Journals of the Senate

The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldArnotAucoinAudetteBattersBernardBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignacHarderHébertHousakosKaretak-LindellKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSorensenSuretteVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldArnot*AtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBernardBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozo*CarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphond*DaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignac*GreenwoodHarder*HayHébertHousakosKaretak-LindellKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedran*Miville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPate*PattersonPetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSorensenSuretteVaroneVernerWallinWells (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

Tabling of Documents

The Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., informed the Senate that, pursuant to subsection 48(18) of the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, an Inquiry Report of the Senate Ethics Officer concerning Senator Marilou McPhedran was deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 1, 2026.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1095S.

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Moodie, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, presented the committee’s eighth report (Bill S-221, An Act to provide for the recognition of the Canada jay as the national bird of Canada, without amendment).

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Poirier, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Moodie, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, presented the committee’s ninth report (Bill S-215, An Act respecting National Immigration Month, without amendment).

The Honourable Senator Gerba moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, presented the committee’s fourth report (Bill C-8, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts, without amendment).

The Honourable Senator McNair moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Surette, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, presented the committee’s fifth report (Bill S-246, An Act respecting the recognition of wartime service, without amendment).

The Honourable Senator Yussuff moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Senior presented the following:

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights has the honour to present its

THIRD REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places), has, in obedience to the order of reference of April 30, 2026, examined the said bill and now reports the same with the following amendments:

1.Clause 4, pages 2 and 3:

(a)On page 2,

(i)replace lines 4 and 5 with the following:

“(b) the Nazi Hakenkreuz, the double Nazi Sig-Rune or a noose; or”,

(ii)add the following after line 14:

“(2.4) Everyone who, by communicating statements other than in private conversation, wilfully promotes hatred against Indigenous Peoples by condoning, denying or downplaying the Indian Residential Schools System

(a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years; or

(b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.”,

(iii)add the following after line 15:

“(1.11) The portion of subsection 319(3.1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

(3.1) No person shall be convicted of an offence under subsection (2.1) or (2.4)”,

(iv)add the following after line 16:

“(1.3) Paragraph 319(3.1)(d) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(d) if, in good faith, they intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of antisemitism toward Jews or hatred toward Indigenous Peoples.”, and

(v)replace line 30 with the following:

“tion (1), (2), (2.1), (2.2) or (2.4) or section 318, anything by”; and

(b)on page 3, replace line 3 with the following:

“(2), (2.1), (2.2) or (2.4) or section 318.”.

2.Clause 6, page 5: Replace line 18 with the following:

“(4) No person is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2)”.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (Bill C- 9)

Hate crimes are a serious and growing problem in Canada that have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Canada must protect vulnerable communities from hate, while also upholding the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (the committee) observes that several key elements of Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places) are consistent with its previous recommendations, including those made in reports on Islamophobia and antisemitism in Canada.¹

For example, as outlined in those reports, the addition of a standalone hate crime offence to the Criminal Code sends an important signal about the seriousness of hate crimes, while also enabling better data collection and analysis that will inform future legislative and policy decisions. Similarly, the committee has previously called for legislation to address the display of symbols associated with hate groups, and to better protect access to religious institutions, places of worship, and community spaces. This bill fulfills those objectives.

The committee notes its past recommendations relating to non-criminal approaches to addressing hate, particularly with respect to the importance of education and training.

The following observations are grounded in the testimony heard by the committee during its study of Bill C-9, which included approximately 50 witnesses and over 40 written briefs. These observations are intended to reflect the evidence, concerns, perspectives, and areas of consensus and disagreement presented to the committee by witnesses appearing before it.

Statutory Review, Public Reporting, and Disaggregated Data

The committee heard recurring testimony from a broad range of witnesses that the long-term effectiveness, fairness, and public legitimacy of Bill C-9 may depend significantly on transparent implementation, meaningful public reporting, training and education, and ongoing parliamentary oversight.

Witnesses repeatedly emphasized the importance of improved disaggregated and intersectional data respecting charges, outcomes, enforcement patterns, and community impacts.

The committee therefore observes that implementation accountability, public reporting, and periodic parliamentary review are essential to the long-term operation and public legitimacy of the provisions of Bill C-9.

