The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAtaullahjanAucoinBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithSorensenTannasVaroneVernerWallinWellsWhiteWooYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAtaullahjanAucoinBattersBellemareBernardBlackBoehmBonifaceBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDagenaisDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGoldHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMassicotteMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOmidvarOslerOudarPatePattersonPetitclercPettenPlettPoirierQuinnRavaliaRichardsRinguetteRossSaint-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

Tabling of Documents

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson tabled the following:

2021-22 Annual Report of the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3175.

2022-23 Annual Report of the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3176.

2023-24 Departmental Plan for the Law Commission of Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3177.

Government Notices of Motions

With leave of the Senate,

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

That, notwithstanding rule 3-1(1), when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Thursday, June 20, 2024, at noon.

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

Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills

The Honourable Senator Gerba introduced Bill S-286, An Act respecting National Immigration Month.

The bill was read the first time.

The Honourable Senator Gerba moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cardozo, 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 MacDonald tabled the following:

Report of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, National Conference of State Legislatures, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America, from August 13 to 16, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3178.

Report of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, Council of State Governments East’s 62nd Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum, Toronto, Ontario, from August 20 to 23, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3179.

Report of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, Congressional Visit, Washington, D.C., United States of America, from November 13 to 16, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3180.

Report of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, Council of State Governments National Conference, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America, from December 6 to 9, 2023.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3181.

Report of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, “Canada Day in Albany” hosted by the New York Consulate General of Canada, Albany, New York, United States of America, from February 27 to 28, 2024.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3182.

Tabling of Petitions

The Honourable Senator Mégie tabled the following petition:

Of residents of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec expressing their support of Bill S-280, An Act respecting a national framework on sickle cell disease.—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3183S.

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference.

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

After debate,

In amendment, the Honourable Senator Woo moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia:

That Bill C-70 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended,

(a)in clause 53,

(i)on page 26, by replacing line 28 with the following:

“rection or for the benefit of a for-”,

(ii)on page 28, by replacing lines 8 and 9 with the following:

“outside Canada, at the direction or for the benefit of a foreign entity or a terrorist group, in-”,

(iii)on page 29,

(A)by replacing line 11 with the following:

“rection or for the benefit of a for-”,

(B)by replacing lines 27 and 28 with the following:

“who, at the direction or for the benefit of a foreign entity, knowingly engages in surrepti-”,

(iv)on page 30, by replacing line 14 with the following:

“who, at the direction of a foreign”;

(b)in clause 113, on page 75, by replacing lines 5 and 6 with the following:

“person undertakes to carry out, under the direction of a foreign principal, any of the follow-”.

DEFERRED VOTES

At 4:20 p.m., pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on September 21, 2022, the Senate proceeded to the taking of the deferred standing vote on the motion of the Honourable Senator Moncion, seconded by the Honourable Senator McBean, for the third reading of Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023 and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023.

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

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAucoinBellemareBernardBoehmBonifaceBureyBussonCardozoClementCordyCormierCotterCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFrancisGalvezGerbaGignacGoldHarderHartlingJafferKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMégieMiville-DechêneMoncionMoodieOmidvarOslerPatePetitclercPettenRavaliaRinguetteRossSaint-GermainSimonsSorensenWhiteWooYussuff—60

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AtaullahjanBattersBlackCarignanDagenaisHousakosMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinPattersonPlettPoirierQuinnRichardsSeidmanSmithVernerWallinWells—20

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

OudarTannas—2

Accordingly, Bill C-59 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.

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 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 June 18, 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 to return Bill S-9, An Act to amend the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act,

And to acquaint the Senate that the Commons has passed this bill, without amendment.

o o o

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-26, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts, to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

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

o o o

A message was brought from the House of Commons with Bill C-40, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make consequential amendments to other Acts and to repeal a regulation (miscarriage of justice reviews), to which it desires the concurrence of the Senate.

The bill was read the first time.

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

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Dean, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cotter, for the third reading of Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference.

