Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
1st Session, 45th Parliament
Volume 154, Issue 23
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Honourable Raymonde Gagné, Speaker
- SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
- ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
- QUESTION PERIOD
- ORDERS OF THE DAY
- Speech from the Throne
- Arab Heritage Month Bill
- National Framework on Heart Failure Bill
- Corrections and Conditional Release Act
- Criminal Code
- The Senate
- Fisheries and Oceans
- Official Languages
- Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
- Study on Emerging Issues Related to its Mandate—Motion to Place Fourth Report of Committee Presented During First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament on Orders of the Day Adopted
- Committee Authorized to Study Climate Change and Oil and Gas Industry and Refer Papers and Evidence from First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament to Current Session
- Committee Authorized to Study Newfoundland and Labrador’s Offshore Petroleum Industry
- Transport and Communications
- National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs
- National Finance
THE SENATE
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Senate met at 2 p.m., the Speaker in the chair.
Prayers.
SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
Pieter Valkenburg
Hon. Mary Robinson: Honourable senators, imagine a country in ruins. It is May 1945. The Netherlands has endured years of Nazi occupation — families starving, freedom extinguished, hope nearly gone. And then, on the horizon, the people see soldiers bearing a maple leaf. It is the First Canadian Army. Liberation has come.
More than 7,600 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen gave their lives between September 1944 and April 1945 to free the Netherlands. Their sacrifice is written not only in history books but also in the very soil where they rest.
During those dark years, Canada also became a safe haven for the Dutch Royal Family. In a remarkable gesture of friendship, in 1943, our government declared a hospital ward in Ottawa to be extraterritorial land so that Princess Margriet could be born on Dutch soil here in Canada. To this day, every spring, Ottawa blossoms with tulips — a living reminder of the bond between our two nations.
Fast forward to July 2, 2025, just after the eightieth anniversary of liberation. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands appointed Pieter Valkenburg as Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau. This honour, created in 1892, is conferred on people who have made a contribution of outstanding value and have rendered meritorious service of national importance to the Netherlands.
Allow me to introduce Sir Pieter Valkenburg. A retired veteran of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Dutch Foreign Service, Sir Pieter, with his wife, Daria, made Prince Edward Island their home. From my community, and now their community, of North Tryon, they have built something extraordinary: the project On the War Memorial Trail.
What began in 2014 as a personal research journey has grown into a mission of remembrance. Pieter and Daria have identified the graves of hundreds of Canadian soldiers who fell in the Netherlands. This year alone, they visited 14 cemeteries in the Netherlands and Belgium, placing Canadian flags, provincial flags and, where it was fitting, Acadian and Indigenous flags. Each flag was a promise: We remember you.
In 2025, they honoured 383 Canadian graves — soldiers from all 10 provinces and from the Yukon, 60 of them from our own Prince Edward Island. Imagine that — Island sons resting in foreign soil, remembered by neighbours half a world away.
Honourable senators, I invite you to join me in celebrating this inspiring man.
Sir Pieter, they say the Dutch never forgot their liberators. But today, let us turn that truth around: Canada will never forget you and the tireless work you have done to keep the legacies of our soldiers alive.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. It is an honour and a source of pride to have you as a neighbour in North Tryon, Prince Edward Island.
National Dental Care Day
Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, for too many Canadians, access to oral health care remains out of reach. We know that dental care is not a luxury. It is a cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Untreated, oral disease can lead to pain, infection, lost school and work days and even serious long-term health complications. Yet the barriers of cost, geography and circumstance mean that far too many people — particularly those in vulnerable or underserved communities — simply go without.
Honourable colleagues, that is why Dr. Raj Khanuja’s vision of a National Dental Care Day is so important. Dental Day brings together volunteers, clinicians and community partners to provide free dental care to those who need it the most. But it does more than treat teeth. It restores dignity, builds trust and reminds us all of the power of service. Each patient who walks through the doors on Dental Care Day is met with kindness and respect. Each smile restored is a small victory for public health and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.
On October 10, dental clinics across our nation will open their doors to provide one day of free dental care to underserved Canadians. Guided by the values of compassion, dignity and service, this movement reminds us that health care is not only about treatment — it is also about restoring hope, self-worth and belonging.
What started in 2012 in Brampton has gone on to reach over 100 communities nationwide and restored over 2,000 smiles. With an estimated value of care provided of over $400,000 to people without dental care coverage, this is, indeed, a remarkable service.
From one smile in Brampton to thousands across Canada, this initiative stands as a shining example of civic compassion and the enduring Canadian spirit of service.
Thank you, Dr. Khanuja. Meegwetch.
Visitors in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Young-gi Ahn, Chargé d’Affaires of Korea; Gerald Chipeur, Honorary Consul for Korea in Alberta; and leaders of the Korean-Canadian community. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Martin.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
Korean Heritage Month
Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, October is Korean Heritage Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the vibrant culture, rich traditions and enduring contributions of the Korean-Canadian community across the country.
This year is particularly meaningful as 2025 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, a war that shaped not only the Korean Peninsula but also the deep bonds between Korea and Canada and other allied nations whose veterans fought for the values of freedom and democracy.
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On October 1, the Korean Canadian Association for Korean Heritage Month held a flag-raising ceremony in Ottawa City Hall marking the official beginning of Korean Heritage Month. It was a proud and dignified moment that brought together community members and supporters in celebration of Korean culture and history.
On the same day, inaugural flag-raising events took place at the city halls of both Aurora and Hamilton, Ontario, and just a few hours ago, we gathered on the lawns of Parliament Hill for the second annual Korea Day on the Hill flag-raising ceremony.
An Hon. Senator: Hear, hear.
Senator Martin: Today I’m also honoured to welcome the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Young-gi Ahn; Consul General Hyun-Woo Lim; leaders of the Ottawa community; and members of the United Korean Commerce & Industry Association of Canada, or UKCIA.
UKCIA represents thousands of Korean entrepreneurs and industry leaders from coast to coast. Their mission is to promote economic collaboration, foster entrepreneurship and create opportunities for growth not only within the Korean-Canadian community but also through partnerships that strengthen the broader Canadian economy. By engaging with policy-makers, community organizations and fellow business leaders, UKCIA is helping to ensure that Korean-Canadian businesses have a voice at the national level, and that their innovation, resilience and global outlook are recognized as vital to Canada’s economic future.