Several witnesses suggested future parliamentary review of the bill. The committee underscores that any future parliamentary study should examine the impact of this bill on hate crime trends, its interaction with existing Criminal Code provisions, as well as its overall effects on religious rights, freedom of expression, and freedom of association.

Specialized Hate-Crime Expertise, National Coordination, and Implementation Capacity

The committee heard recurring testimony from policing representatives, legal experts, community organizations, and witnesses from affected communities that the effective implementation of Bill C-9 may depend significantly upon specialized hate-crime expertise, dedicated investigative capacity, standardized training for law enforcement and prosecutors, community education, outreach, and coordinated approaches across Canadian jurisdictions.

The committee heard testimony that many police services across Canada presently possess uneven levels of hate-crime specialization, operational capacity, training, and institutional expertise. Witnesses repeatedly emphasized the importance of specialized hate-crime units, dedicated hate crime investigators, enhanced prosecutorial training, community-informed policing practices, and improved national coordination in ensuring consistent enforcement, public confidence, accurate data collection, and effective protection for vulnerable communities.

The committee therefore observes that funding and strengthening specialized hate-crime expertise and implementation capacity across federal, provincial, and municipal institutions may be essential to the effective operation, fairness, and long-term public legitimacy of Bill C-9 and broader efforts to address hatred directed toward vulnerable communities in Canada.

Indigenous Sacred Sites, Burial Sites, and Residential School Denialism

The committee heard significant testimony from Indigenous witnesses that the current drafting of the bill may not fully reflect Indigenous understandings of sacred spaces, land-based spirituality, burial practices, and residential school-related harms.

The committee therefore observes that while Indigenous witnesses consistently framed these concerns not as opposition to the bill’s objectives, they are fundamental to recognition, inclusion, community safety, and equal protection within the bill’s existing framework.

The Committee notes that section 423.3 of the Criminal Code provides protections against intimidation intended to impede access to certain locations, including places of worship, community institutions used by identifiable groups, and cemeteries.

The Committee recognizes that many Indigenous Peoples maintain cultural, spiritual, ceremonial, and sacred sites that are of profound significance to their communities and identities. The Committee further recognizes the unique importance of unmarked graves and burial sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, which continue to be places of remembrance, mourning, healing, and truth-telling for Survivors, families, and communities.

The Committee encourages the Government of Canada to consider whether the protections afforded under section 423.3 should be expanded to expressly include Indigenous religious and cultural sites, as well as unmarked graves and burial sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, so that these locations receive protections comparable to those afforded to other protected sites under the Criminal Code.

The committee heard concerning testimony about the lack of consultation with Indigenous peoples as part of this bill. The committee urges the government to consult Indigenous peoples about measures to address hate crimes.

Hate Symbols, Drafting Precision, and Cultural Literacy

The committee heard differing testimony respecting the proposed hate-symbol provisions, including testimony relating to critical absences, drafting precision, interpretation, operational enforceability, and cultural literacy. Witnesses expressed concern that certain wording may create uncertainty where symbols carry multiple religious, cultural, linguistic, political, or historical meanings, which may not be easily recognizable by front line law enforcement.

The committee therefore observes that many witnesses considered the importance of implementation guidance, prosecutorial screening, enhanced law enforcement training, and cultural literacy to be essential to the practical operation and public confidence associated with the proposed hate-symbol provisions.

The committee observes that hate symbols evolve over time and highlights the recommendation from several witnesses to establish an advisory body or other mechanism to evaluate hate symbols on an ongoing basis and recommend changes as needed.

Protest Rights, Access Offences, and Public Confidence

The committee heard substantial testimony concerning the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between unlawful intimidation and constitutionally protected protest activity. Witnesses emphasized that public confidence in the proposed access and obstruction offences may depend significantly on implementation guidance, training, and consistent enforcement practices.

The committee therefore observes that ensuring that the distinction between unlawful intimidation and lawful protest remains fundamental to the clear, objective, and consistent application of this legislation in practice.

The committee further observes that many witnesses considered implementation guidance, police training, prosecutorial discretion, and transparent accountability mechanisms to be essential in ensuring public confidence in the operation of these provisions.

