This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the man-made famine in which millions lost their lives in Ukraine, and also in parts of the North Caucasus, Kazakhstan and Russia.

American scholar and historian Robert Conquest described the staggering human toll in his book, The Harvest of Sorrow.

At the height of the famine/genocide of 1932-33, Ukrainian peasants were dying of hunger at the rate of 17 persons per minute, 1,000 persons per hour, and 25,000 persons per day, while the Soviet regime was dumping 1.7 million tons of grain on Western markets.

It is relatively recently that many of the facts surrounding the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide emerged from behind the Iron Curtain. We know, for example, that this fertile region had experienced better-than-usual yields, but Joseph Stalin was determined to destroy Ukrainians' aspirations for a free and independent Ukraine, and to finance rapid industrialization under his Five Year Plan.

His method was to collectivize the farms of the productive Kulak peasant landowners, to confiscate their produce for export, and to leave nothing for them to survive on themselves.

As Stalin is quoted as saying at the time: "Death solves all problems. No man, no problem."

I remind honourable senators that in 2003 the Senate of Canada unanimously passed a motion calling on the government to recognize the Ukrainian famine of 1932-33 as genocide.

Following the motion in this chamber, in 2008 we and our colleagues in the other place passed the Ukrainian Famine and Genocide ("Holodomor") Memorial Day Act. This act designated the fourth Saturday in November every year as Ukrainian Famine and Genocide ("Holodomor") Memorial Day.

Holodomor Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the millions of lives sacrificed to meet political ends and to reaffirm our resolve never to allow food to be used as a weapon again, and never to place politics ahead of human rights.

National Child Day

Hon. Terry M. Mercer: Honourable senators, today and on every November 20 we celebrate National Child Day. Each year, Senator Munson, and now Senator Martin, and I host events to commemorate the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

We all share in the common goal of promoting the rights and safety of our children and youth, but also in highlighting the potential they have in helping our society to become a better place.

We, along with Senator Kinsella, only hope that our continued efforts to highlight children and youth will provide examples to others that they can and do enrich our lives.

Honourable senators, on Friday we will be joined here in this chamber by 300 school children from across the National Capital Region. They will hear from Olympic athletes, Inuit throat singers and drummers, along with a young Afghanistan veteran. Our Senate pages will also be engaging with the children and youth on the Senate and the work we do here. It promises to be a great event.

Tomorrow, we'll be hosting a parliamentary breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Senate foyer for community stakeholders and educators to ensure that we all are working together to promote children and youth. I encourage you all to attend that event.

Honourable senators, there's a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but sometimes it may take the children to raise a village. That is Mamadou Wade, a young inner-city Haligonian who is part of Hope Blooms, the group I spoke to you about two weeks ago. He, along with five of his friends and their four adult mentors, appeared on Dragon's Den last week. The deal they were asking for was $10,000 in exchange for 5 per cent of the royalties until it was paid back, and did they ever get a deal.

Four of the dragons gave the group a total of $40,000, with no requirement to pay it back at all. They're also going to promote Hope Blooms across the country, sharing the idea in order to help others understand that they can make their communities a better place to live and grow up in.

Hope Blooms will now be able to expand their inner-city community garden by building a greenhouse to grow their business by producing and selling organic salad dressings year round. The proceeds go toward a scholarship fund to help at-risk youth and community development.

Honourable senators, these young people have shown us that the impact you can have on others will only happen if you actively take part, regardless of your age. So on this National Child Day, I congratulate Hope Blooms and hope that more young people across the country are inspired by them.

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." That's the Hope Blooms motto.

I can't think of a better way to express just how much children and youth can change our world than that.

Hockey Canada Week

Hon. Jacques Demers: Great job, Senator Mercer. You mentioned the kids. As a father of eight grandchildren and four children, I visited different schools in the last month, and next week I will talk about that, but a really great job.

I want to follow up on the great Senator Frank Mahovlich, the Hall of Fame. Last week we had Hockey Week. It's not because of the pros. It is basically to follow up on the young kids of today, so I will start this speech by saying that last week, Hockey Week in Canada, the Canadian Hockey Association yearly celebrates our beloved sport. Each year, Canadians from coast to coast rejoice at the start of hockey season for the kids. Always talk about the kids.

Kids happily retrieve their skates and head to local arenas. Families huddle around the television to sit and watch their favourite team, certainly the NHL, junior or American Hockey League teams. Neighbours smile at the sound of children yelling "cars." Those who played in the street and still play in the street know sometimes you yell "cars" so you can move the nets away, but it's always great to see those kids having fun without causing any problems in the streets.

[Translation]

Canadians do not just love hockey. They are pros. Fifty-two per cent of National Hockey League players come from Quebec; they are Canadian. It is a source of pride, not only for hockey fans but also for young minor league players. Every year, these minor league players have a multitude of professional hockey players that they can identify with. These players speak their language. They come from their communities. They have had to make many sacrifices.

(1340)

[English]

They have had to make so many sacrifices, especially parents who are poor and have no money to buy equipment.

[Translation]

They overcame similar obstacles to achieve their dream. These athletes serve as an example for our young people and show them that it is possible for a young boy from Richelieu or a young girl from Saint-Jean to have a career in professional hockey. I had the opportunity to know Vincent Lecavalier, Steve Yzerman and Doug Gilmour.

[English]

Senator Raine was an example. I don't always believe that athletes should set examples because some of them screw up more, but the three names I just mentioned, including Senator Raine, I believe are classy, and we should look at those people.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Demers: However, more and more kids are signing up for sports such as soccer rather than hockey these days. The reason: The price is so high — $740 for young hockey players; soccer is $160. That's why we see fewer and fewer boys and girls in Canada playing hockey.

The fear of head injuries and concussion has become such a major problem for parents. We have not talked about it much before, so I think it's about time we do talk about it. Ten or twenty years ago, when kids got a head injury, we would say, "Just go out and play hockey and you'll be okay. You will have a headache for a day or two."

In the spirit of this new hockey season, we all have to reflect upon solutions to help reduce the cost of signing children up for their sport and to eliminate the risk of severe head injuries.

Thank you very much. Hopefully parents and grandparents will keep encouraging our young kids to participate. It's a healthy situation.

[Translation]

National Child Day

Hon. Céline Hervieux-Payette: Honourable senators, I have the pleasure of drawing your attention to the fact that today, November 20, is National Child Day.

