Journals of the Senate
1st Session, 41st Parliament
Issue 139
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
2:00 p.m.
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Batters, Bellemare, Black, Boisvenu, Braley, Brown, Buth, Callbeck, Campbell, Carignan, Champagne, Chaput, Comeau, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, Dallaire, Dawson, De Bané, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Finley, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Gerstein, Greene, Harb, Hervieux-Payette, Hubley, Jaffer, Joyal, Kenny, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Merchant, Mitchell, Mockler, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oliver, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Runciman, Segal, Seidman, Seth, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Wells, White, Zimmer
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Batters, Bellemare, Black, Boisvenu, Braley, Brown, Buth, Callbeck, Campbell, Carignan, Champagne, Chaput, Comeau, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, Dallaire, Dawson, *Day, De Bané, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Duffy, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Finley, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Gerstein, Greene, Harb, Hervieux-Payette, Hubley, Jaffer, *Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, *Mercer, Merchant, Mitchell, Mockler, *Moore, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oliver, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Runciman, Segal, Seidman, Seth, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, Stratton, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Wallin, Watt, Wells, White, Zimmer
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
The Senate observed a minute of silence in memory of Corporal Donald Anguyoak, a Canadian Ranger, whose tragic death occurred February 19, 2013, during a training exercise near Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
SENATORS' STATEMENTS
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
Pursuant to rule 13-4(4), the Honourable Senator Cools gave notice that she would raise a question of privilege respecting the actions and words of a Library of Parliament Officer, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, as widely reported in last week's press, notably on Friday February 22, 2013.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Tabling of Documents
The Honourable Senator Carignan tabled the following:
Supplementary Estimates (C) 2012-2013.—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1494.
2013-2014 Estimates, Parts I and II: The Government Expenditure Plan and Main Estimates.—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1495.
Presenting or Tabling Reports from Standing or Special Committees
The Honourable Senator Wallin, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, presented its eighth report (Bill S-213, An Act respecting a national day of remembrance to honour Canadian veterans of the Korean War, without amendment).
The Honourable Senator Wallin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gerstein, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a third reading at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk, Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, presented its eighteenth report (Senate budget for 2013-2014).
(The report is printed as an appendix at pages 1943-1949 (available in print format PDF).)
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Stratton, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills — Third Reading
Third reading of Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Act.
The Honourable Senator Maltais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seth, that the bill be read the third time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the third time and passed.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, without amendment.
Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill C-53, An Act to assent to alterations in the law touching the Succession to the Throne.
The Honourable Senator LeBreton, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carignan, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C., that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 4 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill C-43, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The Honourable Senator Eaton moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Comeau, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Tardif, for the Honourable Senator Campbell, moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cowan, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013, with the exception of Parliament Vote 10 c.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk:
That the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in Parliament Vote 10 c of the Supplementary Estimates (C) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013; and
That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House accordingly.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Andreychuk:
That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, with the exception of Parliament Vote 10.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in Parliament Vote 10 of the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014; and
That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House accordingly.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commons Public Bills — Third Reading
Orders No. 1 to 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Senate Public Bills — Reports of Committees
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Senate Public Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 4 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Commons Public Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 6 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Runciman, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman, for the second reading of Bill C-370, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act (St. Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada).
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the second time.
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 8 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees — Other
Orders No. 1 to 4 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Orders No. 75 and 128 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Orders No. 44 and 35 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Runciman, calling the attention of the Senate to the need for improved mental health treatment for inmates, especially female inmates, in federal correctional institutions and the viability of providing such treatment through alternative service delivery options.
After debate,
Further debate on the inquiry was adjourned until the next sitting in the name of the Honourable Senator Carignan.
Orders No. 59, 45, 9 and 18 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Callbeck, calling the attention of the Senate to the importance of literacy, given that more than ever Canada requires increased knowledge and skills in order to maintain its global competitiveness and to increase its ability to respond to changing labour markets.
After debate,
Further debate on the inquiry was adjourned until the next sitting in the name of the Honourable Senator Lang.
Orders No. 60, 62, 50 and 40 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cowan, calling the attention of the Senate to the many contributions of Canadian universities and other post-secondary institutions, as well as research institutes, to Canadian innovation and research, and in particular, to those activities they undertake in partnership with the private and not-for-profit sectors, with financial support from domestic and international sources, for the benefit of Canadians and others the world over.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Segal moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Brown, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 3 and 56 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Callbeck, calling the attention of the Senate to the inequities of the Old Age Security Allowance for unattached, low-income seniors aged 60-64 years.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Hubley moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE
Pursuant to rule 13-6(1), the Senate proceeded to the consideration of the question of privilege of the Honourable Senator Cools, respecting the actions and words of a Library of Parliament Officer, the Parliamentary Budget Officer, as widely reported in last week's press, notably on Friday February 22, 2013.
After debate,
Pursuant to rule 2-5(1), the Speaker suspended the consideration of the question of privilege until the next sitting, in order to hear further arguments.
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7):
Report on the administration and operation of the Canada Health Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-6, s. 23.—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1486.
Report on the Annual Summary of Steel Import Permit Data for the year 2012, pursuant to the Export and Import Permits Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E-19, sbs. 5.1(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1487.
Summaries of the Corporate Plan for the period 2012-2013 to 2016-2017 and of the Capital and Operating Budgets for 2012-2013 of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1488.
Progress Report of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for the year 2012, pursuant to the Federal Sustainable Development Act, S.C. 2008, c. 33, sbs. 7(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1489.
Report of the Public Service Staffing Tribunal for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, pursuant to the Public Service Employment Act, S.C. 2003, c. 22, sbs. 110(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1490.
Report of the Commissioner of Competition for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, pursuant to the Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34, s. 127.—Sessional Paper No. 1/41-1491.
Report of the Canadian Wheat Board, together with the Auditors' Report, for the crop year ended July 31, 2012, pursuant to the Canadian Wheat Board (Interim Operations) Act, S.C. 2011, c. 25, sbs. 21(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/ 41-1492.
Report of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency for the year ended December 31, 2011, pursuant to the Farm Products Agencies Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-4, s. 30.—Sessional Paper No. 1/41- 1493.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Carignan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Poirier:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:57 p.m. the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.)
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples
The Honourable Senator Beyak replaced the Honourable Senator Marshall (February 21, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
The Honourable Senator Comeau replaced the Honourable Senator Buth (February 25, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Black replaced the Honourable Senator Smith (Saurel) (February 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Nancy Ruth replaced the Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen (February 21, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans
The Honourable Senator Stewart Olsen replaced the Honourable Senator Oliver (February 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Wells replaced the Honourable Senator Unger (February 21, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Honourable Senator Dawson replaced the Honourable Senator Campbell (February 14, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights
The Honourable Senator Oh replaced the Honourable Senator Marshall (February 21, 2013).
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Charette-Poulin replaced the Honourable Senator Fraser (February 14, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator Batters replaced the Honourable Senator Ngo (February 21, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator Black replaced the Honourable Senator Nancy Ruth (February 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Hervieux-Payette, P.C., replaced the Honourable Senator Moore (February 14, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence
The Honourable Senator Boisvenu replaced the Honourable Senator Lang (February 25, 2013).
Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations
The Honourable Senator Batters replaced the Honourable Senator Verner, P.C. (February 21, 2013).