As we celebrate Korean Heritage Month, let us reflect on this enduring bond, honour those who defended it and look ahead to an even brighter future together.
I also invite all senators to join me this evening in Room 100 of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building for the National Foundation Day and Korean Heritage Month reception, cohosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. You are guaranteed to sample very tasty Korean food. That’s a promise.
Thank you. Gamsahamnida.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
[Translation]
Quebec Municipal Elections
Hon. Éric Forest: Honourable senators, it is municipal election season in Quebec.
Across the province, residents of our cities, towns and RCMs are getting ready to choose the people who will be responsible for shaping the future of their communities.
As you know, municipalities play a vital role in the lives of Quebecers. They are the local governments par excellence. The decisions made around municipal council tables have a direct and tangible impact on our quality of life. For that reason, the current election period is a valuable opportunity to debate the collective decisions that we want to make for our communities.
Today, I would like to congratulate everyone who decided to throw their hat in the ring. I especially want to congratulate young people and women, who are often under-represented around our municipal council tables. Entering municipal politics takes courage, generosity and a deep attachment to one’s community. This year, however, there is a cloud hanging over the elections: the Canada Post labour dispute.
Despite its legality, this strike is having a real impact on these municipal elections. Some municipalities depend on the postal service to deliver notices of registration, reminder cards and election documents. This situation could prevent some people from receiving the information they need to register on time or to fully exercise their right to vote.
In a democracy, every vote counts. Any obstacle that prevents citizens from engaging is a loss for our community. All stakeholders must ramp up their efforts to minimize these impacts.
To conclude, I hope the campaign is both respectful and inspiring for all candidates. I hope that Quebec voters will turn out in large numbers for this important democratic event on November 2.
Our municipalities are the beating heart of our society. It is up to all of us to ensure that their future is shaped with ambition, dialogue and respect.
As citizens, we have a fundamental responsibility to vote. I invite you to do so on November 2.
Visitors in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Danielle Mongrain and Françoise Dion. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Oudar.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
[English]
Islamic Heritage Month
Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, October is Islamic Heritage Month, and today I rise to commemorate it. It is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage and profound contributions of Muslim communities across Canada.
This month is an invitation for us to reflect not only on the depth of Islamic civilization but also on how its living traditions have enriched the fabric of Canadian life.
Muslim Canadians continue to help shape our country’s story. Their achievements in the arts, sciences, education and public service carry a legacy that stretches back more than a thousand years and was built on knowledge, creativity and compassion.
You have heard me speak of ancient physicians like Ibn Sīnā and Al-Zahrāwī. You have heard me quote Sufi poets like Rūmī and Hāfez. They were historical figures guided by a spirit of discovery that allowed them to make significant contributions to their respective fields, which, in turn, immortalized their names and legacies.
This same spirit of discovery remains alive today in classrooms, laboratories and workplaces across Canada, where Muslim Canadians contribute daily to our schools, hospitals, businesses and communities.
Even in this chamber, six senators represent approximately 2 million Muslims: Senators Al Zaibak, Gerba, Mohamed, Ravalia, Yussuff and I.
But Islamic Heritage Month is more than just accomplishments. It is also about values — ones that resonate deeply with the ideals of our nation: hospitality that welcomes the stranger as a friend, curiosity that seeks to understand the world more deeply and creativity that brings beauty into everyday life.
We see these in the emphasis on knowledge, respect, generosity and community — the same principles that lie at the heart of Canada’s multicultural identity.
This month gives us the opportunity to listen and learn from one another; to explore the rich traditions of Islamic art, music and storytelling; and to recognize the contributions of generations of Muslim Canadians who have helped build a more inclusive and compassionate country.
It challenges us not only to remember the past but also to commit ourselves to the present and build a legacy that turns respect into bridge-building, admiration into action and curiosity into conversation.
In closing, as I do quite often, I turn to Rūmī, who reminds us that, “In every religion there is love, yet love has no religion.” May our words, thoughts and actions this month and beyond be a worthy reflection of this universal love. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
Visitor in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Dr. Shawn Kelly, Pediatrician and Addiction Medicine Specialist. He is the guest of the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario).
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
The Late Kenneth Freeman Dobell, O.B.C.
Hon. Duncan Wilson: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, trusted mentor and great Canadian, former deputy minister to the premier of B.C. Ken Dobell.
It was with a heavy heart that I learned of Ken’s passing late this summer. Ken left an indelible mark on Canada and especially British Columbia. With a distinguished career in public service, he was also a decorated student athlete at the University of British Columbia, or UBC. He then went on to complete graduate studies in the United Kingdom before returning home to Vancouver, where he would later serve as City Manager of the City of Vancouver and then as the first CEO of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority.
It was while he served as City Manager of the City of Vancouver that I first met Ken. I was an idealistic, newly elected park commissioner, and to me, he was a giant. Yet his door was always open. I recall our early-morning breakfasts at a modest café near city hall, where his advice was clear, often blunt and always generous. As I’d leave, he’d say with a smile, “Godspeed, young man.”
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That work ethic and candour defined him. As deputy minister to Premier Gordon Campbell, Ken oversaw 30,000 employees and drove major projects like the Asia–Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, or APGCI. When Ken was at the helm, things got done.
Even after retiring, he continued to help. I once asked him to advise us on a thorny port project. After hearing our CEO’s plan, Ken replied to my boss with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, “Now why would you do a dumb thing like that?” That sparked a good-natured debate that led us to a solution. He left us again, with his trademark, “Godspeed, young man.”
Ken’s legacy is all around us: the E-Comm 9-1-1 centre, improvements in rapid transit, the Vancouver Convention Centre and planning for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He also championed reconciliation, establishing a scholarship to support students, working to build bridges between Indigenous and local governments.
The last time I saw Ken, he was in his retirement home, still following the news, still frustrated that “stuff wasn’t getting done.” As I left, he offered me his usual refrain.
