Journals of the Senate
66 Elizabeth II , A.D. 2017, Canada
1st Session, 42nd Parliament
Issue 111 (Revised)
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
2 p.m.
The Honourable GEORGE J. FUREY, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
AndreychukBakerBattersBellemareBernardBeyakBlack (Alberta)BoisvenuBoveyCarignanChristmasCoolsCordyCormierDagenaisDawsonDayDeanDowneDoyleDuffyDupuisDyckEggletonEnvergaForestFraserFureyGagnéGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKennyLankinLovelace NicholasMacDonaldMaltaisManningMarshallMartinMarwahMassicotteMcCoyMcInnisMcIntyreMcPhedranMercerMitchellMocklerMoncionMunsonNeufeldOgilvieOhOmidvarPatePattersonPetitclercPlettPratteRinguetteRuncimanSaint-GermainSeidmanSinclairSmithStewart OlsenTannasTkachukUngerVernerWallinWattWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
AndreychukBakerBattersBellemareBernardBeyakBlack (Alberta)BoisvenuBoveyCarignanChristmasCoolsCordyCormierDagenaisDawsonDayDeanDowneDoyleDuffyDupuisDyckEggletonEnvergaForestFraserFureyGagnéGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakos*HubleyJafferKennyLankinLovelace NicholasMacDonaldMaltaisManningMarshallMartinMarwahMassicotteMcCoyMcInnisMcIntyreMcPhedranMercerMitchellMocklerMoncionMunsonNeufeld*NgoOgilvieOhOmidvarPatePattersonPetitclercPlettPratteRinguetteRuncimanSaint-GermainSeidmanSinclairSmithStewart OlsenTannas*TardifTkachukUngerVernerWallinWattWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
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
Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees
The Honourable Senator Munson, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, presented the sixth report of the committee (Budget—study on the issues relating to the human rights of prisoners in the correctional system—power to hire staff and to travel).
(The report is printed as Appendix A at pages 1577-1584 (available in print format PDF).)
(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)
The Honourable Senator Munson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dawson, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Ogilvie, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, presented the eleventh report of the committee (Budget—study on the role of robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence in the healthcare system—power to hire staff and to travel).
(The report is printed as Appendix B at pages 1585-1590 (available in print format PDF).)
(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Ogilvie moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Maltais, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later this day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, presented the thirteenth report of the committee (Budget—study on the current and emerging issues of the banking sector and monetary policy of the United States—power to travel).
(The report is printed as Appendix C at pages 1591-1598 (available in print format PDF).)
(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)
The Honourable Senator Tkachuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Runciman, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Jaffer, Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, presented the ninth report of the committee (Budget—Canada’s national security and defence policies, practices, circumstances and capabilities—power to hire staff and to travel).
(The report is printed as Appendix D at pages 1599-1606 (available in print format PDF).)
(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)
The Honourable Senator Jaffer moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dawson, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Mockler, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, presented the fifteenth report of the committee (Budget—study on the federal government infrastructure funding program).
(The report is printed as Appendix E at pages 1607-1613 (available in print format PDF).)
(The HTML version of the report is available on the committee website.)
The Honourable Senator Mockler moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Government Notices of Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Bellemare:
That, notwithstanding the order adopted on April 6, 2017, the Committee of the Whole scheduled for later this day to receive Mr. Patrick Borbey, respecting his appointment as President of the Public Service Commission, be cancelled.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills
The Honourable Senator MacDonald introduced Bill S-238, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation of shark fins).
The bill was read the first time.
The Honourable Senator MacDonald moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mockler, 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.
Tabling of Reports from Interparliamentary Delegations
The Honourable Senator Fraser tabled the following:
Report of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association respecting its participation at the Executive Committee Meeting, held in London, United Kingdom, from April 27 to 30, 2016.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1025.
