Journals of the Senate
4 Charles III , A.D. 2026, Canada
1st Session, 45th Parliament
Issue 48 (Unrevised)
Thursday, February 5, 2026
1:30 p.m.
The Honourable RAYMONDE GAGNÉ, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldArnotAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDhillonDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSmithSorensenSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldArnotAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDhillonDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSmithSorensenSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff
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 Manning, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on October 8, 2025, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 5, 2026, its first report entitled Carbon Removal, From Air to Sea: Canada, a leader in restoring ocean ecosystems and fighting climate change.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-866S.
The Honourable Senator Manning moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, 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.
The Honourable Senator Boehm, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, tabled the second report of the committee (The subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 18 and 27 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-871S.
(Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.)
Government Notices of Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moreau, P.C.:
That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, usual practice or previous order:
1.at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Senate resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole in order to receive Kelly Burke respecting her appointment as Commissioner of Official Languages;
2.the Committee of the Whole report to the Senate no later than 65 minutes after it begins;
3.the witness’ introductory remarks last a maximum of five minutes;
4.if a senator does not use the entire period of 10 minutes for debate provided under rule 12-31(3)(d), including the responses of the witness, that senator may yield the balance of time to another senator;
5.on that day the application of rule 3-3(1) be suspended;
6.if the bells are ringing for a vote at the time the committee is to meet, they be interrupted for the Committee of the Whole at that time, and resume once the committee has completed its work for the balance of any time remaining; and
7.committees scheduled to meet on that day be authorized to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting, with rule 12-18(1) being suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills
A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Moreau, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Question Period
The Senate proceeded to Question Period.
Orders of the Day
Government Business
Motions
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:
That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice, if Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, is adopted at second reading:
1.it stand referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance;
2.the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be authorized to examine and report on the subject matter of Part 4 of the bill;
3.the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance:
(a)be authorized to take into account any report from the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to the Senate on the subject matter of Part 4 of the bill, during its consideration of the bill; and
(b)submit its final report to the Senate no later than the end of Routine Proceedings on February 24, 2026, after which it shall be deemed to have reported the bill without amendment, with the bill then being placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate;
4.the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be authorized to deposit its report with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting; and
5.for the purposes of these studies, both committees have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, and that rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petten:
That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice, if Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures, is adopted at second reading:
1.it stand referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs;
2.the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to examine and report on the subject matter of Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the bill;
3.the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs:
(a)be authorized to take into account any report from the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to the Senate on the subject matter of Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8, during its consideration of the bill; and
(b)submit its final report to the Senate no later than the end of Routine Proceedings on February 24, 2026, after which it shall be deemed to have reported the bill without amendment, with the bill then being placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate;
4.the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to deposit its report with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting; and
5.for the purposes of these studies, both committees have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, and that rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
Bills – Second Reading
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Cuzner, seconded by the Honourable Senator Muggli, for the second reading of Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read for the second time.
(Pursuant to the order adopted earlier this day, the bill was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, and the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs was authorized to examine and report on the subject matter of Part 4 of the bill.)
Second reading of Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures.
The Honourable Senator Dean moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette, that the bill be read for the second time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted, on division.
The bill was then read for the second time.
(Pursuant to the order adopted earlier this day, the bill was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, and the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology was authorized to examine and report on the subject matter of Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the bill.)
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:
That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Inquiries
Order No. 1 was 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.
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Brazeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator Sorensen, for the second reading of Bill S-203, An Act to prohibit the promotion of alcoholic beverages.
Ordered: That further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator Martin.
Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moncion, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 4, 5, 6 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Wilson, for the second reading of Bill S-218, An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1982 (notwithstanding clause).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 9 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator Sorensen, for the second reading of Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 11, 12, 13 and 14 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Galvez, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, for the second reading of Bill S-229, An Act to amend the National Capital Act (Gatineau Park).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-238, An Act to enact the Climate-Aligned Finance Act and to make related amendments to other Acts.
The Honourable Senator Galvez moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, that the bill be read for the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 22 and 23 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Tannas, seconded by the Honourable Senator Osler, for the second reading of Bill S-241, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Indian Act.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Black moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Burey, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Second reading of Bill S-243, An Act to establish a national framework for women’s health in Canada.
The Honourable Senator Henkel moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Francis, that the bill be read for the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 26 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Orders No. 4, 8 and 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Consideration of the first report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, entitled Nothing to Celebrate: The Crisis of Youth Aging Out of Care, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on December 9, 2025.
The Honourable Senator Senior moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:
That the first report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, entitled Nothing to Celebrate: The Crisis of Youth Aging Out of Care, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 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 Jobs and Families being identified as minister responsible for responding to the report, in consultation with the Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, the Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Order No. 3 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Woo, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boyer:
That the Senate call on the Government of Canada to create a national strategy to engage Canadians abroad.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Simons, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo:
That the Senate call on the Government of Canada to investigate the creation of a sovereign, domestic Verified Travellers Program for Canadians.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 6 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
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.
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Inquiries
Orders No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Ordered: That consideration of Order No. 5 be postponed until the next sitting of the Senate.
Orders No. 8 and 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Francis moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gerba:
That the Senate recognize May 10 of each and every year as Bear Witness Day to honour Jordan River Anderson and his family and to raise awareness of Jordan’s Principle and the ongoing challenges that First Nations children and their families face to access products, services and supports due to inequities and jurisdictional disputes within and across governments.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Senior moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:
That the eighth report (interim) of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, entitled Ripped from Home: The Global Crisis of Forced Displacement, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on December 3, 2024, 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 question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Senior moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine and report on the impact of artificial intelligence on human rights and economic security in Canada, especially in relation to vulnerable groups and the international human right to work;
That the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit its 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 December 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 question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
INQUIRIES
The Honourable Senator Cardozo called the attention of the Senate to National Flag of Canada Day and the extra relevance of our flag given the current geopolitical situation.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Francis moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Muggli, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moreau, P.C.:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 10 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2 p.m.)
DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)
First report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled Carbon Removal, From Air to Sea: Canada, a leader in restoring ocean ecosystems and fighting climate change, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 5, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on October 8, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-866S.
Legislative Costing Note of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, entitled Fiscal Implications of Meeting NATO’s 5% Commitment, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-867.
Notice of opinion concerning Regulations Amending the Firearms Licences Regulations (Notice of Suspension), pursuant to the Firearms Act, S.C. 1995, c. 39, sbs. 119(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-868.
Notice of opinion concerning Regulations Amending the Shipment by Post of Certain Prohibited Firearms and Prohibited Devices by Certain Businesses Regulations, pursuant to the Firearms Act, S.C. 1995, c. 39, sbs. 119(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-869.
Notice of opinion concerning Regulations Amending the Firearms Marking Regulations, pursuant to the Firearms Act, S.C. 1995, c. 39, sbs. 119(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-870.
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights
The Honourable Senator McCallum was added to the membership (February 5, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Batters was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (February 5, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta) replaced the Honourable Senator Gerba (February 5, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Gerba replaced the Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta) (February 4, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The Honourable Senator Arnold replaced the Honourable Senator Karetak-Lindell (February 5, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Karetak-Lindell replaced the Honourable Senator Arnold (February 5, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Cuzner replaced the Honourable Senator Klyne (February 4, 2026).