Journals of the Senate
4 Charles III , A.D. 2026, Canada
1st Session, 45th Parliament
Issue 51 (Unrevised)
Thursday, February 12, 2026
1:30 p.m.
The Honourable RAYMONDE GAGNÉ, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldAudetteBattersBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanCormierCoyleDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFridhandlerGagnéGignacHébertHousakosKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacDonaldMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPettenPoirierPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSmithSorensenSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
AdlerAl ZaibakAndersonArnoldAudetteBattersBoudreauBoyerBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanCormierCoyleDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanForestFridhandlerGagné*GerbaGignac*Greenwood*HayHébertHousakosKaretak-LindellKingstonKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLewisLoffredaMacDonaldMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePattersonPettenPoirierPupatelloQuinnRavaliaRinguetteRobinsonRossSaint-GermainSmithSorensenSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)Wells (Newfoundland and Labrador)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff
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:
Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025-26.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-884.
Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill S-5, An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by health information technology vendors, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-885.
Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees
The Honourable Senator Surette, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, tabled the first report of the committee, entitled Breaking Down Language Barriers in Health Care: For Equitable, Safe and Quality Health Care and Health Services.—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-886S.
The Honourable Senator Surette moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Sorensen, 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 Burey presented the following:
Thursday, February 12, 2026
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the honour to present its
FIFTH REPORT
Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-212, An Act respecting a national strategy for children and youth in Canada, has, in obedience to the order of reference of June 18, 2025, examined the said bill and now reports the same with the following amendments:
1.Preamble, pages 1 and 2:
(a)On page 1,
(i)add the following after line 21:
“Whereas First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and youths have the right to grow up in a culturally safe environment and in their own respective cultures and languages;”,
(ii)add the following after line 28:
“Whereas First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and families are best supported by programs and services that are culturally appropriate and led by Indigenous peoples and Canada is therefore committed to upholding the right of Indigenous peoples to be consulted to obtain their free, prior and informed consent for the content of the national strategy as it pertains to Indigenous children;”, and
(iii)add the following after line 34:
“Whereas the well-being of Canada’s children and youth cannot be achieved without a sustained focus on mental health, particularly in light of the urgency of the current mental health crisis across Canada;
Whereas Canada has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which, in Article 7, sets out an obligation on States Parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the full enjoyment by children with disabilities of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children;”; and
(b)on page 2, replace line 4 with the following:
“And whereas investing in the well-being, physical and mental health, and growth”.
2.Clause 4, pages 3 to 5:
(a)On page 3,
(i)add the following after line 4:
“(i.1) equitable access to mental health services, resources and supports that respond to the diverse needs of all children and youth across Canada, with particular attention to the specific needs of children and youth from distinct communities and groups, including
(A) First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities,
(B) refugee or immigrant families,
(C) persons living in rural or remote locations,
(D) persons belonging to vulnerable groups,
(E) Black persons and persons from other racialized communities, and
(F) children and youth with disabilities,”,
(ii)replace line 22 with the following:
“September 14, 2005,”,
(iii)replace line 26 with the following:
“13, 2007, as it relates to children and youth, and
(E) the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006, as it relates to children and youth;”, and
(iv) add the following after line 30:
“(b.1) identify a series of outcomes and quantifiable indicators that are relevant to Indigenous children and youth, developed to reflect the unique realities and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis and informed by Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems;”;
(b)on page 4,
(i)replace lines 17 and 18 with the following:
“of Justice, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Minister of Employment and Social Development;”, and
(ii)add the following after line 29:
“(3.1) In conducting consultations under paragraph (3)(a), the Minister must make every reasonable effort to ensure that child and youth participants are engaged in a culturally safe environment and in ways that respect their own respective cultures and that they are provided with the opportunity to participate in their own respective languages.”; and
(c)on page 5,
(i)replace line 5 with the following:
“(c) the Inuit Child First Initiative;”, and
(ii)replace line 9 with the following:
“Girls;
(e) the unique rights, interests, cultures and languages of First Nations, Inuit and Métis; and
(f) any commitments made by the Government of Canada in relation to early learning and child care, including commitments specific to Indigenous early learning and child care.”.
3.Clause 7, page 5: Add the following after line 33:
“(1.1) In carrying out the duty referred to in subsection (1), the Minister shall consult with the persons identified in subsection 4(3) of this Act.”.
4.Make any necessary consequential changes to the numbering of provisions and cross-references resulting from the amendments to the bill.
Respectfully submitted,
SHARON BUREY
Deputy Chair
Observations to the fifth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Bill S-212)
Your committee notes that children are not inherently poor; rather, they experience poverty through their living conditions, often single-parent households headed primarily by mothers. It is poverty within those situations we need to address.
Your committee also recommends that a Gender-Based Analysis Plus of this bill be conducted to provide a fulsome understanding of who would be impacted by this national strategy and to ensure it is inclusive and responsive.
The Honourable Senator Burey moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Osler, 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 Audette, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, tabled the third report of the committee (The subject matter of Part 4 and those elements contained in Division 35 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-887S.
(Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.)
The Honourable Senator Smith, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, tabled the second report of the committee (The subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 1, 2, 24, 28 and 29 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-888S.
(Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.)
Government Notices of Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petten:
That the date in paragraph 3(b) of the order adopted by the Senate on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in relation to Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures, be replaced with February 26, 2026.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Question Period
The Senate proceeded to Question Period.
Orders of the Day
Pursuant to the order adopted June 4, 2025, the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson informed the Senate that Question Period with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Government Business
Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1 and 2 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Order No. 1 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:
That, in accordance with section 49 of the Official Languages Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 31 (4th Supp.), the Senate approve the appointment of Kelly Burke as Commissioner of Official Languages.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Inquiries
Order No. 1 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.
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator Sorensen, for the second reading of Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, for the second reading of Bill S-232, An Act respecting non-disclosure agreements.
Debate.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
At 3 p.m., pursuant to the order adopted on February 11, 2026, the Senate was suspended during pleasure and resolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act, the Honourable Senator Cormier in the Chair.
—In the Committee—
Pursuant to the order adopted on February 12, 2026, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P., Minister of Finance and National Revenu, was escorted to a seat in the Senate Chamber.
Debate.
At 3:18 p.m., the committee was suspended.
At 3:20 p.m., the committee resumed.
The Committee of the Whole resumed its consideration of the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.
Debate.
At 3:29 p.m., the committee was suspended.
At 3:30 p.m., the committee resumed.
The Committee of the Whole resumed its consideration of the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.
Debate.
At 3:42 p.m., the committee was suspended.
At 3:43 p.m., the committee resumed.
The Committee of the Whole resumed its consideration of the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.
Debate.
A point of order was raised with respect to the scope of questions.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE CHAIR’S RULING
Honourable senators, in light of the comments, I understand the concerns expressed. But I believe that, given that we are studying the subject matter of the bill, I will invite Senator Cardozo and the minister to continue.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole resumed its consideration of the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.
Debate.
It was agreed that the chair report to the Senate that the witness had been heard.
The sitting of the Senate resumed.
A point of order was raised with respect to the scope of certain questions during the Committee of the Whole.
SPEAKER'S RULING
Honourable senators, a Committee of the Whole is a committee and like any other committee, master of its own proceedings. A point of order was raised during Committee of the Whole and the chair ruled. If senators wish to set parameters for future Committees of the Whole, they may do so by way of motion.
The Chair of the Committee stated that the Committee had examined the subject matter of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act; and had directed him to report the same to the Senate.
Government Business
Bills – Third Reading
Third reading of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act.
The Honourable Senator Boudreau moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Oudar, that the bill be read for the third time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read for 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.
Other Business
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate, for the second reading of Bill S-232, An Act respecting non-disclosure agreements.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Carignan, 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. 16 and 17 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Forest, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dasko, for the second reading of Bill S-237, An Act respecting a Cities and Municipalities Day.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read for the second time.
The Honourable Senator Forest moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain, 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. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Orders No. 4, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Orders No. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 13 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Inquiries
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Cardozo, calling the attention of the Senate to National Flag of Canada Day and the extra relevance of our flag given the current geopolitical situation.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator White moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cardozo, that further debate on the inquiry be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
At 5 p.m., pursuant to rule 16-1(8), 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 5:33 p.m., the sitting resumed.
ROYAL ASSENT
At 5:33 p.m., the Honourable the Speaker informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:
RIDEAU HALL
February 12, 2026
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 bill listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 12th day of February, 2026, at 5:07 p.m.
Yours sincerely,
Ken MacKillop
Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
Schedule
Bill Assented To
Thursday, February 12, 2026
An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (Bill C-19, Chapter 1, 2026)
Motions
With leave of the Senate,
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pupatello:
That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
ADJOURNMENT
The Honourable Senator Duncan moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pupatello:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
(Accordingly, at 5:36 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2 p.m.)
DOCUMENTS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO RULE 14-1(7)
Legislative Costing Note of the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, entitled Enhancing the Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentives, pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-883.
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy
The Honourable Senator Yussuff replaced the Honourable Senator Karetak-Lindell (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Karetak-Lindell replaced the Honourable Senator Yussuff (February 11, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans
The Honourable Senator Dhillon replaced the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain (February 12, 2026).
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Francis replaced the Honourable Senator Wilson (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator MacAdam replaced the Honourable Senator Moncion (February 12, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator Dalphond replaced the Honourable Senator Oudar (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Dean replaced the Honourable Senator Saint-Germain (February 12, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on National Finance
The Honourable Senator MacAdam replaced the Honourable Senator Oudar (February 11, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs
The Honourable Senator Hay replaced the Honourable Senator Audette (February 12, 2026).
Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
The Honourable Senator Hay replaced the Honourable Senator Wells (Alberta) (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Greenwood replaced the Honourable Senator Busson (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Petitclerc replaced the Honourable Senator Woo (February 12, 2026).
The Honourable Senator Woo replaced the Honourable Senator Petitclerc (February 11, 2026).