National Child Day was proclaimed by the Government of Canada on March 19, 1993, in order to commemorate two historic events focusing on children: the United Nations' adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

The purpose of this day is to remind us that children are people in their own right, human beings who have a right to their physical integrity and many other rights, which must be protected by the government as they would be for any other Canadian.

[English]

Two months ago, Honduras followed the path of modern principle and wisdom when it banned child-rearing violence. It has become the fourth Latin America country to officially state that violence as a form of discipline is not acceptable under any circumstances. It is the sixth country in three years, the sixteenth country in six years and the thirty-fourth country since Sweden, which first led the charge in 1979, to recognize that the best way to exercise authority is to do so without using violence, smacks, spanking or humiliation.

[Translation]

Protecting children and future generations is more than just protecting victims. It begins with protecting children before they become victims. It begins with recognizing children as people in their own right and not as the property of their parents.

[English]

No, colleagues, parents do not always know best when it comes to educating their children. We didn't go to university to become a parent. Those who think that pain will dissuade children from repeating some particular behaviour obviously do not understand psychological conditions like perseveration. This condition, common in children from three to six years old, can trap a child in a thought pattern, making him or her unresponsive to parental authority. Something that has a psychological root is interpreted as a temper tantrum or bad conduct by parents who do not know about the condition of young siblings.

That is why National Child Day should also be a time to remind parents of how complex child development is, how fragile it is, and how we all have a lot to learn in this area.

[Translation]

I hope that Canada will quickly follow in the footsteps of Honduras and the other 33 countries by repealing section 43 of the Criminal Code, thereby prohibiting child-rearing violence, and by helping parents to have a better understanding of the crucial stages of children's development.

Senator Demers, I would like to mention that one of my assistants lost her son after he suffered multiple concussions at a hockey camp. He died at the age of 19. He dreamed of being a great hockey player, but he died as a result of all his injuries.

It is quite emotional to speak about this. I can tell you that it was a traumatic experience for the family, and they also had to spend an unbelievable amount of money.

Senator Demers: Thank you for talking to us about this, senator.

[English]

Ms. Lynn Coady

Congratulations on Winning Giller Prize

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald: Honourable senators, on the evening of Tuesday, November 5, 2013, writer Lynn Coady won the $50,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize for the best book of Canadian fiction.

Hellgoing, her collection of short stories, was a follow-up to her novel The Antagonist, which was a Giller finalist in 2011. The newspapers referred to her as an Edmonton writer. Jian Ghomeshi, who hosted the awards, informed us that she is actually from many places.

Let us set the record straight: Lynn Coady is a Cape Bretoner. She was born and raised in Port Hawkesbury, on the God-fearing side of the Strait of Canso, which separates Cape Breton Island from the heathen mainland of North America.

The Coadys are long established in Cape Breton and associated traditionally with Inverness County. In the 1820s and 1830s, four Coady brothers from Tipperary, Ireland — Martin, John, Peter and James — settled near present-day southwest Margaree, in the beautiful Margaree Valley.

Although three of the four brothers drowned together, many years later, while fishing on Margaree Harbour, they had by then large families that left a lasting influence.

Lynn's 84-year-old father, Jim, is from southwest Margaree, and grew up as a close neighbour of my 87-year-old mother-in- law, Alice Gillis, and both of them, I'm pleased to say, are in great health.

My own children are direct descendants of two of these four Coady brothers through their Grandmother Gillis.

The Coadys have produced many accomplished people, such as the Reverend Moses Coady, the leader of the Antigonish Movement. The world-renowned Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish is named in his honour.

In this regard, Lynn Coady continues the pursuit of excellence and accomplishment that Cape Bretoners have come to expect from the extended Coady family.

I have known Lynn Coady for many years now. Her parents, Jim and Phyllis, have lived directly across the street from me for 13 years. Lynn comes home every year to visit her parents. She is a lovely and intelligent person, unassuming and unpretentious, but completely committed to her craft and profession.

When Jim and Phyllis became my neighbours, I, of course, became familiar with all of their family. Lynn has three brothers. Jim would say about Lynn — or Lynnie, as he always calls her — "She wants to be a writer. I don't know if she can make any money with it, but that's what she wants to do."

Jim, the verdict is in: Lynn Coady has not only proven herself to be one of Canada's finest writers, but she's a commercial success as well. Jim and Phyllis can be proud of their daughter's accomplishment in winning the Giller Prize.

On behalf of all Cape Bretoners and Nova Scotians and all Canadians who appreciate great writing, I pay tribute to Lynn Coady for winning the 2013 Giller Prize and wish her continued success in her chosen field.

[Translation]

Visitors in the Gallery

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw to your attention the presence in our gallery of members of the Saint-Eustache Kiwanis Club. They are guests of the Honourable Senator Carignan.

On behalf of all senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

[English]

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

Report Pursuant to Rule 12-26(2) Tabled

Hon. Richard Neufeld: Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 12-26(2) of the Rules of the Senate, I have the honour to table the first report of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, which deals with the expenses incurred by the committee during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament.

(For text of report, see today's Journals of the Senate, p. 197.)

Fisheries and Oceans

Report Pursuant to Rule 12-26(2) Tabled

Hon. Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 12-26(2) of the Rules of the Senate, I have the honour to table the first report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, which deals with the expenses incurred by the committee during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament.

(For text of report, see today's Journals of the Senate, p. 198.)

Committee of Selection

Third Report of Committee Adopted

Hon. Elizabeth (Beth) Marshall, Chair of the Committee of Selection, presented the following report:

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Committee of Selection has the honour to present its

THIRD REPORT

Your committee wishes to inform the Senate that it nominates the Honourable Senator Nolin as Speaker pro tempore.

Respectfully submitted,

ELIZABETH MARSHALL
Chair

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this report be taken into consideration?

Senator Marshall: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(f), I move that the report be adopted now.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to and report adopted.)

(1350)

[Translation]

Agriculture and Forestry

Report Pursuant to Rule 12-26(2) Tabled

Hon. Percy Mockler: Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 12- 26(2) of the Rules of the Senate, I have the honour to table the first report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, which deals with the expenses incurred by the committee during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament.

(For text of report, see today's Journals of the Senate, p. 200.)

Criminal Code

Bill to Amend—First Reading

Hon. Pierrette Ringuette introduced Bill S-210, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal interest rate).

