Journals of the Senate

The Members convened were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDhillonDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKutcherLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloQuinnRinguetteRossSeniorSimonsSmithSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)WhiteWilsonWooYouanceYussuff

The Members in attendance to business were:

The Honourable Senators

AdlerAl ZaibakArnoldArnotAtaullahjanAucoinAudetteBattersBlackBoehmBoudreauBrazeauBureyBussonCardozoCarignanClementCormierCoyleCuznerDalphondDaskoDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDhillonDowneDuncanForestFrancisFridhandlerGagnéGalvezGerbaGignacGreenwoodHarderHayHébertHenkelHousakosInceKaretak-LindellKingstonKutcherLewisLoffredaMacAdamMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcBeanMcCallumMcNairMcPhedranMiville-DechêneMohamedMoncionMoodieMoreauMuggliOslerOudarPatePetitclercPettenPoirierProsperPupatelloQuinnRinguetteRossSeniorSimonsSmithSuretteTannasVaroneVernerWallinWells (Alberta)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

SPEAKER'S STATEMENT

Honourable colleagues,

Today we celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Library of Parliament building, a lasting symbol of knowledge.

Completed in 1876, this iconic building has been at the heart of our democracy for a century and a half, representing not only knowledge but also resilience.

The Library of Parliament is one of the finest examples of Gothic revival architecture in Canada. Its slender dome, fine wood sculptures and distinctive circular shape make this place both majestic and functional. It is a place that reflects the dignity of Parliament itself.

Spared during the devastating fire of 1916 that destroyed the original Parliament Building, the Library remains a living testament to the continuity of our democratic institutions.

Our Library is more than stone and wood. It is a beacon of information, connecting people, ideas and possibilities across time and space.

For over 150 years, the Library of Parliament has provided critical support to parliamentarians. We turn to the Library for resources, research and analysis to inform our legislative work.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember not only the building itself, but also the important work the institution does in service of Parliament.

Its collections, its expertise and its support ensure that we, as parliamentarians, are equipped to make decisions that serve Canada today and for generations to come.

In a time of rapid change and complex challenges, the constant presence of the Library of Parliament reminds us that thoughtful reflection remains at the heart of our public life.

May this remarkable institution continue to shine as a beacon of knowledge, resilience and service for generations to come.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

Senators’ Statements

Some Honourable Senators made statements.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

Presenting or Tabling Reports from Committees

The Honourable Senator Yussuff presented the following:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs has the honour to present its

SECOND REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred 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, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, February 5, 2026, 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 Second Report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (Bill C-12)

Acknowledging the importance of a well-functioning immigration system, the committee urges the Government of Canada to adopt best practices and to provide the necessary technologies and resources to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to streamline application processes, eliminate inefficiencies, improve productivity and eliminate backlogs.

The committee expresses concerns about fraudulent immigration consultant practices and calls on the Government of Canada to address those practices through the regulation of training, testing, certification and accreditation of these consultants, as well as through penalties – such as disqualification, interdiction and prosecution – for those who break the law when representing or advising applicants.

The committee highlights witnesses’ concerns regarding the urgent need to accelerate hydrographic mapping of the Arctic, in accordance with the responsibilities of the Minister of Fisheries provided for in Part 4 of the bill. These responsibilities include ensuring the facilitation of marine trade, commerce and safety. Given that the necessary technology already exists and considering the current geopolitical context of increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, the committee maintains that it is imperative to provide a clear mandate and quickly allocate the necessary resources.

The Honourable Senator Dean moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Kutcher, 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.

Question Period

The Senate proceeded to Question Period.

Orders of the Day

Government Business

Motions

The Honourable Senator Petten moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, usual practice or previous order:

1.at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Senate resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole in order to receive Anton Boegman respecting his appointment as Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner;

2.the committee rise no later than 65 minutes after it begins;

3.the witness’ introductory remarks be limited to a maximum of five minutes;

4.if, during the Committee of the Whole, a senator does not use the entire period of 10 minutes for debate provided under rule 12-31(3)(d), including the responses of the witness, that senator may yield the balance of time to another senator; and

5.if the bells are ringing for a vote at the time the committee is to meet, they be interrupted for the Committee of the Whole at that time, and resume once the committee has completed its work for the balance of any time remaining.

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

o o o

The Honourable Senator Petten moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan:

That, notwithstanding the order adopted by the Senate on June 4, 2025, the sitting of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, continue beyond 4 p.m., if Government Business is not completed, and be adjourned at the later of the completion of Government Business or 4 p.m.; and

That committees of the Senate scheduled to meet on that day be authorized to meet after 4 p.m., even though the Senate may then be sitting, with rule 12-18(1) being suspended in relation thereto.

After debate,

The Honourable Senator Arnot moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Kingston, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.

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

Bills – Third Reading

Third reading of Bill C-4, An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure.

The Honourable Senator Cuzner moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Hay, that the bill be read for the third time.

After debate,

In amendment, the Honourable Senator Clement moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dalphond:

That Bill C-4 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended by deleting Part 4.

Debate.

ADJOURNMENT

At 4 p.m., pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 4, 2025, the Senate adjourned until 1:30 p.m., tomorrow.

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

Report on the use of arrests without warrant from July 15, 2023, to June 21, 2024, pursuant to the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, sbs. 83.31(3).—Sessional Paper No. 1/45-921.

Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5

Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans

The Honourable Senator Ravalia replaced the Honourable Senator Greenwood (February 25, 2026).

Standing Senate Committee on National Finance

The Honourable Senator Tannas was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (February 25, 2026).

The Honourable Senator Cuzner was removed from the membership of the committee, substitution pending (February 25, 2026).