Independent Senator Pamela Wallin spoke on Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying), and outlined her belief that the bill unfairly limits a person’s right to choose regarding their own end-of-life decisions. “What is most important for me in studying this … Read more
The Senate Committee on National Finance released a report saying the federal government should present to Parliament a single budget for the whole year instead of a hodgepodge of different estimates. In a four-week span between the tabling of the Main Estimates 2016-17 and Budget 2016, projected federal spending appeared to increase by $66 billion, … Read more
Members of the Senate Committee on Official Languages celebrated the accomplishments of Commissioner of Official Languages Graham Fraser as he prepares to step down after 10 years on the job. Committee Chair Senator Claudette Tardif expressed the committee’s gratitude for the “remarkable work that you have done in the last 10 years.” In what may … Read more
Members of the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs said the government’s bill on medical assistance in dying needs stronger safeguards before the Senate can think about passing it. The committee concluded its pre-study of Bill C-14 and issued a report containing a number of recommendations to strengthen the government bill, which was tabled … Read more
The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry is continuing its study on international market access priorities for the Canadian agricultural and agri-food sectors with a fact-finding mission to Calgary. Senators want to hear directly from the people most affected by the industries’ evolution so the committee can make strong, evidence-based recommendations about the best way … Read more
In its commitment to transparency, efficiency and accountability, the Senate adopted last week a new disclosure model that will provide more detail and uniformity in the quarterly disclosure of Senators’ expenses. The Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration unanimously approved the new model in a precedent-setting meeting last Thursday that was open entirely … Read more
Conservative Senator Denise Batters questioned Government Leader in the Senate Peter Harder regarding his involvement in creating the Trudeau Government’s Senate appointment process in his previous role as that Government’s transition team leader: “What was your precise involvement in formulating and implementing the Trudeau Government Senate appointment process, a process that remarkably concluded with your appointment … Read more
Twenty marine mammal biologists from around the world have released a letter backing Senator Wilfred Moore’s bill to phase out the keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity. “Marine biologists from around the world have confirmed what our moral intuition tells us – whales don’t belong in swimming pools,” said Moore, a member of the … Read more
Members of the Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples have completed a fact-finding mission to Canada’s North as part of their investigation into northern housing challenges. Between April 18 and 22, committee members visited Nunavut and the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, stopping in five towns in five days. Beginning in Iqaluit, members travelled to Igloolik, … Read more
Following the April 21 court decision regarding Senator Michael Duffy, Michel Patrice, Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel and Chief Parliamentary Precinct Services Officer of the Senate, issued the following statement: “The Senate of Canada has taken note of the court decision rendered today pertaining to Senator Michael Duffy. Under the rules of the Senate, today’s … Read more