Notices of Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Neufeld moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources have the power to sit at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, even though the Senate may then be sitting, and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Manning moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Neufeld:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans have the power to meet on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 5 p.m., even though the Senate may then be sitting, and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Maltais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry have the power to meet on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 5 p.m., even though the Senate may then be sitting, and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Delayed Answers
The Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., tabled the following:
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 22, 2016 by the Honourable Senator Wallin, concerning aircraft procurement.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1026S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 24, 2016 by the Honourable Senator McIntyre, concerning suicide prevention.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1027S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 1, 2016 by the Honourable Senator Jaffer, concerning Canadian Armed Forces—sexual misconduct.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1028S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 5, 2016 by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning Burma—persecution of Rohingya Muslims—human trafficking of children.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1029S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 1, 2017 by the Honourable Senator McIntyre, concerning the 2021 census.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1030S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 1, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Tannas, concerning compensation for cattle ranchers.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1031S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 1, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Tannas, concerning the Canadian Food Inspection Agency—bovine tuberculosis.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1032S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 2, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, concerning Burma—persecution of Rohingya Muslims.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1033S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 8, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, concerning Burma—persecution of Rohingya Muslims.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1034S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 15, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Marshall, concerning infrastructure projects.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1035S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 16, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., concerning the Dairy Investment Programs.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1036S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 16, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Maltais, concerning the Canadian Food Inspection Agency—bovine tuberculosis.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1037S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 16, 2017 by the Honourable Senator Ogilvie, concerning poultry regulations.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1038S.
Orders of the Day
Government Business
Bills – Third Reading
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Bellemare, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., for the third reading of Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act.
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Tannas, seconded by the Honourable Senator Unger:
That Bill C-4 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended:
(a)by deleting clause 1, on page 1;
(b)by deleting clause 2, on pages 1 and 2;
(c)by deleting clause 3, on page 2;
(d)in clause 4,
(i)on page 2, by replacing lines 30 to 36 with the following:
“4 Section 39 of the Canada Labour Code is replaced by the following:
39 (1) If, on receipt of an application for an order made under subsection 38(1) or (3) in respect of a bargaining agent for a bargaining unit, the Board is”, and
(ii)on page 3, by replacing line 1 with the following:
“satisfied, on the basis of the results of a secret ballot representation vote, that a majority of the employees in the bargain-”;
(e)by deleting clause 5, on page 3;
(f)by deleting clause 6, on page 4;
(g)by deleting clause 7, on pages 4 and 5;
(h)on page 5, by adding after the heading “Public Service Labour Relations Act” after clause 7, the following:
“7.1 Paragraph 39(d) of the Public Service Labour Relations Act is replaced by the following:
(d) the authority vested in a council of employee organizations that is to be considered the appropriate authority within the meaning of paragraph 64(1.1)(c);”;
(i)by deleting clause 8, on pages 5 and 6;
(j)by deleting clauses 9 to 11, on page 6;
(k)on page 6, by adding after line 35 the following:
“11.1 Subsection 100(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:
100 (1) The Board must revoke the certification of a council of employee organizations that has been certified as a bargaining agent if the Board is satisfied, on application by the employer or an employee organization that forms or has formed part of the council, that the council no longer meets the condition for certification set out in paragraph 64(1.1)(c) for a council of employee organizations.”;
(l)by deleting clauses 14 and 15, on page 7; and
(m)by deleting clause 16, on pages 7 and 8.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted on the following vote:
YEAS
The Honourable Senators
AndreychukBattersBeyakBlackBoisvenuCarignanChristmasCoolsDagenaisDowneDoyleDuffyEnvergaGreeneGriffinHousakosKennyLovelace NicholasMacDonaldMaltaisManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcInnisMcIntyreMercerMocklerNeufeldOgilvieOhPattersonPlettRuncimanSeidmanSmithStewart OlsenTannasTkachukUngerVernerWellsWhite—43
NAYS
The Honourable Senators
BakerBellemareBoveyCordyCormierDawsonDayDeanDupuisDyckEggletonForestFraserGagnéGoldHarderHartlingJafferLankinMarwahMcCoyMcPhedranMitchellMoncionMunsonOmidvarPatePetitclercPratteRinguetteSaint-GermainSinclairWetstonWoo—34
ABSTENTIONS
The Honourable Senators
Nil
The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Bellemare, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., for the third reading of Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act, as amended.