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Ringuette, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

[English]

Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group

Annual Meeting of the Western Governors' Association, June 28 to 30, 2013—Report Tabled

Hon. Janis G. Johnson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian parliamentary delegation of the Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Western Governors' Association, held in Park City, Utah, United States of America, from June 28 to 30, 2013.

Annual Meeting of the Council of States Governments Midwestern Legislative Conference, July 14-17, 2013—Report Tabled

Hon. Janis G. Johnson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian parliamentary delegation of the Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the Sixty- eighth Annual Meeting of the Council of States Governments Midwestern Legislative Conference, held in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America, from July 14 to 17, 2013.

Annual Meeting of the National Governors Association, August 1-4, 2013—Report Tabled

Hon. Janis G. Johnson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian parliamentary delegation of the Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the National Governors Association, held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America, from August 1 to 4, 2013.

Annual Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures, August 12-15, 2013—Report Tabled

Hon. Janis G. Johnson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian parliamentary delegation of the Canada-United States Inter- Parliamentary Group respecting its participation at the Annual Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures, held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, from August 12 to 15, 2013.

[Translation]

Agriculture and Forestry

Notice of Motion to Authorize Committee to Study Importance of Bees and Bee health in the Production of Honey, Food and Seed

Hon. Percy Mockler: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry be authorized to examine and report on the importance of bees and bee health in the production of honey, food and seed in Canada. In particular, the Committee shall be authorized to examine this topic within the context of:

(a) the importance of bees in pollination to produce food, especially fruit and vegetables, seed for crop production and honey production in Canada;

(b) the current state of native pollinators, leafcutter and honey bees in Canada;

(c) the factors affecting honey bee health, including disease, parasites and pesticides in Canada and globally; and

(d) strategies for governments, producers and industry to ensure bee health.

That the Committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2014 and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.

[English]

QUESTION PERIOD

Public Works and Government Services

National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy

Hon. Terry M. Mercer: Honourable senators, first it was planes and now it's ships. The government's highly publicized shipbuilding program was rolled out to much fanfare in October of 2011, two whole years ago, and we still have no ships. Now the Auditor General is saying that the funding the federal government has planned will not be enough.

Would the Leader of the Government kindly tell us when the Prime Minister and his growing-old government will start being honest with Canadians about budgetary numbers so we can get on with the plan to build new ships for our navy?

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, I would not comment on any rumours or points that the opposition may raise and that are not established facts.

Do I need to remind my colleague of what has been called the Liberals' "decade of darkness"? Unlike the Liberal government in the decade of darkness, our government is committed to providing the men and women who serve our country — especially in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard — with the equipment they need, while getting the best value for taxpayers' dollars.

According to industry analysts, building these ships in Canada will create 15,000 jobs across the country, with over $2 billion in annual economic spinoffs for 30 whole years, Senator Mercer.

[English]

Senator Mercer: In late 2015, when the election is over and we have a new government in this country, we can talk about the seven or eight or nine years of Conservative government and the fact that promises were made but never kept, promises made for planes, promises made. They can't even buy a truck, these people. Trucks and planes and ships, and nothing's done.

Honourable senators, the F-35 Stealth Fighter project is delayed, or is it dead? No one seems to be talking about it. I can only guess why. Now there's not enough money for the new naval ships. So I see two options: scale back the project or inject more money.

Does the leader believe that the Minister of Finance can still ensure a balanced budget in 2015 with such a budget shortfall for the shipbuilding program?

[Translation]

Senator Carignan: Senator Mercer wants us to comment on an Auditor General's report that has not been presented or released yet. When this report is published we will be happy to comment on it. I think he would not want anyone to comment on the Auditor General's report on Senate spending before it is drafted either. We should show the same kind of respect here.

I would remind you once again that the government's position is that we will provide the men and women serving in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard with the equipment they need and make up for the 10 years of Liberal darkness.

(1400)

[English]

Senator Mercer: It's really difficult to take the Leader of the Government in the Senate seriously here. He keeps talking about a commitment to the military — they can't buy trucks.

Our good friend Senator Forrestall used to stand up Question Period after Question Period, probably right in this seat, to ask our government about the Sea King helicopters. The commitment of this government when they were elected was that they were going to replace the Sea Kings — nothing. The order is in limbo. They have four helicopters sitting in a hangar at CFB Shearwater which they're not allowed to touch; our military people are not allowed to touch them. They're in the hands of the company that provided them because they don't meet the requirements, because these guys cannot buy.

Listen, I'm surprised that we've got toilet paper in the washrooms around here, Mr. Speaker, the way these guys do procurement.

I want you to remember this, leader: We are talking about thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in local communities. You and your Conservative friends in the government think you know how to create jobs and save money. Well, let's get on with it. Halifax is waiting, leader. Canada's navy is waiting. When can we expect new ships?

[Translation]

Senator Carignan: The people of Halifax would be better off with a Conservative government than a Liberal government, because if they get a Liberal government, they can be sure that there will be no equipment and no contracts awarded. You also mentioned the Sikorsky helicopters. Need I remind you that it was the previous Liberal government that awarded the contract for that helicopter, and that we are still waiting for them to be delivered in accordance with the contract?

Our commitments are clear regarding the ship procurement program. We want to ensure that the men and women who serve in the Canadian Navy have the materiel they need to do their job.

I know that Senator Mercer does not like success and does not like when our government leads the pack when it comes to the economy, within the G7 for example. However, according to industry analysts, this national contract will contribute $2 billion in annual economic benefits and create 15,000 jobs.

Hon. Céline Hervieux-Payette: Mr. Speaker, perhaps my colleague was still a young lawyer when the frigate contracts were awarded by the previous Conservative government. At that time, the cost for the frigates was $300 million each. Shall I remind my colleague that, by the end, the cost was up to over $900 million each?

I was working for a private firm that won some subcontracts. Of course there were many contract employees working on those projects who were paid a small amount of money by the federal government because there were some change orders. A small amount of money was paid as reimbursement for professional services rendered.

Does my colleague really think that we can feel reassured today regarding the government's calculation, knowing that the Parliamentary Budget Officer, who monitors our expenses, was the first to have challenged the figures? How can we believe the figure you quoted regarding the number of jobs? As for your action plan, I think one day you might be forced to choose between a balanced budget and keeping your promises.

