House Publications
The Debates are the report—transcribed, edited, and corrected—of what is said in the House. The Journals are the official record of the decisions and other transactions of the House. The Order Paper and Notice Paper contains the listing of all items that may be brought forward on a particular sitting day, and notices for upcoming items.
For an advanced search, use Publication Search tool.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the accessibility of this publication, please contact us at accessible@parl.gc.ca.
| 43rd PARLIAMENT, 2nd SESSION | |
|
|
|
JournalsNo. 71 Thursday, March 11, 2021 10:00 a.m. |
|
|
|
|
| Prayer |
| Daily Routine Of Business |
Tabling of Documents |
|
The Speaker laid upon the table, — Report on sponsored travel by Members of the House of Commons for the year 2020, pursuant to section 15(3) of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons (including a supplement reflecting changes to the Lists of Sponsored Travel from the previous two years). — Sessional Paper No. 8527-432-14. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), Mr. Lamoureux (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons) laid upon the table, — Government responses, pursuant to Standing Order 36(8), to the following petitions: |
|
— Nos. 432-00435, 432-00438, 432-00439 and 432-00441 concerning foreign affairs; |
|
— No. 432-00436 concerning health; |
|
— No. 432-00437 concerning justice; |
|
— No. 432-00440 concerning natural resources and energy. |
Statements by Ministers |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 33(1), Mr. Trudeau (Prime Minister) made a statement. |
Presenting Reports from Committees |
|
Mr. Bratina (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek), from the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, presented the sixth report of the committee, "COVID-19 and Indigenous Peoples: From Crisis towards Meaningful Change". — Sessional Paper No. 8510-432-78. |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requested that the government table a comprehensive response. |
|
A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meetings Nos. 3 to 5, 7 to 10 and 17 to 19) was tabled. |
Introduction of Private Members' Bills |
|
Pursuant to Standing Orders 68(2) and 69(1), on motion of Mr. Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby), seconded by Mr. Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie), Bill C-274, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal interest rate), was introduced, read the first time, ordered to be printed and ordered for a second reading at the next sitting of the House. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to Standing Orders 68(2) and 69(1), on motion of Mr. Duvall (Hamilton Mountain), seconded by Mr. Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie), Bill C-275, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (travel expenses deduction for tradespersons), was introduced, read the first time, ordered to be printed and ordered for a second reading at the next sitting of the House. |
Motions |
Presenting Petitions |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 36, petitions certified by the Clerk of Petitions were presented as follows: |
— by Ms. McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona), one concerning human diseases (No. 432-00652);
|
— by Mr. Shields (Bow River), one concerning animals (No. 432-00653);
|
— by Ms. May (Saanich—Gulf Islands), one concerning transportation (No. 432-00654);
|
— by Mr. MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford), one concerning economics and finance (No. 432-00655);
|
— by Ms. Rempel Garner (Calgary Nose Hill), one concerning the democratic process (No. 432-00656);
|
— by Ms. Michaud (Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia), one concerning the environment (No. 432-00657);
|
— by Mr. Patzer (Cypress Hills—Grasslands), one concerning public safety (No. 432-00658) and one concerning natural resources and energy (No. 432-00659);
|
— by Mr. Vis (Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon), one concerning transportation (No. 432-00660), one concerning justice (No. 432-00661) and two concerning health (Nos. 432-00662 and 432-00663);
|
— by Mr. Genuis (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan), two concerning foreign affairs (Nos. 432-00664 and 432-00666) and one concerning justice (No. 432-00665);
|
— by Mr. Viersen (Peace River—Westlock), two concerning health (Nos. 432-00667 and 432-00668) and one concerning natural resources and energy (No. 432-00669).
|
| Government Orders |
|
The House resumed consideration of the motion of Ms. Qualtrough (Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion), seconded by Ms. Tassi (Minister of Labour), — That 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, be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. |
|
The debate continued. |
|
The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to. |
|
Accordingly, 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, was read the second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. |
| Statements By Members |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 31, members made statements. |
| Oral Questions |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 30(5), the House proceeded to Oral Questions. |
| Government Orders |
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 57, Ms. McKenna (Minister of Infrastructure and Communities), seconded by Mr. Lametti (Minister of Justice), moved, — That, in relation to the consideration of Senate amendments to Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), the debate not be further adjourned. |
Pursuant to Standing Order 67.1, the House proceeded to the question period regarding the moving of the closure motion.
