Journals of the Senate
2nd Session, 41st Parliament
Issue 17
Thursday, November 21, 2013
1:30 p.m.
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Baker, Batters, Bellemare, Beyak, Black, Boisvenu, Buth, Callbeck, Campbell, Carignan, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Comeau, Cools, Cordy, Dagenais, Dawson, Day, Demers, Doyle, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Gerstein, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Lovelace Nicholas, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Mercer, Merchant, Meredith, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oh, Patterson, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Runciman, Segal, Seidman, Seth, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Tannas, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Watt, Wells, White
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
Andreychuk, Ataullahjan, Baker, Batters, Bellemare, Beyak, Black, Boisvenu, Buth, Callbeck, Campbell, Carignan, *Champagne, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Comeau, Cools, Cordy, Dagenais, Dawson, Day, Demers, *Downe, Doyle, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Gerstein, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, *Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, Lovelace Nicholas, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McCoy, McInnis, McIntyre, Mercer, Merchant, Meredith, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oh, Patterson, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Runciman, Segal, Seidman, Seth, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Tannas, Tardif, Tkachuk, Unger, Verner, Wallace, Watt, Wells, White
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
SENATORS' STATEMENTS
Some Honourable Senators made statements.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Tabling of documents
The Honourable Senator Martin tabled the following:
Letter from the Clerk of the Senate to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, dated November 20, 2013, concerning a request for a government response to the ninth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, entitled: A Study of the New Veterans Charter, tabled in the Senate on March 21, 2013 during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-220S.
Letter from the Clerk of the Senate to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, dated November 20, 2013, concerning a request for a government response to the fourteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, entitled: Conduct Becoming: Why the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Must Transform its Culture, tabled in the Senate on June 18, 2013 during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-221S.
Presenting or Tabling of Reports from Committees
The Honourable Senator Comeau P.C., Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, tabled its first report (Financial Statements of the Senate of Canada, for the year ended March 31, 2013).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-222S.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk, for the Honourable Senator Gerstein, tabled the following (Sessional Paper No. 2/41-223S):
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce has the honour to table its
FIRST REPORT
Your committee, which was authorized by the Senate to incur expenses for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such matters as were referred to it, tables, pursuant to rule 12-26(2), the following report on expenses incurred for that purpose during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament:
1. With respect to its examination and consideration of legislation:
2011-2012 General Expenses $ 5,800 Witness Expenses 2,283 SUBTOTAL $ 8,083 2012-2013 General Expenses $ 5,844 Witness Expenses 15,844 SUBTOTAL $ 21,688 2013-2014 General Expenses $ 5,800 Witness Expenses 11,066 SUBTOTAL $ 16,866 TOTAL $ 46,637
2. With respect to its special study on the present state of the domestic and international financial system authorized by the Senate on Tuesday, June 21, 2011:
2011-2012 Witness Expenses $ 1,551 SUBTOTAL $ 1,551 TOTAL $ 1,551
3. With respect to its special study on the review of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (S.C. 2000, c. 17), pursuant to section 72 of the said Act, authorized by the Senate on Tuesday, January 31, 2012:
2011-2012 Witness Expenses $ 3,057 SUBTOTAL $ 3,057 2012-2013 General Expenses $ 0 Activity 1: Washington 29,250 Witness Expenses 3,732 SUBTOTAL $ 32,982 2013-2014 Activity 1 of 2012-2013, Washington (unused airfare credit) $ 326 SUBTOTAL $ 326 TOTAL $ 36,365
In addition to the expenses for its studies as set out above, your committee also incurred general postal charges of $ 12.
During the session, your committee held 90 meetings (136.82 hours), heard 345 witnesses and submitted 13 reports in relation to its work. Your committee examined 10 bills (S-5, S-17, S-203, S-215, C-311, C-25, C-11, C-28, C-377 and C-48) and received a total of 14 orders of reference.
Respectfully submitted,
DAVID TKACHUK
For the Chair
The Honourable Senator Runciman tabled the following (Sessional Paper No. 2/41-224S):
Thursday, November 21, 2013
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to table its
FIRST REPORT
Your committee, which was authorized by the Senate to incur expenses for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such matters as were referred to it, tables, pursuant to rule 12-26(2), the following report on expenses incurred for that purpose during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament:
1. With respect to its examination and consideration of legislation:
2011-2012 General Expenses $ 1,842 Witness Expenses 71,479 SUBTOTAL $ 73,321 2012-2013 General Expenses $ 2,752 Witness Expenses 34,079 SUBTOTAL $ 36,831 2013-2014 Witness Expenses $ 9,770 SUBTOTAL $ 9,770 TOTAL $ 119,922
2. With respect to its special study on Parole Board of Canada User Fees Proposal authorized by the Senate on September 27, 2011:
2011-2012 Witness Expenses $ 3,702 SUBTOTAL $ 3,702 TOTAL $ 3,702
3. With respect to its special study on an Act to amend the Criminal Code (production of records in sexual offence proceedings) S.C. 1997, c. 30, authorized by the Senate on October 4, 2011:
2011-2012 Witness Expenses $ 718 SUBTOTAL $ 718 TOTAL $ 718
4. With respect to its special study on the proposed Firearms Information Regulations (Non-Restricted Firearms) authorized by the Senate on June 14, 2012:
2012-2013 Witness Expenses $ 1,978 SUBTOTAL $ 1,978 TOTAL $ 1,978
In addition to the expenses for its studies as set out above, your committee also incurred general postal charges of $ 18.