Religious Expression, Criminal Thresholds, and Public Understanding

The committee heard differing testimony respecting the repeal of the former “good faith religious opinion” defence. The committee also heard repeated testimony from legal experts, policing representatives, equality-seeking organizations, and government officials that the proposed offences continue to require a high threshold involving willful promotion of hatred and do not criminalize lawful religious belief, worship, sermons, theological discourse, or good-faith expression that does not meet that significant legal threshold. Witnesses further emphasized the importance of continued public explanation and legal education respecting the operation of Canadian hate-propaganda law.

The committee further observes that continued public communication, legal education, and clear government explanation respecting the distinction between lawful religious expression and criminal hate propaganda is essential.

Community Protection, Equality, and Uneven Enforcement Risk

The committee repeatedly heard testimony that many communities view Bill C-9 as both an important protective measure against hate and a potential source of uneven or discriminatory enforcement. Witnesses emphasized that the long-term legitimacy of the bill may depend significantly on whether implementation is experienced by affected communities as fair, transparent, accountable, and equitable in practice.

The committee therefore observes that fairness, transparency, accountability, and equitable implementation are crucial to the long-term legitimacy and public confidence associated with Bill C-9.

[1]Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (RIDR), Combatting Hate: Islamophobia and Its Impact on Muslims in Canada, November 2023; RIDR, Standing United Against Antisemitism: Protecting Communities and Strengthening Canadian Democracy, April 2026.

The Honourable Senator Senior moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), 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.

Tabling of Reports from Interparliamentary Delegations

The Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) tabled the following:

Report of the Canadian Delegation to the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Bilateral Mission, Warsaw, Poland, Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia, from November 9 to 15, 2024.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1104.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, September 2 and 3, 2024.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1105.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, Oulu, North Ostrobothnia, Finland, from September 22 to 24, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1106.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Meeting of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region and Arctic Frontiers 2025: Beyond Borders Conference, Tromsø, Norway, from January 25 to 28, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1107.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, First Part of the 2025 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, from January 27 to 31, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1108.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Third Part of the 2025 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, from June 23 to 27, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1109.

Report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Fourth Part of the 2025 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France, from September 29 to October 3, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1110.

Notices of Motions

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Senior:

That, notwithstanding rule 12-15(2), the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs be empowered to hold an in camera meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, for the purpose of hearing witnesses and gathering specialized or sensitive information in relation to its study of Bill C-11, An Act to amend the National Defence Act and other Acts.

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

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, as amended.

The Honourable Senator Wilson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Muggli, that the bill, as amended, be read for the third time.

After debate,

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

The bill, as amended, was then read for the third time.

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

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

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

o o o

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

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Supplementary Estimates (A) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027; and

That, for the purpose of this study, the committee have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, with rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) being suspended in relation thereto.

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

Inquiries

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

Other Business

Senate Public Bills – Third Reading

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Brazeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacAdam, for the third reading of Bill S-202, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages).

After debate,

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

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

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator 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.

o o o

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Pate, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moncion, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary).

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

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

o o o

Orders No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Second reading of Bill S-236, An Act to amend the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and to establish a framework for implementing the rights of victims of crime.

The Honourable Senator Housakos moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, that the bill be read for the second time.

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

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

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Orders No. 11, 12 and 13 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Martin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, for the second reading of Bill S-244, An Act respecting National Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read for the second time.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

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

o o o

Orders No. 15, 16 and 17 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Commons Public Bills – Second Reading

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador), seconded by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, for the second reading of Bill C-234, An Act respecting the establishment and award of a Living Donor Recognition Medal.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read for the second time.

The Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights.

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

Reports of Committees – Other

Order No. 9 (Second report of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration) was called and, pursuant to rule 4-14(2), dropped from the Order Paper and Notice Paper.

o o o

Order No. 13 (Second report of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples) was called and, pursuant to rule 4-14(2), dropped from the Order Paper and Notice Paper.

o o o

Order No. 14 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Consideration of the second report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, entitled Out of Reach: Unlocking Canada’s housing affordability crisis, tabled in the Senate on February 3, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Varone moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boudreau, that the report be adopted.

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

o o o

Order No. 19 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Consideration of the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, entitled Omnibus Budget Bills: A growing problem, tabled in the Senate on March 24, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Forest moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette, that the report be adopted.

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

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

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Consideration of the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, entitled Build Canada Homes: Proposals for Success and Accountability, tabled in the Senate on March 26, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Forest moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain, that the report be adopted.

