Legislative Reports

Highlands–Norwood) that he to concur in the Committee’s would step down as leader of the report was passed in the House party as of October 19, 2014. Mr. unanimously and without Mason has indicated that he will debate. The appointment became continue to serve as a Member effective on May 26, 2014, and of the Legislative Assembly. The Ms. Trussler was officially sworn nomination period closed on in as ’s fourth Ethics August 5, 2014. Commissioner on June 4, 2014. (–Calder), Rachel Ms. Trussler was born and Notley (Edmonton–Strathcona) raised in Alberta and served on and Rod Loyola, President of the the Alberta Court of Queen’s Non-Academic Staff Association Bench for 20 years. She holds a Alberta at the , have Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor entered the race. of Laws from the University of Leadership Contests Changes to Caucus Membership Alberta, a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne Alison Redford’s (– Almost one year after and was awarded an honorary Elbow) resignation as Premier resigning from the PC Caucus Doctorate of Laws from the in March 2014 set the stage for in July 2013, Mike Allen (Fort University of Alberta. In 2007 a leadership race within the McMurray–Wood Buffalo) she became the Chair of the Progressive Conservative (PC) was accepted back into the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Association of Alberta. When caucus on July 7, 2014. With Commission and has a history of the nomination period closed on this membership change the actively supporting a variety of May 30, 2014, three individuals composition of the Assembly cultural organizations and other had put their names forward is now at 59 Progressive community groups. for consideration as the next Conservatives, 17 Wildrose, leader of the PC party: Thomas 5 Alberta Liberals, 4 New Committee Activity Lukaszuk (Edmonton–Castle Democrats, and 2 Independents. On March 10, 2014, the Downs), former Minister of Jobs, Standing Committee on Skills, Training and Labour, Ric Appointment of a New Ethics Commissioner Resource Stewardship tabled McIver (Calgary–Hays), former the final report on its study of Minister of Infrastructure, and On November 15, 2013, public policy tools available Jim Prentice (former Member Alberta’s third Ethics to encourage broader and of Parliament for Calgary North Commissioner, Neil R. higher-value use of natural gas. Centre). The first leadership vote Wilkinson, announced that he Shortly thereafter, the Assembly will take place on September 6, would not seek reappointment referred Bill 201, Agricultural 2014. If no candidate secures a when his term expired. On Pests (Fusarium Head Blight) majority a second vote between May 7, 2014, the Select Special Amendment Act, 2014, to the the top two contenders will be Ethics Commissioner Search Committee. Bill 201, a Private held on September 20, 2014. Committee completed its Members’ Public Bill, sponsored The Alberta New Democratic mandate and unanimously by Maureen Kubinec (Barrhead– Party has also started the recommended Marguerite Morinville–Westlock), seeks process for a leadership contest Trussler be appointed the next to increase the tolerance level following the announcement Ethics Commissioner for the for Fusarium graminearum in by Brian Mason (Edmonton– Province of Alberta. The motion Alberta seed and livestock feed

48 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 to 0.5 per cent. The Committee Committee also accepted written provide written submissions on received a presentation from submissions regarding Bills 9 and the matter by August 22, 2014. the Bill sponsor, a briefing from 10 until August 15, 2014. Alberta Agriculture and Rural On April 14, 2014, Bill 11, Child, Jody Rempel Development, and spent two Youth and Family Enhancement Committee Clerk days meeting with stakeholder Amendment Act, 2014, sponsored panels representing various by Manmeet Bhullar (Calgary– agricultural interests including Greenway), Minister of Human experts on the issue from around Services, passed first reading. western Canada. One of the more notable parts The Standing Committee of the Bill related to removal on Alberta’s Economic Future of the existing publication ban completed its review on the surrounding children who die feasibility of high-speed rail and while in provincial care. Under tabled its report on May 23, 2014. Bill 11 a process would be The Committee recommended developed to allow for such a that the Government not invest ban to be requested in a court in the development of high-speed application made by specified rail along the Edmonton-Calgary persons, including individuals British Columbia corridor but instead focus prescribed in the regulations resources on the development as family members. On May 7, The spring sitting of the of light rail and regional 2014, the Assembly agreed to an Legislative Assembly concluded transportation systems. However, amendment to the Bill, proposed with the adjournment of the the report also suggests that by (Edmonton– House on May 29, 2014. The infrastructure planning consider Strathcona), which stipulated that final weeks of the sitting were accommodations for high-speed no regulations could be made notable for the inauguration on rail development in the future. in this regard to this section of May 4, 2014 of John Horgan as Leader of the New Democratic The Standing Committee on the legislation without “being considered by an all party Party and Leader of the Official Alberta’s Economic Future is Opposition. In addition, on May now considering Bill 9, Public committee of the Legislative Assembly.” 15, 2014, the Legislative Assembly Sector Pension Plans Amendment unanimously adopted a historic Act, 2014, and Bill 10, Employment On July 16, 2014, two months bipartisan motion, apologizing Pension (Private Sector) Plans after the Bill came into force for over 100 laws, regulations, Amendment Act, 2014. These Bills (with exceptions including the and policies imposed by past were referred to the Committee portion relating to the publication provincial governments between for review after they received ban), the Standing Committee 1871 and 1947 against people of Second Reading. Both Bills on Families and Communities Chinese descent. have been the subject of strong met to consider a request from criticism in and outside of the the Minister of Human Services On May 26, 2014, the House. The Committee, which to review a draft version of the Legislative Assembly adopted began its review with three Publication Ban (Court Applications a motion authorizing meetings days of briefings from various and Orders) Regulation, which of the Committee of Supply stakeholders and pension would provide the process for in three concurrent sections to experts, also invited the public interested parties to request a consider the Estimates. This to participate in the review publication ban following the continued a practice initially process and held public meetings death of a child in provincial care. used in 2012 and again in 2013, in seven locations around the The Committee initiated a review and facilitated the consideration province. Over 900 people of the matter and invited the of ministry estimates during the participated in these public Minister and department officials spring sitting. The Committee of meetings, with particularly high to provide a technical briefing Supply has typically sat in two attendance in Edmonton and at the next Committee meeting. concurrent sections, and did so Calgary. In total, the Committee The Committee also identified for the majority of the spring heard over 150 presentations. The stakeholders and invited them to sitting.