The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreeneGreenwoodHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOhOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierRavaliaRichardsRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreeneGreenwoodHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOhOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierRavaliaRichardsRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

The first list records senators present in the Senate Chamber during the course of the sitting.

An asterisk in the second list indicates a senator who, while not present during the sitting, was in attendance to business, as defined in subsections 8(2) and (3) of the Senators Attendance Policy.

PRAYERS

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Tabling of Documents

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2586.

Main Estimates for the year 2024-25.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2587.

Departmental Plans for 2024-25:

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 Energy Regulator

Canada Revenue Agency

Canada School of Public Service

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

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 Canada

Courts Administration Service

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Department of Finance

Department of Justice

Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces

Employment and Social Development Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

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

Law Commission of Canada

Library and Archives Canada

Military Grievances External Review Committee

Military Police Complaints Commission of Canada

National Battlefields Commission

National Film Board

National Research Council 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

Pacific Economic Development Canada

Parks Canada

Parole Board of Canada

Patented Medicine Prices Review Board Canada

Polar Knowledge Canada

Prairies Economic Development 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 of Canada

Statistics Canada

Transport Canada

Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Review and Appeal Board

Women and Gender Equality Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2588.

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Cordy presented, for the Honourable Senator Omidvar, the following:

Thursday, February 29, 2024

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the honour to present its

NINETEENTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-252, An Act respecting Jury Duty Appreciation Week, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, June 1, 2023, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the nineteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Bill S-252)

Your committee has received testimony from numerous witnesses indicating a significant lack of diversity among jurors in Canada, particularly in regard to the representation of racialized, Black and Indigenous individuals. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous authorities, explore measures aimed at improving the diversity of jurors.

Your committee heard shared experiences of vicarious trauma among jurors. Vicarious trauma is defined by Health Canada as “the experience of bearing witness to the atrocities committed against another. It is the result of absorbing the sight, smell, sound, touch and feel of the stories told in detail by victims searching for a way to release their own pain. Vicarious trauma is the energy that comes from being in the presence of trauma and it is how our bodies and psyche react to the profound despair, rage and pain.” Your committee shares concerns about the insufficient mental health supports provided before, during, and after jury duty. Your committee, therefore, urges the development of comprehensive, trauma-informed programs led by the federal government to support and safeguard the well-being of jurors before, during, and after jury duty.

Your committee heard that a significant number of Canadians experience financial barriers to serving as jurors due to potential lost wages as well as not being adequately compensated for travel, childcare and parking expenses in many jurisdictions. This financial impediment can lead to juries that may not be reflective of our diverse communities. The committee suggests that the Government of Canada explore the use of the Employment Insurance program to provide financial support for jurors while serving on a jury.

The Honourable Senator Moncion moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Sorensen, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Boehm, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, presented the committee’s thirteenth report (Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, without amendment).

Ordered, That the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading later this day.

First Reading of Commons Public Bills

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-321, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders), to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.

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

o o o

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-320, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (disclosure of information to victims), to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Poirier, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.

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

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Delayed Answers

Pursuant to rule 4-10(2), the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Reply to Question No. 3, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the National Suicide Prevention hotline — Canadian Heritage.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2589S.

Reply to Question No. 3, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the National Suicide Prevention hotline — Health Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2590S.

Reply to Question No. 17 dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2591S.

Reply to Question No. 275, dated November 2, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2592S.

Reply to Question No. 276, dated November 2, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2593S.

Reply to Question No. 283, dated November 2, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canadian Museum of History.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2594S.

Reply to Question No. 284, dated November 2, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2595S.

o o o

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 6, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bovey, concerning the National Gallery of Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2596S.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 29, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, concerning forced adoptions.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2597S.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on April 27, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, concerning visitor visas.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2598S.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 4, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Patterson (Nunavut), concerning marine reporting requirements.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2599S.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 7, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Simons, concerning the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2600S.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 5, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Downe, concerning Confederation Bridge tolls.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2601S.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, for the third reading of Bill C-62, An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), No. 2.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, without amendment.

o o o

Third reading of Bill C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine.

The Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Francis, that the bill be read for a third time.

After debate,

The question was put on the motion.

Pursuant to rule 9-10(2), a standing vote was deferred until 5:30 p.m. at the next sitting, with the bells to sound at 5:15 p.m. for fifteen minutes.

Bills – Second Reading

Second reading of Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation.

The Honourable Senator Greenwood moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia, that the bill be read the second time.

Debate.

WRITTEN DECLARATION OF ROYAL ASSENT

At 5:58 p.m., the Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:

RIDEAU HALL

February 29, 2024

Madam Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 29^th day of February, 2024, at 5:38 p.m.

Yours sincerely,

The Honourable

The Speaker of the Senate

Ottawa

Schedule

Bills Assented To

Thursday, February 29, 2024

An Act to amalgamate The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Ottawa and The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, in Ontario, Canada (Bill S-1001)

An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), No. 2 (Bill C-62, Chapter 1, 2024)

o o o

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C.:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Second Reading

The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Greenwood, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia, for the second reading of Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Greenwood moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McNair, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.

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

Tributes

Tribute was paid to the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, P.C., former Prime Minister of Canada, whose death occured on February 29, 2024.

o o o

The Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, P.C.

ADJOURNMENT

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson 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 6:36 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 2 p.m.)

DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)

Report on Investigation of the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying entitled Dan Lovell, pursuant to the Lobbying Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 44 (4th Supp.), s. 10.4.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2585.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

The Honourable Senator Simons replaced the Honourable Senator Woo (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Woo replaced the Honourable Senator Simons (February 28, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy

The Honourable Senator Ringuette replaced the Honourable Senator Duncan (February 29, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The Honourable Senator Coyle replaced the Honourable Senator MacAdam (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario) replaced the Honourable Senator McNair (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator MacAdam replaced the Honourable Senator Coyle (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Cardozo replaced the Honourable Senator Gerba (February 28, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples

The Honourable Senator Coyle replaced the Honourable Senator McNair (February 29, 2024).

Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

The Honourable Senator Quinn replaced the Honourable Senator Tannas (February 29, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Simons replaced the Honourable Senator Busson (February 29, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

The Honourable Senator Galvez replaced the Honourable Senator Clement (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Dalphond was added to the membership (February 28, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications

The Honourable Senator Quinn replaced the Honourable Senator Patterson (February 29, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., replaced the Honourable Senator Klyne (February 28, 2024).