After debate,
In amendment, the Honourable Senator Dagenais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McIntyre:
That Bill C-4, as amended, be not now read a third time, but that it be further amended in clause 12, on page 7, by replacing lines 1 and 2 with the following:
“12 (1) The definition of labour relations activities in subsection 149.01(1) of the Income Tax Act is repealed.
(2) Subsection 149.01(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:
(3) The information return referred to in subsection (2) shall include a set of financial statements for the fiscal period, in such form and containing such particulars and other information as may be prescribed relating to the financial position of the labour organization or labour trust, including
(a) a balance sheet showing the assets and liabilities of the labour organization or labour trust made up as of the last day of the fiscal period; and
(b) a statement of income and expenditures of the labour organization or labour trust for the fiscal period.
(3) Subsection 149.01(5) of the Act is repealed.
(4) Subsection 149.01(7) of the Act is repealed.”.
After debate,
A point of order was raised with respect to the receivability of the amendment.
After debate,
The Speaker reserved his decision.
Question Period
Pursuant to the order adopted on April 6, 2017, the Senate proceeded to Question Period.
Pursuant to the order adopted on December 10, 2015, the Honourable Bill Morneau, P.C., M.P., Minister of Finance, entered the Senate and took part in Question Period.
Government Business
Bills – Third Reading
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Omidvar, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gagné, for the third reading of Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act, as amended.
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Oh, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dagenais:
That Bill C-6, as amended, be not now read a third time, but that it be further amended in clause 1,
(a) on page 1, by replacing lines 4 and 5 with the following:
“1 (0.1) Paragraph 5(1)(b) of the Citizenship Act is repealed.
(1) The portion of paragraph 5(1)(c) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced”;
(b)on page 2,
(i)by replacing line 4 with the following:
“(d) if 18 years of age or more but less than 60 years of age at the date of his or her ap-”,
(ii)by replacing line 7 with the following:
“(e) if 18 years of age or more but less than 60 years of age at the date of his or her ap-”, and
(iii)by adding after line 26 the following:
“(7.1) Section 5 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1.03):
(1.04) When the application referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is in respect of a minor, it must be
(a) made by either parent, by a legal or de facto guardian or by any other person having custody of the minor, whether by virtue of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, a written agreement or the operation of law; and
(b) countersigned by the minor, if the minor has attained the age of 14 years on or before the day on which the application is made and is not prevented from understanding the significance of the application because of a mental disability.
(1.05) If the Minister waives the requirement set out in paragraph (1.04)(a) under subparagraph (3)(b)(v), the application referred to paragraph (1)(a) may be made by the minor.”;
(c)on page 3, by replacing lines 2 and 3 with the following:
“repealing subparagraphs (i) and (iii), by adding “or” at the end of subparagraph (iv), and by adding the following after subparagraph (iv):
(v) the requirement respecting who may make an application in respect of a minor set out in paragraph (1.04)(a).”; and
(d) on page 6, by adding the following after line 38:
“17.1 Until the day on which subsection 1(6) comes into force, paragraphs 5(1)(d) and (e) of the Citizenship Act are replaced by the following:
(d) if 18 years of age or more but less than 65 years of age at the date of his or her application, has an adequate knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada;
(e) if 18 years of age or more but less than 65 years of age at the date of his or her application, demonstrates in one of the official languages of Canada that he or she has an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and”.
With leave of the Senate and pursuant to rule 5-10(1), the motion in amendment was modified to read as follows:
That Bill C-6, as amended, be not now read a third time, but that it be further amended in clause 1,
(a) on page 1, by replacing lines 4 and 5 with the following:
“1 (0.1) Paragraph 5(1)(b) of the Citizenship Act is repealed.
(1) The portion of paragraph 5(1)(c) of the Act before subparagraph (i) is replaced”;
(b)on page 2,
(i)by replacing line 4 with the following:
“(d) if 18 years of age or more but less than 60 years of age at the date of his or her ap-”,
(ii)by replacing line 7 with the following:
“(e) if 18 years of age or more but less than 60 years of age at the date of his or her ap-”, and
(iii)by adding after line 26 the following:
“(7.1) Section 5 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1.03):
(1.04) When the application referred to in paragraph (1)(a) is in respect of a minor, it must be
(a) made by either parent, by a legal or de facto guardian or by any other person having custody of the minor, whether by virtue of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, a written agreement or the operation of law; and
(b) countersigned by the minor, if the minor has attained the age of 14 years on or before the day on which the application is made and is not prevented from understanding the significance of the application because of a mental disability.
