Journals of the Senate

The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAtaullahjanAucoinBattersBernardBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAtaullahjanAucoinBattersBernardBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (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 Greenwood, Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on October 7, 2025, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 18, 2026, its seventh report entitled “Haílcístut: To Turn Something Around and Make it Right” The Promises of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1197S.

The Honourable Senator Greenwood moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia, 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.

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The Honourable Senator Moodie, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, tabled the eleventh report (interim) of the committee, entitled Fuelled by Technology, Powered by Humanity: an interim report on a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1204S.

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The Honourable Senator Arnot presented the following:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

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

TWELFTH REPORT

Your committee, which was authorized to examine Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the Twelfth Report of the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Bill C-25)

On June 15, 2026, the Senate adopted a government motion to refer Bill C-25 to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (the committee) after its adoption at second reading in the Senate. The motion required the committee to report the bill back to the Senate no later than June 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m, barring which, the bill would be deemed to be reported without amendment. This motion followed another government motion adopted by the Senate on May 7, 2026 (immediately prior to two non-sitting weeks), which required the committee to conduct a pre-study of Bill C-25 with a reporting deadline of June 4, 2026.

Bill C-25 was referred to the committee on June 16, 2026. On June 17, 2026, the committee held a single meeting of 1 hour and 15 minutes to conduct clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. The committee also invited four witnesses who were unable to appear or testify during the pre-study of the bill to appear at this meeting; however, all four declined, citing insufficient notice.

The committee also received additional written submissions following the pre-study, not all of which could be translated in time for the committee’s review.

The committee offers the following observations for the government’s consideration:

In its report on the pre-study, tabled in the Senate on June 4, 2026, the committee expressed concerns regarding the limited time allotted by the government for the pre-study, which prevented the committee from hearing the perspectives of key stakeholders and from being able to give due consideration to a number of important issues such as foreign interference and developments in artificial intelligence. The committee stated that it looked forward to conducting a more thorough and comprehensive study of Bill C-25 when the bill was referred to the committee.

Despite the committee’s clearly expressed need for additional time to properly examine Bill C-25, the government motion adopted by the Senate imposed an extremely compressed timeframe for this study. Furthermore, Bill C-25’s referral to the committee came at a time when the committee was already engaged in an expedited and condensed study of Bill C-16, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters (child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures), itself subject to a stringent government-imposed deadline.

As noted in its eleventh report, the committee was prepared to accommodate an accelerated study of Bill C-16 due to the exceptional nature of its potential impact. In the committee’s view, the amendments proposed in Bill C-25, while raising issues of great importance to Canadians, including matters of democracy and electoral integrity, do not justify such urgent intervention.

The timeframe imposed by the government motion for this bill has forced the committee to speed through its study without hearing the full range of evidence required to provide the thoughtful, measured advice on which the committee prides itself. The majority of the committee agrees that being put in this position by the government erodes the constitutional role of the Senate as a chamber of sober second thought, reducing the institution to a rubber stamp for the government’s legislative agenda.

The majority of the committee agrees with the following observation:

In its message to the Senate concerning amendments to Bill C-4, the House of Commons asserted that there exists a longstanding tradition whereby the Senate defers to the House on amendments to the Canada Elections Act. It emphasized that such deference is particularly appropriate where amendments have received unanimous support from all recognized parties in the House and pertain to the regulation of candidates representing political parties seeking election to that chamber.

The majority of the committee does not concur with this position. As a constituent element of Parliament, the Senate holds a constitutionally mandated responsibility to review and scrutinize all legislation, including proposed amendments to the Canada Elections Act.

Ordered, That the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading later this day.

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The Honourable Senator Gignac presented the following:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy has the honour to present its

SIXTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-20, An Act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the Sixth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy (Bill C-20)

As emphasized in the committee’s January 2026 report entitled Out of Reach: Unlocking Canada’s Housing Affordability Crisis, the committee understands the need to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis and that part of the solution involves government intervention and support. The committee is generally in agreement that Build Canada Homes could have a significant impact on non-market affordable housing.