And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Woo, seconded by the Honourable Senator Ravalia:

That Bill C-70 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended,

(a)in clause 53,

(i)on page 26, by replacing line 28 with the following:

“rection or for the benefit of a for-”,

(ii)on page 28, by replacing lines 8 and 9 with the following:

“outside Canada, at the direction or for the benefit of a foreign entity or a terrorist group, in-”,

(iii)on page 29,

(A)by replacing line 11 with the following:

“rection or for the benefit of a for-”,

(B)by replacing lines 27 and 28 with the following:

“who, at the direction or for the benefit of a foreign entity, knowingly engages in surrepti-”,

(iv)on page 30, by replacing line 14 with the following:

“who, at the direction of a foreign”;

(b)in clause 113, on page 75, by replacing lines 5 and 6 with the following:

“person undertakes to carry out, under the direction of a foreign principal, any of the follow-”.

After debate,

The question being put on the motion in amendment, it was negatived on the following vote:

YEAS

The Honourable Senators

ClementCoyleDagenaisForestGalvezHarderJafferMcBeanMcCallumMcPhedranMoodieOmidvarPatePetitclercRavaliaSimonsWoo—17

NAYS

The Honourable Senators

AndersonArnotAtaullahjanAucoinBattersBellemareBlackBoehmBonifaceBureyBussonCarignanCordyCotterCuznerDalphondDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanFrancisGoldHousakosKingstonKlyneLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcNairOslerOudarPettenPlettPoirierQuinnRichardsRinguetteRossSaint-GermainSeidmanSmithSorensenTannasVernerWallinWellsWhiteYussuff—54

ABSTENTIONS

The Honourable Senators

CormierHartlingMégieMiville-Dechêne—4

o o o

Ordered: That the debate on Bill C-70 be interrupted in order to take Bill C-69 into consideration at second reading now, with the debate on Bill C-70 resuming once the proceedings on Bill C-69 have concluded for the day.

Second reading of Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024.

The Honourable Senator Loffreda moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator McNair, that the bill be read the second time.

After debate,

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

The bill was then read the second time.

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 18, 2024, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.

---

Pursuant to rule 3-3(1), the Speaker left the Chair to resume the same at 8 p.m.

The sitting resumed.

Government Business

Bills – Third Reading

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate earlier this day, the Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Dean, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cotter, for the third reading of Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference.

After debate,

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

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-74, 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 division.

The bill was then read the second time.

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

o o o

Second reading of Bill C-75, 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 division.

The bill was then read the second time.

The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that the bill 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, on division.

---

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 18, 2024, the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., presented the following:

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance has the honour to present its

NINETEENTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024, has, in obedience to the order of reference of June 19, 2024, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Observations to the nineteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance (Bill C-69)

During the subject matter study of Bill C-69, your committee heard from witnesses of various backgrounds (e.g, senior government officials, organizations representing businesses, unions, not-for-profit organizations, etc.) as well as the Chairs of other Standing Senate Committees that studied the subject matter of specific parts of Bill C-69. A common theme we heard is the concern and dissatisfaction over the government’s continued use of omnibus bills, a sentiment we strongly share.

As we have repeatedly stressed in previous reports, the inclusion of non-financial matters in budget implementation bills prevents parliamentarians and Canadians from giving these matters the thorough scrutiny they deserve. This frustration is shared by other Standing Senate Committees as detailed in their reports to the Senate.

Specifically, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology believes that a budget implementation act should be linked only to the costed measures in the budget and recommends that non-financial provisions in Bill C-69 like Divisions 21 and 22 (Canada Labour Code), Division 31 (Food and Drugs Act) and Division 38 (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) of Part 4 be the subject of subsequent stand-alone legislation.

Similarly, the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs recommends that the government remove Division 39 (“immigrant stations”) of Part 4 from Bill C-69 and consider reintroducing the proposed amendments in a separate bill.

In addition, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy asks that the federal government reconsider the merits of the proposal to remove Division 16 (“open banking”) of Part 4 from Bill C-69. Your committee agrees with its reservations over the government’s decision to designate the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada as the regulator for consumer-driven banking. This decision worries us for provincial or territorial financial institutions such as Desjardins, which could be subject to two levels of regulations.