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 49 On May 27, 2014, the Bill 24, Agricultural Land Four Committees initiated House adopted, on division, a Commission Amendment Act, public consultations in support of government motion pursuant to 2014 – which implements their terms of reference: Standing Order 81.1(2), providing changes to the framework for the The Select Standing Committee for time allocation of the protection of agricultural land on Children and Youth launched remaining stages of debate of Bill in the province, following up a call for written submissions 24, Agricultural Land Commission on government’s “core review” to assist with its special project Amendment Act, 2014, by 5:30 pm of agricultural land provisions examining youth mental health on May 29, 2014. aimed at improving efficiency in BC. and reducing program costs. Legislation The Select Standing Committee A total of 14 private members’ By the end of the spring on Health began public bills were introduced, including consultations as part of its work sitting, the government had bills proposing to: allow introduced 26 bills (excluding to identify potential strategies to electronic petitions; move BC’s maintain a sustainable health care Bill 1) since the opening of fixed election date; amend th system. the second session of the 40 conflict of interest rules; enhance Parliament on February 11, 2014. the Legislative Assembly’s The Special Committee to Of these bills, 25 received Royal parliamentary committee system; Review the Personal Information Assent. The one bill which was and provide for a fall sitting of Protection Act opened public not adopted was Bill 25, the the Legislative Assembly every consultations to assist its Port Metro Vancouver Container year. comprehensive statutory review Trucking Services Continuation of the Personal Information Act, which was no longer needed The Legislative Assembly Protection Act, which is required when the government settled the adopted one private bill, Bill every six years under the terms of Armstrong-Spallumcheen Vancouver port strike. Pr 401, the Act. Student Assistance Association Notable bills which received (Corporate Restoration) Act, The Special Committee Royal Assent in the spring sitting 2014, which provides for to Review the Independent included: the Association’s continued Investigations Office (IIO) started Bill 20, Local Elections Campaign operation. a call for written submissions Financing Act, 2014 and Bill to support its statutory review Committee Activity 21, Local Elections Statutes of the IIO’s administration and Amendment Act, 2014 – this On May 28, 2014, the Special general operations. legislation reforms campaign Committee to Appoint an Auditor Gordon Robinson disclosure statements, advertising General released its report sponsorship disclosure and unanimously recommending Committee Researcher registration, and compliance and the appointment of Carol enforcement duties for Elections Bellringer as Auditor General BC; the legislation also extends for an eight-year term. The the terms of office for locally- Committee’s recommendation elected officials from three to four was subsequently ratified years, and moves the general unanimously by the House. local elections voting day from Ms. Bellringer will take up her November to October, beginning appointment on September 15, in 2018. 2014. Bill 2, Electoral Boundaries On May 28, 2014 the Select Commission Amendment Act, Standing Committee on 2014 – which provides for up Children and Youth and the to 87 electoral ridings, up from Select Standing Committee on the previous 85, and divides the Public Accounts released reports Manitoba province into regions to ensure outlining their annual summary th balanced electoral representation of 2012-2013 activities. The Third session of the 40 and preserve seats in rural and Legislature ended on June 12, northern areas. 2014. A number of government

50 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 bills received Royal Assent previous session and reinstated Government immediately during this spring session, this session. In addition, five bills commission an independent including: introduced by private members report with agreed upon bi- Bill 52 – The Non-Smokers received Royal Assent on June 12, partisan research parameters to Health Protection Act, which 2014. objectively evaluate the economic prohibits the sale or supply of Prior to adjourning, the impact over the next five years of flavoured tobacco products, House also agreed that three the $1,600 in broken tax promises with an exemption for menthol bills are to be sent to standing and fee hikes that have been tobacco products, snuff and committees intersessionally for forced on Manitobans since the chewing tobacco. The Bill also public presentations and clause imposition of the illegal PST hike repeals the exemption allowing a by clause consideration, with on July 1, 2013.” Following the parent to provide tobacco to his these bills to be reinstated in the debate, the motion was defeated or her child in a non-public place. 4th session of the 40th Legislature. on a vote of yeas 17, nays 31. Bill 55 – The Environment In the next session the bills are Private Members’ Resolutions Amendment Act (Reducing to be reported back to the House The Third Session of the Pesticides Exposure), and considered for the remaining which 40th Legislature saw a higher- prohibits the use of prescribed stages of the bill enactment process. The bills are: than-usual number of Private classes or types of pesticides Members’ Resolutions that were The Technical Safety Act on lawns and on the grounds Bill 69 – agreed to and adopted by the of schools, hospitals and child Bill 70 – The Real Estate Services House. The 12 Private Members’ care centres, except in specific Act Resolutions that were agreed to circumstances. Bill 71 – The Animal Diseases this past Session are as follows: The Adoption Bill 59 – Amendment Act Mr. Helwer - National Military Amendment and Vital Statistics Driver’s License Amendment Act (Opening Birth Opposition Day Motions and Adoption Records), which Mr. Altemeyer - JUNO Awards On May 29, 2014 Ralph Eichler creates a scheme that allows (Lakeside) moved an opposition Mrs. Mitchelson - Habitat for for more openness with respect day motion urging that “the Humanity to adoption records and pre- Legislative Assembly call on the Mr. Gaudreau - Rail Safety in adoption birth records, subject to Provincial Government to respect Manitoba certain privacy rights. Manitobans as the real owners of Ms. Wight - Inclusion in The Child and Family Bill 68 – Manitoba Hydro by immediately Schools Services Act, which requires reconsidering the plan to at least employees and others who work double hydro rates for Manitoba Mr. Martin - 20th Anniversary for, or provide services to, child families over the next 20 years of Becoming an Outdoors and family services agencies in a risky Hydro development Woman or authorities to report critical scheme that has already cost Mr. Marcelino - Filipino incidents that have resulted in the taxpayers $2.6 billion dollars to Nursing death or serious injury of a child create power that independent Ms. Crothers - 70th Anniversary In addition, before the end experts conclude will not be of D-Day of the session, the Assembly required to meet domestic needs until as late as 2034, and serves Mr. Schuler - Freedom and completed consideration of the Dignity in Syria main supply bills for Budget only to funnel billions of dollars 2014. Bill 73 – The Budget in additional hidden Hydro Mr. Goertzen - Celebrating th Implementation and Tax Statutes taxes and fees to the Provincial the 50 Anniversary of the Amendment Act, 2014, was passed Government.” Following the Mennonite Heritage Village on June 10, 2014 on a recorded debate, the motion was defeated Museum vote of yeas 28, nays 15. on a vote of yeas 18, nays 30. Mr. Nevakshonoff - The During the Third session of the On June 9, 2014 Heather Icelandic Festival of Manitoba 40th Legislature, 71 government Stefanson (Tuxedo) moved “Islendingadagurinn” bills received Royal Assent, another opposition day motion Mr. Cullen - Northern including 35 introduced in the urging that “the Provincial Manitoba Mining Academy