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

o o o

Orders No. 24, 26, 29 and 30 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Consideration of the tenth report (interim) of the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight, entitled Nomination of an External Member, presented in the Senate on May 28, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Klyne moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, that the report be adopted.

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

o o o

Consideration of the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples (Budget—examine and report on the Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders events—power to hire staff), presented in the Senate on May 28, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Audette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Muggli, that the report be adopted.

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

Motions

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

o o o

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.

After debate,

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteClementCoyleDeanGerbaMcPhedranMuggliOudarPatePetitclercWoo—12

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnoldBattersBlackBoudreauBussonCardozoDalphondDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGignacHarderHousakosKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcCallumMohamedMoreauOslerPettenPoirierPupatelloRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSorensenSuretteVaroneWallinWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteYussuff—45

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

HébertKaretak-LindellYouance—3

Inquiries

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Sorensen, calling the attention of the Senate to the nation-building value of tourism in Canada.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator White moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

o o o

Orders No. 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

MOTIONS

The Honourable Senator Gerba moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White:

That the Senate of Canada:

1.officially recognize May 25 as World Africa Day in Canada, to mark:

(a)the importance of relations between Canada and African countries;

(b)the essential contribution of African and Afro-descendant communities to Canadian society; and

(c)the shared values of solidarity, diversity, peace and international cooperation; and

2.encourage the Government of Canada and public institutions to recognize this day each year; and

That this recognition be a first step toward officially incorporating this day into the calendar of national days recognized by the Government of Canada.

After debate,

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario) moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Clement:

That, notwithstanding the order of the Senate adopted on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the date for the final report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs in relation to its study on defence procurement in the context of Canada’s commitment to increase defence spending be extended from June 18, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

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

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator Petten moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

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

(Accordingly, at 6:12 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)

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

Inquiry Report of the Senate Ethics Officer, dated June 1, 2026, concerning Senator Marilou McPhedran, pursuant to subsection 48(18) of the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1095S.

Monthly report on removal orders of the Canada Border Services Agency – April 2026, pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27, sbs. 49(5).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1096.

Report on the use of electronic surveillance for the year 2024, pursuant to the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, sbs. 195(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1097.

Report of the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, pursuant to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. R-10, s. 45.52.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1098.

Proposed Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Seizure and Facilities for Holding and Examination — Miscellaneous Program), pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27, sbs. 5(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1099.

Reports of operations under the Export and Import Permits Act for the year 2025, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-19, s. 27.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1100.

Annual Report of the Federal Housing Advocate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the National Housing Strategy Act, S.C. 2019, c. 29, s. 313 “16(2)”.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1101.

Report on Commercial Vehicle Safety in Canada for the year 2021, pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Transport Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 29 (3rd Supp.), sbs. 25(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1102.

Report on the operation of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act for the year ended December 31, 2025, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 2010, c. 4, s. 15.1.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1103.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry

The Honourable Senator Hébert was added to the membership (May 29, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

The Honourable Senator Arnot replaced the Honourable Senator Dean (June 2, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The Honourable Senator Youance replaced the Honourable Senator Coyle (May 29, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights

The Honourable Senator McCallum replaced the Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) (June 2, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Ince replaced the Honourable Senator Osler (June 1, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) replaced the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan (May 29, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Osler replaced the Honourable Senator Ince (May 29, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples

The Honourable Senator Osler replaced the Honourable Senator Prosper (June 2, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Aucoin replaced the Honourable Senator Tannas (June 2, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Mohamed replaced the Honourable Senator Dhillon (June 2, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Ross replaced the Honourable Senator Prosper (June 1, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Dhillon replaced the Honourable Senator Mohamed (May 29, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs

The Honourable Senator Yussuff replaced the Honourable Senator Dean (June 2, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Dean replaced the Honourable Senator Yussuff (June 1, 2026).

Corrigenda

(Journals of the Senate of Wednesday, May 27, 2026)

Add the name of the Honourable Senator *Carignan, P.C., to the list of Members in attendance to business.

(Journals of the Senate of Thursday, May 28, 2026)

Add the names of the Honourable Senators *Dasko, *Patterson and *Hay to the list of Members in attendance to business.