(1.05) If the Minister waives the requirement set out in paragraph (1.04)(a) under subparagraph (3)(b)(v), the application referred to paragraph (1)(a) may be made by the minor.”;
(c)on page 3, by replacing lines 2 and 3 with the following:
“repealing subparagraphs (i) and (iii), by adding “or” at the end of subparagraph (iv), and by adding the following after subparagraph (iv):
(v) the requirement respecting who may make an application in respect of a minor set out in paragraph (1.04)(a).”; and
(d) on page 6, by adding the following after line 38:
“17.1 Until the day on which subsection 1(6) comes into force, paragraphs 5(1)(d) and (e) of the Citizenship Act are replaced by the following:
(d) if 18 years of age or more but less than 65 years of age at the date of his or her application, has an adequate knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada;
(e) if 18 years of age or more but less than 65 years of age at the date of his or her application, demonstrates in one of the official languages of Canada that he or she has an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship; and”.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion in amendment, as modified, it was adopted on the following vote:
YEAS
The Honourable Senators
AndreychukBakerBattersBeyakBoisvenuCarignanCoolsCordyDagenaisDawsonDayDowneDoyleDuffyDyckEggletonEnvergaFraserGagnéGreeneHousakosJafferMacDonaldMaltaisManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcInnisMcIntyreMercerMocklerMunsonNeufeldOhPatePlettRuncimanSinclairSmithTannasTkachukUngerVernerWattWellsWetston—47
NAYS
The Honourable Senators
BellemareBlackBoveyChristmasDeanDupuisForestGoldGriffinHarderHartlingLankinMarwahMcCoyMcPhedranMitchellMoncionOmidvarPetitclercPratteRinguetteSaint-GermainWallinWoo—24
ABSTENTIONS
The Honourable Senators
OgilviePattersonSeidman—3
With leave of the Senate and pursuant to rule 5-10(1), the motion in amendment to Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act, as amended, was withdrawn.
Bills – Third Reading
The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Omidvar, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gagné, for the third reading of Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act, as amended.
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, for the Honourable Senator Frum, seconded by the Honourable Senator Smith, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Orders No. 1 and 80 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Order No. 2 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Other Business
Senate Public Bills – Third Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Third reading of Bill S-226, An Act to provide for the taking of restrictive measures in respect of foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and to make related amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., that the bill be read for a third time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Cools 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 negatived.
The question being put on the motion of the Honourable Senator Andreychuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., for the third reading of Bill S-226, An Act to provide for the taking of restrictive measures in respect of foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and to make related amendments to the Special Economic Measures Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the third time.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, to which it desires its concurrence.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, for the third reading of Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code (protection of journalistic sources), as amended.
After debate,
In amendment, the Honourable Senator Pratte moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mitchell:
That Bill S-231, as amended, be not now read a third time, but that it be further amended in clause 3, on page 4, by replacing line 13 with the following:
“487.014 to 487.017 relating to a journalist’s communications or an object,”.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was adopted.
The question being put on the motion of the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, for the third reading of Bill S-231, An Act to amend the Canada Evidence Act and the Criminal Code (protection of journalistic sources), as amended, it was adopted.
The bill, as amended, was then read the third time.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, to which it desires its concurrence.
Third reading of Bill S-233, An Act to amend the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (presentation and reporting requirements), as amended.
The Honourable Senator Runciman moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Patterson, that the bill, as amended, be read for a third time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill, as amended, was then read the third time.
Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, to which it desires its concurrence.
Commons Public Bills – Third Reading
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, for the third reading of Bill C-210, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Neufeld, 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 – Reports of Committees
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, seconded by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, for the adoption of the twelfth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce (Bill S-224, An Act respecting payments made under construction contracts, with amendments), presented in the Senate on April 4, 2017.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Plett moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the bill, as amended, be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Bill S-229, An Act respecting underground infrastructure safety, with amendments), presented in the Senate on April 6, 2017.