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 51 Standing Committees Current Party Standings more than previous years. The extra time was allocated to the The end of Session coincided The current party standings Standing Committees on Health with the busiest period for in the Manitoba Legislature Care and Education. Manitoba Standing Committees, are: NDP 35, Progressive with several meetings called Conservatives 19, Liberal 1, Legislation to consider bills. Activity this Independent 1, with 1 vacancy. quarter included the following During the session, 79 bills meetings: Andrea Signorelli received Royal Assent. The Government House Leader and Clerk Assistant/Clerk of Committee The Standing Committees Natural Resources Minister on Justice, Human Resources, introduced Intergovernmental Affairs Bill 84, An Act to Amend the and Social and Economic Legislative Assembly Act. The bill Development held a total of makes amendments regarding eight meetings, heard from 105 Members’ expenses, creating a presenters and considered a total new reporting system for MLA of 35 bills; and constituency office expenses. The Public Accounts Expense reports will now be Committee met on two separate prepared by the Legislative occasions to consider several Assembly and posted quarterly to Chapters of the last two Auditor the Assembly’s website. General’s Reports – Annual Finance Minister Blaine Higgs Report to the Legislature. introduced Bill 85, Teachers’ Under the provisions of the Pension Plan Act. The legislation Sessional Order, the Public formalized the agreement for Accounts Committee is required New Brunswick pension reform between the to have 10 meetings between provincial government and September 11, 2013 and The Fourth Session of the 57th the New Brunswick Teachers’ September 11, 2014. Currently, Legislative Assembly opened on Federation. The new pension plan this committee held its sixth and November 5, 2013, and adjourned will no longer require special seventh meetings between the on May 21, 2014, sitting a total payments, and will eliminate the end of June and the beginning of of 69 days. Of note during the deficit facing the current plan. July 2014. session was the referral of the The public service and MLAs budgetary estimates of certain have also undergone pension Resignation government departments by the reform this session, moving to a House to three separate standing On May 16, 2014, Frank shared risk pension model. committees; this occurred for Whitehead resigned as the MLA only the second time. The House Wayne Steeves, Member for for The Pas due to health and referred the estimates of the Albert, introduced Bill 86, An family reasons. First elected in a Department of Health to the Act Respecting Floor Crossing. by-election in March 2009, Mr. Standing Committee on Health The Private Member’s Public Bill Whitehead was then re-elected in Care and the estimates of the requires a Member who ceases the 2011 general election. He is Department of Education and to belong to the caucus of a the former Chief of Opaskwayak Early Childhood Development political party to either sit as an Cree Nation and served in several to the Standing Committee Independent Member or resign First Nation organizations prior on Education. The Standing his or her seat. to being elected as MLA. In the Committee on Estimates also Bill 87, Fiscal Transparency and Manitoba Legislative Assembly, considered various estimates Accountability Act, introduced Mr. Whitehead served as a along with the Committee of by Higgs, is intended to bring government backbencher and Supply, which is the usual more accountability to budgeting in the current legislature he was practice. A motion was adopted and the costing of election a permanent member of the to extend the hours allocated for promises. Governments will now Standing Committee on Public the consideration of estimates be required to set out a multi- Accounts. to a total of 120 hours, 40 hours year plan to return to balanced

52 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 budgets. If a deficit is recorded, role of the Opposition, Justice four pieces of legislation, it must be reduced by at least Minister Troy Lifford spoke including two supplementary $125 million, and if a surplus on the role of Cabinet, and the appropriation bills dealing is reported, a surplus is then Member for Victoria-Tobique, with both infrastructure and required the following year. Wes McLean, spoke on the role operations expenditures. Failure to meet these objectives of an MLA. Julian A.G. Dickson, The Assembly also considered could result in cabinet ministers Judge of the Provincial Court of and adopted An Act to Amend the paying an administrative penalty New Brunswick, spoke on the Elections and Plebiscites Act. The of $2500. Under the legislation, role of the judicial branch. amendments contained in the each registered political party Change to Caucus bill included increased access to will be required to either publish mobile polls and absentee ballots; the estimated costs of its election On June 27, , changes to produce a more promises, or publicly state that Member for Hampton-Kings, accurate voters’ list; expanded no estimate has been prepared. announced that he would be opportunities for vouching; The mandate of the Legislative seeking the New Democratic and general clarification of Library will be expanded to Party’s nomination in the procedures and processes. provide support to the political upcoming provincial election. parties seeking information to Since his first election in 1978, All bills received assent calculate the estimated costs of Harrison has served in the from the Commissioner of the their election promises. A formal Assembly for approximately Northwest Territories, George L. access-to-information protocol 24 years as a Progressive Tuccaro, on June 5, 2014. will be implemented to ensure Conservative. A former Speaker, Four additional bills were the library is able to fulfill this he now sits as an Independent also introduced, received first mandate. A political party that Member. and second reading and were does not follow the requirements referred to a standing committee of the legislation will be subject to Election for consideration during the a legal process that could result The upcoming provincial summer and fall months. in the loss of its annual operating election is scheduled for Committees are expected to allowance under the Political September 22. Recent changes to report back on legislation when Process Financing Act. the electoral boundaries reduced the House reconvenes on October the number of ridings from 55 to 16, 2014. Student Parliament 49. Committees The 25th Annual Student Legislative Seminar was held Standings Michael Nadli, Chair of April 25-27, 2014. A total of The current House standings the Standing Committee on 48 students from various are 41 Progressive Conservatives, Government Operations, high schools participated, 13 Liberals and 1 Independent. presented the Committee’sReport representing all areas of the on the Review of the 2014 Report province. The seminar is a John-Patrick McCleave of the Auditor General of Canada non-partisan program open to Committee Clerk-Research Assistant on Northwest Territories Child and Grade 11 and 12 students. The Family Services. The Committee students were welcomed to the met with the Assistant Auditor Legislative Assembly by Speaker General and senior officials from . Throughout the Department of Health and the weekend, the students Social Services in late April, 2014 attended various lectures which to consider the Auditor General’s focused on the three branches of The Northwest Territories report, which was generally government: legislative, executive deemed to be extremely and judicial. Premier David The Fifth Session of the critical of current practices and Alward spoke on the role of the 17th Legislative Assembly procedures. Premier and the challenges and reconvened on May 28, 2014. The Standing Committee’s responsibilities of that office. The During the seven-day sitting the final report contained 30 Leader of the Official Opposition, House considered and adopted recommendations relating Brian Gallant, spoke on the

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 53 to the improvement of an Northwest Territories of his accountability framework, the government’s intent to introduce development of standards and amendments to the Northwest procedures, and training of child Territories Act which would allow protection workers. The report the 17th Assembly the authority was considered in the House on to vary its term of office. June 2, 2014, with all 30 motions Currently the fixed election being adopted by the Assembly. date is scheduled for October 5, The Department is required to 2015. If the proposed amendment respond to the Committee report to the Northwest Territories Act within 120 days. is adopted by the Parliament Ontario The Standing Committee of Canada, further discussion on Government Operations regarding the proposed change Budget 2014 also released its report titled in the Northwest Territories Establishing an Office of the election date is expected to take On May 1, 2014, Finance Ombudsman for the Northwest place during the fall sitting. Minister Charles Sousa presented Territories on June 4, 2014. The Ontario’s 2014 Budget. This was report was tabled in response Elders’ Parliament the second budget presented to an earlier motion of the Jackie Jacobson, Speaker under Premier Kathleen Wynne Assembly which referred the of the Legislative Assembly, in the then-minority parliament. matter of the establishment of hosted the third biennial Elders’ Following public statements in an ombudsman’s office to the Parliament from May 5-9, 