Journals of the Senate

The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerArnoldAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBureyCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DhillonDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKlyneLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartelMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPitfieldProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSeniorSimonsSorensenSuretteTannasTuckerVaroneVernerWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerArnoldAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBoyerBureyCardozoClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)Dhillon*DowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKlyneLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMacDonaldManningMartelMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPitfieldProsperPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSeniorSimonsSorensenSuretteTannasTuckerVaroneVernerWells (Alberta)*Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilson*YouanceYussuff

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

Ordered: That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or previous order, for today’s sitting, the period for Senators’ Statements be extended by 18 minutes, to be used for the purpose of paying tribute to the victims of the tragedy in Wainwright, Alberta; and

That, notwithstanding rule 4-2(3), for today’s sitting, a senator making a statement be permitted more than one intervention.

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

o o o

The Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims, the survivors, their loved ones, the first responders, as well as the entire military community affected by the tragic events that occurred on October 17 at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta.

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Tabling of Documents

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

Government response, dated October 20, 2026, to the second report of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, entitled Proposed Official Languages Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations, tabled in the Senate on May 7, 2026.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1357S.

(Pursuant to rule 12-23(4), the report and the response were deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages.)

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Batters, Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, its thirteenth report (The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 5 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1326S.

(Pursuant to the order adopted June 10, 2026, 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.)

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The Honourable Senator Audette, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, its ninth report (The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 14 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1327S.

(Pursuant to the order adopted June 10, 2026, 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.)

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The Honourable Senator Robinson, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, its sixth report (The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 13 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1328S.

(Pursuant to the order adopted June 10, 2026, 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.)

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The Honourable Senator Gignac, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, informed the Senate that, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on November 20, 2025, the committee deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 14, 2026, its eighth report entitled From Potential to Prosperity: The urgent case for greater investment in Canada’s SMEs.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1329S.

Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills

The Honourable Senator Martin introduced Bill S-252, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (consent to pornographic material).

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Batters, 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.

First Reading of Commons Public Bills

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-219, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law) and the Special Economic Measures Act, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, 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.

Notices of Motions

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator Moncion moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dalphond:

That, pursuant to the order of June 17, 2025, the Honourable Senator Kingston be appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight.

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 – Second Reading

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Dhillon, seconded by the Honourable Senator Varone, for the second reading of Bill C-22, An Act respecting lawful access.

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.

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

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

Inquiries

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

Other Business

Senate Public Bills – Third Reading

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

Senate Public Bills – Second Reading

Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Wallin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Quinn, for the second reading of Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying).

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

o o o

Orders No. 7, 8, 9 and 10 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

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Second reading of Bill S-245, An Act respecting a National Blanket Ceremony Day.

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

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Black moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Osler, 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. 12, 13, 14 and 15 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 14, 19, 20, 24, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 41 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Order No. 3 was 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 Boyer:

That the Senate call on the Government of Canada to create a national strategy to engage Canadians abroad.

After debate,

With leave of the Senate,

Further debate on the motion was adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator Martin.

o o o

Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McCallum, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples be authorized to examine and report on how the historical and ongoing forcible removal of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from their families and cultures, including but not limited to:

(a)removals through the Indian residential school system;

(b)Indian day schools;

(c)the Sixties Scoop;

(d)the epidemic of Indigenous children in care; and

(e)the resultant intergenerational effects of this child apprehension, such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and the over-incarceration of Indigenous peoples;

constitutes a crime against humanity and a genocide, pursuant to the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, S.C. 2000, c. 24, and Articles 6 and 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and in accordance with Article II of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and

That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2025.

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

o o o

Orders No. 83 and 103 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Inquiries

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

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Simons, calling the attention of the Senate to the emerging problem of satellite debris falls in Canada and to the challenges of satellite congestion, pollution and liability.

The Honourable Senator Dalphond moved, for the Honourable Senator Kingston, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, 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. 3, 5, 8, 11 and 12 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cardozo, calling the attention of the Senate to National Flag of Canada Day and the extra relevance of our flag given the current geopolitical situation.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Francis moved, for the Honourable Senator White, 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.

o o o

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

ADJOURNMENT

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

That the Senate do now adjourn.