Ken would have hated me giving this tribute. But I offer it not only for him, but as a reminder of the many public servants who give so much of themselves to make our communities, provinces and country better and stronger. Ken was a role model for them as he was for me.
So, colleagues, I ask you to join me in celebrating Ken Dobell: a life well lived and a legacy that will endure. Ken, may you finally take some time off. Godspeed, my friend. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Bill
First Report of Transport and Communications Committee Presented
Hon. Larry W. Smith, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, presented the following report:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
The Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications has the honour to present its
FIRST REPORT
Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-211, An Act respecting a national framework on sports betting advertising, has, in obedience to the order of reference of June 12, 2025, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment.
Respectfully submitted,
LARRY W. SMITH
Chair
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the third time?
(On motion of Senator Clement, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.)
Adjournment
Notice of Motion
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:
That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
Notice of Motion to Refer Papers and Evidence from First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament to Current Session
Hon. Peter Harder: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament pursuant to rule 12-7(2) during the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament be referred to the committee.
QUESTION PERIOD
Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
Business of the Committee
Hon. Marilou McPhedran: I would like to direct my question to Senator Moncion, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, or CIBA. Thank you.
Many of the senators who are newer to this chamber may not be aware of a very significant shift that occurred a number of years ago when the policies and practices of the Senate relating to potential discrimination and sexual harassment complaints moved away from the Senate and went entirely to CIBA.
My question to you, Senator Moncion, is this: Would it be possible to report back — without any infringement on confidentiality — the number of nondisclosure agreements that have been entered into as a result of resolving or dealing with any complaints that have come under the relatively new policy?
Hon. Lucie Moncion: Thank you for the question. In the new policy, the complaints don’t come to CIBA. They go to an independent group, and CIBA doesn’t receive that information unless there are matters that the committee needs to know.
Senator McPhedran: Yes, I’m aware of that. Indeed, this is an occasion where I’m asking if CIBA could request a report on the number of nondisclosure agreements that have been used in the process that is now controlled by the third party, partly because under this relatively new policy there is no way for senators to know what is actually going on with the process dealing with concerns around discrimination.
Senator Moncion: Thank you for the question. I will ask HR to bring back information if it is available.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
Speech from the Throne
Motion for Address in Reply—Debate Continued
On the Order:
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 His Majesty the King:
To His Most Excellent Majesty Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Canada and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY:
We, Your Majesty’s most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Majesty for the gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both houses of Parliament.
Hon. Paula Simons: When my friend Christopher Mario was on his death bed, his family asked him what he would like at his memorial service. He told them that what he really wanted was to have someone read a selection of letters of sympathy from various celebrities.
At the top of his list was King Charles III.
When his sister-in-law Jennifer asked how on earth they were supposed to get a letter from the King, Chris had an answer: “Ask Paula. Paula will take care of it.”
Now, you might assume that Chris believed I was a little more connected to the Royal Family than I actually am. I am afraid that simply sitting in this chamber while the King delivered the Throne Speech doesn’t constitute a formal introduction.
However, knowing and loving Chris as I did, I think this was more likely his final attempt to prank me — the final joke between us.
I first met Christopher precisely 39 years ago at Stanford University. He was from Princeton, New Jersey. I was from Edmonton, Alberta. We were both taking our master’s degrees in communication in Palo Alto, California. We came from very different worlds, but we clicked immediately, bonding over a love for Jane Austen, fashionable sweaters, heritage architecture and good food. We shared a dark, twisty sense of humour, a love of history and a passion for politics, though our politics were wildly different.
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In 1986, Ronald Reagan was President, and George Bush, the elder, was Vice-President. Christopher was one of their biggest fans. I was not.
In 1986, I believed that Daniel Noriega and the Sandinistas would save Nicaragua. Christopher did not. We had different views on Margaret Thatcher, Oliver North, the Iran-Contra Affair and public health care — it didn’t matter. He became my best friend at Stanford University, though I suspect quite a few of us in the class thought that he was our best friend.
He was so generous, so hospitable, so charismatic, so smart, so funny and so endlessly curious about everything. He had a magnetism that transcended ideology — or geography — and an aesthetic taste that was unerring.
Arguing with Chris made me smarter — and more open-minded — and taught me the lifelong lesson that deep friendship can overcome profound political difference. I’m not entirely sure what arguing with me did for Christopher, but I do know that I infected him with a lifelong love of Canada.
He made his first trips to this country for weddings, first for the marriage of our classmate Eileen, who got married in Calgary the summer after we graduated, and a few years later, he came to Edmonton for my wedding.
The day after, my father pranked Chris by presenting him, in a grand public ceremony, with what had to have been the ugliest painting in the world — an enormous canvas that showed Betsy Ross presenting the original American flag to George Washington. My father presented it with a grand speech about the importance of Canadian-American relations. The artist was so terrible that both these American icons looked as ugly as gargoyles. I must tell you, it was a truly awful painting. Where and why my father had come by it, I’m really not sure. My dad presented this monstrosity completely deadpan, and it took Chris a rather long time to realize that it was a joke and not a reflection of my father’s artistic taste. I believe Chris left the huge painting behind in a washroom at the Edmonton International Airport, where I’m sure it deeply confused the folks who found it.
All our pranks couldn’t extinguish Chris’s curiosity about Canada. He travelled the world, but he came back to Edmonton repeatedly, taking in the Edmonton Heritage Festival in one year and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival in another. He visited me in Toronto when I lived there, and he travelled on his own to Vancouver and Winnipeg. Just a few years ago, when my daughter was taking a degree in Classics and Theatre Studies at McGill University, he came to Montreal in the dead of a very cold winter to see a production of the ancient Roman comedy Pseudolus, which my daughter had translated from Latin and staged at the MainLine Theatre. And in 2018 — seven years ago this month — he flew to Ottawa to watch me be sworn in as a senator in the old Senate Chamber in Centre Block.
As a lover of history and heritage buildings, he was delighted by the neo-Gothic absurdity of our Parliament Buildings, with their towers and gargoyles and casement windows, and he gloried in the pomp and circumstance of our swearing-in ceremony.
