Speaker of the Senate Noël A. Kinsella addressed the provincial and territorial speakers from across Canada at their annual regional meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Kinsella explored with his colleagues the implications of the recent Supreme Court opinion on the constitutional requirements for reforming the Senate.“The Court,” said Kinsella, “affirmed the distinct role of the Senate as … Read more
The Standing Senate Committee on Conflict of Interest for Senators has received an inquiry report of the Senate Ethics Officer regarding Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu. Pursuant to the Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, the said report has been transmitted to the Clerk of the Senate. This inquiry was initiated under the Conflict of Interest Code for … Read more
The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry tabled its report “Innovation in Agriculture: The Key to Feeding a Growing Population.” The committee undertook to examine the challenges facing the agriculture and agri-food sector and how research and innovation can help stakeholders overcome these challenges while adapting to the changing landscape in which they operate. … Read more
Canada should join the U.S. ballistic missile defence (BMD) program, said the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence in its report titled “Canada and Ballistic Missile Defence: Responding to the evolving threat” tabled in the Senate. To preserve Canada’s sovereignty, security and national interests, the committee is unanimous in recommending that the Government of … Read more
Speaker of the Senate Noël A. Kinsella met with Ambassador Luo Zhaohui of the People’s Republic of China, discussing the long history of friendship between Canada and China as well as the increasingly strong ties between the two countries. “China is now Canada’s second-largest single nation trading partner, as well as the largest source of foreign students on Canadian … Read more
The Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs tabled its report on the transition to civilian life of veterans. More work needs to be done to strengthen existing transition programs and services and further assist former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with their quests for meaningful post-release job opportunities in civilian society, says the report of … Read more
Members of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans were in Newfoundland and Labrador this week as part of their ongoing study on the regulation of aquaculture in Canada. Senators conducted fact-finding activities in the communities of Harbour Breton, St. Alban’s and Pleasantview touring aquaculture facilities and meeting with producers, local mayors and provincial … Read more
Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate, issued a statement on the Supreme Court of Canada’s judgement on Senate reform. “The Supreme Court of Canada has provided an important opinion today with respect to the Senate Reference. I wish to thank the Court for the guidance and insight provided. Parliamentarians will want to take the necessary time to study and … Read more
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs tabled an interim report on the subject-matter of Bill C-23, an Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts. The committee received an order of reference to study the subject-matter of Bill C-23 on April 7, … Read more
Conservative Ontario Senator Hugh Segal issued a statement on the passing of Jim Flaherty. “Today, Canadians from all walks of life, all economic and social distinctions lost a loyal and tireless ally. Jim Flaherty saw us through the worst global recession since the 1930’s, brought in help for the working poor, invested in doctoral and graduate scholarships … Read more