2014. which both opposition leaders Standing Committee for research, Eighteen elders from across the stated their parties would not review and analysis. The report territory were selected to take be supporting the budget, the is available online for public part in the program. Elders Premier met with the Lieutenant comment and review over the participated in meetings and Governor to seek the dissolution summer and early fall and is briefings, enjoyed social events of Parliament. Lieutenant expected to be considered by the and long and lively debates. Governor David C. Onley th Assembly during the October/ During the model parliament dissolved the 40 Parliament on November sitting. session, motions requesting May 2, 2014, and issued the writs for Ontario’s 41st general election Bob Bromley, Chair of the a moratorium on hydraulic on May 7, 2014. The anomaly Standing Committee on Rules fracturing (fracking) within of issuing the writs several and Procedures, presented that the Northwest Territories and days following the dissolution Committee’s report titledReport addressing the high cost of of Parliament was a result of on the Review of the Auxiliary living and the establishment of Ontario’s fixed election date Report of the Chief Electoral community-based traditional legislation. The Election Act states Officer on Issues Arising from knowledge centres were that the writs for elections must the 2011 General Election to the introduced, debated and adopted be issued on a Wednesday and Assembly on June 4, 2014. The by the elder parliamentarians. that general elections must be report contained 14 additional held on a Thursday. The “early” recommendations to amend the Gail Bennett dissolution of a parliament is not Elections and Plebiscites Act. All Principal Clerk, Corporate and contemplated in the Act. motions were once again adopted Interparliamentary Affairs by the Assembly during debate Election on June 5, 2014. A further set of The Ontario general election amendments to the Elections was held on June 12, 2014. Prior and Plebiscites Act is expected to to dissolution, the composition be introduced in the Assembly of the 107 member House was during the fall sitting. as follows: Liberals 48 seats; Term Extension Request Progressive Conservatives 37 seats; New Democrats 21 seats; The Prime Minister of Canada and 1 vacant seat. advised the Premier of the

54 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 The election resulted in the Member for Etobicoke North, which carried by a vote of 57 to Liberals gaining 10 seats and Shafiq Qaadri. 36 two days later. The Minister of changing the composition On the third ballot, Levac was Finance also reintroduced Bill 14, of the House to a governing elected Speaker for the second Building Opportunity and Securing majority. The composition of time. Speaker Levac has been a Our Future Act (Budget Measures), st the 41 Parliament is as follows: Member of the Assembly since 2014. Liberals 58 seats; Progressive 1999. Conservatives 28 seats; and New Committees Democrats 21 seats. The House also appointed its Ontario’s nine Standing other presiding officers: Following the election, the Committees were appointed • Bas Balkissoon as Deputy Member for Niagara West- on July 16, 2014. The Standing Speaker and the Chair of Committee on Finance and Glanbrook, Tim Hudak, the Committee of the Whole announced his resignation House; Economic Affairs met for one day of public hearings and one day as Leader of the Progressive • Ted Arnott as First Deputy Conservative Party, effective July Chair of the Committee of the of clause-by-clause consideration 2, 2014. The Party has appointed Whole House; of the budget bill. The bill was the Member for Simcoe-Grey, • Rick Nicholls as Second reported to the House on July Jim Wilson, as the Deputy Chair of the Committee 23, 2014, without amendment, and the Speaker has recognized of the Whole House; and and received Third Reading and him as the Leader of the Official • Paul Miller as Third Deputy Royal Assent the following day. Opposition. Chair of the Committee of the The Select Committee on Whole House. Developmental Services was Members Take Their Oath Throne Speech reconstituted in order to re-adopt On July 2, 2014, during a its final report from the previous On July 3, 2014, Lieutenant ceremony held in the Chamber, parliament. The report, entitled Governor Onley delivered his Members took their oath Inclusion and Opportunity: A New last Speech from the Throne. simultaneously with Lieutenant Path for Developmental Services in Prior to beginning, expressed Governor Onley presiding. This Ontario, was tabled on July 22, his appreciation for the support was the first time in Ontario’s 2014. afforded to his office over the last history that the Lieutenant seven years. Before the House adjourned Governor has administered for the summer on July 24, 2014, the oaths this way. During the New Lieutenant Governor the Standing Committee on ceremony, Canadian astronaut On June 26, 2014, Prime Estimates received authorization Chris Hadfieldled the Members to meet commencing on in the singing of the national Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment September 30, 2014. The rest of anthem. Members were then the Committees will next meet required to sign the roll before of Elizabeth Dowdeswell as Ontario’s 29th Lieutenant when the House reconvenes on taking their seats later that day October 20, 2014. for the election of the Speaker. Governor. Ms. Dowdeswell’s public service career includes Election of Speaker positions at the provincial, Tamara Pomanski federal and international levels. Committee Clerk The 1st Session of the 41st Her past roles have included: Parliament began on July 2, Deputy Minister of Culture and 2014, with the election of the Youth in , Assistant Speaker. The five candidates Deputy Minister at Environment nominated were: the Member Canada and an Executive for Parkdale-High Park, Cheri Director of the United Nations’ DiNovo; the Member for Brant Environment Program. and previous Speaker, Dave Levac; the Member for Hamilton Budget East-Stoney Creek, Paul Miller; the Member for Chatham-Kent- On July 14, 2014, the Minister of Finance, Charles Sousa, Essex, Rick Nicholls; and the presented Ontario’s 2014 Budget

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 55 across the province, debated July, the review indicates the the motion, “Be it resolved that province’s population is 145,237, today’s youth are prepared to an increase of 0.05 per cent and build the Canada of their future, the only Atlantic province to carrying on the work of the show population growth in 2013. Fathers of Confederation.” Their Economic growth was recorded Royal Highnesses also toured at 1.3 per cent and 74,100 persons the Confederation Chamber were employed. where the delegates to the Charlottetown Conference met in September, 1864. Prince Edward Island Play and Lecture at Province House Fourth Session of the Sixty- Fourth General Assembly A number of special events are happening this year to mark The Fourth Session of the the sesquicentennial of the Sixty-fourth General Assembly Charlottetown Conference. To adjourned to the call of the date, one of the most popular has Speaker on May 14, 2013, after been a dramatized lecture held a spring sitting of 23 days. One in the Legislative Chamber in Saskatchewan bill and 65 motions remain on mid-June. While the “Fathers of the Order Paper. The Assembly Confederation” were meeting in End of Session will reconvene on November 12, Charlottetown in 1864, life in the 2014, according to Prince Edward countryside was going on much The spring sitting, which Island’s parliamentary calendar. as it had been for decades, and concluded on May 14, 2014, saw Rotary Youth Parliament the concerns of rural Islanders Lieutenant Governor Vaughn were very much focused issues Solomon Schofield give Royal The annual Rotary Youth to do with the land. The rural Assent to 30 bills including an Parliament took place at Province Islander mindset from 150 years appropriation bill to defray the House from May 1-2, 2014. Now ago was evoked in a special expenses of the public service. in its 26th year, the long-running lecture/performance featuring Ed Throughout the sitting, the project is a partnership among MacDonald from the University Assembly and committees spent the Speaker’s and Clerk’s offices, of Prince Edward Island. He almost 47 hours considering the Department of Education, spoke on a “Land of One’s Own. bills and just over 75 hours District School Boards, volunteer