He was a political junkie who obsessed over American and British politics, but thanks to my wicked influence, he became fascinated by Canada’s politics too, following our Senate debates more closely, I fear, than most Canadians. I think I was his favourite senator, but I’m not entirely sure. He had a tremendous admiration for Senator Housakos.
The last time I saw Christopher in person was about a year and a half ago when I travelled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Chris insisted that I stay at his beautiful home in Washington rather than a hotel, and he greeted me with his usual ebullient hospitality and biting wit.
But it was clear to me that he was very unwell. For years, he had been using alcohol to tame the demons he had tried to keep hidden from the world and from all of us, but by the time I saw him, his addiction had all but overwhelmed him. He was already dealing with severe cirrhosis, and shortly after our visit, he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, a deadly cancer linked to alcohol abuse.
I think I knew even then that this would be our last visit. Maybe that’s why we stayed up late each night, talking and talking, remembering all our past adventures and debating politics, as we always did.
He was not a natural fan of Donald Trump. He was more a Jeb Bush kind of Republican, but at that point, as a Trump re-election looked all but certain, he took a wicked glee in teasing me about what a Trump return to the White House might mean.
As I mourn my dear American friend, I can’t ignore the metaphor right under my nose. Here was a man who had every gift: genius, charm, talent, taste and the affluence to enjoy them all. He had family and friends who adored him, and yet he could not prevent himself from following a path of self-destruction while pushing away many of those who tried to save him.
I think that’s how many Canadians feel about America right now. How long have we been charmed — enthralled, even — by America’s talent and generosity, by all its rich gifts? America, for generations, was so much cooler than Canada, so much more affluent than Canada. It was a dreamland, an aspiration and a source of political and cultural inspiration. We vacationed in Hawaii and Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida. We shopped in New York and Los Angeles and Seattle. We studied at Stanford and Harvard and Columbia. We read The Washington Post, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. We loved American fashion, American film, American music, American television and, perhaps most of all, the mythos of America as the land of the free and the home of the brave and the cradle of modern democracy.
Watching Trump’s America demolish that legacy, watching American democracy light itself on fire and watching legendary American papers declaw and debase themselves has not just broken our hearts — it has shaken our certainties. It isn’t just that we’re mad about tariffs designed to trash the Canadian economy or about Trump’s asinine annexation threats — we’re truly mourning the loss of a friend who seems hell-bent on self-destruction, drunk on hatred and division.
When King Charles III was here for the Speech from the Throne in May, we were all briefed on proper etiquette. We were told not to clap, indeed, not to react in any way to any part of the royal remarks. But when our King made his comments about Canada remaining the true North, strong and free, we threw protocol to the winds and rose as one in a spontaneous standing ovation. At that point, I think we were moved by the imminence of the Trump government’s threats to our economy and sovereignty.
But in truth, in the months since the Throne Speech, the Trump regime’s threats to the American people and the Constitution of the United States seem even more dire than its threats toward us. Today, with masked, secret police snatching people — including American citizens — right off the streets, with the President ordering troops into American cities and with all those much-vaunted democratic checks and balances failing, Canadians can only look on in horror, feeling helpless, wondering how on earth our friend came to this pass.
Even as I make this analogy, I know Christopher would probably snort in scorn and tell me I am overreacting or seeing parallels where none exist, or he would taunt me for my sober Canadian self-righteousness. But as I stand here today, I feel I’m grieving not only for a friend I loved but also for the country he loved.
On October 16, Christopher Mario’s family will be holding his memorial: a three-hour cruise aboard a yacht with the mourners dressed in Hawaiian shirts. That was what the guest of honour requested, insouciant right to the very end.
Christopher, my friend, I couldn’t get the King of Canada to write that letter of condolence to your family, but today, standing in this Senate Chamber, right where King Charles delivered his Throne Speech, I offer my condolences to all who loved you and were part of your life: your beautiful daughter Millie; her other father, Jim; your partner Christian; your brothers Greg and Jeremy; and all your nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and friends. I hope I can offer you the condolences of my Senate colleagues too. Thank you for the all the joy and grace you brought to life and to our friendship. How I wish I could have one more argument with you.
My Senate friends and colleagues, thank you for allowing me this time to share this story.
Thank you. Hiy hiy.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
(On motion of Senator LaBoucane-Benson, debate adjourned.)
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[Translation]
Arab Heritage Month Bill
Third Reading
Hon. Mohammad Al Zaibak moved third reading of Bill S-227, An Act respecting Arab Heritage Month.
Hon. Danièle Henkel: Honourable senators, I rise today to support Bill S-227, introduced by my colleague and friend, Senator Al Zaibak, which seeks to designate the month of April as Arab Heritage Month in Canada. With this initiative, we are paying tribute to a community, officially recognizing its contribution, and, most importantly, sending a message of social cohesion, prosperity and justice.
[English]
The first Arab pioneers landed on Canadian soil in 1882. They came mostly from the Levant, often driven by instability and uncertainty. Although they came with little in the way of material resources, what they did bring with them was invaluable: intangible wealth, a deep faith in work, honour and community spirit.
[Translation]
They passed these values on to their children, and then to subsequent generations. One hundred and forty years later, this community spirit remains alive and continues to guide the journey of nearly one million Canadians of Arab descent who, in every province and city, are helping to build the country. Family is at the heart of this heritage. It is central to building collective resilience and it is the root of their compassion. In Arab families, loyalty, helping one another and respect for human dignity are taught from an early age. These lessons, passed down from generation to generation, become principles that strengthen the Canadian social fabric.
[English]
It would be simplistic to talk about Arab heritage only in terms of cultural traditions. This heritage is reflected every day in concrete contributions that make modern Canada stronger.
Beginning with the economy, it is estimated that more than 120,000 businesses in Canada are owned by entrepreneurs of Arab descent. Behind these numbers are real people with inspiring stories, engaged in a wide range of industries, such as digital technology, pharmaceuticals, fashion and banking.
Not only do these women and men generate economic value, but they also support families by creating jobs. They invest in our communities and enrich regional vitality.
