Journals of the Senate
70 Elizabeth II , A.D. 2021, Canada
2nd Session, 43rd Parliament
Issue 32 (Unrevised)
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
2 p.m.
The Honourable GEORGE J. FUREY, Speaker
The Members convened were:
The Honourable Senators
AndersonAtaullahjanBattersBellemareBernardBlack (Alberta)Black (Ontario)BoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanChristmasCordyCormierCotterCoyleDagenaisDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuffyDuncanDupuisForestForest-NiesingFrancisFrumFureyGagnéGalvezGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKeatingKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMarwahMassicotteMcCallumMcPhedranMégieMercerMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieMunsonNgoOhOmidvarPatePattersonPetitclercPlettPoirierRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithStewart OlsenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
The Members in attendance to business were:
The Honourable Senators
AndersonAtaullahjanBattersBellemareBernardBlack (Alberta)Black (Ontario)BoehmBoisvenuBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellCarignanChristmasCordyCormierCotterCoyleDagenaisDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuffyDuncanDupuisForestForest-NiesingFrancisFrumFureyGagnéGalvezGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingHousakosJafferKeatingKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMarwahMassicotteMcCallumMcPhedranMégieMercerMiville-DechêneMocklerMoncionMoodieMunsonNgoOhOmidvarPatePattersonPetitclercPlettPoirierRavaliaRichardsRinguetteSaint-GermainSeidmanSimonsSmithStewart OlsenTannasVernerWallinWellsWetstonWhiteWoo
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.
Question Period
The Senate proceeded to Question Period.
Orders of the Day
Government Business
Bills – Messages from the House of Commons
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Boehm:
That, in relation to Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), the Senate:
(a)do not insist on its amendments 1(a)(i), 1(a)(iii), 1(b) and 1(c), with which the House of Commons has disagreed;
(b)agree to the amendments made by the House of Commons to Senate amendment 2;
(c)agree to the amendment made by the House of Commons in consequence of Senate amendments 1(a)(ii) and 3; and
(d)agree to the amendments made by the House of Commons to Senate amendment 3; and
That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that house accordingly.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted on the following vote:
YEAS
The Honourable Senators
BellemareBernardBlack (Alberta)Black (Ontario)BoehmBonifaceBoveyBoyerBrazeauBussonCampbellChristmasCordyCormierCotterCoyleDagenaisDalphondDaskoDawsonDeacon (Nova Scotia)Deacon (Ontario)DeanDowneDuncanDupuisForestForest-NiesingFrancisFureyGagnéGalvezGoldGreeneGriffinHarderHartlingJafferKeatingKlyneKutcherLaBoucane-BensonLankinLoffredaMarwahMassicotteMégieMoncionMoodieMunsonOmidvarPetitclercRavaliaRinguetteSaint-GermainSimonsTannasWetstonWhiteWoo—60
NAYS
The Honourable Senators
AndersonAtaullahjanBattersBoisvenuCarignanFrumHousakosMacDonaldManningMarshallMartinMcCallumMcPhedranMercerMocklerNgoOhPattersonPlettPoirierRichardsSeidmanSmithStewart OlsenWells—25
ABSTENTIONS
The Honourable Senators
DuffyMiville-DechênePateVernerWallin—5
Bills – Third Reading
Third reading of Bill C-24, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19.
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.
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.
Reports of Committees – Other
Order No. 3 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Motions
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gagné, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc:
That the following Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada:
To Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:
We, Her Majesty’s most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.
Debate.
Pursuant to rule 3-3(1) and the orders adopted by the Senate on October 27, 2020, and December 17, 2020, the Speaker left the Chair to resume the same at 7 p.m.
The sitting resumed.
WRITTEN DECLARATION OF ROYAL ASSENT
At 7 p.m., the Honourable the Speaker pro tempore informed the Senate that the following communication had been received:
RIDEAU HALL
March 17, 2020
Mr. Speaker,
I have the honour to inform you that the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Administrator of the Government of Canada, signified royal assent by written declaration to the bills listed in the Schedule to this letter on the 17th day of March, 2021, at 6:38 p.m.