Prince Edward Island in the considering estimates. teacher advisors and Rotary Confederation Era.” The talk Clubs across Prince Edward was illustrated with vignettes Cabinet Shuffle Island. While debating topics of – words and music – from the Premier re- current interest, the students had theatrical production of Andrew organized government and the opportunity to experience the Macphail’s classic memoir The introduced a new provincial fashions of 1864, as they dressed Master’s Wife, scheduled to be cabinet on June 5, 2014. Eight in the style of the Fathers (and performed this summer at the ministers retained their Mothers) of Confederation. Orwell Corner Village Hall. The portfolios, six ministers changed performance played to a capacity Youth Parliament Attended by portfolios and three members crowd. Their Royal Highnesses entered cabinet for the first time. th The eight ministers that remain On May 20, 2014, Their Royal 40 Annual Statistical Review in their current portfolios are: Highnesses The Prince of Wales This year marks the 40th and The Duchess of Cornwall • remains as time the Annual Statistical Deputy Premier and Minister attended a Youth Parliament Review has collected key data of Finance; in the historic Legislative about Prince Edward Island’s • Bill Boyd remains as Minister Chamber at Province House. economy, population and social of the Economy, and Minister Sixteen young people, from all makeup. Released in early responsible for SaskPower and

56 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 the Global Transportation Hub Investments Corporation, Saskatchewan. The Standing and adds responsibility for Saskatchewan Liquor and Committee on House Services Energy and Resources; Gaming Authority (SLGA), met on June 13, 2014 and adopted Saskatchewan Government • remains as a number of motions to change Minister of Health; Insurance, the Public Service Commission and the membership on the standing • remains as the government’s Lean committees. Each of the four Minister of Education, Minister Initiative. policy field committees met of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety and Minister The three MLAs that enter subsequently and elected new responsible for the Workers’ cabinet for the first time are: Chairs of their committees: Compensation Board; • becomes • - The Standing • remains as Minister Minister of Central Services Committee on Crown and of Government Relations and and Minister responsible for Central Agencies; Minister responsible for First Saskatchewan Transportation • - The Nations, Métis and Northern Corporation; Standing Committee on the Affairs and adds responsibility • Mark Docherty becomes Economy; for SaskEnergy; Minister of Parks, Culture and • - The Standing • remains as Sport and Minister responsible Committee on Human Minister of Agriculture and for the Provincial Capital Services; Minister responsible for Commission; and • - The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance • becomes Minister Corporation; Standing Committee on of Environment and Minister Intergovernmental Affairs and • remains as responsible for SaskWater and Justice. Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency. Corrections and Policing; Lobbyist Registrar and has become the Government House • remains The Lobbyists Act received as Minister of Justice and Leader while Corey Tochor Royal Assent on May 14, Attorney General and becomes Deputy House Leader. 2014. This legislation creates a adds responsibility for has been new Officer of the Legislative SaskBuilds. named Provincial Secretary Assembly of Saskatchewan The following six ministers and Legislative Secretary to the (LAS). The Conflict of Interest have changed portfolios: Premier. Greg Brkich, Larry Commissioner, Ron Barclay, has • Kevin Doherty becomes Doke, , Victoria been tasked with the new role Minister of Advanced Jurgens, Warren Michelson as the Registrar for Lobbyists. Education and Minister and Roger Parent have all The LAS is currently assisting responsible for SaskTel; been designated Legislative in the recruitment process for • becomes Secretaries. two permanent positions in the Minister of Social Services Registrar of Lobbyists office. and Minister responsible Changes to the Board of Internal for Saskatchewan Housing Economy New Officer of the Assembly Corporation and the Status of Women; Membership on the Board of On May 13, 2014, the • becomes Internal Economy (BOIE) was Assembly adopted a motion for the Associate Minister of the changed on June 5, 2014. June a Humble address calling on the Economy responsible for Draude was removed as the Lieutenant Governor to appoint trade, tourism, innovation and Executive Council nominee and Ronald J. Kruzeniski as the immigration; Mr. Harrison was appointed in new Information and Privacy • becomes her place. Mr. Cheveldayoff was Commissioner of Saskatchewan. Minister for Highways appointed as the Government and Infrastructure and Mr. Kruzeniski began his five Minister responsible for Caucus nominee. year term on July 1, 2014. the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation; Changes to Committee Portrait of Lieutenant Governor membership • Tim McMillan becomes Displayed Minister responsible for Rural Changes were made on June The official portrait ofGordon and Remote Health; and 13, 2014 to the composition L. Barnhart was unveiled on • Don McMorris becomes of the standing committees of May 5, 2014. Mr. Barnhart served Minister responsible for Crown the Legislative Assembly of

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 57 as the 20th Lieutenant Governor Bill No. 12, Third Appropriation Bill No. 74, Act to Amend the of Saskatchewan from 2006 to Act, 2013-14 Vital Statistics Act (modernizes 2012. He also served as the Clerk Bill No. 13, Interim Supply the Act in respect of recognizing of the Legislative Assembly Appropriation Act, 2014-15 the rights of same-sex parents in of Saskatchewan from 1968 to registering the birth of a child) 1989 and the Clerk of the Senate Bill No. 15, First Appropriation from 1989 to 1994. The portrait, Act, 2014-15 (Premier and Finance Private Members’ Bills by artist Cyril Leeper, will be Minister Darrell Pasloski’s During the Spring Sitting, displayed permanently in the territorial budget, in excess of 1.3 three private members’ bills were Legislative Building’s Qu’Appelle billion dollars) introduced (all by members of the Gallery which contains the Bill No. 67, Act to Amend Official Opposition): the Income Tax Act portraits of all the province’s past (reduces Bill No. 103, An Act to Respect Lieutenant Governors. the small-business corporate Voters and Stop Floor Crossing income tax rate, and mirrors a (would require any MLA seeking Conference Act federal amendment in the ’s to switch parties to either “sit as The Saskatchewan Legislative administrative rules) an independent, or run in a by- Library will host The Association Bill No. 68, Act to Amend election”) of Parliamentary Libraries in the Employment Standards Act Bill No. 104, Paid Lobbying Canada/ L’Association des (expands leave-without-pay bibliothèques parlementaires Act (would establish a registry provisions for employees with for paid lobbyists, and require au Canada (APLIC-ABPAC) children who are either critically and Parliamentary Researchers members of Executive Council to ill or who have, as a result of file returns with the registrar) Conference from September 8-12, crime, died or disappeared) 2014 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Bill No. 105, Act to Amend the Bill No. 69, Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act (No. 2) Rob Park Fatal Accidents Act (expands provisions for awarding damages During Opposition Private Committee Clerk to family members of the Members’ Business on May deceased) 14, Bill No. 105, standing in the name of Lois Moorcroft, Act to Amend the Bill No. 70, received second reading, and Public Utilities Act (amends the some consideration in Committee meaning of “public utility” in the of the Whole (progress was Act ) reported). The bill’s intent is to Bill No. 71, Act to Amend facilitate the work of the Truth the Summary Convictions Act and Reconciliation Commission (improves/clarifies processing by providing exemptions to the Yukon and court procedure re: tickets) moratorium on accessing death Bill No. 72, Act to Amend records. On May 15, the 2014 Spring the Government Organisation Auditor General’s Report Sitting of the First Session of Act (modernizes/consolidates rd the 33 Legislative Assembly provisions re: appointment of On June 10, the Standing adjourned. The 30-day sitting, Executive Council, and makes the Committee on Public Accounts which had convened on March provisions congruent with the (chaired by Leader of the Official 25, concluded with Assent being federal Yukon Act) Opposition Liz Hanson) held a given in the Chamber by the public hearing in the Chamber, Bill No. 73, Act to Amend Commissioner of Yukon, Doug to consider a report released in the Environment Act (gives Phillips. February by the Auditor General certain powers to the Minister, of Canada, Michael Ferguson. Assent provides for a regulatory Report of the Office of the Auditor framework for the remediation Over the course of the Spring General of Canada to the Yukon of a contaminated site, gives Sitting, the following 11 bills Legislative Assembly – 2014: power to enforcement officers re: (all Government bills) received Yukon Family and Children’s inspection) Assent: Services – Department of Health