The committee makes the following observations:

•The creation of Build Canada Homes raises legitimate questions about mandate clarity and duplication, given the existing federal roles of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Canada Lands Company (CLC), the Canada Infrastructure Bank and other federal and provincial housing, building and development programs. While Build Canada Homes may provide a more focused vehicle for developing affordable and non-market housing on federal lands, and while some CLC land and human resource expertise may be transferred to Build Canada Homes, Build Canada Homes should clearly explain in its annual report its progress in streamlining all aspects of affordable housing building programs.

•The committee believes that, where appropriate, Build Canada Homes should support the development of mixed-income communities and avoid concentrating affordable housing in ways that risk socioeconomic segregation. In doing so, Build Canada Homes should remain focused on its core mandate to deliver affordable and non-market housing, and should report publicly on the income mix, affordability levels, and duration of affordability in the projects it supports.

•Build Canada Homes’ core mandate is to promote, support and develop affordable housing. Bill C-20 does not define “affordable housing.” Given that affordability may vary by household income, region, tenure and project type, the committee recommends that Build Canada Homes be required to publish a clear affordability methodology used for every project it supports, including whether it is applying the CMHC’s definition of affordability. It is recommended that Build Canada Homes annually publish project-level affordability information, including projected project income mix.

•Under Bill C-20, the newly established crown corporation, Build Canada Homes, should be subject to the Financial Administration Act and mandate the submission of annual reports to both houses of Parliament. Additionally, Build Canada Homes should provide detailed project information in its annual report that includes specifying the number, type, and location of units delivered and to be delivered, categorized by affordability level, target clientele, timelines for completion, expected rents or prices, and whether modern construction methods will be employed.

•The committee recognizes that Build Canada Homes may play an important role in expanding affordable and non-market housing; however, Build Canada Homes cannot by itself resolve Canada’s broader housing crisis. The committee has recently completed a study on the financial burden that government taxation has placed on private market housing. In response to the committee’s report, the government has eliminated the federal portion of the HST on all housing and is promoting the reduction of development charges across all municipalities in Canada. However, the greatest remaining challenge is the regulatory burden associated with getting projects approved throughout the housing continuum. Although regulatory authorities lie primarily with provincial/territorial and municipal governments, the federal government must actively reduce these regulatory hurdles to help create a surplus of ready-to-build land. The key to addressing rising housing costs and improving affordability lies in incentivizing the availability of land across all provinces/territories and municipalities, without impacting important agricultural land, which would significantly increase the supply in the market. Supply and demand dynamics are more influential than government legislation. Until the issue of limited ready-to-build land is resolved at the provincial/territorial and municipal levels, the federal government’s impact will be limited.

Ordered, That the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading later this day.

Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access, 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.

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A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-27, An Act to give effect to the Final Self-Government Agreement for the Tlegohli Got’ine and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, 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.

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A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

(Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 15, 2026, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading later this day.)

Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills

The Honourable Senator Greenwood introduced Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Department of Justice Act.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Greenwood moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dalphond, 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

SPEAKER'S RULING

Honourable senators,

I am prepared to rule on the question of privilege raised by the Honourable Senator Wallin on June 16, 2026. Senator Wallin raised a Question of Privilege with respect to the premature disclosure of details in a report of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. She made mention of media reports on the contents of this report, which as we know, was not tabled in this Chamber until the following day.

Rule 13-2 outlines the four criteria which a question of privilege must meet in order to be accorded priority — specifically, 1) it must be raised at the first opportunity; 2) it must be a matter that directly concerns the privileges of the Senate, one of its committees or a senator; 3) it must be raised to correct a grave and serious breach; and 4) it must be raised to seek a genuine remedy that the Senate has the power to provide and for which no other parliamentary process is reasonably available. I would remind senators that when raising a question of privilege, they should clearly outline how their case meets each of these criteria.

I am satisfied that Senator Wallin raised the matter at the first opportunity, having done so on the sitting day on which the media reports were released. Our precedents for meeting the rest of the criteria are clear: the premature release of a confidential committee report or proceeding constitutes a prima facie case of privilege.

In a report from April 2000, in response to a similar question of privilege, the Standing Committee on Privileges, Standing Rules and Orders (as our Rules Committee was then known) had the following to say on the importance of protecting the confidentiality of our in camera proceedings:

In addition to the pre-eminent right of the chamber to have reports tabled and made available first to its members prior to their being released to the general public, your Committee also notes that premature and unauthorized disclosure of committees reports can interfere with and impede the work of the committee. The violation of the confidentiality of in camera discussions undermines the confidence with which Senators can discuss things freely, and affects their ability to carry out the work on behalf of the Senate.