Senator Carignan: I do not know if I was a lawyer at that point or if I was the mayor of Saint-Eustache, the most beautiful city in Canada — sorry, I could not resist — but I have to say that the current calculation method is consistent with the Auditor General's projections and takes into account more than just the acquisition cost. Calculations also include maintenance and repair costs for the lifespan of the equipment purchased. That is the new way of calculating costs. If that method had been used in the past, our finances would likely be in even better shape than they are right now.

Senator Hervieux-Payette: I would like to make a small correction. You are talking about the era when Brian Mulroney's government was in power, and I was talking about construction costs. I agree that we have to include the maintenance costs and ensure that we know the lifespan of the equipment. We have F-16s that have surely earned their keep.

Whether we are talking about today's frigates or frigates from 25 years ago, the cost tripled during construction, not during operation, but during construction. That is why I am saying that we cannot do both. We cannot eliminate the deficit and spend billions on equipment. At some point, the lies need to stop and the truth needs to come out. It needs to be said: "You cannot have it because we want to balance the budget."

Senator Carignan: As always, I will tell the truth. I know that the senators opposite do not like to hear these numbers, but this will create $2 billion in annual economic spinoffs and 15,000 jobs across the country for the next 30 years, according to industry analysts. I will have relinquished this position by then.

[English]

Public Safety

Bullying Prevention

Hon. David P. Smith: Honourable colleagues, I apologize for my raw voice, but I do want to ask a question on anti-bullying.

Today we mark anti-bullying week. The Conservative government is unveiling an anti-cyberbullying bill that only begins to deal with the problem. It is a first step, but, as we have seen over and over again with this government, the approach is to punish the crime instead of trying to prevent it. This is a complex issue.

Canada is ninth in the world of the highest rate of bullying in the 13-year-old category. On a scale of 35 developed countries, we are number 9.

Everyone is a loser in bullying. Kids who bully have been shown to have higher rates of substance abuse, aggressive behaviour and poor academic achievement.

Will the government take a larger leadership role and try and address the root causes of bullying rather than just stronger sentences? Canadian children and their families really deserve better.

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): I imagine that you are anticipating the introduction of a bill on cyberbullying. As you know, our government cares about the health and safety of Canadians, especially children. There have been sad cases involving children, and I do not wish to repeat the names of the victims. Our government has been very clear: it will do whatever it takes to stamp out cyberbullying.

In recent months, the Senate prepared a report and made recommendations to prevent cyberbullying. You can rest assured that all means at our disposal are being taken to prevent this type of crime. This could include prison sentences, senator, because cyberbullying is a crime and is punished with prison sentences.

[English]

Children and Youth

Hon. Jim Munson: I have a supplementary for the government leader. Senator Smith is correct when it comes to bullying. This is Bullying Awareness Week, but today is also National Child Day.

Every November 20 in this country we recognize National Child Day in honour of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Senator Martin, myself and Senator Mercer will be hosting an event at the end of the week, as we usually do.

(1410)

Our very own Human Rights Committee, which was chaired at that time by Senator Andreychuk, recommended the creation of a federal interdepartmental implementation working group for children to coordinate the Government of Canada's activities, legislation and policy as they relate to children and youth.

In November 2005, the committee also proposed the establishment of a children's commissioner for Canada. That was shortly before your government took office eight years ago. Absolutely nothing has happened in this regard, yet this came from the Human Rights Committee chaired by my good friend Senator Andreychuk. Neither recommendation has been implemented and we are no closer to having a cohesive strategy to protect Canada's children and youth.

Therefore, Mr. Leader, on National Child Day will you undertake, on behalf of your government, to implement these recommendations? Will Canada's children and youth finally see the leadership they deserve from the Government of Canada?

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): The bill that will be introduced in the coming hours or days will be a clear and effective response. I hope that the opposition will fully support this bill.

Honourable senators, need I remind you that when it comes to the National Crime Prevention Strategy, our government has allocated as much as $10 million for new crime prevention programs, including anti-bullying programs at schools? Our government has supported a number of awareness campaigns.

A number of tangible measures have been taken, and I think the bill that will be introduced in the coming days will support these efforts to combat cyberbullying. I hope you will stand with us and vote in favour of this bill.

[English]

Senator Munson: With all due respect, honourable senators, this question had nothing to do with crime. This question had a vague reference to the anti-bullying campaign but the question I asked you, Mr. Leader, wasn't about crime.

Every time there's an answer in this place it's always about crime, crime, crime. Well, today, from my perspective, it's about youth, youth, youth.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Senator Munson: If you can't answer the question I asked, would you agree that your colleague who sits beside you, Senator Andreychuk, and her committee at that time were right in asking to have the implementation of a children's commissioner for this country, and also that there be this federal implementation working group for children to coordinate the Government of Canada's activities vis-à-vis legislation, at least for the Aboriginal youth of this country if you can't think of the other youth?

Here is a proposal that came out of this Senate and came from a chair from your side. I'm not talking about crime; I'm not talking about bullying; I'm talking about children and their place in our society.

[Translation]

Senator Carignan: Senator Munson, you know that all the Senate reports are studied when government policy is being drafted, whether we are talking about policies and programs or passing or drafting bills.

Need I remind you that in the case of cyberbullying in particular, tangible measures are just as important? We want to do something tangible to stop cyberbullying.

[English]

Transgender Bullying

Hon. Grant Mitchell: Colleagues, yesterday was Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance is held each year in order to commemorate the deaths of transgender people who have been murdered simply because they were being who they are. It also draws attention to the fact that that community, more broadly, undergoes horrific bullying — frequently psychological and frequently extremely violent.

We know that the bill on transgender rights died on the Order Paper without coming to a vote in June. It's back now with another chance. I wonder whether the new leader in the Senate might consider that there is a direct relationship between the failure of our society to recognize the rights of transgender people and the kind of bullying to which they are subjected?

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): Senator Mitchell, regardless of the motive behind cyberbullying, it is a crime that must be punished. We want to do something tangible to ensure that the people who commit this type of crime are punished. As I mentioned earlier, in the coming hours or days, a bill will be introduced to prevent cyberbullying, and we hope to have the support of the opposition in our efforts to prevent cyberbullying, regardless of the motives behind it.

Prime Minister's Office

Relationship to Senate

Hon. Dennis Dawson: Speaking of bullying, in the documents that were tabled today, I see letters to the Prime Minister's Office from Nigel Wright and Johan McNamara. I take that personally because in one of the documents — I had to translate these documents myself because they are not in both official languages. As you know, leader, bilingualism is still a problem in Ottawa.