58 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 and Social Services assessed the and community organizations. the closure of the territory’s manner in which the Department The progress report also noted Canadian Cancer Society office, carries out its responsibilities the Committee had held public had been championed by former “for the protection and well- proceedings in the Legislative Commissioner Geraldine Van being of at-risk children, youth Assembly Chamber on January Bibber. and their families.” Before the 31, February 1, and May hearing, the Committee was 27-28, 2014, to facilitate an Linda Kolody advised by officials from the informed public dialogue on the Deputy Clerk Auditor General’s Office. During Committee’s eponymous subject the hearing, the Committee matter. questioned witnesses from the In order to gather input from Department of Health and Social the Yukon public, First Nations, Services, and also addressed and stakeholders, the Committee questions to Mr. Ferguson. The had scheduled public hearings in Committee will prepare a report a number of Yukon communities on the hearing which will be on a request-driven basis in tabled in the House at a future addition to the two communities date. expressly stipulated in the Hydraulic Fracturing Committee Committee’s mandate (Old Crow and Watson Lake). The first four The Select Committee of a total of 12 hearings were The House of Commons Regarding the Risks and Benefits held in late June in Watson Lake, of Hydraulic Fracturing (RBHF), Teslin, Old Crow, and Dawson The Second Session of the tasked with reporting its findings City. In July, public hearings Forty-First Parliament continued and recommendations on a policy were held in Ross River, Faro, and the House adjourned for the approach to hydraulic fracturing Carmacks, Pelly Crossing and summer break on June 20, 2014. to Yukon’s Legislative Assembly, Mayo. In September, public This report covers the period continues to be quite active. hearings will be held in Haines from May 1 to July 31, 2014. Established in the 2013 Spring Junction, Carcross and Tagish Sitting, with its membership (jointly), and Whitehorse. Legislation amended that fall, the Committee On May 27, 2014, the House was initially scheduled to report Information concerning adopted a motion which, by the end of the 2014 Spring the committee and its work amongst other provisions, Sitting; its reporting deadline has can be found at: http://www. temporarily set the ordinary been extended to the 2014 Fall legassembly.gov.yk.ca/rbhf.html hour of daily adjournment until Sitting. Speaker’s Yukoners Cancer Care the summer adjournment to On June 19, the RBHF Fund Reception midnight, Monday to Thursday Committee issued a news On April 23, Speaker David (with some exceptions). release, as well as a progress Laxton hosted the second annual Accordingly, the Government report. The latter noted: the Speaker’s Reception in Support succeeded in accomplishing Committee had spent “over of the Yukoners Cancer Care a substantial portion of its 70 hours in meetings, learning Fund. Open to all Yukoners, legislative agenda. Noteworthy about the process of hydraulic the reception was held in the among the bills which received fracturing and the context of the lobby of the Yukon Government Royal Assent were Bill C-23, An legislative and regulatory regime administration building which Act to amend the Canada Elections for oil and gas in Yukon”; the houses the Legislative Assembly Act and other Acts and to make Committee had received briefings Chamber. The evening raised consequential amendments to from numerous individuals over $18,000 for the fund, which certain Acts, better known by its and groups; and in January, it “provides financial support to short title, the Fair Elections Act had travelled to Alberta to tour Yukoners fighting cancer and and Bill C-24, An Act to amend an active hydraulic fracturing their families that are caring the Citizenship Act and to make site, and meet with industry for them.” The establishment consequential amendments to other representatives, regulators, of the fund in 2013, following Acts.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 59 Peter Julian (Burnaby—New Points of Order Government’s use of Standing Westminster) rose on a point Order 56.1, which specifies that On May 6, 2014, Elizabeth of order on May 30, 2014, with “in relation to any routine motion May (Saanich—Gulf Islands) rose respect to the notice of time for the presentation of which on a point of order pertaining allocation given on May 29, 2014 unanimous consent is required to her ability as an independent by Peter Van Loan, Leader of and has been denied, a Minister Member to put forth amendments the Government in the House of the Crown may request with respect to Bill C-23, the Fair of Commons, in relation to Bill during Routine Proceedings that Elections Act. Ms. May maintained C-17, An Act to amend the Food the Speaker propose the said that the mechanism (suggested in and Drugs Act. Mr. Julian alleged question to the House.” The an earlier ruling from the Chair) that the Government had failed motion is adopted unless 25 or permitting independent Members to consult with the opposition more Members rise to object to to submit and speak briefly to parties in the manner required it. The dispute, initiated by Mr. amendments in committee had before the moving of a motion Julian, centered on the question failed to function appropriately pursuant to Standing Order 78(3). of what constituted a “routine in the Standing Committee on In a ruling delivered on June 12, motion” for the purposes of the Procedure and House Affairs 2014, the Speaker concluded that, Standing Order. It is important to and that she was left with no since it was not the role of the note that the motion in question alternative but to ask that the Speaker to determine whether was a motion of instruction to Speaker permit her to submit her consultations had taken place or the Standing Committee on amendments for consideration not, the notice of time allocation Procedure and House Affairs at report stage. The Speaker for Bill C-17 was valid when it directing it to investigate ruled, on May 7, 2014, that the was given. allegations of the inappropriate imposition of a deadline for the use of House of Commons end of the debate in committee Financial Procedures resources by the New Democratic did not constitute a justifiable Party and ordering Leader of All votes related to the argument for the selection of the Official Opposition Thomas ministries of Transport and amendments at report stage Mulcair to appear in a televised Finance in the Main Estimates that were already presented meeting of the Committee; this for the fiscal year ending March and defeated in committee, and was a motion that it would be 31, 2015, were considered in accordingly, he declined Ms. difficult to classify as “routine” a Committee of the Whole, May’s request. pursuant to Standing Order no matter what criteria were 81(4)(a), on May 7 and 14, 2014, On May 8, 2014, Élaine used in this regard. Also at issue respectively. Main Estimates for Michaud (Portneuf—Jacques- were the potential difficulties the fiscal year ending March 31, Cartier) rose on a point of of the current requirements 2015, were concurred in on June order with respect to the fact of the Standing Order for 10, 2014. that a document distributed to smaller parties. The point of all Members in the Chamber During consideration in order was raised after Mr. by Peter Goldring (Edmonton Mulcair had already appeared Committee of the Whole of Bills East) had been in English only. C-38 and C-39, based on the Main in front of the Committee. In The Speaker replied that, while his ruling, delivered on June and Supplementary Estimates Members were at liberty to for the year ending March 31, 12, 2014, the Speaker noted distribute documents and to that the understanding of what 2015, Mathieu Ravignat (Pontiac) ignore material so distributed, asked the Chair the customary constitutes a routine motion had it was desirable that Members been allowed to expand over the question as to whether the bills follow the usual protocol with were in their usual form. Mr. Van years, a development that had respect to the distribution of caused concern to successive Loan then advised the Chair that documents. Chief Government the form of the Bills had been Speakers. He observed that Whip John Duncan suggested changed to present organizations the motion in question was an that the party whips remind their attempt to direct the internal in alphabetical order, as shown in caucuses of the accepted practice the Estimates. affairs of a Committee, thus in this regard. stepping beyond what the House A dispute arose on May had come to accept as being 16, 2014, with regard to the within the confines of Standing