The Honourable Senator Neufeld moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Mitchell moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gagné, that the bill, as amended, be placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1 to 6 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Resuming debate on the consideration of the first report (interim) of the Special Senate Committee on Senate Modernization, entitled Senate Modernization: Moving Forward, deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on October 4, 2016.
The Honourable Senator Bellemare moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., that further debate on the consideration of the report be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 3, 5 to 12, 14 and 15 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Consideration of the ninth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Supplementary budget—study on opportunities for strengthening cooperation with Mexico), presented in the Senate on March 28, 2017.
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tkachuk, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 17 to 19 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Consideration of the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (Budget—study on the acquisition of farmland in Canada and its potential impact on the farming sector—power to hire staff and to travel), presented in the Senate on April 6, 2017.
The Honourable Senator Dagenais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the seventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (Budget—study on the effects of transitioning to a low carbon economy—power to travel), presented in the Senate on April 6, 2017.
The Honourable Senator Neufeld moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages (Budget—study on the challenges associated with access to French schools and French immersion programs in B.C.—power to hire staff and to travel), presented in the Senate on April 6, 2017.
The Honourable Senator McIntyre moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McInnis, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the eleventh report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Budget—study on the role of robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence in the healthcare system—power to hire staff and to travel), presented in the Senate on April 11, 2017.
The Honourable Senator Ogilvie moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Maltais, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
Order No. 31 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Eggleton, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Dawson:
That the Senate encourage the federal government, after appropriate consultations, to sponsor along with one or more of the provinces/territories a pilot project, and any complementary studies, to evaluate the cost and impact of implementing a national basic income program based on a negative income tax for the purpose of helping Canadians to escape poverty.
And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Bellemare, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C.:
That the motion be amended to read as follows:
That the Senate encourage the federal government, after appropriate consultations, to provide support to initiatives by provinces/territories, including the Aboriginal Communities, aimed at evaluating the cost and impact of implementing measures, programs and pilot projects for the purpose of helping Canadians to escape poverty, by way of a basic income program (such as a negative income tax) and to report on their relative efficiency.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Bovey moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo, that further debate on the motion in amendment be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Patterson, seconded by the Honourable Senator Runciman:
Whereas the Senate provides representation for groups that are often underrepresented in Parliament, such as Aboriginal peoples, visible minorities and women;
Whereas paragraph (3) of section 23 of the Constitution Act, 1867 requires that, in order to be qualified for appointment to and to maintain a place in the Senate, a person must own land with a net worth of at least four thousand dollars in the province for which he or she is appointed;
Whereas a person’s personal circumstances or the availability of real property in a particular location may prevent him or her from owning the required property;
Whereas appointment to the Senate should not be restricted to those who own real property of a minimum net worth;
Whereas the existing real property qualification is inconsistent with the democratic values of modern Canadian society and is no longer an appropriate or relevant measure of the fitness of a person to serve in the Senate;
Whereas, in the case of Quebec, each of the twenty-four Senators representing the province must be appointed for and must have either their real property qualification in or be resident of a specified Electoral Division;
Whereas an amendment to the Constitution of Canada in relation to any provision that applies to one or more, but not all, provinces may be made by proclamation issued by the Governor General under the Great Seal of Canada only where so authorized by resolutions of the Senate and House of Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province to which the amendment applies;
Whereas the Supreme Court of Canada has determined that a full repeal of paragraph (3) of section 23 of the Constitution Act, 1867, respecting the real property qualification of Senators, would require a resolution of the Quebec National Assembly pursuant to section 43 of the Constitution Act, 1982;
Now, therefore, the Senate resolves that an amendment to the Constitution of Canada be authorized to be made by proclamation issued by His Excellency the Governor General under the Great Seal of Canada in accordance with the Schedule hereto.
SCHEDULE
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF CANADA
1.(1) Paragraph (3) of section 23 of the Constitution Act, 1867 is repealed.
(2) Section 23 of the Act is amended by replacing the semi-colon at the end of paragraph (5) with a period and by repealing paragraph (6).
