Journals of the Senate
2nd Session, 41st Parliament
Issue 56
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
2:00 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, Carignan, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McInnis, McIntyre, Merchant, Meredith, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oh, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Seidman, Seth, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, 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, Carignan, Chaput, Charette-Poulin, Cools, Cordy, Cowan, Dagenais, Dallaire, Dawson, Day, Demers, Downe, Doyle, Dyck, Eaton, Eggleton, Enverga, Fortin-Duplessis, Fraser, Frum, Furey, Greene, Hervieux-Payette, Housakos, Hubley, Jaffer, Johnson, Joyal, Kenny, Kinsella, Lang, LeBreton, MacDonald, Maltais, Manning, Marshall, Martin, Massicotte, McInnis, McIntyre, *Mercer, Merchant, Meredith, Mitchell, Mockler, Moore, Munson, Nancy Ruth, Neufeld, Ngo, Nolin, Ogilvie, Oh, Patterson, Plett, Poirier, Raine, Ringuette, Rivard, Rivest, Robichaud, Seidman, Seth, Sibbeston, Smith (Cobourg), Smith (Saurel), Stewart Olsen, 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 the Speaker tabled the following:
The 2014 Spring Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the House of Commons, pursuant to the Auditor General Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-17, sbs. 7(5), together with an Addendum containing copies of Environmental Petitions received between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-480.
Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills
A message was brought from the House of Commons with a Bill C-30, An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act and the Canada Transportation Act and to provide for other measures, 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 Poirier, 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.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
Bills — Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 3 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees — Other
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Orders No. 23 and 1 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Other
Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
OTHER BUSINESS
Senate Public Bills — Third Reading
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Commons Public Bills — Third Reading
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
° ° °
Third reading of Bill C-462, An Act restricting the fees charged by promoters of the disability tax credit and making consequential amendments to the Tax Court of Canada Act.
The Honourable Senator Buth moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Doyle, that the bill be read the third time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Eggleton, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dawson, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Senate Public Bills — Second Reading
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
° ° °
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Raine, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gerstein, for the second reading of Bill S-211, An Act to establish a national day to promote health and fitness for all Canadians.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the second time.
The Honourable Senator Raine moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Lang, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Order No. 3 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Hervieux-Payette, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Fraser, for the second reading of Bill S-206, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children against standard child-rearing violence).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Jaffer, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette, for the second reading of Bill S-203, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code (mental health treatment).
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the second time.
The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Orders No. 7 to 13 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.
Reports of Committees — Other
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
° ° °
Consideration of the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, entitled: CBC/Radio- Canada's Language Obligations, Communities Want to See Themselves and Be Heard Coast to Coast!, tabled in the Senate on April 8, 2014.
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Munson:
That the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, entitled CBC/Radio-Canada's Language Obligations, Communities Want to See Themselves and Be Heard Coast to Coast!, tabled in the Senate on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, be adopted and that, pursuant to rule 12-24(1), the Senate requests a complete and detailed response from the government, with the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages being identified as the minister responsible for responding to the report.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Fortin-Duplessis moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Johnson, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Order No. 3 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Orders No. 8, 47, 62 and 9 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Downe, seconded by the Honourable Senator Chaput:
That the Senate call upon the Members of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada to join the Senate in its efforts to increase transparency by acknowledging the longstanding request of current and former Auditors General of Canada to examine the accounts of both Houses of Parliament, and thereby inviting the Auditor General of Canada to conduct a comprehensive audit of House of Commons expenses, including Members' expenses, and
That the audits of the House of Commons and the Senate be conducted concurrently, and the results for both Chambers of Parliament be published at the same time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Fraser, for the Honourable Senator Mercer, moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Order No. 56 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Order No. 5 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
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Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Nolin, calling the attention of the Senate to its role in representing the regions of the Canadian federation.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Tardif moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Fraser, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
° ° °
Orders No. 4, 15, 7, 14, 18, 19, 20, 13, 24, 2, 8, 10, 17, 12, 22 and 21 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C.:
That the Senate urges the Government to take the necessary measures to establish a National Commission for the 150th Anniversary of Confederation charged with the responsibility of preparing and implementing celebrations, projects and initiatives across the country to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation during the year 2017. Further, the Senate urges that the membership of this commission include representatives from all the provinces and territories and that, in addition to any budget voted by Parliament, the commission be able to receive contributions from Canadians.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Eaton moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, 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 Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ringuette:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine and report on how the mandates and practices of the UNHCR and UNICEF have evolved to meet the needs of displaced children in modern conflict situations, with particular attention to the current crisis in Syria; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than December 31, 2014.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Ordered, That Order No. 1 under Reports of Committees — Other, be again called.
Consideration of the fourth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (budget—study on security conditions and economic developments in the Asia-Pacific region—power to hire staff and to travel), presented in the Senate on May 1, 2014.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
INQUIRIES
The Honourable Senator Jaffer called the attention of the Senate to the issue of poverty in Canada — specifically unequal access to justice.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Fraser 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.
REPORTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7):
Report of the Royal Canadian Mint, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-463.
Report of the Canada Development Investment Corporation, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-464.
Report of the National Energy Board for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the National Energy Board Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-7, s. 133.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-465.
Report on the administration of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act for the year 2013, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 36 (2nd Supp.), s. 109.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-466.
Report of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-467.
Report of the Canadian Tourism Commission, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-468.
Report of the Canada Post Corporation, together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41- 469.
Triennial Report of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization for the years 2011 to 2013, together with the Auditors' Report, pursuant to the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act, S.C. 2002, c. 23, s. 19.1.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-470.
Report on Northern oil and gas for the year ended December 31, 2013, pursuant to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 36 (2nd Supp.), s. 109. —Sessional Paper No. 2/41-471.
Report of the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, pursuant to the Public Service Employment Act, S.C. 2003, c. 22, ss. 127.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-472.
Report on the administration of the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-17, ss. 57, 59.7 and 72. —Sessional Paper No. 2/41-473.
Report of the Military Police Complaints Commission for the year 2013, pursuant to the National Defence Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-5, s. 250.17.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-474.
Report of the Military Grievances External Review Committee for the year 2013, pursuant to the National Defence Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-5, sbs. 29.28(2).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-475.
Copy of the Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (P.C. 2014-470), pursuant to the Special Economic Measures Act, S.C. 1992, c. 17, sbs. 7(1). —Sessional Paper No. 2/41-476.
Report of Operations under the International River Improvements Act for the year 2013, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. I-20, s. 51.—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-477.
Employment Insurance Monitoring and Assessment Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, pursuant to the Employment Insurance Act, S.C. 1996, c. 23, sbs. 3(3).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-478.
Report of Ridley Terminals Inc., together with the Auditor General's Report, for the year 2013, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 150(1).—Sessional Paper No. 2/41-479.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:32 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 Sibbeston replaced the Honourable Senator Watt (May 2, 2014).
Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights
The Honourable Senator Boisvenu replaced the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan (May 2, 2014).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator Jaffer replaced the Honourable Senator Moore (May 2, 2014).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk replaced the Honourable Senator Segal (May 2, 2014).
Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages
The Honourable Senator Mockler replaced the Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C. (May 5, 2014).
The Honourable Senator Rivard replaced the Honourable Senator Poirier (May 2, 2014).