The Senate
Motion to Extend Sitting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, and Authorize Committees to Meet During Sitting of the Senate--Debate Adjourned
February 25, 2026
Pursuant to notice of February 12, 2026, moved:
That, notwithstanding the order adopted by the Senate on June 4, 2025, the sitting of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, continue beyond 4 p.m., if Government Business is not completed, and be adjourned at the later of the completion of Government Business or 4 p.m.; and
That committees of the Senate scheduled to meet on that day be authorized to meet after 4 p.m., even though the Senate may then be sitting, with rule 12-18(1) being suspended in relation thereto.
Honourable senators, I don’t rise often in this chamber, but on this one I must.
I object to this motion. I understand the urgency that you see in moving Bill C-4 forward. However, each and every one of us has a constitutional duty of providing sober second thought to government bills, and this is a government bill.
Even if we accept this motion to extend for two hours, most of us have a committee at 4:15 p.m., and, therefore, we would not be here to listen and maybe even intervene on crucial elements of this government bill, thus depriving us of our privilege of sober second thought. That’s very important.
One may say that committees can be cancelled or can move forward anyway. Well, if we move forward, we’re losing debates and arguments in regard to this government bill, and if committees do not go forward, we have to cancel witnesses who have been scheduled to meet. It’s a question of our credibility also.
With all due respect, Senator Moreau, more than 80% of the senators in this chamber are not in a partisan caucus. We are not whipped to vote. Therefore, it is very important for each and every one of us to listen to the debates on a government bill.
I hope, colleagues, that we are not going to be setting a precedent here. It’s crucial for the integrity of the institution and for our own personal integrity in regard to our mandate of sober second thought.
I don’t have a 15-minute speech, but I hope the few words I have said have registered. Thank you.
Honourable senators, I move adjournment of the debate.
All those in favour of the motion will please say “yea.”
Some Hon. Senators: Yea.
The Hon. the Speaker: All those opposed to the motion will please say “nay.”
Some Hon. Senators: Nay.
The Hon. the Speaker: In my opinion the “yeas” have it.
