Judges Act
Bill to Amend--Second Reading--Order Withdrawn
December 15, 2021
Honourable senators, I ask for leave that the order for second reading of Bill S-3 be discharged from the Order Paper and the bill withdrawn.
If you are opposed to leave, say “no.” So ordered.
Senator Batters, do you have a question?
Yes.
With leave of the Senate, can we revert to a question from Senator Batters? If you are opposed to leave, please say “no.”
Senator Batters, your question.
Thank you. Senator Gold, I just wanted to know what the reasoning was for the withdrawal of this particular bill.
I was the critic for the Judges Act in the spring when it was first brought in, and I raised the concern at the time that it did not have a Royal Recommendation and was being brought forward and introduced in the Senate. Is that the reason it’s being withdrawn at this point?
Thank you for your question. Although the government remains convinced that we had precedence on our side for introducing both Bill S-2 and Bill S-3, as we did with the appropriations clause given the statement of the Speaker in the other place, the Government of Canada decided the most efficient and responsible way to move Bill S-3, the Judges Act, forward is to introduce it as a C-bill with a Royal Recommendation in the House of Commons.
For clarity, Senator Gold is asking for leave to withdraw.
Is leave granted, honourable senators?
Hon Senators: Agreed.
(Order withdrawn.)