[Translation]
In the health sector, thousands of doctors, nurses and researchers of Arab descent work every day to treat, prevent and innovate. In culture, so many artists have brought their creativity and sensitivity to the Canadian and international scene. In the Armed Forces and civilian security forces, thousands of citizens of Arab descent proudly wear the Canadian uniform. Their commitment illustrates their successful integration and desire to serve the common good. These examples are not anecdotal. They reflect a reality: Canadians of Arab descent are a living force, rooted in history and fully committed to building the Canada of today and tomorrow.
[English]
The Arab community is not homogeneous; it includes people from North Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, each contributing their own history, traditions, linguistic characteristics and beliefs.
Among them are Christian communities: Maronites from Lebanon, Chaldeans from Iraq and Copts from Egypt. There are also Jewish communities, such as those from Morocco and Tunisia, reflecting a shared history of coexistence. Of course, there are also Muslims: Sunnis, Shiites and those belonging to other traditions.
[Translation]
This diversity is not an obstacle, but rather an asset. Beyond the plurality, a profound unity is emerging around a culture of hospitality, dignity, respect for education and knowledge. This attachment to knowledge is rooted in a long intellectual tradition. For centuries, the Arab world was a major centre of science, philosophy and medicine.
It was in the cities of Baghdad, Damascus, Cordoba and Cairo that the texts of Greek and Persian scholars were translated, preserved and enriched. Remember that it was Arab scholars who laid the foundations of modern algebra and mathematics, such as the Arabic numerals we still use today. In medicine, figures such as Avicenna and Averroes revolutionized our understanding of the human body and health, and their works were studied in European universities until the 17th century. There were also brilliant theorists in the natural sciences, astronomy, chemistry and geography.
[English]
This intellectual heritage does not just belong to an ancient civilization; it continues to inspire our modern world. By paying tribute to Arab heritage, we are also recognizing this tradition of knowledge and curiosity that has helped enlighten all of humanity.
[Translation]
This bill sends a clear message to present and future generations that their identity is not a burden, but a strength. It acknowledges that a country’s wealth is not measured solely by its natural resources or its GDP, but also by its ability to include, appreciate and celebrate all its different facets.
[English]
In a world riven by identity-based tensions, inward-looking nationalism and intolerant rhetoric, this bill reminds us that real action is needed to build bridges. The official recognition of Arab Heritage Month is a gesture of education and unity. It is also a way to bolster Canada’s position on the world stage. A country capable of celebrating its cultures is also a country capable of forging trade, diplomatic and human connections with the entire world.
[Translation]
Of course, I can’t deny that this bill reminds me of my own story. I’m grateful to have grown up in Arab countries. Although I was born to a Jewish mother and a German Catholic father, and baptised a Catholic, I experienced the peaceful coexistence of communities. I’ve never forgotten my roots, my mother tongue, the sweet memories of my childhood, the heat of the sun, the vastness of the desert or the values my mother taught me, like hospitality, respect for my elders and the pursuit of excellence. These seeds found fertile ground to grow in Canada.
In fact, it was an object derived from Arab know-how, the exfoliating glove of the hammam, that marked the starting point of my entrepreneurial journey. By adapting the glove to the North American market, I turned my roots into a springboard. Yet this “renaissance” glove was more than a product: It became a bridge between two worlds — the Arab world and the Quebec world — between the traditional and the modern. It embodied a living dialogue between two cultures that were learning to mutually understand and enrich each other. My story is just one example among many, but it’s representative of what can happen when Arab heritage and Canadian dynamism combine to create a blend of traditions and innovations, of memories and a future yet to unfold.
[English]
Why is such a month necessary? It is because it is not enough to say that diversity is a source of wealth. It must be showcased, explained and shared.
Arab Heritage Month should not be some quaint observance. It is more than just a celebration. It is about informing and sharing. It is about using this time to raise awareness of the history, values and contributions of the Arab community.
It is also forging links between generations, between regions and between communities.
[Translation]
At a time when racist sentiments and verbal abuse and physical violence are resurfacing, it is essential that our institutions send a clear message: The Senate, which has a duty to represent minorities as well, would do well to pass this bill. We would be sending a powerful message, that of a Canada true to its vocation as an open and tolerant society, a Canada where each culture enriches the other, where every citizen, regardless of origin, has a place and a role to play.
(1450)
Colleagues, I also invite you to support this bill to make Arab Heritage Month a reality, a tradition, and another milestone in our country’s inclusive and ambitious history. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to and bill read third time and passed.)
[English]
National Framework on Heart Failure Bill
Second Reading—Debate Adjourned
On Other Business, Senate Public Bills, Second Reading, Order No. 2:
Second reading of Bill S-204, An Act to establish a national framework on heart failure.
Hon. Leo Housakos (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I ask for leave that this item — Bill S-204 — be postponed and put for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Debate postponed until the next sitting of the Senate.)
[Translation]
Corrections and Conditional Release Act
Bill to Amend—Second Reading—Debate Continued
On the Order:
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, for the second reading of Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.
Hon. Claude Carignan: Honourable senators, I rise today as critic for the official opposition at second reading of Bill S-205.
This bill was tabled by Senator Pate under the short title “Providing Alternatives to Isolation and Ensuring Oversight and Remedies in the Correctional System Act,” or Tona’s Law.
The bill’s principle and objectives are not new to this chamber. They were first raised in 2019 under the Forty-second Parliament during a study of Bill C-83. To give you some context, the bill was intended to address Ontario and British Columbia provincial court judgments which found that “solitary confinement,” as it was known at the time, was unconstitutional. These courts had held that the use administrative segregation contravened the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In response to these decisions and to comply with the Charter, the government used Bill C-83 to create what became known as structured intervention units, or SIUs, and it also implemented a review process for decisions on whether or not to incarcerate an inmate in an SIU.
During its study of Bill C-83, the Senate adopted a series of amendments, most of which were not accepted by the other place or by the government when the bill passed. Then, in 2021, Senator Pate introduced Bill S-230 during the Forty-fourth Parliament. Her goal was to reintroduce in the Senate the amendments to Bill C-83 that were rejected by the other place and thus implement the recommendations of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
During the previous Parliament, Bill S-230 made it through every stage of study in the Senate and was finally sent to the other place on December 10, 2024. When the election was called, the legislative agenda was reset and Bill S-230 died on the Order Paper. Now, we once again have before us an almost identical bill, since the objectives and the content of Bill S-205 are the same.
