The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteBattersBellemareBoehmBrazeauBureyCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDalphondDeacon (Ontario)DeanDuncanForestGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreeneGreenwoodHarderHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionMoodieOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettProsperRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRossSeidmanSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteBattersBellemare*BlackBoehm*BonifaceBrazeauBureyCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDalphondDeacon (Ontario)Dean*DowneDuncanForestGagnéGerbaGignacGoldGreeneGreenwoodHarderHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionMoodieOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettProsperRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRobinsonRoss*Saint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

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

Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-67, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2024, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading later this day.

o o o

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-68, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2024, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for a second reading later this day.

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-34, An Act to amend the Investment Canada Act.

The Honourable Senator Gignac moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Klyne, that the bill be read for a third time.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

The bill was then read the third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill, without amendment.

Bills – Second Reading

Second reading of Bill C-67, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be read the second time.

Debate.

---

A point of order was raised concerning the availability of copies of the bill.

---

Ordered, That the sitting be suspended to reassemble at the call of the chair, with a 15-minute bell.

(Accordingly, at 11:13 a.m., the sitting was suspended.)

At 12:11 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Bills – Second Reading

The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., for the second reading of Bill C-67, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteBellemareBoehmBrazeauBureyCardozoClementCordyCormierCuznerDalphondDeanDuncanForestGignacGoldGreenwoodJafferKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionOmidvarOslerOudarPattersonPetitclercPettenProsperRinguetteRobinsonRossSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneWhiteWooYussuff—44

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

BattersHousakosMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinPlettRichardsSeidmanWells—10

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

Nil

Accordingly, Bill C-67 was read a second time.

o o o

Pursuant to the order of March 20, 2024, the bill was taken into consideration at third reading forthwith.

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be read for a third time.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteBellemareBoehmBureyCardozoClementCordyCormierCuznerDeanDuncanForestGignacGoldGreenwoodKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionOmidvarOslerOudarPattersonPetitclercPettenProsperRinguetteRobinsonRossSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneWhiteWooYussuff—42

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

BattersHousakosMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinPlettRichardsSeidmanWells—10

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

Nil

Accordingly, Bill C-67 was read a third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

o o o

Second reading of Bill C-68, An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AudetteBellemareBoehmBureyCardozoClementCordyCormierDeanDuncanForestGignacGoldGreenwoodKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionOslerOudarPattersonPetitclercProsperRinguetteRobinsonRossSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneWhiteYussuff—37

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

BattersHousakosManningMarshallMartinPlettSeidmanWells—8

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

Nil

Accordingly, Bill C-68 was read a second time.

o o o

Pursuant to the order of March 20, 2024, the bill was taken into consideration at third reading forthwith.

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill be read for a third time.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

Al ZaibakAudetteBellemareBoehmBureyCardozoClementCordyCormierCuznerDalphondDeanDuncanForestGignacGoldGreenwoodKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMoncionOslerOudarPattersonPetitclercProsperRinguetteRobinsonRossSimonsSorensenTannasVaroneWhiteYussuff—40

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

BattersHousakosMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinPlettSeidmanWells—9

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

Nil

Accordingly, Bill C-68 was read a third time and passed.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that House that the Senate has passed this bill without amendment.

o o o

Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.

Reports of Committees – Other

Orders No. 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 1 and 132 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Inquiries

Orders No. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

---

At 1:25 p.m., pursuant to rule 16-1(8) and the order adopted on March 20, 2024, the sitting was suspended to await the announcement of Royal Assent, to reassemble at the call of the Chair with a five-minute bell.

At 2:28 p.m., the sitting resumed.

WRITTEN DECLARATION OF ROYAL ASSENT

At 2:28 p.m., the Honourable the Acting Speaker informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:

RIDEAU HALL

March 22, 2024

Madam Speaker,

I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 22^nd day of March, 2024, at 1:56 p.m.

Yours sincerely,

The Honourable

The Speaker of the Senate

Ottawa

Schedule

Bills Assented To

Friday, March 22, 2024

An Act to amend the Investment Canada Act (Bill C-34, Chapter 4, 2024)

An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (Bill C-67, Chapter 5, 2024)

An Act for granting to His Majesty certain sums of money for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (Bill C-68, Chapter 6, 2024)

---

With leave of the Senate,

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C.:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2 p.m.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

ADJOURNMENT

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C.:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.

(Accordingly, at 2:32 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2 p.m.)

DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)

Report on the Public Service Pension Plan, together with the Auditors’ Report, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Public Service Superannuation Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-36, s. 46.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2678.

Report on the Administration of the Supplementary Retirement Benefits Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. S-24, s. 12.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2679.

Report on the Administration of the Members of Parliament Retiring Allowances Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. M-5, s. 67.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2680.

Report on employment equity in the Federal Public Service for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2681.

Report of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2682.

Report of the Canadian Energy Regulator for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2683.

Report of the Canada Revenue Agency for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2684.

Report of the Canadian Armed Forces for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2685.

Report of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2686.

Report of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(5).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2687.

Report of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2688.

Report of the Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2689.

Report of the Communications Security Establishment for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2690.

Report of the National Film Board for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2691.

Report of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2692.

Report of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2693.

Report of the National Research Council of Canada for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2694.

Report of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2695.

Report of the Office of the Auditor General for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2696.

Report of the Parks Canada Agency for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2697.

Report of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2698.

Report on the review of the Cannabis Act, pursuant to the Act, L.C. 2018, c. 16, s. 151.1(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2699.

Report of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2700.

Report of the Statistics Survey Operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2701.

Report of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2702.

Report of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Employment Equity Act, S.C. 1995, c. 44, sbs. 21(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2703.

Government response, dated March 21, 2024, to the twelfth report (interim) of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, entitled On the Outside Looking In: The Implementation of the Cannabis Act and its effects on Indigenous Peoples, tabled in the Senate on June 14, 2023. —Sessional Paper No. 1/44-2704S.

(Pursuant to rule 12-23(4), the report and the response were deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.)

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy

The Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne replaced the Honourable Senator Galvez (March 22, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources

The Honourable Senator Prosper was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (March 22, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

The Honourable Senator Boniface replaced the Honourable Senator Greenwood (March 22, 2024).

Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology

The Honourable Senator Cormier replaced the Honourable Senator Jaffer (March 22, 2024).