At the time, the committee also recommended a process to be established to address such leaks.

These matters are so serious that the process recommended at that time was entrenched in our Rules, now appearing as Appendix IV. Specifically, that process provides for the committee to conduct an investigation into a leak and report its findings to the Senate. Once the report is tabled, the Senate would consider the matter as it would any other question of privilege, and determine next steps, which would normally involve the referral of the matter to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

However, this case, as Senator Wallin noted, is unique. The committee in question is, or rather was, a special joint committee. With the tabling of its final report yesterday, it ceased to exist, and as such it cannot conduct the investigation provided for in Appendix IV. Consequently, we must treat this question of privilege in the normal fashion, which is itself provided for in Appendix IV.

I therefore rule that the question of privilege constitutes a prima facie breach of privilege and invite Senator Wallin to move her motion.

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The Honourable Senator Wallin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C.:

That the case of privilege concerning the leak of information relating to the first report of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying be referred to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament for examination and report.

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

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

A message was brought from the House of Commons in the following words:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

EXTRACT, —

That a Message be sent to the Senate to acquaint their Honours that the House has concurred in the amendment made by the Senate to Bill C-11, An Act to amend the National Defence Act and other Acts.

ATTEST

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A message was brought from the House of Commons to return Bill S-227, An Act respecting Arab Heritage Month,

And to acquaint the Senate that the Commons has passed this bill, without amendment.

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-20, An Act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes.

The Honourable Senator Varone moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McNair, that the bill be read for the third time.

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAucoinBernardBlackBoudreauBoyerBureyBussonCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGalvezGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelInceKaretak-LindellKingstonLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMcBeanMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMoncionMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSeniorSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff—71

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanHousakosMacDonaldManningMartinPoirierWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)—9

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

MoodieWallin—2

Accordingly, Bill C-20 was read for the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

Bills – Second Reading

Second reading of Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026.

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

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 by the Senate on June 15, 2026, the bill was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.)

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-16, An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters (child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures).

The Honourable Senator Oudar moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boudreau, that the bill be read for the third time.

After debate,

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAucoinBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)DeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGerbaGignacGreenwoodHayHébertHenkelInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamManningMcBeanMcNairMiville-DechêneMoncionMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPattersonPetitclercPettenProsperPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonYouanceYussuff—64

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanClementHousakosMacDonaldMartinPatePoirierSeniorSimonsWallinWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)Woo—14

ABSTENTION

The Honourable Senator

Coyle—1

Accordingly, Bill C-16 was read for the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

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Third reading of Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moreau, P.C., that the bill be read for the third time.

After debate,

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

ArnoldAtaullahjanAucoinBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHousakosKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartinMcBeanMcNairMoncionMoreauMuggliOudarPetitclercPettenPoirierPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteSaint-GermainSorensenVaroneWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonYouanceYussuff—58

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

BattersClementPateProsper—4

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakBlackDeacon (Nova Scotia)InceLewisMiville-DechêneOslerPattersonRobinsonRossSimonsTannasVernerWallinWoo—16

Accordingly, Bill C-25 was read for the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

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Third reading of Bill C-26, An Act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of improving housing supply.

The Honourable Senator McBean moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacAdam, that the bill be read for the third time.

After debate,

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldAucoinBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)DeanDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMcBeanMcNairMiville-DechêneMoncionMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenProsperPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSimonsTannasVaroneWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff—65

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanHousakosMacDonaldManningMartinPoirierWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)—9

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

PattersonWallin—2

Accordingly, Bill C-26 was read for the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

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With leave,

The Senate reverted to Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees.

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

Thursday, June 18, 2026

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

NINTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic updated tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, June 18, 2026, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the Ninth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (Bill C-30)

Immediate Expensing for Eligible Greenhouse Buildings

Part 1 of Bill C-30 would provide temporary immediate expensing for eligible greenhouse buildings. Although the government indicated that the purpose of this measure is to promote food security, the committee was surprised to learn that the measure would apply to all types of eligible greenhouses, regardless of what is grown there, including flowers or cannabis.