The bill summary sets out the bill’s four objectives, which are to:
(a) require that, if a person who is sentenced, transferred or committed to a penitentiary has disabling mental health issues, they will be transferred to a hospital;
(b) ensure that a person may only be confined in a structured intervention unit for longer than 48 hours on an order of a superior court;
(c) allow for the provision of correctional services and plans for release and reintegration into the community to persons from disadvantaged or minority populations by community groups and other similar support services; and
(d) allow for persons who are sentenced to a period of incarceration or parole ineligibility to apply to the court that imposed that sentence for a reduction if there has been unfairness in the administration of their sentence.
In order to achieve these four objectives, Bill S-205 proposes substantial amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. My main objections to this bill concern paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) of the Summary to Bill S-205, particularly considering their unfeasibility and impact on our hospitals and our judicial system.
First, the objective set out in paragraph (a) and implemented by clause 4 — that if a person who is sentenced, transferred or committed to a penitentiary has disabling mental health issues, they will be transferred to a hospital — is not achievable and raises security concerns.
I believe that requiring any inmate suffering from a disabling mental health disorder to be transferred to a hospital amounts to unloading the role of penitentiaries — which, let us not forget, is a federal responsibility — on the provinces. Need I also remind this chamber that provincial health systems are already under great strain?
Hospitals are under pressure. Will they have the capacity in terms of medical resources, including psychiatric doctors and specialized nurses? Will they have the infrastructure and material resources they need to accommodate a higher volume of patients? Will they have enough beds and rooms? Will they have the financial resources to absorb increased admissions to their health care facilities?
In my opinion, to ask these questions is to answer them. A quick scan of the headlines is all it takes to convince anyone that, as things stand, the provinces cannot afford to increase the number of admissions to their health care facilities, including psychiatric care units.
What’s more, has anyone considered the safety of the staff and the many vulnerable people who receive care in our hospitals? Medical staff are not correctional officers trained to monitor and supervise inmates. Correctional officers would need to be added to these hospitals.
The objective of requiring inmate transfers will likely result in our hospitals and psychiatric institutions becoming penitentiaries. I am firmly opposed to this.
The definition of “disabling mental illness” is so broad that, in previous testimony from psychiatrists, we were told that every inmate at one time or another meets this definition of “disabling mental illness.” Therefore, any person detained in a prison could, during their detention, request a transfer. That represents an unimaginable number of individuals who could be transferred.
Second, the objective set out in paragraph (b) and implemented by clause 5 states that superior court authorization is required in order to hold someone in an SIU for more than 48 hours. This measure is also impractical and creates safety issues for the inmates themselves.
Like our hospitals across Canada, our justice system is in poor shape. Increasing the number of applications to higher courts is not advisable. Furthermore, what happens if the authorization is not obtained due to a judicial delay? Will correctional officers automatically have to return the inmate to their unit in the prison? Is this really in the best interests of the inmate and the prison population?
This objective would destabilize our legal system by creating urgent timelines for obtaining court orders and by imposing a heavy workload on the courts. Again, I oppose this bill’s objective, first of all because it creates a large number of urgent requests to be decided by our superior courts, and because these courts lack the necessary resources to handle a flood of additional applications.
Furthermore, returning inmates to their correctional facility prematurely could endanger their safety, the safety of other inmates or the penitentiary. I don’t think that’s what we want.
(1500)
Third, the objective set out in paragraph (d) of the summary and implemented by clause 11 allows:
. . . for persons who are sentenced to a period of incarceration or parole ineligibility to apply to the court that imposed that sentence for a reduction if there has been unfairness in the administration of their sentence.
This contradicts a fundamental principle of law, specifically that court decisions are final, as well as the Criminal Code rules stipulating that it falls on appeal courts to review and modify a sentence that has been handed down.
It’s worth noting that legal and constitutional remedies already exist to meet the objectives without needing to resort to the mechanism provided for in Bill S-205. For instance, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms contain a habeas corpus remedy. A 2022 Quebec Superior Court decision summarizes the usefulness of this remedy established by the Supreme Court of Canada, and what we can learn from it.
Habeas corpus is a remedy, developed by common law and enshrined in section 10(c) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, that allows an inmate to have the Superior Court determine the validity of their deprivation of liberty and, if it is unlawful, to obtain release. In the correctional context, habeas corpus allows inmates to challenge a loss of residual liberty decided by the authorities, that is, a significant restriction of liberty in comparison to the relative liberty they would normally have in a penitentiary setting. Loss of liberty implies a decrease in freedom in comparison to an initial state. Deprivation of liberty is unlawful when it results from a jurisdictional error, an error of law or a lack of procedural fairness or when it is unreasonable.
Before concluding, I would like to address a point raised by Senator Pate during her speech at second reading on June 3. Our colleague made reference to the conclusions of the final report of the Structured Intervention Unit Implementation Advisory Panel. The panel concluded the following:
The most obvious conclusion from the eleven previous reports on the SIUs and the review and new analyses contained in this one is that Canada has not eliminated the experience of solitary confinement with the construction and operation of the SIUs. Indeed, in terms of relatively long stays, we have repeatedly presented data that the rate of long stays in SIUs is comparable to the rate of long stays in segregation in Canada’s penitentiaries prior to the implementation of the SIU regime. Moreover, we see that many prisoners are not receiving their minimum hours out of cell and thus, a practice that SIUs were supposed to eliminate and that the courts prohibited, continues.
Nevertheless, it does need to be remembered that a long stay in an SIU does not necessarily automatically translate into long periods of solitary confinement. However, as reported in Appendix Tables 4 and 5, more than half of the prisoners with long stays in SIUs (16 days or more) did not get their 4 hours out of cell on at least three quarters of their days in the SIU. Similarly, looking again at those individuals with SIU stays of at least 16 days, roughly 47% failed to get their 2 hours of meaningful human contact on at least half of their days in the SIU. Said differently, a practice that SIUs were supposed to eliminate continues under a new name.
