Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Bill

Honourable senators,

I would like to briefly clarify a procedural point arising from recent proceedings.

I wish to note for the record that, under our practices, a senator who moves an amendment is deemed to have spoken both to the amendment and to the main motion.

As stated at page 90 of Senate Procedure in Practice:

A senator who moves an amendment is considered to have spoken to it as well as to the main motion, but all other senators — whether they have spoken to the main motion or not — can speak to the motion in amendment.

Accordingly, once the amendment was moved, Senator Mohamed was considered to have exercised her right to speak. In those circumstances, questions would not ordinarily be permitted.

Should honourable senators wish to ask questions in such a situation, leave of the Senate would be required.

We will now proceed with debate on the amendment.