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

(Accordingly, at 5:21 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)

Thirteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, entitled The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 5 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1326S.

Ninth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, entitled The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 14 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1327S.

Sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, entitled The subject matter of those elements contained in Division 13 of Part 4 of Bill C-31, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 9, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 10, 2026.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1328S.

Eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, entitled From Potential to Prosperity: The urgent case for greater investment in Canada’s SMEs, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 14, 2026, pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on November 20, 2025.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1329S.

Annual Report on the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act for the year 2026, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 2023, c. 9, sbs. 24(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1330.

Report of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, together with the Auditors’ Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-13, sbs. 26(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1331.

Report of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Act, S.C. 2001, c. 9, s. 34.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1332.

Report of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, together with the Auditors’ Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 18 (3rd Supp.), Part I, s. 40.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1333.

Reports of the Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1334.

Reports of the Parole Board of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1335.

Reports of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1336.

Reports of the Correctional Service of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1337.

Reports of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1338.

Reports of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1339.

Report of Marine Atlantic Inc., together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1340.

Reports of the Office of the Information Commissioner for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1341.

Reports of the Public Service Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1342.

Reports of the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Access to Information Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-1, sbs. 94(2) and to the Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21, sbs. 72(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1343.

Report of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, entitled Economic and Fiscal Outlook - October 2026, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1344.

Report on the operation of the Witness Protection Program by the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Witness Protection Program Act, S.C. 1996, c. 15, sbs. 16(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1345.

Report of the National DNA Data Bank for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the DNA Identification Act, S.C. 1998, c. 37, sbs. 13.1(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1346.

Copy of Order in Council P.C. 2026-593 dated June 12, 2026, concerning the Order Amending the Order Imposing a Surtax on the Importation of Certain Steel Goods, pursuant to the Customs Tariff, S.C. 1997, c. 36, sbs. 53(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1347.

Copy of Order in Council P.C. 2026-645 dated June 22, 2026, concerning the Order Amending the Steel Derivative Goods Surtax Order, pursuant to the Customs Tariff, S.C. 1997, c. 36, sbs. 53(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1348.

Report on the Employment Equity Act (Labour) for the year 2025, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, s. 20.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1349.

Report of the Canadian Museum of Nature, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1350.

Report of the National Gallery of Canada, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1351.

Report of the Canadian Museum of History, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1352.

Report of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1353.

Report of the National Museum of Science and Technology, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1354.

Report of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, together with the Auditor General’s Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1355.

Note of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, entitled Economic and Fiscal Outlook Assessment Note – Economic Impact of Recent Canada-U.S. Trade Measures, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-1356.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Special Senate Committee on the Building Canada Strong Act

The Honourable Senator Martel replaced the Honourable Senator Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador) (October 16, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Clement replaced the Honourable Senator Youance (October 16, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

The Honourable Senator Galvez replaced the Honourable Senator Moncion (October 20, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Pate replaced the Honourable Senator Youance (October 20, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Petitclerc was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (October 19, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Cardozo replaced the Honourable Senator Fridhandler (October 19, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Moncion replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (October 14, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Kingston replaced the Honourable Senator Clement (October 9, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The Honourable Senator Ravalia replaced the Honourable Senator Mohamed (October 9, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights

The Honourable Senator Arnot replaced the Honourable Senator Mohamed (October 20, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Mohamed replaced the Honourable Senator Arnot (October 19, 2026).

Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

The Honourable Senator Ataullahjan replaced the Honourable Senator MacDonald (October 15, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Oudar replaced the Honourable Senator Mohamed (October 9, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Poirier replaced the Honourable Senator Quinn (October 20, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

The Honourable Senator Oudar replaced the Honourable Senator Kingston (October 14, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs

The Honourable Senator Martel replaced the Honourable Senator Anderson (October 14, 2026).

Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament

The Honourable Senator Youance replaced the Honourable Senator Senior (October 20, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Senior replaced the Honourable Senator Youance (October 14, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology

The Honourable Senator McCallum replaced the Honourable Senator Anderson (October 15, 2026).