Government Representative in the Senate Peter Harder said that while the Senate has done much to restore confidence as part of its modernization effort, work still needs to be done in the wake of the expense controversies that plagued the upper chamber during the last Parliament. “The Senate should do everything in its power to demonstrate that … Read more
Following confirmation that Statistics Canada intends to compel major financial institutions to provide detailed customer banking information, the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce announced that it will hold at least one hearing to hear views on whether such information should be required by Statistics Canada. The committee intends to invite Innovation, Science and Economic … Read more
The Senate will open its doors to cameras for a committee of the whole meeting in the Red Chamber on November 6 at 4:10 p.m. for a special hearing with Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault and Commissioner of Canada Elections Yves Côté on Bill C-76, proposed legislation to update federal election laws and make it easier for Canadians to vote. Call 613-462-9011.
The Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce released a new report, called cyber assault: it should keep you up at night, which provides a stark analysis of the dangers lurking online — and 10 recommendations to keep Canadians safe. The committee is urging the government to prioritize cyber security education as part of its national cyber security … Read more
The Senate Committee on Official Languages’ released its second interim report on modernizing the Official Languages Act. The report focuses on the application of the Act to English-speaking communities in Quebec and to francophone minority communities elsewhere in the country. It reflects the concerns and suggestions presented by witnesses whose detailed, well-thought-out proposals reflected a broad consensus … Read more
Senator Diane Bellemare‘s bill, Bill S-254, An Act to establish Promotion of Essential Skills Learning Week, was debated at second reading for the first time. Bill S-254 designates the week starting on the first Monday of October of each year as “Promotion of Essential Skills Learning Week.” “As we enter what the World Economic Forum … Read more
The Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce tabled a new report, entitled Canada: Still Open for Business?, which examines new and emerging issues for Canadian importers and exporters with respect to the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Recent tax changes in the United States, for example, have reduced Canada’s competitive advantage. In the short term, the … Read more
Independent Senator Doug Black delivered his second reading remarks on Bill C-69 the Impact Assessment Act in the Senate. This Bill is designed to completely restructure the natural resource regulatory regime in Canada, including forestry, mining, renewables, fishing, nuclear, pipelines and offshore oil and gas development. “The government has missed the mark with Bill C-69,” he said. “They have designed … Read more
Conservative Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen released the following statement: “Our veterans have been asking for Veterans Affairs Canada to provide them with psychiatric service dogs for years. It is a very popular and highly effective form of treatment for men and women suffering from operational stress injuries,” she said. “Veterans die every day because they do … Read more
Senators sought ways to improve the federal government’s understanding of and interactions with charities and non-profit organizations as the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector continued its landmark study with full-day meetings on Monday, September 17 and Tuesday, September 18. The committee will continue to hear from witnesses and will be launching an online questionnaire … Read more