Yours sincerely,
Ian McCowan
Secretary to the Governor General
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
Schedule
Bills Assented To
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
An Act to implement the Agreement on Trade Continuity between Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Bill C-18, Chapter 1, 2021)
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) (Bill C-7, Chapter 2, 2021)
An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19 (Bill C-24, Chapter 3, 2021)
An Act respecting Girl Guides of Canada (Bill S-1001)
Government Business
Motions
The Senate resumed debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gagné, seconded by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc:
That the following Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada:
To Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:
We, Her Majesty’s most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Gagné moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The Honourable Senator Gagné 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, March 23, 2021, at 2 p.m.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Other Business
Senate Public Bills – Second Reading
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-220, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood).
The Honourable Senator Griffin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Galvez, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Martin moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black (Ontario), that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 18 and 19 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Second reading of Bill S-223, An Act respecting Kindness Week.
The Honourable Senator Munson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boehm, that the bill be read the second time.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
The bill was then read the second time.
The Honourable Senator Munson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Boehm, that the bill be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 21, 22 and 23 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Reports of Committees – Other
Consideration of the third report of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, entitled Committee budget - legislation, presented in the Senate on February 11, 2021.
The Honourable Senator Marwah moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dasko, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Consideration of the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, entitled Senate Budget 2021-22, presented in the Senate on March 16, 2021.
The Honourable Senator Marwah moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dasko, that the report be adopted.
After debate,
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Motions
Orders No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), for the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, when and if it is formed, be authorized to examine and report on the future of workers in order to evaluate:
(a)how data and information on the gig economy in Canada is being collected and potential gaps in knowledge;
(b)the effectiveness of current labour protections for people who work through digital platforms and temporary foreign workers programs;
(c)the negative impacts of precarious work and the gig economy on benefits, pensions and other government services relating to employment; and
(d)the accessibility of retraining and skills development programs for workers;
That, in conducting this evaluation, the committee pay particular attention to the negative effects of precarious employment being disproportionately felt by workers of colour, new immigrant and Indigenous workers; and
That the committee submit its final report on this study to the Senate no later than September 30, 2022.
After debate,
Ordered: That further debate on the motion be adjourned in the name of the Honourable Senator Wetston.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Boyer, seconded by the Honourable Senator Woo:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be authorized to examine and report on the forced and coerced sterilization of persons in Canada, particularly related to Indigenous women, when and if the committee is formed; and
That the committee submit its final report on this study to the Senate no later than December 30, 2021.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dasko, that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Order No. 31 was called and postponed until the next sitting.
Ordered: That the Senate resume debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), for the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, when and if it is formed, be authorized to examine and report on the future of workers in order to evaluate:
(a)how data and information on the gig economy in Canada is being collected and potential gaps in knowledge;
(b)the effectiveness of current labour protections for people who work through digital platforms and temporary foreign workers programs;
(c)the negative impacts of precarious work and the gig economy on benefits, pensions and other government services relating to employment; and
(d)the accessibility of retraining and skills development programs for workers;
That, in conducting this evaluation, the committee pay particular attention to the negative effects of precarious employment being disproportionately felt by workers of colour, new immigrant and Indigenous workers; and
That the committee submit its final report on this study to the Senate no later than September 30, 2022.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Dagenais moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black (Ontario), that further debate on the motion be adjourned until the next sitting.
The question being put on the motion, it was adopted.
Orders No. 33 and 39 were called and postponed until the next sitting.
Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Francis, seconded by the Honourable Senator Pate:
That the Senate affirm and honour the 1999 Supreme Court of Canada Marshall decision, and call upon the Government of Canada to do likewise, upholding Mi’kmaw treaty rights to a moderate livelihood fishery, as established by Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in 1760 and 1761, and as enshrined in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
That the Senate condemn the violent and criminal acts interfering with the exercise of these treaty rights and requests immediate respect for and enforcement of the criminal laws of Canada, including protection for Mi’kmaw fishers and communities.
