Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
1st Session, 40th Parliament,
Volume 145, Issue 1
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
THE SENATE
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
FORTIETH PARLIAMENT
OPENING OF FIRST SESSION
Parliament having been summoned by proclamation to meet this day for the dispatch of business:
The Senate met at 9:30 a.m., the Speaker in the chair.
Prayers.
Communication from Government House
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following communication from Government House, which reads as follows:
RIDEAU HALL
November 14, 2008
Mr. Speaker
I am commanded to inform you that the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, in her capacity as Deputy of the Governor General, will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to open the First Session of the Fortieth Parliament of Canada at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the 18th day of November, 2008.
Yours sincerely,
Sheila-Marie Cook
Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
Business of the Senate
Hon. Gerald J. Comeau (Deputy Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, I would like to advise you that there have been consultations between both sides, and it has been agreed that a photographer be allowed on the floor of the Senate Chamber, when the Right Honourable Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General is present, to photograph the ceremony, with the least possible disruption of the event.
The Senate adjourned during pleasure.
(1000)
At 10 a.m. the sitting was resumed, and was then adjourned, pending the arrival of the Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General.
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General, having come to the Senate and being seated at the foot of the Throne,
The Hon. the Speaker commanded the Usher of the Black Rod to proceed to the House of Commons and acquaint that House that it is the desire of the Honourable the Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General that they attend her immediately in the Senate Chamber.
Who being come,
The Hon. the Speaker said:
Honourable Members of the Senate:
Members of the House of Commons:
I have it in command to let you know that Her Excellency the Governor General does not see fit to declare the causes of her summoning the present Parliament of Canada until the Speaker of the House of Commons shall have been chosen, according to law; but tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at the hour of 1:30 o'clock in the afternoon, Her Excellency will declare the causes of her calling Parliament.
The House of Commons withdrew.
The Honourable the Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General was pleased to retire.
(1020)
The sitting was resumed.
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform you that I have received a communication from Government House which reads as follows:
RIDEAU HALL
November 14, 2008
Mr. Speaker
I have the honour to inform you that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will arrive at the Peace Tower at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the 19th day of November, 2008.
When it has been indicated that all is in readiness, Her Excellency will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to formally open the First Session of the Fortieth Parliament of Canada.
Yours sincerely,
Sheila-Marie Cook
Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
[Translation]
Adjournment
Hon. Gerald J. Comeau (Deputy Leader of the Government) moved:
That the Senate now adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.
Motion agreed to.
The Senate adjourned to Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.