The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAndersonArnotAtaullahjanAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBureyCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldHarderHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionOhOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAndersonArnotAtaullahjan*AucoinAudetteBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBurey*BussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGold*GreenwoodHarderHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionOhOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

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

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practice, today’s sitting begin with Senators’ Statements, regarding the eightieth anniversary of D-Day, to last 15 minutes, followed by tributes to our colleague, the Honourable Senator Oh, who will retire from the Senate on June 10, 2024, to last 36 minutes, not including the time for his response.

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

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

Tributes

Tribute was paid to the Honourable Senator Oh, who will retire from the Senate on June 10, 2024.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Tabling of Documents

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Certificate of nomination and biographical notes for the proposed appointment of Christine Ivory to the position of Parliamentary Librarian.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3074.

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Black, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the orders adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2022, and September 28, 2023, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 6, 2024, its thirteenth report entitled Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3071S.

The Honourable Senator Black moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Patterson, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.

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

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The Honourable Senator Tannas, for the Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, presented the thirteenth report of the committee (Budget—pursuant to rule 12-7(1), consideration of financial and administrative matters—power to hire staff).

(The report is printed as Appendix A at pages 2887-2891 (available in print format PDF).)

(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)

The Honourable Senator Tannas moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C., that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.

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

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The Honourable Senator Klyne, Chair of the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight, tabled the eleventh report (interim) of the committee, entitled Annual Report of the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight: Activities and Observations for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3075S.

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The Honourable Senator Wallin, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, tabled the thirteenth report of the committee (The subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 33, 41 and 42 of Part 4, and in Subdivision A of Division 34 of Part 4 of Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3076S.

(Pursuant to the order adopted May 9, 2024, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.)

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The Honourable Senator Boehm, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, tabled the fourteenth report of the committee (The subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Part 4 of Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3077S.

(Pursuant to the order adopted May 9, 2024, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.)

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The Honourable Senator Francis, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, presented the eighteenth report of the committee (Budget—examine the constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples—power to hire staff).

(The report is printed as Appendix B at pages 2892-2897 (available in print format PDF).)

(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)

The Honourable Senator Francis moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cuzner, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.

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

Government Notices of Motions

With leave of the Senate,

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

That the Certificate of Nomination for Christine Ivory as Parliamentary Librarian, tabled in the Senate on June 6, 2024, be referred to the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament for consideration and report; and

That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that house accordingly.

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

First Reading of Commons Public Bills

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-317, An Act to establish a national strategy respecting flood and drought forecasting, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

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

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A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-293, An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

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

Tabling of Reports from Interparliamentary Delegations

The Honourable Senator Wells tabled the following:

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, Egilsstaðir, Iceland, from October 16 to 17, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3078.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, 42nd interparliamentary meeting with the European Parliament’s delegation responsible for relations with Canada, Normandy and Paris, France, and Brussels, Belgium, from June 5 to 9, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3079.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Fourth Part of the 2023 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, and Mission to Berlin, Germany, from October 7 to 19, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3080.

Notices of Motions

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator Omidvar moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to meet during the week of Monday, June 10, 2024, for the purpose of studying Government Business, even though the Senate may then be sitting and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.

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

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Delayed Answers

Pursuant to rule 4-9(7), the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Response to Question No. 310, dated February 6, 2024, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding invasive wild pigs in Western Canada — Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (including the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3081S.

Response to Question No. 310, dated February 6, 2024, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding invasive wild pigs in Western Canada — Health Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3082S.

Response to Question No. 319, dated April 9, 2024, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Public Services and Procurement Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3083S.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Second Reading

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Petten, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cormier, for the second reading of Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Petten moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacAdam, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.

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

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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, for the second reading of Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Jaffer, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

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

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Second reading of Bill C-64, An Act respecting pharmacare.

The Honourable Senator Pate moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McBean, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Housakos 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.

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson:

That the following Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada:

To Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:

We, Her Majesty’s most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.

After debate,

With leave of the Senate,

Further debate on the motion was adjourned until the next sitting.

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Orders No. 132, 167 and 172 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

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The Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Jaffer:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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

Inquiries

Orders No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Other Business

Bills – Messages from the House of Commons

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Cardozo, seconded by the Honourable Senator Klyne:

That, in relation to Bill S-202, An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act (Parliamentary Visual Artist Laureate), the Senate agree to the amendments made by the House of Commons; and

That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that house accordingly.

After debate,

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

Senate Public Bills – Third Reading

Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Downe, seconded by the Honourable Senator Quinn, for the third reading of Bill S-258, An Act to amend the Canada Revenue Agency Act (reporting on unpaid income tax).

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

The bill was then read the third time.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, to which it desires its concurrence.

Commons Public Bills – Third Reading

Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Martin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, for the third reading of Bill C-288, An Act to amend the Telecommunications Act (transparent and accurate broadband services information).

After debate,

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

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.

Senate Public Bills – Reports of Committees

Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Omidvar, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement, for the adoption of the twentieth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Bill S-235, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, with amendments and observations), presented in the Senate on May 8, 2024.

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

The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cormier, that the bill, as amended, 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.

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Consideration of the ninth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (Bill S-273, An Act to declare the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and related works to be for the general advantage of Canada, with amendments), presented in the Senate on June 4, 2024.

The Honourable Senator Housakos moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the report be adopted.

After debate,

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

The Honourable Senator Quinn moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black, that the bill, as amended, 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.

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, for the second reading of Bill S-201, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum (voting age).

After debate,

With leave of the Senate,

Further debate on the motion was adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator Martin.

ADJOURNMENT

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C.:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

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

(Accordingly, at 6:11 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 2 p.m.)

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

Thirteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, entitled Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 6, 2024, pursuant to the orders adopted by the Senate on April 26, 2022 and September 28, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3071S.

Annual Report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians for the year 2023, pursuant to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, S.C. 2017, c. 15, ss. 21(1) and (6).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3072.

Annual Report of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada entitled Trust, innovation, and protecting the fundamental right to privacy in the digital age, for the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, s. 38 and to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, S.C. 2000, c. 5, s. 25.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3073.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy

The Honourable Senator Massicotte replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (June 6, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Yussuff replaced the Honourable Senator Kutcher (June 6, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

The Honourable Senator Sorensen replaced the Honourable Senator McBean (June 6, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

The Honourable Senator Busson replaced the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario) (June 5, 2024).

Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

The Honourable Senator Moodie replaced the Honourable Senator MacAdam (June 6, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology

The Honourable Senator Moodie replaced the Honourable Senator McBean (June 6, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Plett was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (June 6, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Brazeau was added to the membership (June 6, 2024).

The Honourable Senator McBean replaced the Honourable Senator Moodie (June 6, 2024).