60 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 Order 56.1. He said that he the Standing Committee on The Standing Committee would have been inclined to Agriculture and Agri-Food to on Justice and Human Rights rule the motion out of order had Bill C-30, An Act to amend the continued to sit during the month the matter been raised within a Canada Grain Act and the Canada of July in order to complete its reasonable delay. He encouraged Transportation Act and to provide consideration of Bill C-36, An Mr. Julian to take up the matter for other measures, the Speaker Act to amend the Criminal Code of fairness for smaller parties of ruled that, in the case of a bill in response to the Supreme Court a Standing Order that requires a referred to a committee after of Canada decision in Attorney minimum of 25 Members to stand second reading, an amendment General of Canada v. Bedford and in order for it to be withdrawn is inadmissible if it proposes to to make consequential amendments with the Standing Committee on amend a statute that is not before to other Acts. This bill is the Procedure and House Affairs. the Committee or a section of Government’s response to the On June 11, 2014, during the parent act, unless the latter Supreme Court’s invalidating Routine Proceedings, Mr. Julian is specifically amended by a of the existing Criminal Code moved a motion of instruction, clause of the bill. Accordingly, he provisions with respect to granting the Standing Committee declared null and void one new prostitution. On July 15, 2014, on Justice and Human Rights clause and the amendments to the Committee completed clause- the power to divide Bill C-13, several other clauses in the bill, by-clause consideration of the An Act to amend the Criminal and ordered that they be struck bill and ordered that the Chair Code, the Canada Evidence Act, the from the bill as reported and that report the bill, as amended, to the Competition Act and the Mutual it be reprinted. House. Legal Assistance in Criminal On May 2, 2014, the Speaker At the time of the summer Matters Act, into two bills: the ruled on a point of order raised adjournment, the Standing first related to cyberbullying; by Wayne Easter (Malpeque) Committee on Procedure and and the second bill containing on April 9, 2014, concerning House Affairs was conducting all the other provisions of Bill amendments contained in the a study on the use of House C-13 related to other online Third Report of the Standing of Commons resources by the activity. Mr. Van Loan rose on a Committee on Public Safety and Official Opposition. In a televised point of order, arguing that the National Security on Bill C-483, An meeting of the Committee on motion was out of order as an Act to amend the Corrections and May 15, 2014, the Leader of the almost identical motion had been Conditional Release Act (escorted Official Opposition, Mr. Mulcair, debated and was already on the temporary absence), presented in appeared before the Committee Order Paper. Mr. Julian countered the House on April 2, 2014. Mr. and mounted a spirited defense that the rule of anticipation was Easter alleged the amendments of his party’s conduct. In a ancient and no longer strictly had caused the bill to move subsequent meeting held on observed. The Speaker ruled that significantly away from its June 18, 2014, the Committee upon examination of the two original intent and principle. The heard evidence from Marc motions, it was clear to him that Speaker, in his ruling, stated that Bosc, Deputy Clerk of the they were substantially the same he could see nothing in the Bill House of Commons; Richard and, accordingly, ruled against as amended by the Committee Denis, Deputy Law Clerk and proceeding with the motion which would alter its aims and Parliamentary Counsel; and before the House. intent, namely the limiting of Mark Watters, Chief Financial the power of institutional heads Officer on the same subject. Committees to grant escorted temporary Private Members’ Business Amendments adopted in absences and providing a committee were challenged on a role for the National Parole Numerous private members’ number of occasions. In a ruling Board in the granting of such bills have been passed by the delivered on May 1, 2014, on a absences. He therefore found House since the last election point of order raised on April that the amendments adopted — one of the most prolific 10, 2014, by Brent Rathgeber by the Committee were indeed periods for such bills ever. Since (Edmonton—St. Albert), in keeping with the scope and last October only, five private regarding the admissibility principle of the bill as adopted Members’ bills have received of an amendment adopted by at second reading and were Royal Assent. One of the private admissible.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 61 Members’ bills passed by the of his or her parliamentary duties House during the period covered and functions. The amendments by this report — C-442, An Act also renamed the Code to the respecting a Federal Framework on Ethics and Conflict of Interest Lyme Disease — was sponsored Code for Senators. The report was by an independent Member adopted prior to the summer of Parliament, Elizabeth May adjournment. (Saanich—Gulf Islands). Senators Other Matters Four Senators either resigned Members or reached the mandatory age of By-elections were held on retirement during the late spring June 30, 2014, in four federal sitting. The two who resigned ridings. John Barlow (CPC) The Senate were Senators Hugh Segal and David Yurdiga (CPC) were and Roméo Dallaire. Senators respectively elected in Macleod During the late spring session, Andrée Champagne and and Fort McMurray—Athabasca the Senate was busy examining Catherine Callbeck reached the (Alberta), while Adam Vaughan legislation with the passage mandatory retirement age of 75. (LPC) and Arnold Chan (LPC) of 13 government bills (two of The first to depart was Ontario were elected in Trinity—Spadina which were introduced in the Senator Segal, an Order of and Scarborough—Agincourt Senate), four Commons Public Canada Recipient and former (Ontario), respectively. Bills and two Senate Public Bills. Chief of Staff to Brian Mulroney. Statements, Resolutions, Special The government bills included Senator Segal was named to the Debates the budget implementation bill, Senate in 2005 by Prime Minister supply bills and also Bill C-24, Paul Martin and served on many An emergency debate was held An Act to amend the Citizenship committees, including as Chair of on May 12, 2014, on the subject Act and to make consequential the Special Senate Committee on of the kidnapping of girls in amendments to other Acts, which Anti-terrorism and the Standing Nigeria. had been sent to the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign The House adopted a Senate Committee on Legal Affairs and International Trade. resolution commemorating the and Constitutional Affairs for Senator Segal resigned effective 100th anniversary of the birth of pre-study prior to it coming June 15 to become Master of Jan Karski, on May 15, and the before the Senate. C-24 changed Massey College in Toronto. th 25 anniversary of the Tiananmen legislative provisions relating Quebec Senator Dallaire Square events on June 4. to Canadian citizenship in the resigned his seat in the Senate