During the session, your committee held 97 meetings (219 hours), heard 447 witnesses and submitted 30 reports in relation to its work. Your committee examined 29 bills and conducted 3 special studies and received a total of 34 orders of reference.
Respectfully submitted,
BOB RUNCIMAN
Chair
Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills
The Honourable Senator Raine introduced a Bill S-211, An Act to establish a national day to promote health and fitness for all Canadians.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Raine moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
First Reading of Commons Public Bills
A message was brought from the House of Commons with a Bill C-428, An Act to amend the Indian Act (publication of by-laws) and to provide for its replacement, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, that the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading two days hence.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Notices of Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fraser:
That pursuant to rule 12-27(1) of the Rules of the Senate, the membership of the Standing Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators be as follows:
The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Cordy, Frum, Joyal, P.C., and Tannas.
Pursuant to rule 12-27(1) the motion was deemed adopted.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Senate Public Bills—Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Commons Public Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
° ° °
Second reading of Bill C-444, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (personating peace officer or public officer).
The Honourable Senator Dagenais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Demers, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Campbell moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Martin, for the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
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.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Martin, for the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
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.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Martin, for the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, 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 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.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Order No. 4 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator McCoy moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Rivest:
That the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be authorized to examine and report on changes to the Senate's Rules and practices that, while recognizing the independence of parliamentary bodies, will help ensure that Senate proceedings involving the discipline of senators and other individuals follow standards of due process and are generally in keeping with other rights, notably those normally protected by the Canadian Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than November 30, 2014.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator McCoy moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Rivest, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Patterson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Runciman:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples be authorized to examine and report on the federal government's constitutional, treaty, political and legal responsibilities to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and on other matters generally relating to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada;
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the Committee on the subject during the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the Committee; and
That the Committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2014, and that the Committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to examine and report on CBC/Radio- Canada's obligations under the Official Languages Act and some aspects of the Broadcasting Act;
That the documents received, evidence heard and business accomplished on this subject by the committee since the beginning of the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the committee; and
That the committee report from time to time to the Senate but no later than June 30, 2014, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 90 days after the tabling of the final report.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to examine and report on best practices for language policies and second-language learning in a context of linguistic duality or plurality;
That the documents received, evidence heard and business accomplished on this subject by the committee since the beginning of the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the committee; and
That the committee report from time to time to the Senate but no later than June 30, 2015, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 90 days after the tabling of the final report.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be authorized to study and to report on the impacts of recent changes to the immigration system on official language minority communities;
That the documents received, evidence heard and business accomplished on this subject by the committee since the beginning of the First Session of the Forty-first Parliament be referred to the committee; and
That the committee report from time to time to the Senate but no later than June 30, 2015, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 90 days after the tabling of the final report.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
The Honourable Senator Mercer, for the Honourable Senator Mockler, moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore:
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;
(d) strategies for governments, producers and industry to ensure bee health; and
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.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave,
The Senate reverted to Government Notices of Motions.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That when the Senate adjourns today, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7):
Summaries of the Corporate Plan for the period 2013-2014 to 2017-2018 and of the Operating and Capital Budgets for 2013-2014 of PPP Canada Inc., pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-218.
Copy of Rules amending the Rules of the Supreme Court of Canada (JUS-81000-2-1506), pursuant to the Supreme Court Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. S-26, sbs. 97(4).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-219.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 3:08 p.m. the Senate was continued until Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 2 p.m.)
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples
The Honourable Senator Moore replaced the Honourable Senator Munson (November 20, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
The Honourable Senator Campbell replaced the Honourable Senator Moore (November 20, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Honourable Senator Housakos replaced the Honourable Senator Tannas (November 21, 2013).
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Charette-Poulin replaced the Honourable Senator Campbell (November 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Jaffer replaced the Honourable Senator Downe (November 20, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator McInnis replaced the Honourable Senator Braley (November 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Beyak replaced the Honourable Senator Plett (November 21, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator Eaton replaced the Honourable Senator Lang (November 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Lang replaced the Honourable Senator Eaton (November 20, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Eaton replaced the Honourable Senator Lang (November 20, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The Honourable Senator Dyck replaced the Honourable Senator Dallaire (November 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Wallace replaced the Honourable Senator Segal (November 21, 2013).
The Honourable Senator Dallaire replaced the Honourable Senator Dyck (November 20, 2013).
Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications
The Honourable Senator Housakos replaced the Honourable Senator Lang (November 21, 2013).