|
|
The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following division: |
|
| (Division No. 70 -- Vote no 70) | |
| YEAS: 184, NAYS: 148 |
|
|
YEAS -- POUR Alghabra Drouin Lalonde Robillard Total: -- 184 |
|
|
NAYS -- CONTRE Aboultaif d'Entremont Kusie Reid Total: -- 148 |
|
|
PAIRED -- PAIRÉS Nil--Aucun |
|
|
The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Lametti (Minister of Justice), seconded by Ms. Ng (Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade), — That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint Their Honours that, in relation to Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), the House: |
agrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate;
|
respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(i) because this matter, including questions of most appropriate precise definitions, whether those definitions should be included in the Criminal Code or elsewhere, and whether any consequential amendments or protections relating to issues such as consent and capacity are necessary in relation to such an amendment, will also be addressed by the expert panel and the upcoming parliamentary review, and the Government will collaborate with provincial and territorial health authorities to ensure a consistent approach;
|
respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(iii), 1(b) and 1(c) because it would permit advance requests for medical assistance in dying before an individual has a grievous and irremediable medical condition, a change which goes beyond the scope of the bill, and further, this expansion of the medical assistance in dying regime requires significant consultations and study, including a careful examination of the safeguards for persons preparing advance request and safeguards for practitioners administering medical assistance in dying, all of which could be part of the parliamentary review undertaken to study this important type of advance request to reflect the crucial input of Canadians affected by the medical assistance in dying regime;
|
proposes that, with respect to amendment 2:
|
the portion of paragraph 241.31(3)(a) before subparagraph (i) be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“(a) respecting the provision and collection, for the purpose of monitoring medical assistance in dying, of information relating to requests for, and the provision of, medical assistance in dying, including”;
|
clause 241.31(3)(a)(i)(B) be amended by adding after the words “respecting the race” the words “or indigenous identity”;
|
subparagraph 241.31(3)(a)(i) be amended by deleting “and” at the end of clause (A), by adding “and” at the end of clause (B) and by adding the following after clause (B):
|
“(C) information — other than information that must be provided in relation to the assessment of eligibility to receive medical assistance in dying and the application of safeguards — respecting any disability, as defined in section 2 of the Accessible Canada Act, of a person who requests or receives medical assistance in dying, if the person consents to providing that information,”;
|
paragraph 241.31(3)(b) be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“(b) respecting the use, analysis and interpretation of that information, including for the purposes of determining the presence of any inequality – including systemic inequality – or disadvantage based on race, Indigenous identity, disability or other characteristics, in medical assistance in dying;”;
|
as a consequence of amendments 1(a)(ii) and 3, proposes that the following amendment be added:
|
“1. New clause 3.1, page 9: Add the following after line 20:
|
“Independent Review
|
3.1 (1) The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health must cause an independent review to be carried out by experts respecting recommended protocols, guidance and safeguards to apply to requests made for medical assistance in dying by persons who have a mental illness.
|
(2) A report containing the experts’ conclusions and recommendations must be provided to the Ministers no later than the first anniversary of the day on which this Act receives royal assent.
|
(3) The Ministers must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament within the first 15 days on which the House is sitting after the day on which they receive the report.”;”
|
proposes that, with respect to amendment 3:
|
section 5 be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“Review
|
5 (1) A comprehensive review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application, including but not limited to issues relating to mature minors, advance requests, mental illness, the state of palliative care in Canada and the protection of Canadians with disabilities must be undertaken by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.
|
(2) The Joint Committee shall be composed of five Members of the Senate and ten Members of the House of Commons, including five Members from the governing party, three Members of the Official Opposition, and two Members of the opposition who are not Members of the Official Opposition, with two Chairs of which the House Co-Chair shall be from the governing party and the Senate Co-Chair shall be determined by the Senate.
|
(3) The quorum of the Committee is to be eight Members whenever a vote, resolution or other decision is taken, so long as both Houses and one Member of the governing party in the House and one from the opposition in the House and one Member of the Senate are represented, and that the Joint Chairs be authorized to hold meetings, to receive evidence and authorize the printing thereof, whenever six Members are present, so long as both Houses and one Member of the governing party in the House and one Member from the opposition in the House and one Member of the Senate are represented.
|
(4) The Committee must commence its review within 30 days after the day on which this Act receives royal assent.
|
(5) The Committee must submit a report of its review – including a statement of any recommended changes – to Parliament no later than one year after the day on which it commenced the review.