Also, the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications recommends that in the future, such content as Division 27 (VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.) and Division 37 (Telecommunications Act) of Part 4 of Bill C-69 be introduced in separate legislation.

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs made similar recommendations regarding amendments to the Criminal Code related to motor vehicle theft (Division 35 of Part 4) and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Division 44 of Part 4).

Your committee believes many of these provisions represent significant changes to a multitude of matters that are too important to be included in an omnibus bill, especially under the tight legislative schedule. Therefore, we join other Standing Senate Committees in recommending that the government remove non- financial provisions from budget implementation bills and introduce them as stand-alone bills, and cease such practice in future budget implementation bills. Your committee will undertake a study of this issue in the fall.

Despite its over 600-page length and inclusion of many measures unrelated to financial matters, one key Budget 2024 measure is notably absent from Bill C-69: the proposed changes to the capital gains tax regime. Its absence notwithstanding, we have heard serious concerns from Canadians of various backgrounds regarding the uncertainties created by the proposed changes. In particular, the government has proposed the effective date of June 25, 2024 for the increased capital gains inclusion rate even though the related legislation is yet to be introduced and is unlikely to become law before the proposed effective date. Your committee questions this practice, especially for a measure that has profound implications on Canadians’ finances in times of economic uncertainty. When the legislation on capital gains is introduced, your committee would ask the government to clearly explain to Canadians the rules; and it would give the legislation the close examination it deserves.

During these challenging economic times, several priorities in Bill C-69 — including housing, food security and addressing auto theft — are closely linked to conditions of economic uncertainty and emphasize the need for a more adequate Canada Disability Benefit and additional measures to meaningfully address poverty and economic insecurity, as well as for approaches to implementation of the tax fairness measures contained in Bill C-69 that ensure the tax system adequately supports these goals.

Finally, your committee notes that Bill C-69 contains many measures whose successful implementation requires close collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, including the proposed changes to the Employment Insurance Act, the consumer-driven banking framework, and the proposed National School Food Program. It is unclear to your committee whether proper consultations were conducted prior to the announcement of these changes. Therefore, it asks the government to maintain a continuous engagement with provincial and territorial governments, including during their drafting and implementation stages.

The reports of the different Senate committees that studied the subject matter of parts of Bill C-69, which include other insightful observations on these parts, are available on their website.

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 18, 2024, the bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading forthwith.

This order was called and postponed until the next sitting.

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill S-17, An Act to correct certain anomalies, inconsistencies, out-dated terminology and errors and to deal with other matters of a non-controversial and uncomplicated nature in the Statutes and Regulations of Canada and to repeal certain provisions that have expired, lapsed or otherwise ceased to have effect, as amended.

The Honourable Senator Cotter moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo, 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.

Bills – Second Reading

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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

Motions

Orders No. 1, 132, 167 and 172 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

o o o

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

That authorized photographers be allowed in the Senate Chamber to photograph the next Royal Assent ceremony, with the least possible disruption of the proceedings.

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

Inquiries

Orders No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.

ADJOURNMENT

At 10:19 p.m., pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 5, 2024, the Senate adjourned until noon, tomorrow.

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

Report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Act, S.C. 2021, c. 14, sbs. 7(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3171.

Annual report of the Accessibility Commissioner for the year 2023, pursuant to the Accessible Canada Act, S.C. 2019, c. 10, sbs. 39(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3172.

Report of the Canadian Accessibility Standards Development Organization for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Accessible Canada Act, S.C. 2019, c. 10, sbs. 36(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3173.

Seventeenth Annual Report of the Office of the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner of Canada for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, pursuant to the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act, S.C. 2005, c. 46, sbs. 38(4).—Sessional Paper No. 1/44-3174.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

The Honourable Senator Audette was added to the membership (June 19, 2024).

The Honourable Senator Klyne was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (June 19, 2024).