Honourable senators, before legislating, should we not seek to understand why Correctional Service Canada is unable to meet its obligations under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act? Does Correctional Service Canada need more financial, material and human resources to meet its legal obligations? I don’t think that adding a series of extremely restrictive and difficult to implement obligations based on the principles of the bill will help to implement existing legal obligations. Bill S-205 is the wrong tool to achieve our goals. As I often say, this is what we call a bad idea masquerading as a good one.
In closing, honourable senators, given the arguments that I just presented, I’m sure you will understand why I cannot support this bill.
Thank you.
(On motion of Senator Tannas, debate adjourned.)
[English]
Criminal Code
Bill to Amend—Second Reading—Debate Adjourned
Hon. Kim Pate moved second reading of Bill S-208, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary).
(On motion of Senator Pate, debate adjourned.)
[Translation]
The Senate
Motion Pertaining to the Situation in Gaza—Debate Continued
On the Order:
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Woo, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dean:
That, in light of findings and orders from the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court on the situation in Gaza, the Senate call on the Government to examine the risk to Canada and Canadians of complicity in violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, and to report on its findings within three months of the adoption of this motion.
Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, October 7, 2023, will always be remembered as a day of horror. Hamas launched an unspeakably violent attack on Israeli civilians, killing approximately 1,200 people, mainly women, children and seniors, and taking 251 people hostage. I, too, want to join the calls to immediately release the hostages who are still being held captive.
Recognizing the gravity of the events of October 7 reminds us that no amount of suffering justifies that of another people. Justice and peace demand that every human life be treated with the same dignity. That dignity is being sorely tested today in Gaza. It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to support the very brave motion moved by Senator Woo.
(1510)
I think that his initiative upholds the honour of this chamber and our country.
As parliamentarians, it is rare that we are called upon to vote on such a serious issue, but this motion is appropriate considering the unspeakable suffering of the people of Gaza made this motion.
For the first time in history, a fully informed and aware international community is witnessing in real time the systematic destruction of infrastructure and the daily slaughter of civilians, regardless of their circumstances.
I would like to tell you about a man whose convictions continue to enlighten us today, the late Stéphane Hessel. This visionary humanitarian and seasoned diplomat was born in 1917 to a Jewish family in Berlin.
As a naturalized French citizen, he joined the resistance and followed General de Gaulle to London to fight against the Nazi occupation. In 1944, he was arrested and tortured by the Gestapo, before being deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp, from which he managed to escape.
He then joined the United Nations Human Rights Council, where he worked with John P. Humphrey, an eminent Canadian jurist who is known as one of the fathers of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In fact, it was Humphrey who drafted the very first version, a historic contribution that has had a lasting impact on the evolution of human rights around the world.
You must be wondering why I am talking about Stéphane Hessel today. It is because, just before his ninety-third birthday, in 2010, he published a short manifesto entitled Time for Outrage. This text, which I recommend that you read, has been translated into 34 languages and has sold more than four million copies.
His message is simple and powerful. Outrage is a healthy and necessary reaction to the injustices of the world. It is a bulwark against indifference, a call to civic action and a moral compass in a lost world.
Honourable senators, today, I am outraged.
I am outraged about the war crimes being committed in Gaza by the Israeli state, and I want to be very clear that I am talking about the Israeli state and not about the Jews, because that is important. I am also outraged about the crimes perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
I am outraged that a civilian population is being deliberately denied basic humanitarian needs and that famine is being used as a weapon of war.
I am outraged about our timid response, as Canadian parliamentarians, to this tragedy unfolding before our eyes.
I am also outraged that desperate NGOs that are active in Gaza need to come see us every day in Parliament about this situation. The most recent one, representing Oxfam, made everyone here cry.
I am outraged because we have no answers to give them, no response to their distress but silence or hollow words.
[English]
And yet, Canada has a voice that matters. It embodies an ideal for countless men and women who have faced persecution. It has welcomed oppressed peoples from all corners of the world. It has adopted a Constitution and a Charter of Rights and Freedoms that rank among the most ambitious in the world.
This position and moral standing come with a responsibility: to defend human rights with courage, without distinction, without calculation and without double standards.
[Translation]
So I ask you, honourable colleagues, where is Canada’s voice?
Our silence is not only incomprehensible, it is deafening.
Worse still, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s commission of inquiry recently stated that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. In light of such a statement, Canada could one day be called to account for its passivity, or even complicity.
I am neither a lawyer nor an expert, but the words of former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant still resonate with me. In October 2023, he said:
We are imposing a complete siege on Gaza. No electricity, no food, no water, no fuel — everything is closed. We are fighting human animals, and we act accordingly.
That is what he said: “We are fighting human animals.”
[English]
Dear colleagues, over the decades, our country has helped shape some of the most advanced legal instruments in the field of human rights, but what are those texts worth if no one stands up to defend them? If we remain silent, who will give them life? Without commitment, they are nothing more than ink on paper.
[Translation]
In several emerging countries, there is bitterness over what appears to be double standards when it comes to empathy on the part of Western leaders. The West was quick to sanction Russia for the crimes committed in Ukraine. What about the equally well-documented crimes committed in Gaza?
Why such a blatant double standard?
Stéphane Hessel visited Palestine five times between 2002 and 2009. He was already concerned about the consequences of Operation Cast Lead.
Following his trips, he wrote the following:
Make no mistake. I stand in solidarity with the Jews of Israel and in the diaspora, because I know what it means to be Jewish. I myself am of Jewish origin on my father’s side, and I have unequivocally supported the idea that the Jews deserved a state after what they have suffered. I shouted with joy when the State of Israel was created.
He added firmly, “Israel is not above international law.”
What would Mr. Hessel say today? I’ve no doubt that he would be utterly outraged.
Colleagues, at a time when we seem paralyzed by a strange sense of impotence and when basic rights are being trampled upon, Canada has a duty to act.
Canada’s voice is strong and is being heard. The world listens when our country stands up for its founding values, because they are an intrinsic part of who we are.
(1520)
As our era is shrouded in a dark veil that is causing people to slowly abandon our humanist ideals, Canada must take pride in these values and champion them openly. All is not lost, so let us act.