[English]

There are Senate committee reports that call on the government to lower airport rents. He was saying, "Isn't it awful, they've lost control of the Senate committees," because we even have committees that talk about airport rents and create national pharmacare — oh, my God, Senate committees are studying that.

In the spirit of the question on intimidation, when these documents become public — Madam Senator, I'm seeing you smile because, as you know, they talk about you in those documents, too — how much intimidation can the Leader of the Government in the Senate take from the Prime Minister's Office?

Senator Mercer: When is he going to say no?

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): What Senator Duffy and Mr. Wright did was inappropriate. As you know, Senator Duffy has been suspended without pay.

You abstained from voting on this issue, and you are among the seven or eight senators who respected your leader's whip with regard to abstention. This morning, a survey showed that 88 per cent of Quebecers agreed that the senators deserved to be suspended without pay. With regard to Mr. Wright, he no longer works for the government.

With regard to the authorities' request, our government has responded fully and freely to all requests for assistance, and we provided all the documents in our possession that were requested. The government's policy is to support the investigations in this case

Senator Dawson: The leader is changing the subject, something that is done all the time in the other place. That being said, I am not ashamed that I abstained from voting. I assure you that, as I said that night, I believe that the situation was a travesty of justice on the part of your government and that the offences created by senators on that side did not deserve to be ratified by a vote that would give them credence.

That being said, I would like to get back to the topic of bullying. The Prime Minister's Office wrote the following:

[English]

It was quickly apparent that Senator LeBreton's office had little influence over what other Senators did and said. . .

[Translation]

The Prime Minister's Office is telling the leader that he should control his senators. These days, on both sides of the chamber, we are debating the notion that senators should have more independence.

When the Prime Minister's Office indicates that the report adopted by Conservatives and Liberals on airport rents means that, today, 5 million Canadians travel outside Canada by plane, it is completely legitimate for the Senate to examine this issue.

Does the Leader of the Government in the Senate think that the Prime Minister's Office should tell him what topics senators have the right to study and what rules they should follow if they do study those topics?

Excuse me, leader: don't change the subject; answer the question.

(1420)

Senator Carignan: Again, I will not comment on documents that are under investigation. The documents and all the information have been handed over to the authorities.

Speaking of control, could you tell your leader that when he goes to elementary schools and talks to elementary schoolchildren and Aboriginal youth, he should refrain from telling them that it is cool to smoke pot? You are the one who should be having a word with your leader.

Senator Dawson: Leader, with all due respect, I would suggest that you stick to your notes. Your written notes are better than your off-the-cuff remarks.

Instead of attacking our leader, you might want to talk about the Prime Minister's fishing buddies. Frankly, leader, do not attack our leader when your own is in hot water.

I would like you to tell this chamber whether, like your predecessor, you receive orders from the Prime Minister's Office to say such things.

Senator Carignan: Senator Dawson, again, control your leader and tell him not to speak. When he does speak he should be telling elementary schoolchildren that smoking pot is completely unacceptable.

I urge you to have those discussions. If it is healthy for a leader to have discussions with his caucus, then it should go both ways. You should have a serious talk with him.

Senator Dallaire: The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Hon. Joan Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Before we change the subject, I can say that on this side, we are proud of our leader and especially of the fact that he is not ashamed to tell the truth when he is asked an honest question.

[English]

Public Safety

Correctional Service of Canada—Self-injury of Prisoners

Hon. Joan Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, the subject I actually wanted to raise has to do with the deplorable conditions in Canada's prisons and particularly in connection with cases of self-injury. It is now more than six years since Ashley Smith died. As we know, her terrible death, her tragic death, resulted from repeated and finally fatal cases of self-injury.

In the last five years, the incidence of self-injury in Canada's prisons has more than tripled. Unbelievably, the inquest on Ashley Smith's death continues. Last month, the Commissioner of the Correctional Service, having resisted mightily, eventually did appear before the inquest. He was at pains to say to the jurors, "You can make practical recommendations, but don't bother making any sort of wide-ranging recommendations to solve these problems because," he said, "there's no free pot of money that we can use to implement some of these things."

But there is a free pot of money. The Parliamentary Budget Officer tells us that for the past three years, this government has failed to spend $10 billion a year that had been budgeted. That money just doesn't get spent. Why not, pray, divert some of that money into the correctional system to help these people — mostly women, mostly young people and particularly Aboriginal women — and to help treat them so that they do not engage in the kind of self-injury that eventually killed Ashley Smith?

[Translation]

Hon. Claude Carignan (Leader of the Government): It is always amusing to listen to opposition members. They criticize us for not spending all the money that was budgeted, but if we had spent more, they would have criticized us for that.

The case you mentioned is obviously a very sad one. Our thoughts go out to the families, especially the family of Ms. Smith.

The government ordered Correctional Service Canada to fully cooperate with the coroner's investigation. Our government takes mental health in our prisons very seriously. Since 2006, we have improved access to mental health treatment in prison and improved training for correctional officers; sped up mental health screening; created a mental health screening strategy for prisoners; expanded mental health counselling; and improved personnel training. We have allocated additional resources to ensure that all prisoners are given a mental health assessment in the first 60 days of their sentence.

Prisons are not the ideal place to treat mental illness. We will continue to work with our provincial partners to keep our communities safe and to provide access to treatment for those who need it.

[English]

Delayed Answer to Oral Question

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Government): Honourable senators, I have the honour to present a response to an oral question raised in the Senate on October 28, 2013, by the Honourable Senator Catherine S. Callbeck regarding industry tourism.

Industry

Canadian Tourism Commission

(Response to question raised by Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck on October 28, 2013)

The Government of Canada recognizes that tourism is an important contributor to the Canadian economy. In particular, visitor spending in Canada contributes to the creation of jobs and to supporting the dynamism of local economies. In fact, tourism revenues in Canada have never been higher. Visitor spending on things like hotels, restaurants, and entertainment has grown to reach an unprecedented $81.7 billion last year alone.

Federal government support for tourism is provided through different ways. For example, Budget 2013 supports Canada's tourism industry through new funding for infrastructure (over $10 billion in investments in federal public infrastructure assets such as ports, railways, bridges and highways that pass through national parks) and for enhancing visa processing for visitors, workers and students ($42 million over two years, starting 2013-2014).