Temporary Suspension of the Excise Tax on Gasoline

Part 2 of Bill C-30 would amend the Excise Tax Act to temporarily suspend the excise tax on gasoline, aviation gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel for the period beginning on April 20, 2026, and ending on September 7, 2026.

Given that the measure is temporary and in response to an oil supply shock, the committee wonders whether this measure could lead to an increase of the profit margins of gasoline producers, distributors and retailers, at the expense of consumers, who would not fully benefit from the reduction in the excise tax. The committee is asking the Department of Finance to prepare and release an analysis of this measure once it expires to better understand its effectiveness.

Amendments to the Canada Transportation Act

Division 6 of Part 3 of Bill C-30 would amend the Canada Transportation Act to require certain individuals and entities to provide the Minister of Transport with information that the minister considers necessary for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their duties and functions or for the development of transportation policies. It would also specify the individuals and entities to whom such information may be communicated.

Department of Transport officials indicated that these changes would allow the government to identify new economic development opportunities on airport lands and support the ongoing discussion about airport ownership.

Witnesses also said that a potential shift in airport ownership from not-for-profit to for-profit entities would not necessarily lead to lower costs for Canadian consumers. The committee is not convinced either and will only support this approach once solid evidence has been provided by the government.

While the committee recognizes the need to identify new development opportunities for Canadian airports, it would remind the government that these public assets are particularly important to the economic and social development of remote communities and to Canada as a whole, especially as the government seeks to diversify our economic relations. The committee will closely monitor developments in this area.

Lastly, the committee is concerned that the bill allows the Minister of Transport to obtain information from “individuals or entities whose activities, in the Minister’s opinion, may affect the value of an airport.” This definition appears overly broad. The committee believes it would be helpful to further clarify the scope of this authority to ensure a clear understanding of the entities covered, particularly in the case of projects or activities located near airports.

Amendments to the Pest Control Products Act

Committee members have differing views on the amendments proposed by Division 8 of Part 3 of Bill C-30 to the Pest Control Products Act. These amendments would introduce economic security and food security considerations into the application of this act and would authorize the Governor in Council to grant emergency exemptions from standard registration processes to permit the use of certain pest control products in the emergency control of a seriously detrimental infestation.

Most members welcome the granting of new powers allowing the government to act quickly in the event of infestations that could have serious economic or food security repercussions, provided that decisions to exercise these powers are made transparently, are informed by scientific evidence, and are reached in consultation with stakeholders. They also point out that the primary objective of the Pest Control Products Act, which is to prevent unacceptable risks to individuals and the environment from the use of pest control products, would not be altered. However, other members expressed concern that introducing economic and food security considerations into the application of this act raises significant public policy, health, environmental and governance issues that warrant further scrutiny. In any case, the committee urges caution in the application of these new emergency powers.

Furthermore, the committee notes that Bill C-30, as an omnibus bill amending several non-financial statutes, was considered within a limited time frame that restricted opportunities for parliamentary scrutiny. In particular, it further noted that the Minister of Health did not appear before the committee to explain the proposed amendments to the Pest Control Products Act and that several experts and organizations that submitted briefs were unable to be heard. Given the significance and potential repercussions of these changes, the committee believes they should have warranted a separate study rather than being included in an omnibus bill.

Youth Unemployment

The committee also notes that, although the Spring Economic Update 2026 reports high youth unemployment and low demand for entry-level positions and signals the government’s intention to provide support for young people, Bill C-30 contains no such measures. The committee will closely monitor upcoming measures on this issue in the estimates and the next budget implementation bill.

Exceptional Powers

Lastly, in general, the committee notes that Bill C-30 grants ministers some new powers or exemptions to act more quickly. Here are two examples, in addition to those already mentioned regarding changes to the Pest Control Products Act:

•Division 5 of Part 3 provides for a reduction in the basic Canada Pension Plan contribution rate from 9.9% to 9.5%, effective January 1, 2027. Normally, such a change would only be able to take effect three years after the publication of the notice of intent for this measure — January 1, 2029 — and potentially after the submission of a new actuarial report by the Office of the Chief Actuary.