At a time when humanist ideals are under threat, when the rule of law too often gives way to the law of the jungle, Canada must remain true to itself. All is not lost if we choose to act.
Hear me, honourable senators.
Think of the 1.9 million displaced people in Gaza and get outraged.
Think of the 250 journalists killed in Gaza and get outraged.
Think of the 400 aid workers killed in Gaza and get outraged.
Think of the 65,000 civilian victims in Gaza and get outraged.
Think of starvation being used as a weapon of war and get outraged.
Think of the 1,200 Israeli victims on October 7 and the 251 hostages taken by Hamas and get outraged.
Think of those who oppose the right of Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and get outraged.
Think of the prevailing indifference, fatalism and impotence and get outraged.
History is watching us and will judge us, so we must all get outraged. Thank you.
(On motion of Senator White, debate adjourned.)
[English]
Fisheries and Oceans
Committee Authorized to Study Ocean Carbon Sequestration and Refer Papers and Evidence from First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament to Current Session
Hon. Fabian Manning, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans be authorized to examine and report on ocean carbon sequestration and its use in Canada;
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject during the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament be referred to the committee;
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than December 31, 2025, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report; and
That the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit reports on this study with the Clerk of the Senate, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
[Translation]
Official Languages
Committee Authorized to Study Regulatory Framework of Part VII of the Official Languages Act
Hon. Allister W. Surette, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to examine and report on the regulatory framework of Part VII of the Official Languages Act; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
[English]
Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
Study on Emerging Issues Related to its Mandate—Motion to Place Fourth Report of Committee Presented During First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament on Orders of the Day Adopted
Hon. Joan Kingston, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the fourth report (interim) of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, entitled Hydrogen: A Viable Option for a Net‑Zero Canada in 2050?, presented in the Senate on May 9, 2023, during the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament, be placed on the Orders of the Day under the rubric Other Business, Reports of Committees — Other, for consideration at the next sitting.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
Committee Authorized to Study Climate Change and Oil and Gas Industry and Refer Papers and Evidence from First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament to Current Session
Hon. Joan Kingston, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be authorized to examine and report on climate change and Canada’s oil and gas industry;
That, in particular, the committee should examine:
(a)the industry’s relevance to our country and economy;
(b)the industry’s record in reducing its carbon footprint: expected further improvements, competitiveness and efficiency and alignment with Canada’s climate goals;
(c)the transition plan to a more sustainable future, particularly with regard to the industry’s workers;
(d)the industry’s strategic positioning to better respond to risk and world trends; and
(e)within this scope, how the industry is competing against international competitors who have different taxation and subsidy levels;
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject since the beginning of the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament be referred to the committee; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than June 30, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
Committee Authorized to Study Newfoundland and Labrador’s Offshore Petroleum Industry
Hon. Joan Kingston, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be authorized to examine and report on Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry, including, but not limited to:
(a)the unique nature of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore hydrocarbon resources and offshore petroleum industry;
(b)the value of and prospects for the future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore hydrocarbon resources in relation to energy security and Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada’s economy, as well as the opportunities to increase exports to international markets;
(c)industry regulation, including health and safety, environmental stewardship, impacts on marine ecosystems and Indigenous traditional fisheries, resource management and industrial benefits; and
(d)Indigenous and other stakeholders and key interactions with other industries; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
Transport and Communications
Committee Authorized to Study Maintenance of Activities or Essential Services in Federally Regulated Rail and Marine Sectors in the Case of Labour Disruptions
Hon. Larry W. Smith, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications be authorized to examine and report on maintenance of activities or essential services in the federally regulated rail and marine sectors in the case of labour disruptions;
That, in particular, the committee should examine:
(a)how “immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public” is applied when determining when work is considered essential under section 87.4 of the Canada Labour Code, and the circumstances under which certain activities must be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout;
(b)the impacts of labour disruptions on users of federally regulated rail and marine networks, on Canadian consumers, and on Canada’s supply chains;
(c)in light of these impacts, whether the transportation of certain goods on federally regulated transportation networks should be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout;
(d)the recent use by the Minister of Labour of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to refer labour disputes in federally regulated transportation sectors to the Canada Industrial Relations Board in order to maintain or secure industrial peace; and
(e)the use of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code by the Minister — instead of “back to work” legislation passed by both Houses of Parliament — as a means to end a labour disruption;
That the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit reports on this study with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 26, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs
Committee Authorized to Study Impacts of Russia’s Disinformation and Refer Papers and Evidence from First Session of Forty-fourth Parliament to Current Session
Hon. Hassan Yussuff, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs be authorized to examine and report on the impacts of Russia’s disinformation on Canada;
That the papers and evidence received and taken, and the work accomplished by the committee on the topic of disinformation, in December 2024, April 2024, and May 2023 during the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament under its order of reference relating to national defence and security generally, including veterans affairs, be referred to the committee;
That the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit its report on this study with the Clerk of the Senate, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the report be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than April 30, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
Committee Authorized to Study Veterans Affairs
Hon. Hassan Yussuff, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs be authorized to examine and report on:
(a)services and benefits provided to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, to veterans who have served honorably in the past, to members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and its antecedents, and their families;
(b)commemorative activities undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs Canada, to keep alive for all Canadians the memory of Canadian veterans’ achievements and sacrifices; and
(c)continuing implementation of the Veterans Well-being Act; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than October 10, 2027, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
[Translation]
National Finance
Committee Authorized to Study Practice of Including Non-financial Matters in Bills Implementing Provisions of Budgets and Economic Statement
Hon. Claude Carignan, pursuant to notice of October 7, 2025, moved:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to study and report on the practice of including non-financial matters in bills implementing provisions of budgets and economic statements, including, but not limited to:
(a) examining how the Senate generally reviews and considers non-financial provisions in budget implementation acts;
(b) examining how other legislatures review financial legislation; and
(c) providing recommendations and guidelines to the Senate and its committees on methods to provide proper scrutiny of non-financial provisions found within budget implementation acts while permitting financial provisions to proceed in a timely manner;
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report;
That the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit reports on this study with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate; and
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject since the beginning of the First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament be referred to the committee.
The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to.)
(At 3:28 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.)