The Federal government is not working alone in promoting Canada as a premier tourism destination. Through the Federal Tourism Strategy (FTS) launched in 2011, the government is working to enhance its role as an effective partner with industry and other levels of government in support of tourism as an internationally competitive sector. The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) has an important role to play in this effort, by helping to build international awareness of Canada as a premier tourism destination.

The Federal government has taken a responsible fiscal management approach to return to balanced budgets by 2015. Within this government-wide approach, the CTC is working to find efficiencies and savings by adjusting activities to focus resources on markets of strategic importance to Canada's tourism industry.

With programs and services that support tourism, a talented national marketing organization in the CTC, one of the best tourism brands in the world, and unprecedented tourism revenues in 2012, our government is positioning itself as an effective partner for the tourism sector to prosper going forward.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Coastal Fisheries Protection Act

Bill to Amend—Second Reading

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Manning, seconded by the Honourable Senator Neufeld, for the second reading of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act.

Hon. George Baker: Mr. Speaker, I have just a couple of comments because Senator Manning addressed this question two days ago in this place very adequately. Senator Manning gave an excellent presentation to the Senate, explaining the exact purpose of the legislation and outlining the fact that we have already dealt with this in this chamber at second reading in a previous sitting. Also, we dealt with it in committee as well.

Before I reference more of what he said, I want to point out to senators that this morning I did a check to find out how many times the Senate was referred to by the Supreme Court of Canada versus House of Commons committees. Senator Manning is Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. I went back 90 days.

In the past 30 days, Senate committees were referenced on October 18, 2013, by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2013 SCC 53, Cuthbertson v. Rasouli, in which they referenced and quoted from a Senate committee report called Of Life and Death: Report of the Special Senate Committee on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.

That was the only reference to a committee on Parliament Hill in the last 30 days by the Supreme Court of Canada, so I then went back to the previous 30 days, and I discovered again a Senate committee referenced by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2013 SCC 36, Agraira v. Canada. The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology was referenced, their most recent report here in the Senate. The Supreme Court of Canada referenced it, Mr. Speaker, because it was contained in the factum of the Government of Canada in presenting their case. I repeat: In the factum of the Government of Canada, they referenced the Senate committee and, of course, there is no reference to any House of Commons committee during that entire period of time, that 30 to 60 days ago.

(1430)

Then I went back 90 days, and I found again the Supreme Court of Canada not referencing the House of Commons, Mr. Speaker — no reference whatsoever, taking no information at all from any committee of the House of Commons or the House of Commons or any speech in the House of Commons, but I noticed in 2013 SCC 6, the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, their March 1, 2011 report, and also another case referencing the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce.

I mention that, Mr. Speaker, just to point once again to the continued reference of the Senate committees and the work that Senate committees do, and no reference whatsoever to the House of Commons committees and the work that they do. That's not to say they're not doing a good job, Mr. Speaker; it's just that the Senate does a much better job on legislation and on investigating matters that pertain to Canadian society.

Before I leave that subject, I would like to say what a marvelous job a senator did before the Supreme Court of Canada last week in defending the —

Hon. Serge Joyal: On a point of order, I would like to ask the honourable senator — and I don't question the good intention that motivates him to refer to the audience that took place at the Supreme Court last week, but I think that in all deference and respect for the court during the deliberative process that the court is engaged in, I would prefer that we make no reference to that in this chamber at that stage.

Senator Baker: I agree, Mr. Speaker. I wasn't going to reference his intelligent commentary or his argument at all. That was not my purpose. It was simply to say how much I enjoyed watching him on television, and the fact that I still can't figure out how he got away with going overtime to such a degree without being called to order — yes, double the normal time. You are normally cut off. At 14 minutes, one of the Justices says, "Now you have one minute left." I was looking at the clock; it was 20 minutes, 25 minutes. That was what I was going to reference.

Senator Mercer: But you won't do that.

Senator Baker: No, I won't do that.

Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I don't think there's any need for me to go into this. This is a good move by the Government of Canada. It's a move, as Senator Manning said, to try to stop illegal fishing and fishing outside the 200-mile limit.

We have an expert in our Senate chamber on fishing in what we call the NAFO zone, and that is Senator Wells. He's an expert on that subject. He has served on many committees in the past, and he's going to be of great benefit to the Fisheries Committee in their hearings.

I might say, Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of those senators who are interested in the subject, there is one case of the Federal Court of Appeal that utilized this act, the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, in prosecuting foreign fishing. There was one decision and, coincidentally, the person who made the decision was Mr. Nadon. It's an excellent read ± it goes for about 80 pages ± it's from 2007, and it involves a case where the RCMP and our Coast Guard chased a foreign vessel halfway across the Atlantic Ocean because they had evidence that they had fished illegally. The RCMP had climbed up the side of the vessel, the vessel cut the ropes, and the RCMP officers went into the water. Then they fired some 20 or 30 shots across the bow of the vessel and it eventually stopped and they escorted it into port with machine guns on board by the boarding party. The issue before the Federal Court of Appeal was that the RCMP had used unnecessary force in bringing them to port.

The judgment of the Court of Appeal was a classic judgment, with Justice Nadon making the decision. I don't know why he's leaving the Federal Court of Appeal; he was doing such a great job there. His decision was that, in fact, the RCMP were perfectly within their rights within this Coastal Fisheries Protection Act to do exactly what they did. In case you're interested in the case, it's called Hijos, in the Federal Court of Appeal, 2007.

In closing, let me again congratulate the Government of Canada on one further initiative that I hope they are making. I serve on the Fisheries Committee. This bill is about catching pirates. That's basically what it is, catching pirates on the high seas. These people fish for billions of dollars, apparently. That's what we're told in Senator Manning's speech, and it's correct, so it's a very big issue.

The reason I'd like to congratulate the Government of Canada is that they're about to do something in the next two weeks that will be instrumental in enforcing Canada's jurisdiction over our continental shelf. We ratified the law of the sea on November 6, 2003. Under the law of the sea, as you know, Mr. Speaker, you have 10 years from the time of ratification if you wish to extend your jurisdiction out to 350 miles. It's presently at 200 miles. We went to 200 miles in 1978. I was a parliamentary secretary at the time to the Honourable Roméo LeBlanc and I had to go to Russia and tell them we were extending our jurisdiction. It wasn't a very happy trip.

So now it's at 200 miles, and we had 10 years to put an application in to extend our jurisdiction.