|
(6) When the report, referenced in paragraph (5), has been tabled in both Houses, the Committee shall expire.”;
|
section 6 be amended by replacing the words “18 months after” with the words “on the second anniversary of”;
|
And of the amendment of Mr. Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes), seconded by Mr. Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil), — That the motion be amended by:
|
(a) replacing the words “agrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate” with the words “respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate because, in the Justice Department’s own words, it "could be seen as undermining suicide prevention initiatives and normalizing death as a solution to many forms of suffering"”;
|
(b) deleting all the words beginning with the words “as a consequence” and concluding with the words “receive the report.”;””; and
|
(c) replacing the words "section 6 be amended by replacing the words “18 months after” with the words “on the second anniversary of”" with the words “section 6 be deleted”.
|
|
The debate continued. |
| Private Members' Business |
|
At 6:00 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 30(7), the House proceeded to the consideration of Private Members' Business. |
|
The House resumed consideration of the motion of Ms. Gazan (Winnipeg Centre), seconded by Ms. Collins (Victoria), — That Bill C-232, An Act respecting a Climate Emergency Action Framework, be now read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. |
|
The debate continued. |
|
The question was put on the motion and, pursuant to order made Monday, January 25, 2021, the recorded division was deferred until Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions. |
| Government Orders |
|
The House resumed consideration of the motion of Mr. Lametti (Minister of Justice), seconded by Ms. Ng (Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade), — That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint Their Honours that, in relation to Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), the House: |
agrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate;
|
respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(i) because this matter, including questions of most appropriate precise definitions, whether those definitions should be included in the Criminal Code or elsewhere, and whether any consequential amendments or protections relating to issues such as consent and capacity are necessary in relation to such an amendment, will also be addressed by the expert panel and the upcoming parliamentary review, and the Government will collaborate with provincial and territorial health authorities to ensure a consistent approach;
|
respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(iii), 1(b) and 1(c) because it would permit advance requests for medical assistance in dying before an individual has a grievous and irremediable medical condition, a change which goes beyond the scope of the bill, and further, this expansion of the medical assistance in dying regime requires significant consultations and study, including a careful examination of the safeguards for persons preparing advance request and safeguards for practitioners administering medical assistance in dying, all of which could be part of the parliamentary review undertaken to study this important type of advance request to reflect the crucial input of Canadians affected by the medical assistance in dying regime;
|
proposes that, with respect to amendment 2:
|
the portion of paragraph 241.31(3)(a) before subparagraph (i) be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“(a) respecting the provision and collection, for the purpose of monitoring medical assistance in dying, of information relating to requests for, and the provision of, medical assistance in dying, including”;
|
clause 241.31(3)(a)(i)(B) be amended by adding after the words “respecting the race” the words “or indigenous identity”;
|
subparagraph 241.31(3)(a)(i) be amended by deleting “and” at the end of clause (A), by adding “and” at the end of clause (B) and by adding the following after clause (B):
|
“(C) information — other than information that must be provided in relation to the assessment of eligibility to receive medical assistance in dying and the application of safeguards — respecting any disability, as defined in section 2 of the Accessible Canada Act, of a person who requests or receives medical assistance in dying, if the person consents to providing that information,”;
|
paragraph 241.31(3)(b) be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“(b) respecting the use, analysis and interpretation of that information, including for the purposes of determining the presence of any inequality – including systemic inequality – or disadvantage based on race, Indigenous identity, disability or other characteristics, in medical assistance in dying;”;
|
as a consequence of amendments 1(a)(ii) and 3, proposes that the following amendment be added:
|
“1. New clause 3.1, page 9: Add the following after line 20:
|
“Independent Review
|
3.1 (1) The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health must cause an independent review to be carried out by experts respecting recommended protocols, guidance and safeguards to apply to requests made for medical assistance in dying by persons who have a mental illness.
|
(2) A report containing the experts’ conclusions and recommendations must be provided to the Ministers no later than the first anniversary of the day on which this Act receives royal assent.
|
(3) The Ministers must cause the report to be tabled in each House of Parliament within the first 15 days on which the House is sitting after the day on which they receive the report.”;”
|
proposes that, with respect to amendment 3:
|
section 5 be amended by replacing it with the following:
|
“Review
|
5 (1) A comprehensive review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to medical assistance in dying and their application, including but not limited to issues relating to mature minors, advance requests, mental illness, the state of palliative care in Canada and the protection of Canadians with disabilities must be undertaken by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.