2.The Declaration of Qualification set out in The Fifth Schedule to the Act is replaced by the following:
I, A.B., do declare and testify that I am by law duly qualified to be appointed a member of the Senate of Canada.
3. This Amendment may be cited as the Constitution Amendment, [year of proclamation] (Real property qualification of Senators).
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Ringuette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 89, 92, 139, 146 and 158 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Housakos, seconded by the Honourable Senator Smith:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications be authorized to examine and report on issues related to the 373 million dollars of federal public money on loan to Bombardier Inc., including but not limited to the overall value for investment on behalf of Canadians; and
That the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 7, 2017 and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 180 days after the tabling of the final report.
After debate,
In amendment, the Honourable Senator Pratte moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mitchell:
That the motion be not now adopted, but that it be amended:
(a)by replacing the words “Transport and Communications” by the words “National Finance”;
(b)by replacing all the words in the first paragraph following the words “related to” by the words “public assistance provided to multinational companies by the Government of Canada, including the 350 million dollar loan provided to Bombardier Inc. in 2008 and the 373 million dollars loaned to Bombardier Inc. in 2017, taking particular account of, but not limited to, the overall value of such investment on behalf of Canadians; and”; and
(c)by replacing the words “June 7” by the words “December 31”.
The Honourable Senator Plett moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, that further debate on the motion in amendment be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Inquiries
Orders No. 1, 2, 8 and 11 to 14 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Maltais, calling the attention of the Senate to the softwood lumber crisis.
Debate concluded.
Order No. 17 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Mockler, calling the attention of the Senate to the issue of pipeline safety in Canada, and the nation-building project that is the Energy East proposal, and its resulting impact on the Canadian economy.
After debate,
With leave of the Senate,
Further debate on the inquiry was adjourned until the next sitting, in the name of the Honourable Senator Mercer.
Order No. 19 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Tardif, calling the attention of the Senate to regional universities and the important role they play in Canada.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Neufeld, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
MOTIONS
The Honourable Senator McIntyre moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marshall:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit with the Clerk of the Senate, between April 25 and May 25, 2017, a report relating to its study on access to French-language schools and French immersion programs in British Columbia, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the report be deemed to have been tabled in the Chamber.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Bellemare moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 9:41 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)
DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)
Report of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016, pursuant to the Patent Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-4, s. 26.—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1022.
Summaries of the Corporate Plan and Operating and Capital Budgets for 2016-17 to 2020-21 of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-11, sbs. 125(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1023.
Summary of the Corporate Plan for 2017-18 of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada, pursuant to the Physical Activity and Sport Act, S.C. 2003, c. 2, sbs. 32(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/42-1024.
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5 and to the Order of the Senate of December 7, 2016
Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples
The Honourable Senator Hartling replaced the Honourable Senator Boniface (April 10, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., was added to the membership (April 7, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Smith was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (April 7, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Enverga replaced the Honourable Senator Patterson (April 7, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Smith replaced the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C. (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
The Honourable Senator Greene replaced the Honourable Senator Lang (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans
The Honourable Senator Marshall replaced the Honourable Senator Poirier (April 7, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Enverga replaced the Honourable Senator Boisvenu (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Honourable Senator Patterson replaced the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan (April 11, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Ataullahjan replaced the Honourable Senator Martin (April 7, 2017).
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Campbell replaced the Honourable Senator Mégie (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator White replaced the Honourable Senator Doyle (April 7, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Omidvar replaced the Honourable Senator Griffin (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator Andreychuk replaced the Honourable Senator Raine (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence
The Honourable Senator Wallin replaced the Honourable Senator Boniface (April 11, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., replaced the Honourable Senator Boisvenu (April 11, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Boisvenu replaced the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C. (April 7, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages
The Honourable Senator Poirier replaced the Honourable Senator Doyle (April 11, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Doyle replaced the Honourable Senator Poirier (April 7, 2017).
Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament
The Honourable Senator Gold replaced the Honourable Senator Omidvar (April 11, 2017).
Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The Honourable Senator Dean replaced the Honourable Senator Griffin (April 11, 2017).
The Honourable Senator Griffin replaced the Honourable Senator Dean (April 7, 2017).