On November 6, when the 10 years were up — I was given information, because I was inquiring — the UN had agreed to a 30-day extension.

Senator Fraser: After 10 years?

Senator Baker: After 10 years. So we're into the final weeks of the 30-day extension. That means that Canada has to go to the UN, to the committee on the outer limits of the continental shelf. In case anybody is interested, it is Article 76 of UNCLOS, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Government of Canada will be applying to extend its jurisdiction to include this entire area that Mr. Manning referred to in this bill, which would include the nose and tail of the Grand Banks, the Flemish Cap. It would include as well all of the channel up north. In fact, I think it captures the North Pole. I believe it does. Then on the West Coast of Canada up north, it also extends the jurisdiction up there.

The land mass that will be expanded upon is equal in size to the three Prairie provinces put together. It's a wonderful move, and I'm hoping that they're going to do it. My information is that they are. The Canadian government has spent $150 million to do the seismic work on planning the extension.

(1440)

We're interested in Newfoundland and Labrador to have it extended for this simple reason: It's not just to gain control over the soil and subsoil, which this will do as you will own the soil and subsoil, but if you own the soil and subsoil, you can stop people from dragging it — from destroying the coral reefs. Why do they do that? Well, 20 nations have quotas to fish our continental shelf outside 200 miles — 20 nations. At any moment, right now in fact, factory-freezer trawlers are fishing in those areas; and we give them permission to do so. We're very nice to them. The quota for cod outside 200 miles is now set at 20,000 metric tonnes, I believe; and Canada has 50 tonnes of the 20,000 metric tonnes. We're very nice to foreign nations fishing there.

Our interest is that if you own the soil and subsoil under normal common property law, you can prevent somebody from dragging. All of the fishery that takes place out there, for groundfish and shrimp and so on, is dragging the bottom of the ocean. You lift up the net according to the distance you want. If you want to catch Greenland halibut, you lift it a small distance because the halibut are closer to the bottom of the ocean and you drag the net along. Shrimp are a little bit higher off the bottom. All of the fishing that takes place utilizes drags on the bottom of the ocean.

The argument is made by the Russians. The Russian proposal to the UN to extend their jurisdiction says that they can stop the EEC countries from dragging the ocean floor in the area that they're concerned about; so probably the same thing applies to Canada. That's what we discussed yesterday. It was a private meeting, so I probably shouldn't be talking about it, just as I shouldn't be talking about Senator Joyal. It's an area where a committee of the Senate could perform a vital function by getting involved, visiting the UN and speaking to the commissioners who will hear this application by the Government of Canada to try to hurry the process along.

Honourable senators, in 2001, Russia applied to extend their jurisdiction; and they recently got approval. Australia and New Zealand applied in 2002; and I understand they have permission on the north coast of Australia. Norway applied a year later and recently received approval for a section of their coast. Canada stands to gain more than any other nation in the world because our continental shelf extends out farther than any other nation in the world.

I compliment the government on this bill and on what they're about to do before the United Nations. I strongly urge a committee of the Senate, such as the Fisheries and Oceans Committee under its great chairmanship, to get involved in this issue so that we can accomplish what Canadians want us to accomplish.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Would the senator take a question?

Senator Baker: Absolutely.

Senator Manning: I certainly thank one of the newest members of the Fisheries and Oceans Committee for his kind words; and I look forward to working with him and other members of the committee over the next couple of years as we address the concerns of an important industry in our country and indeed in our province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I've had a life-long interest in the fishery. If memory serves me well, I was in Grade 5 when I heard tell of the honourable senator going to Russia as parliamentary secretary to then Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Roméo LeBlanc. Our teacher came in and told us all about the trip that George Baker was taking to Russia to straighten out the 200-mile limit. Being in Grade 5, we didn't reflect on the importance of that trip, but certainly we know now how important it was and we thank you for your efforts on that.

I'm hearing congratulations from you for something the government may be doing. As I said last night about those late- night phone calls telling us what the government is going to be doing in two weeks' time, we'd certainly like to know about that on our side too.

Perhaps you could touch on the matter of the long-term benefits that you, as someone involved for many years, see for the people involved in the fishery across Canada, and in Newfoundland and Labrador in our case, of going from the 200-mile limit to the 350- mile limit. This is not only for the fishermen involved but also other industries in Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you for your congratulations and the fact that we are on the right road. We may be in deep water, but we're definitely on the right track.

Could you expand on what you believe will be the benefits for our province and our country on extending this outer limit from 200 miles to 350 miles?

Senator Baker: When I was the age of the honourable senator when he heard about me, we weren't a part of Canada. I remember going to school and seeing leaflets drop down from one airplane that said, "Vote for Canada" and from another that said, "Vote for the United States." That's how old I am.

On a serious note, we already drill for oil out to 350 miles, as Senator Wells pointed out the other day. However, when we officially own the territory, it will provide certainty to the oil industry and to whatever other uses are put to substances that may be found under the ocean floor.

We must be able to control the dragon. As Senator Manning knows, as he has many vessels in his former constituency, the largest boat you can have constructed to obtain a fishing licence is 65 feet. If you were to drop one of those vessels in the hold of a foreign vessel, you'd need search and rescue to find it. That is the difference between nations and fishing. In Canada's case, fishermen control the licence. In the case of foreign nations, companies control the licence or the government controls the licence.

Honourable senators, first, it will stop dragging over spawning grounds. Over the years, Senator Manning, I served as the Chair of the Fisheries Committee in the House of Commons. We examined the fishery from the point of view of spawning grounds and produced a report in which we recommended that all foreign fishing be stopped. I think it took three days for the government to decide that I should no longer be the Chair of the Fisheries Committee and I was removed. It's common knowledge that you cannot have dragging in a spawning area for fish. Many studies have been done but you can imagine a dragger going through an area where fish are active.

Honourable senators, second, it will free up quotas.

(1450)

Look, if we have our scientists and international scientists saying, "Here's the quota of allowable catch in those fishing areas," and we're giving it to foreign nations, well maybe now a lot of that will go to Canadians. Just think of the benefit that will be for Quebec, for the east coast of Quebec, the Quebec north shore, for P.E.I., for Nova Scotia, for New Brunswick and for Newfoundland and Labrador. Firstly, because of adjacency, it would have to be for Newfoundland and Labrador, but certainly for the other places as well and the countless thousands of jobs that that would create.