•Division 7 of Part 3 provides that the Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to exemption orders made by the Governor in Council under the new section 31.1 of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, which allows such an exemption order to apply for a period of three years, which may be extended for another three-year period, if the Governor in Council deems it necessary to protect economic or food security.

The committee believes that these powers should be exercised only in exceptional circumstances and that decisions to use them should be made transparently, be informed by scientific evidence, and involve consultation with stakeholders. As well, they should be subject to strict oversight, such as by systematically producing an assessment whenever such a power is used.

(Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 15, 2026, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading later this day.)

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026.

The Honourable Senator Pupatello moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan, that the bill be read for the third time.

After debate,

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldAucoinBlackBoudreauBoyerBureyBussonCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)DeanDuncanForestFrancisGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacAdamMcBeanMcNairMoncionMoreauMuggliOslerPattersonPetitclercPettenProsperPupatelloRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSimonsSorensenVaroneWallinWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonYouanceYussuff—58

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersCarignanHousakosMacDonaldManningMartinPoirierWells (Newfoundland and Labrador)—9

ABSTENTION

The Honourable Senator

Oudar—1

Accordingly, Bill C-30 was read for the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

---

Ordered, That the sitting be suspended to reassemble at the call of the chair, with a 15-minute bell.

(Accordingly, at 7:17 p.m., the sitting was suspended.)

At 8:20 p.m., the sitting resumed.

WRITTEN DECLARATION OF ROYAL ASSENT

At 8:20 p.m., the Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:

RIDEAU HALL

June 18, 2026

Madam Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 18^th day of June, 2026, at 7:49 p.m.

Yours sincerely,

The Honourable

The Speaker of the Senate

Ottawa

Schedule

Bills Assented To

Thursday, June 18, 2026

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places) (Bill C-9, Chapter 15, 2026)

An Act to amend the National Defence Act and other Acts (Bill C-11, Chapter 16, 2026)

An Act respecting Arab Heritage Month (Bill S-227, Chapter 17, 2026)

An Act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes (Bill C-20, Chapter 18, 2026)

An Act to amend certain Acts in relation to criminal and correctional matters (child protection, gender-based violence, delays and other measures) (Bill C-16, Chapter 19, 2026)

An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026 (Bill C-25, Chapter 20, 2026)

An Act to authorize certain payments to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of improving housing supply (Bill C-26, Chapter 21, 2026)

An Act to implement certain provisions of the spring economic update tabled in Parliament on April 28, 2026 (Bill C-30, Chapter 22, 2026)

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With leave of the Senate,

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

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.;

That rule 3-3(1) be suspended on that day;

That, for greater certainty, committees normally scheduled to meet on that day and those separately authorized by the Senate 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; and

That, notwithstanding the order adopted on June 10, 2026, Senate committees be authorized to meet from September 21, 2026, to the end of the day on September 25, 2026, with rule 12-18(2) being suspended in relation thereto.

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

ADJOURNMENT

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson 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 8:26 p.m., the Senate was continued until Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.)

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

Seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, entitled “Haílcístut: To Turn Something Around and Make it Right” The Promises of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 18, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on October 7, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1197S.

Cost estimate of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, entitled Delivering Automatic Federal Benefits for Low-Income Individuals, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1198.

Amendments to the Management Plan for the Obadjiwan — Fort Témiscamingue National Historic Site of Canada, pursuant to the Parks Canada Agency Act, S.C. 1998, c. 31, sbs. 32(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1199.

Summaries of the Corporate Plan and Budgets for 2026-27 to 2030-31 of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1200.

Copy of the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (P.C. 2026-596), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act, S.C. 1992, c. 17, sbs. 7(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1201.

Report by Export Development Canada on Canada Account Operations for the fiscal year 2024-25, pursuant to the Export Development Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-20.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1202.

Twenty-first Annual Report of the Office of the Senate Ethics Officer, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 20.7.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1203S.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy

The Honourable Senator McBean replaced the Honourable Senator McNair (June 18, 2026).

Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

The Honourable Senator Boehm replaced the Honourable Senator Arnold (June 18, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Dhillon replaced the Honourable Senator Dalphond (June 17, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Oudar replaced the Honourable Senator Hébert (June 17, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

The Honourable Senator Oudar replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (June 18, 2026).