After debate,
The Honourable Senator Wells moved, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that further debate on the motion 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 McCallum, seconded by the Honourable Senator McPhedran:
That the Senate of Canada call on the federal government to adopt anti-racism as the sixth pillar of the Canada Health Act, prohibiting discrimination based on race and affording everyone the equal right to the protection and benefit of the law.
Debate.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9 p.m., pursuant to the orders adopted by the Senate on October 27, 2020, December 17, 2020, and March 15, 2021, the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 2 p.m.
WRITTEN REPLIES TO ORAL QUESTIONS AND TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS DEPOSITED WITH THE CLERK OF THE SENATE PURSUANT TO THE ORDERS ADOPTED OCTOBER 27 AND DECEMBER 17, 2020
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 2, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Downe, concerning CBC and local news during the pandemic.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-635S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 28, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Galvez, concerning the National Building Code.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-636S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 3, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Moodie, concerning de-escalation and anti-racism training – Public Safety Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-637S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 3, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Moodie, concerning de-escalation and anti-racism training – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-638S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 4, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Busson, concerning food security.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-639S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 17, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Frum, concerning the Canadian Muslim Voting Guide.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-640S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 17, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Coyle, concerning the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-641S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 1, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Black (Alberta), concerning the Industry Strategy Council.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-642S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 10, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Frum, concerning the Canada-Iran Relations – Public Safety Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-643S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 10, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Frum, concerning the Canada-Iran Relations – Global Affairs Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-644S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 14, 2020, by the Honourable Senator Ngo, concerning Canada-China Relations.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-645S.
Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 14, 2020, by the Honourable Senator McPhedran, concerning human rights in Iran.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-646S.
Reply to Question No. 2, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding airport privatization – Finance Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-647S.
Reply to Question No. 2, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding airport privatization – Transport Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-648S.
Reply to Question No. 4, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding harassment in the arts.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-649S.
Reply to Question No. 6, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the auto sector.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-650S.
Reply to Question No. 17, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding critical materials – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-651S.
Reply to Question No. 17, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding critical materials – Public Safety Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-652S.
Reply to Question No. 24, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Export Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-653S.
Reply to Question No. 28, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding icebreakers – Public Services and Procurement Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-654S.
Reply to Question No. 28, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding icebreakers – Fisheries and Oceans Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-655S.
Reply to Question No. 36, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding international trade (MERCOSUR) - Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-656S.
Reply to Question No. 36, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding international trade (MERCOSUR) – Global Affairs Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-657S.
Reply to Question No. 46, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the average age of employees in the public service – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-658S.
Reply to Question No. 46, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the average age of employees in the public service – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-659S.
Reply to Question No. 48, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canada Research Chairs program.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-660S.
Reply to Question No. 54, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding superclusters.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-661S.
Reply to Question No. 56, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the TMX pipeline.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-662S.
Reply to Question No. 58, dated September 23, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Veterans Affairs Canada Virtual Memorial.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-663S.
Reply to Question No. 73, dated October 2, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the alcohol escalator tax.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-664S.
Reply to Question No. 76, dated October 2, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding carbon tax collected.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-665S.
Reply to Question No. 88, dated November 3, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding deportations.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-666S.
Reply to Question No. 95, dated December 1, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-667S.
Reply to Question No. 104, dated December 1, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding steel and aluminum products – Global Affairs Canada.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-668S.
Reply to Question No. 104, dated December 1, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding steel and aluminum products – Canada Border Services Agency.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-669S.
Reply to Question No. 114, dated December 16, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-670S.
Reply to Question No. 115, dated December 16, 2020, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding Canadians jailed abroad.—Sessional Paper No. 2/43-671S.
Changes in Membership of Committees Pursuant to Rule 12-5
Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration
The Honourable Senator Black (Ontario) replaced the Honourable Senator Campbell (March 17, 2021).
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
The Honourable Senator Mégie replaced the Honourable Senator Cotter (March 17, 2021).
The Honourable Senator Pate replaced the Honourable Senator Boyer (March 17, 2021).