Once again, congratulations to the Government of Canada for doing something that I just know they're going to do in the next two weeks.

Senator Manning: Honourable senators, I move that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

The Hon. the Speaker: We have another question here from Senator Moore.

Hon. Wilfred P. Moore: Just before you go on, could I ask a question of Senator Baker?

Senator Manning: Go ahead.

Senator Moore: Would Senator Baker take another question?

Senator Baker: Yes.

Senator Moore: I'm interested in the United Nations committee — I forget the name, the committee on the outer banks or whatever. Could you tell us about the makeup of that committee? Do we have any friends on that committee? Is there any kind of appeal process if we don't agree with what they might come down with in their judgment?

Senator Baker: That's a very interesting question, senators, because there are 20 nations, 20 people, on the committee, and this committee hears the applications. And the majority of them, unfortunately — Japan, Russia, three countries in the EEC, the United States — no, they're off — the majority of committee members are from nations that presently fish in our offshore.

I've read some of the minutes of their proceedings and they're pretty tough on some of these nations. Some 40 nations have applied for extension of jurisdiction, and they're very tough on some of these nations, so that's why I think it would be advisable to have a committee of the Senate, because the House of Commons wouldn't do. You need a committee of the Senate to become involved, to go down to the United Nations and lobby these people in some way or another to try to impress upon them the importance of extending the jurisdiction, without telling them that you have any intention of stopping the dragging.

Senator Moore: I have a supplementary question. You didn't answer the last part of my question with regard to any kind of a process of appeal if we don't agree with their decision. If they read the minutes of the Senate, you might be tipping our hand.

Senator Baker: Well, I don't see anybody in the gallery, but you're probably right. I shouldn't have said "probably," but I'm always saying things I shouldn't say.

There is an appeal procedure to the committee, and that is to the branch of the United Nations that the committee on the outer limits of the continental shelf reports to. There is an appeal procedure, but it is so long. If you look at Russia's application, it took 10 years for them to deal with it. And with the numbers of applications they have now, it's going to take just as long for us to get approval, unless we have some mechanism in place to actually lobby for it. That's why I'm suggesting that a committee of the Senate be established to lobby for this worthwhile procedure.

The Hon. the Speaker: Are honourable senators ready for the question?

Hon. Senators: Question.

The Hon. the Speaker: It was moved by the Honourable Senator Manning, seconded by the Honourable Senator Neufeld, that Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, be read a second time.

Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Bill read second time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: When shall this bill be read a third time?

(On motion of Senator Manning, bill referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.)

Criminal Code
National Defence Act

Bill to Amend—Second Reading—Debate Adjourned

Hon. Donald Neil Plett moved second reading of Bill C-394, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (criminal organization recruitment).

He said: Honourable senators, I am in the process of preparing my notes and look forward to continuing my remarks in the coming days, so I would like to move the adjournment of the debate in my name for the balance of my time.

(On motion of Senator Plett, debate adjourned.)

Scrutiny of Regulations

First Report of Joint Committee Adopted

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the first report of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (permanent order of reference and expenses re rule 12-26), presented in the Senate on November 7, 2013.

Hon. Bob Runciman moved the adoption of the report.

The Hon. the Speaker: Are you ready for the question?

Hon. Senators: Question.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to and report adopted.)

Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Motion to Authorize Committee to Study Issues Relating to Foreign Relations and International Trade Generally—Debate Adjourned

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Government), for Senator Andreychuk, pursuant to notice of November 19, 2013, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, in accordance with rule 12-7(4), be authorized to examine such issues as may arise from time to time relating to foreign relations and international trade generally; and

That the committee report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2014.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is there debate? Are there questions?

Hon. Joan Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, this is what you might call an omnibus motion. Senator Martin, I wonder if Senator Andreychuk has informed you about the plans that the Foreign Affairs Committee has to examine such issues as may arise from time to time relating to foreign relations and international trade generally. That would be as broad an authorization to do anything you can think of, as I can imagine, such as travel all over the world.

Do you have any concept of what, in fact, the committee is seeking to do under this motion?

Senator Martin: Yes, I understand that this is an ongoing study, and that it's —

Senator Fraser: Of what?

Senator Martin: On various matters. You're right, it is somewhat general. However, perhaps on another day Senator Andreychuk could speak to the specifics. It is not a new study but an ongoing study, from what I understand.

Senator Fraser: As you know, I have this pesky belief that the Senate should know a bit about what it's voting on. Therefore, Your Honour, I move the adjournment of the debate.

(On motion of Senator Fraser, debate adjourned.)

(1500)

Motion to Authorize Committee to Study Security Conditions and Economic Developments in the Asia-Pacific Region and Refer Papers and Evidence Received During First Session of Forty-first Parliament—Debate Adjourned

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Government), for Senator Andreychuk, pursuant to notice of November 19, 2013, moved:

That, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade be authorized to examine and report on security conditions and economic developments in the Asia-Pacific region, the implications for Canadian policy and interests in the region, and other related matters;

That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject during the First session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the committee; and

That the committee report to the Senate no later than June 30, 2014.

She said: Honourable senators, this is an ongoing study and no money has been requested regarding the study but, again, I know what your question will be, so I assume that you may adjourn this as well.

Hon. Joan Fraser (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): I thank you for that assumption, Senator Martin. I shall indeed move the adjournment of the debate.

(On motion of Senator Fraser, debate adjourned.)

Motion to Authorize Committee to Study Economic and Political Developments in the Republic of Turkey and Refer Papers and Evidence Received During First Session of Forty-first Parliament—Debate Adjourned

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Government), for the Senator Andreychuk, pursuant to notice of November 19, 2013, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade be authorized to examine and report on economic and political developments in the Republic of Turkey, their regional and global influences, the implications for Canadian interests and opportunities, and other related matters;

That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject during the First session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the committee; and

That the committee report to the Senate no later than December 31, 2013.

The Hon. the Speaker: It was moved by the Honourable Senator Martin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett that the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade be authorized to examine and report on economic developments in Turkey.

Is there explication or discussion?

(On motion of Senator Fortin-Duplessis, debate adjourned.)

(The Senate adjourned until Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.)

Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

2nd Session, 41st Parliament, Volume 149, Issue 16

Wednesday, November 20, 2013 The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

THE SENATE

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,
Volume 149, Issue 16

Wednesday, November 20, 2013
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker