in this place recommended when we were looking at Bill C-83 and that many others for decades before us have called upon the government to implement?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question and for your ongoing commitment to and advocacy on these issues.

There is frustration — and the government understands this — with progress to date on the oversight in these matters. I am advised that Public Safety Minister Blair has asked his officials to work with Dr. Doob to help ensure the oversight panel gets the information and cooperation it needs to do its job to provide adequate oversight on our correctional system.

[Translation]

Finance

Mark Carney’s Position as Adviser

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: My question is for the Leader of the Government. Yesterday, the Prime Minister talked to Radio-Canada about transparency. My question is about COVID-19-related spending.

The hiring of Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, as an adviser to the government is proof that Prime Minister Trudeau and his team had no serious economic vision for getting Canada through the COVID-19 crisis, despite the hundreds of billions of dollars that have been spent. Mark Carney is there to make up for the Liberals’ incompetence. I see no other way of putting it. It has been difficult to assess the impact of the crisis so far, but there is still no plan to help our aerospace industry.

Leader, I imagine that you may not have the full answer to my question today, but I invite you to provide one at a later date. Since this represents an expenditure of taxpayers’ money, I would like to know Mr. Carney’s conditions of employment. What is his hourly rate of pay? Is he paid directly or through a company? Lastly, as an adviser, will he earn more than the current Minister of Finance of Canada?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I thank the senator for the question. I will try to find out whether that information is available and also whether it can be disclosed, in light of the well-established standards and principles regarding private contracts and confidentiality. I will be happy to inform the chamber as soon as I get an answer.

Senator Dagenais: Leader, I spoke about transparency, and I know how the government feels about transparency. We never found out how much Vice-Admiral Norman received. I hope we can get information on Mark Carney’s hourly rate.

[English]

Foreign Affairs

Canada-China Relations

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate.

Senator Gold, last year we had China’s ambassador to Canada issue threats to the Senate of Canada. He warned us against passing the Magnitsky Act, which was calling upon holding the Chinese communist regime to account.

Last year I asked this same question to your predecessor, namely, if Global Affairs Canada, our Minister of Foreign Affairs and the government would call in the Chinese ambassador to highlight that that kind of behaviour and threats would not be acceptable.

Can you please confirm to this chamber whether the government did call in the ambassador at the time? And if they haven’t, why not?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I don’t have the answer to your specific question. However, as all senators know, the Government of Canada has been very clear and firm in rejecting the interventions of the Chinese ambassador with regard to a number of stands and positions that the government has taken, including statements by representative Bob Rae in the United Nations.

The Government of Canada continues to find it unacceptable that the two Michaels are treated as they are; continues to demand proper, equitable and compassionate treatment of other Canadians that are held in custody; and firmly and resolutely reaffirms our commitment to democratic values and, certainly here in the chamber, our right as parliamentarians to express these matters publicly and forcefully.

Senator Housakos: Government leader, these are all nice words, but perhaps if the Trudeau government would have taken the appropriate action at the time it was required, the ambassador wouldn’t have continued running around issuing new threats against Canadians, as he did just two weeks ago, threatening 300,000 Canadian citizens living in Hong Kong.

Rightfully, the Conservative Leader and Her Majesty’s Leader of the Official Opposition in the other house has asked that the ambassador publicly apologize. He has also made it clear that if the Chinese ambassador doesn’t apologize, he should be expelled.

Senator Gold, the Chinese ambassador continues to threaten Canadians and the Government of Canada. When will the government take action? When will they call him in? When will they accept that this is unacceptable? Will the government do it; yes or no?

Senator Gold: As I stated, the government has been very clear that the actions, threats and statements by the Chinese ambassador are completely unacceptable. That has been made clear and will continue to be made clear.

Business of the Senate

Cost of Hybrid Chamber Sittings

Hon. Denise Batters: Senator Gold, your government has stated its intention to bring forward a motion on hybrid Senate sittings for debate. As the government’s leader in the Senate, I’m sure you would never introduce a motion without it first being costed. Before we vote, can you tell us how much a hybrid Senate will cost?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question.

Senator Plett: Don’t sound so enthusiastic.

Senator Gold: I’m smiling.

Senator, thank you for your question. The expenditure of public funds is a serious matter and I don’t mean to make light of it. As you know, CIBA approved the expenditure of considerable funds to provide for the technical equipment that would be necessary in anticipation of the need for hybrid sittings, and that was in excess of $400,000, if I recall.

There is no question that the holding of hybrid sittings will also increase the workload on administration who work behind the scenes to support both chamber sittings and those who are participating by video conference.

Without entering into debate, which would not be appropriate in Question Period, it is clearly the position of this government — and I hope of the chamber, and I know of many senators in the chamber — that this is a necessary step for us to ensure that senators from across this very large country have the ability to participate fully in our work and that we, as a Senate, give ourselves the opportunity to do our work in the fullest way possible, making due allowance for the very challenging circumstances that the pandemic has imposed upon us. I don’t have a final costing for it, but it is money well spent to ensure that the Senate does its job on behalf of all Canadians.

Senator Batters: Senator Gold, I, along with many in the chamber, I’m sure, would appreciate receiving that number as soon as possible, as we are scheduled to start debating it later today. We haven’t even debated yet whether we should have a hybrid Senate, but a significant sum of taxpayers’ money, as you indicated, has already been spent on it. And, of course, that has also been done behind closed doors, so the Canadian public, whose money it is, doesn’t know how much, and most senators, who will be voting on it, don’t know how much at this point. So surely the Trudeau government, who is proposing this idea in the first place, must know how much. So if you could please provide us with that number as you prepare your speech and deliver your speech later today, that would be much appreciated. Thank you.

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Senator Gold: Again, senator, at the risk of belabouring the obvious, the expenditure of those funds that have been expended to date has been approved by CIBA. Our Senate processes were followed appropriately. I look forward to the debate that begins later today. I hope that it concludes quickly and successfully so that all senators can participate fully in our deliberations.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Sponsorship Applications

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, my question is also to the leader of the Senate.

Leader, I have asked you this question before and I ask you again. It is on spousal and family unification and immigration applications.

Leader, I asked you before because I had many, many people in British Columbia contact me. They have been waiting, some of them, up to three years. I understand that there is COVID, but I also understand that these applications have come to a standstill.

Recently, I again heard from them that they are suffering mental anxiety. They are suffering terrible mental issues. I want to share with you what a four-year-old child said to me the other day:

Why can I not see my dad? Why can I not play with my dad? Why can I not be with my dad when I am home all day because I cannot go outside and play because of COVID?

Leader, what is happening with the processing of applications?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for your question and for your ongoing work on behalf of those seeking to come to this country.

The story you tell and the thousands of stories that could be told are heartbreaking in so many ways. The fact is, senator, that the circumstances in which we find ourselves with the pandemic have affected not only businesses in Canada and travel around the world, but they have also affected our processes for dealing with applications.

There are two sides to this coin. Local restrictions have caused many international visa application centres to close. That’s part of the problem. The department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has kept its processing centres open. They continue to work to try to increase their capacity.

Now, in doing that, they have prioritized certain applications — applications from Canadians and permanent residents returning to Canada, and people who perform or support essential services. They are processing as many as they can. More and more are done virtually, being mindful of security and safety, of course. They are providing more resources for officials to work remotely. They have ramped up efforts to digitize their records and streamline their policies and their processes. There has been some reopening of in-person service centres while keeping health guidelines.

That is cold comfort for those who are still waiting, but the government is doing what it can to try to return the processing to more normal levels.

Super Visas

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Supplementary. Leader, everything you say I believe. I know that, during COVID, it’s very difficult, but, yesterday, your own paper, the Toronto Star— well, you live in that area.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I’m a Montrealer.

Senator Jaffer: I know, but I meant the paper spoke about these applications being racist, that there is racism in the way these applications are being covered.

I’m not saying that, but a lot of people are saying to me that it is the people from certain countries whose applications are being affected. I don’t accept that, but I would ask you, leader, to ask the minister why he is not issuing special visas at this time? Because the people who are waiting here are Canadians. They are waiting for their spouses. Children are waiting for their parents. How long are they going to wait? Some children have been waiting up to three years.

Senator Gold: I am a proud Montrealer, but it’s okay. I did live in Toronto and I did live in Vancouver, so I understand, from the Vancouver perspective, it’s sort of all central Canada or east. I’m fine with that.

But, no, it’s a serious question. You have asked the question before, and I have made inquiries, Senator Jaffer. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet received a specific answer to the question about special visas. I’m still awaiting that answer. When I do get it, I will certainly provide it to you and to the chamber in a timely fashion.

The government acknowledges there is much more work that needs to be done. I hope that it will bring results sooner rather than later.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, the time for Question Period has expired.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators

Second Report of Committee Presented during First Session of Forty-third Parliament—Debate Continued

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Tannas, seconded by the Honourable Senator Patterson, for the adoption of the second report of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators, entitled Consideration of an inquiry report of the Senate Ethics Officer, presented in the Senate on June 18, 2020, during the First Session of the Forty-third Parliament.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 12-30(2), a decision cannot be taken on this report, as yet. Debate on the report, unless some other senator wishes to adjourn the matter, will be deemed adjourned until the next sitting of the Senate.

Is that agreed, honourable senators?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Pursuant to rule 12-30(2), further debate on the motion was adjourned until the next sitting.)

The Senate

Notice of Motion No. 7 to Authorize Hybrid Sittings Withdrawn

On Government Business, Motion, Order No. 7, by the Honourable Marc Gold:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice:

1.as soon as practicable after the adoption of this order the Senate begin to hold hybrid sittings, with senators able to participate in sittings either from the Senate Chamber or through an approved videoconference technology to be determined from time to time by the Speaker after consulting with the leaders and facilitators, with the provisions of this order applying until hybrid sittings cease;

2.the Speaker, after consulting the leaders and facilitators, determine the date on which such hybrid sittings shall commence;

3.hybrid sittings be considered, for all purposes, proceedings of the Senate, with senators participating in such sittings by videoconference being considered, for all purposes, including quorum, present at the sitting; the sitting being considered to take place in the parliamentary precinct, irrespective of where the participants may be located; and times specified in the Rules or this or any other order being Ottawa times;

4.subject to variations that may be required by the circumstances, senators, to participate by videoconference, must:

(a)use a desktop or laptop computer and headphones with integrated microphone provided by the Senate for videoconferences;

(b)not use other devices such as personal tablets or smartphones; and

(c)have their video on and broadcasting their image when speaking;

6.senators participating by videoconference need not stand;

7.provisions of the Rules relating to the ordinary time of adjournment be suspended, except on a Friday;

8.without restricting the right of senators to move a motion to adjourn the Senate as allowed under the Rules, without affecting requirements in certain circumstances that the Senate continue sitting after receipt of a message from the Crown or the announcement that a message is anticipated, and except as otherwise provided in this order, sittings last, except on a Friday, until the earlier of:

(a)9 p.m.; or

(b)the end of business for the day;

9.the Speaker be authorized to suspend the sitting as required for technical and other reasons;

10.the Speaker be authorized to direct that the sitting be adjourned for technical reasons, provided that this direction be subject to appeal if technically feasible;

11.if the bells are ringing or a vote is underway at a time provided for in paragraph 8, the adjournment shall be suspended until the vote and any consequential business are concluded;

12.in cases where the Rules allow or require the Senate to sit beyond the ordinary time of adjournment to deal with an item of business, and if such an item of business is under consideration at the time the sitting would otherwise end, the provisions of paragraph 8 only take effect when proceedings on that item of business have finished for the sitting, and, if the provisions of paragraph 10 are invoked while such an item is under consideration, the item of business shall, except in the case of an emergency debate, be dealt with at the following sitting at the start of the Orders of the Day;

13.on the first day of debate on a motion moved in relation to a case of privilege, debate may be adjourned, even if normally prohibited under rule 13-6(6);

14.the provisions of rule 3-3(1) be suspended;

15.if the Senate sits on a Friday, it sit at 11 a.m., with provisions of the Rules that specify the timing of certain events on a Friday, including the ordinary time of adjournment, being delayed, except as otherwise provided in this order, by two hours on that day;

16.the Senate recognize the importance of providing the Speaker with information necessary to allow him to assist with the orderly conduct of business in hybrid sittings, and therefore, subject to normal confidentiality practices, strongly encourage all senators:

(a)to advise their party or group representatives, or the Clerk of the Senate or his delegate, as far in advance as possible, if they intend to intervene during the sitting; and

(b)to provide the Clerk of the Senate or his delegate, as far in advance as possible with an electronic copy of any amendment, subamendment, notice of motion, notice of inquiry, committee report to be tabled or presented, bill to be introduced, or any other document required for the sitting as far in advance as possible;

17.a senator who has provided an advance copy of a document under subparagraph 16(b) be considered to have fulfilled any obligation to provide a signed copy of that document;

18.the following provisions have effect in relation to voting:

(a)only senators present in the Senate Chamber shall participate in the procedure for a voice vote;

(b)a standing vote may only be requested by senators in the Senate Chamber;

(c)during hybrid sittings, rule 9-7(1)(c) shall be read as follows:

“(c) then:

(i) ask the “yeas” in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called;

(ii) ask the “yeas” participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for voting “yea” for their names to be called;

(iii) ask the “nays” in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called;

(iv) ask the “nays” participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for voting “nay” for their names to be called;

(v) ask those who are abstaining in the Senate Chamber to rise for their names to be called; and

(vi) ask those who are abstaining and participating by videoconference to hold up the established card for abstaining for their names to be called.”;

(d)if a vote is deferred pursuant to rule 9-10, it shall be held at the end of Question Period on the next day the Senate sits, after a 15-minute bell;

(e)if a vote is deferred pursuant to rule 4-6(1), it shall be held at the end of Question Period on the same day; and

(f)in the case of votes deferred pursuant to other provisions of the Rules, the usual processes for such votes shall hold, with the sitting being suspended, if necessary, at the end of the time otherwise provided for the end of the sitting pursuant to this order;

19.for greater certainty, leave be considered granted when requested, unless the Speaker hears an objection from a senator, either in the Senate Chamber or participating by videoconference;

20.from the time of the adoption of this order:

(a)any return, report or other paper deposited with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to rule 14-1(6), may be deposited electronically;

(b)the government be authorized to deposit electronically with the Clerk of the Senate any documents relating to its administrative responsibilities, following the process of rule 14-1(6); and

21.the terms of this order cease to have effect, and hybrid sittings cease, at the end of the day on December 18, 2020.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 5-10(2), I ask that Notice of Motion No. 7 be withdrawn.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon Senators: Agreed.

(Notice of motion withdrawn.)

[Translation]

Motion to Authorize Hybrid Sittings Adopted

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of earlier this day, moved: