The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCarignanClementCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreenwoodHousakosKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamManningMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenPlettProsperRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSeniorSimonsSmithVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWooYouanceYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBernardBlackBoehmBoniface*BoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBusson*CardozoCarignanClementCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreenwoodHousakosKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamManningMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenPlettProsper*QuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSeniorSimonsSmithVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWooYouanceYussuff

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

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Cotter, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, tabled the thirty-second report of the committee, entitled Report on the report on the Statutes Repeal Act for the year 2024.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-4114S.

o o o

The Honourable Senator Yussuff, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, presented the thirteenth report of the committee (Budget—examine and report on issues relating to national security and defence generally—power to hire staff and to travel).

(The report is printed as an appendix at pages 3381-3386 (available in print format PDF).)

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

The Honourable Senator Yussuff moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boyer, 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.

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

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

The Honourable Senator McNair moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McBean, that the bill, as amended, be read for a third time.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnotAucoinAudetteBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBoyerBureyBussonClementCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DowneDuncanForestFridhandlerGerbaGignacGoldKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenRavaliaRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorVernerWells (Alberta)WhiteYouanceYussuff—58

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanHousakosManningMartinPlettRichardsSeidmanWallinWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)—11

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

BrazeauSimons—2

Accordingly, Bill C-26, as amended, was read a 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 with an amendment, to which it desires its concurrence.

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With leave,

The Senate reverted to Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees.

The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., presented the following:

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance has the honour to present its

TWENTIETH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-78, An Act respecting temporary cost of living relief (affordability), has, in obedience to the order of reference of Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 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 twentieth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (Bill C-78)

Your committee agrees, in principle, with the intended goals of Bill C-78 to “put more money back into the pockets of Canadians” to help them with the cost of living.

The committee feels, however, that this measure may fail to make a real difference for those who are facing affordability issues. The committee heard testimony given regarding the administrative burden that will be shouldered by certain small and medium enterprises, as highlighted by representatives from a variety of business organizations and tax experts. Moreover, provinces and businesses were not officially consulted on the proposed tax changes.

The committee brings to the attention of the government witness testimony emphasizing that Bill C-78 will not adequately meet the needs of Canadians struggling to afford necessities including food and shelter.

The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moncion, 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.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

Bills – Reports of Committees

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 et 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, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, December 10, 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

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boehm, for the third reading of Bill S-230, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

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.

Commons Public Bills – Third Reading

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

o o o

Third reading of Bill C-280, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (deemed trust — perishable fruits and vegetables).

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, for the Honourable Senator MacDonald, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, that the bill be read for a third time.

After debate,

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

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnotAucoinAudetteBoehmBonifaceBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonClementCormierCotterCuznerDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DowneDuncanFridhandlerGerbaGignacGoldKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMégieMoncionMoodieOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenProsperRavaliaRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsWells (Alberta)WooYouanceYussuff—51

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanHousakosManningMartinMiville-DechênePlettSeidmanWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)—10

ABSTENTION

The Honourable Senator

Dalphond—1

Senate Public Bills – Reports of Committees

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

Commons 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 and 18 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McCallum, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, for the second reading of Bill S-272, An Act to amend the Director of Public Prosecutions Act.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Osler moved, for the Honourable Senator Prosper, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robinson, 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. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Second reading of Bill S-290, An Act to prohibit the promotion of alcoholic beverages.

The Honourable Senator Brazeau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta), that the bill be read the second time.

Debate.

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Pursuant to rule 3-3(1), the Speaker pro tempore left the Chair to resume the same at 8 p.m.

The sitting resumed.

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Brazeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta), for the second reading of Bill S-290, An Act to prohibit the promotion of alcoholic beverages.

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.

Commons Public Bills – Second Reading

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boehm, for the second reading of Bill C-332, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (coercive control of intimate partner).

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Dalphond, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy, for the second reading of Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) 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

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Moncion, seconded by the Honourable Senator Yussuff, for the adoption of the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, entitled Senate Budget 2023-24, presented in the Senate on February 7, 2023.

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

o o o

Orders No. 33, 40, 62, 63, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 19, 30, 77, 96, 107, 147, 172, 201, 202, 216 and 219 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Inquiries

Orders No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 16 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, calling the attention of the Senate to the life of the late Honourable Ian Shugart, P.C.

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

o o o

Orders No. 18, 20 and 21 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 future of the CBC/Radio-Canada.

After debate,

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

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

o o o

Orders No. 25, 26 and 28 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cormier, calling the attention of the Senate to the alarming rise in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada, including HIV/AIDS.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Clement moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

o o o

Orders No. 31 and 32 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

MOTIONS

The Honourable Senator Saint-Germain moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or previous order, the Honourable Senator Boniface take the place of the Honourable Senator Cotter as one of the members of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators as of December 18, 2024.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Saint-Germain moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or previous order, the Honourable Senator Dasko take the place of the Honourable Senator Yussuff as one of the members of the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight.

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

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator Petten 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 10:25 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 2 p.m.)

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

Report of the Privacy Commissioner entitled Biennial review of the measures taken by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada to protect personal information, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, S.C. 2000, c. 17, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-4112.

Report of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer entitled Cost estimate of alcohol excise duty relief - Update, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-4113.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

The Honourable Senator Sorensen replaced the Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta) (December 5, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The Honourable Senator Robinson was added to the membership (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Greene was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (December 5, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Pate replaced the Honourable Senator McBean (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Manning replaced the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C. (December 4, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

The Honourable Senator Pate replaced the Honourable Senator McBean (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Galvez replaced the Honourable Senator Moncion (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Moncion replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Galvez replaced the Honourable Senator Woo (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator McBean replaced the Honourable Senator Pate (December 5, 2024).

Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

The Honourable Senator Greene was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (December 5, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology

The Honourable Senator Youance replaced the Honourable Senator Boudreau (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Boudreau replaced the Honourable Senator Kutcher (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Senior was added to the membership (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Dasko was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Dasko replaced the Honourable Senator Arnot (December 5, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Burey replaced the Honourable Senator Dagenais (December 5, 2024).