The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnotAucoinBattersBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldGreenwoodHartlingHousakosKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMuggliOmidvarOslerOudarPattersonPettenPlettProsperQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonSaint-GermainSeidmanSeniorSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnotAucoinBattersBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldGreenwoodHartlingHousakosKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMuggliOmidvarOslerOudarPattersonPettenPlettProsperQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonSaint-GermainSeidmanSeniorSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWooYussuff

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

The Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of the Honourable Lois Wilson.

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Cotter presented the following:

Thursday, September 19, 2024

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to present its

TWENTY-SIXTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material), 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 Twenty-Sixth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Bill C-291)

The committee has consistently reported in the past about how the Criminal Code has been amended in a piecemeal manner for many decades and has become cumbersome, sometimes repetitive, or inconsistent, and is in need of comprehensive reform (see, for instance, the committee’s 2017 report Delaying Justice is Denying Justice at pages 41 to 43). The committee repeats its past recommendation that an independent body should undertake a comprehensive review of the Criminal Code. The revived Law Commission of Canada could undertake such a review, which should include a study of all provisions in the Code that pertain to crimes against vulnerable persons.

The Honourable Senator Cotter moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, 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.

Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills

The Honourable Senator Cordy introduced Bill S-288, An Act respecting Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Cordy moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, 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.

Delayed Answers

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

Response to Question No. 46, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding workplace harassment complaints — Infrastructure Canada, Canada Infrastructure Bank, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Jacques-Cartier Champlain Bridges Inc. and Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3344S.

Response to Question No. 90, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3345S.

Response to Question No. 91, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the 2019 Fall Economic and Fiscal Update.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3346S.

Response to Question No. 92, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey — Department of Finance Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3347S.

Response to Question No. 92, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey — Employment and Social Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3348S.

Response to Question No. 92, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey — Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3349S.

Response to Question No. 92, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey — Privy Council Office.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3350S.

Response to Question No. 95, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3351S.

Response to Question No. 115, dated February 8, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Bill C-208, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3352S.

Response to Question No. 125, dated February 8, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Privy Council Office.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3353S.

Response to Question No. 148, dated April 26, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3354S.

Response to Question No. 178, dated December 13, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding federal-provincial discussions — Department of Finance Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3355S.

Response to Question No. 178, dated December 13, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding federal-provincial discussions — Privy Council Office.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3356S.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Reports of Committees

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

Bills – Second Reading

Second reading of Bill C-26, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts.

The Honourable Senator McNair moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

o o o

Second reading of Bill C-40, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation (miscarriage of justice reviews).

The Honourable Senator Arnot moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall, 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, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 1, 132, 167 and 172 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

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

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order, or usual practice, until the end of the day on June 30, 2025, any joint committee be authorized to hold hybrid meetings, with the provisions of the order of February 10, 2022, concerning such meetings, having effect; 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.

o o o

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, September 24, 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

Senate Public Bills – Third Reading

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

Commons Public Bills – Third Reading

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

Senate Public Bills – Reports of Committees

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

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Commons Public Bills – Second Reading

Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 31, 33, 40, 62 and 63 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Consideration of the eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled Sealing the Future: A Call to Action, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on May 23, 2024.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, for the Honourable Senator Manning, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman:

That the eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled Sealing the Future: A Call to Action, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on Thursday, May 23, 2024, be adopted and that, pursuant to rule 12-23(1), the Senate request a complete and detailed response from the government, with the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard being identified as the minister responsible for responding to the report, in consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Honourable Senator Clement moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McNair, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

o o o

Orders No. 72 and 73 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 19, 30 and 77 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Order No. 82 was called and, pursuant to rule 4-14(2), dropped from the Order Paper and Notice Paper.

o o o

Orders No. 96, 107, 147, 172, 181, 202 and 216 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Inquiries

Orders No. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Manning, calling the attention of the Senate to the life of Gordon Pinsent.

Ordered: That further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator Manning.

o o o

Orders No. 13, 14, 16, 17 and 18 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cardozo, calling the attention of the Senate to the Canadian flag as part of celebrating National Flag of Canada Day.

Ordered: That further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator White.

o o o

Order No. 21 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cardozo, calling the attention of the Senate to the future of the CBC/Radio-Canada.

After debate,

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

INQUIRIES

The Honourable Senator Burey called the attention of the Senate to ongoing concerns with respect to mental health, substance abuse and addiction parity in Canada.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

---

Ordered, That the sitting be suspended to reassemble at the call of the chair, with a five-minute bell.

(Accordingly, at 4:24 p.m., the sitting was suspended.)

At 4:55 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Question Period

Pursuant to the order adopted on December 7, 2021, the Senate proceeded to Question Period.

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, entered the Senate and took part in Question Period.

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petten:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

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

(Accordingly, at 6:03 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 2 p.m.)

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

Review of the provisions and operation of the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, for the year 2024, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-22, s. 47(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3320.

Reports of the Canadian Transportation Agency for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3321.

Reports of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3322.

Report of the Office of the Administrator of the Fund for Railway Accidents Involving Designated Goods for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3323.

Reports of the Office of the Administrator of the Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3324.

Reports of Marine Atlantic Inc. for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3325.

Reports of the Belledune Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3326.

Reports of the Halifax Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3327.

Reports of the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3328.

Reports of the Montreal Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3329.

Reports of the Port Alberni Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3330.

Reports of the Nanaimo Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3331.

Reports of the Windsor Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3332.

Reports of the Prince Rupert Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3333.

Reports of the Saguenay Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3334.

Reports of the Sept-Îles Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3335.

Reports of the Quebec Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3336.

Reports of the Saint John Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3337.

Reports of the St. John’s Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3338.

Reports of the Thunder Bay Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3339.

Reports of the Toronto Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3340.

Reports of the Vancouver Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3341.

Reports of the Trois-Rivières Port Authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3342.

Reports of the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3343.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

The Honourable Senator McNair replaced the Honourable Senator Kutcher (September 19, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Prosper replaced the Honourable Senator Patterson (September 19, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Kingston replaced the Honourable Senator Pate (September 19, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Pate replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (September 19, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Patterson replaced the Honourable Senator Prosper (September 18, 2024).