|
(2) The Joint Committee shall be composed of five Members of the Senate and ten Members of the House of Commons, including five Members from the governing party, three Members of the Official Opposition, and two Members of the opposition who are not Members of the Official Opposition, with two Chairs of which the House Co-Chair shall be from the governing party and the Senate Co-Chair shall be determined by the Senate.
|
(3) The quorum of the Committee is to be eight Members whenever a vote, resolution or other decision is taken, so long as both Houses and one Member of the governing party in the House and one from the opposition in the House and one Member of the Senate are represented, and that the Joint Chairs be authorized to hold meetings, to receive evidence and authorize the printing thereof, whenever six Members are present, so long as both Houses and one Member of the governing party in the House and one Member from the opposition in the House and one Member of the Senate are represented.
|
(4) The Committee must commence its review within 30 days after the day on which this Act receives royal assent.
|
(5) The Committee must submit a report of its review – including a statement of any recommended changes – to Parliament no later than one year after the day on which it commenced the review.
|
(6) When the report, referenced in paragraph (5), has been tabled in both Houses, the Committee shall expire.”;
|
section 6 be amended by replacing the words “18 months after” with the words “on the second anniversary of”;
|
And of the amendment of Mr. Barrett (Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes), seconded by Mr. Brassard (Barrie—Innisfil), — That the motion be amended by:
|
(a) replacing the words “agrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate” with the words “respectfully disagrees with amendment 1(a)(ii) made by the Senate because, in the Justice Department’s own words, it "could be seen as undermining suicide prevention initiatives and normalizing death as a solution to many forms of suffering"”;
|
(b) deleting all the words beginning with the words “as a consequence” and concluding with the words “receive the report.”;””; and
|
(c) replacing the words "section 6 be amended by replacing the words “18 months after” with the words “on the second anniversary of”" with the words “section 6 be deleted”.
|
|
The debate continued. |
|
At 8:07 p.m., pursuant to order made earlier today under the provisions of Standing Order 57, the Speaker interrupted the proceedings. |
|
The question was put on the amendment and it was negatived on the following division: |
|
| (Division No. 71 -- Vote no 71) | |
| YEAS: 152, NAYS: 179 |
|
|
YEAS -- POUR Aboultaif Doherty Lake Redekopp Total: -- 152 |
|
|
NAYS -- CONTRE Alghabra Drouin Lalonde Rodriguez Total: -- 179 |
|
|
PAIRED -- PAIRÉS Nil--Aucun |
|
|
The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following division: |
|
| (Division No. 72 -- Vote no 72) | |
| YEAS: 180, NAYS: 149 |
|
|
YEAS -- POUR Alghabra Drouin Lalonde Robillard Total: -- 180 |
|
|
NAYS -- CONTRE Aboultaif d'Entremont Kusie Rayes Total: -- 149 |
|
|
PAIRED -- PAIRÉS Nil--Aucun |
|
| Returns and Reports Deposited with the Clerk of the House |
|
Pursuant to order made earlier today, Mr. Casey (Charlottetown), from the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, presented the third report of the committee (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, without amendment). — Sessional Paper No. 8510-432-79. |
|
A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 21) was tabled. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to Standing Order 32(1), papers deposited with the Clerk of the House were laid upon the table as follows: |
|
— by the Speaker — Report of the Parliamentary Budget Officer entitled "Cost Estimate of Bill C-246: Tuition for Persons with Disabilities", pursuant to the Parliament of Canada Act, R.S. 1985, c. P-1, sbs. 79.2(2). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-432-1119-32. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Finance) |
|
— by Mr. LeBlanc (President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs) — Regulations amending the Federal Elections Fees Tariff (P.C. 81000-2-4323), pursuant to the Canada Elections Act, S.C. 2000, c. 9, sbs. 542(3). — Sessional Paper No. 8560-432-466-01. (Pursuant to Standing Order 32(5), permanently referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs) |
|
— by Ms. Ng (Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade) — Response of the government, pursuant to Standing Order 109, to the second report of the Standing Committee on International Trade, "Trade Between Canada and the United Kingdom: A Potential Transitional Trade Agreement – Interim Report" (Sessional Paper No. 8510-432-49), presented to the House on Thursday, December 10, 2020. — Sessional Paper No. 8512-432-49. |
| Adjournment |
|
At 9:15 p.m., the Speaker adjourned the House until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1). |