Motions ratifying the areas of eligibility requirements, effective June 17. Also an Order proposed appointment of security and fraud, as well as of Canada recipient named to Daniel Therrien to the position application processing and the Senate by Prime Minister of Privacy Commissioner and review of decisions. During these Martin, Senator Dallaire, a retired reappointment of Mary Elizabeth three months, 16 bills received General, had served as Major- Dawson to the position of Royal Assent which included General of the United Nations Conflict of Interest and Ethics both written declarations and one Assistance Mission for Rwanda. Commissioner were adopted on traditional ceremony. He served on several Senate June 5 and 12, 2014. Committees committees, most notably on On June 4, 2014, the House National Security and Defence, Just before the summer resolved itself into Committee of where he was Vice-Chair and adjournment, the Standing the Whole in order to welcome the Chair of its subcommittee on Committee on Conflict of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Veterans’ Affairs. Interest for Senators presented with the Speaker presiding over A third Prime Minister Martin a report amending the Conflict the Committee of the Whole. appointee, Quebec Senator of Interest Code for Senators. The Champagne retired on July 17. amendments related to the duty Gary Sokolyk An actress and Pianist, Senator of a Senator and the performance Table Research Branch Champagne had previously

62 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 been elected twice to the House for the office of President, debates upon adjournment, of Commons where she was the Jacques Chagnon, Member for business standing in the name first woman appointed its Deputy Westmount–Saint-Louis, was of Members in opposition and Speaker. Senator Champagne was declared elected for a third term interpellations, as well as on the most recently the Deputy Chair of office. distribution of speaking times for of the Standing Senate Committee adjournment debates. on Official Languages. Passage of bills and debate on the budget speech On June 13, 2014, the President Prince Edward Island Senator gave a ruling on a complaint of Callbeck retired from the Senate During the short sessional breach of privilege or contempt on July 25. Before becoming a period which ended on June 13, raised by the Member for Sainte- Senator in 1997 on the advice of 2014, the Assembly passed five Marie–Saint-Jacques. In her Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, bills: notice, the Member alleged that Senator Callbeck had served as Bill 52, An Act respecting end-of- the Member for Jean–Lesage Premier of Prince Edward Island. life care, which was carried over had addressed her using an She was the first woman ever to almost in its entirety from the inappropriate tone of voice while be elected as Premier in Canada. previous legislature; making an intimidating gesture at Senator Callbeck served on Bill 1, An Act respecting her. The President recalled that, numerous committees and was the inspector general of Ville de as established by jurisprudence, a particularly active member of Montréal; he must accept a Member’s word the Committee on Social Affairs, even though the situation calls Science and Technology and its Bill 4, An Act to amend the Act into question certain elements subcommittee on Population authorizing the making of collective that he himself did not witness. Health. agreements with a term of more However, the rules governing the than three years in the public and Assembly require Members to act Vanessa Moss-Norburry parapublic sectors; with kindness and rectitude to Procedural Clerk Bill 5, An Act to amend the Act to ensure respect for parliamentary limit oil and gas activities and other privilege, thus allowing them legislative provisions; and to perform their duties freely, Bill 7, An Act to ratify the without interference. Though agreement relating to the conduct the question of privilege was of proceedings in the National declared admissible, there Assembly and in parliamentary were no further consequences, committees as well as to since the Member for Sainte- parliamentary offices and budgetary Marie–Saint-Jacques did not aspects for the duration of the 41st state an intention to present a Legislature. motion regarding the conduct National Assembly of the Member for Jean–Lesage. The debate on the budget The Member sent a letter to the speech concluded at the President in which he explained General election and last sitting and, following a composition of the Assembly his version of the facts and recorded division, the motion apologized to the Member for The composition of the by the Minister of Finance for Sainte-Marie–Saint-Jacques. National Assembly has been as the Assembly to approve the During the same sitting, the follows since the general election Government’s budgetary policy President gave another ruling on of April 7, 2014: Québec Liberal was carried. a complaint of breach of privilege Party, 70 seats; Parti québécois, Directive and rulings by the or contempt raised by the Official 30 seats; Coalition avenir Québec, President Opposition House Leader, who 22 seats; 3 independent Members put forward that the Minister were elected under the banner of On May 26, 2014, the of Municipal Affairs and Land Québec solidaire. President gave a directive on the Occupancy had allegedly been management of oral question The first session of the 41st in contempt of Parliament by period and the distribution of legislature began on May releasing the content of Bill 3, control measures and speaking 20, 2014. The sole candidate An Act to foster the financial health times for statements by Members,

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014 63 and sustainability of municipal duration of the 41st Legislature. the parliamentary group forming defined benefit pension plans, In this regard, three elements are the Government and the groups before it was introduced in the worthy of mention. in opposition. Of the 50 per cent Assembly. She argued that there First, the composition of allocated to the latter groups, were similarities between certain committees was changed, 60 per cent is allocated to the provisions contained in this bill increasinging from 10 to 13 Official Opposition and 40 per and an article published in a members distributed as follows: cent to the Second Opposition newspaper. In the President’s seven Members from the Group. opinion, although certain parliamentary group forming On June 2, each committee specific elements of the bill the Government, four Members elected its chair and vice-chair. were included in the article, from the Official Opposition and Exceptionally, the Committee it was impossible to say that two Members from the Second on Public Finance (CPF) and the final version of the text of Opposition Group, including the Committee on Public the bill was disclosed before one without the right to vote. Administration each elected two its introduction. In light of the When an independent Member vice-chairs. This special feature facts and parliamentary law, the becomes a committee member, formed part of the agreement Chair could not conclude that the Government party is allowed reached between parties. the minister was in contempt an additional Member. The of parliament. The President Following the 2014-2015 total number of members then budget speech on June 4, recalled that Members are increases to 15. the only ones who have the and within the framework of legitimacy to assess whether the Second, a Member from a the ensuing debate, the CPF content of a bill is in the public parliamentary group who is not continued the debate for a 10- interest and that it is a matter of a committee member cannot take hour period. After the adoption respect for the fundamental role part in a committee’s proceedings of the Government’s budgetary of Members in our parliamentary unless it is examining the policy, the examination of the democracy. estimates of expenditure. 2014-2015 expenditure estimates Previously, a Member who by the respective parliamentary Committee proceedings was not a committee member committees was carried out after Following the general was allowed to take part in the the Assembly had adjourned election of April 7, 2014, the proceedings of any committee for the summer, on June 13, parliamentary groups came to regardless of mandate. which is unusual. The last time an agreement relating to the Third, a special distribution of the expenditure estimates were conduct of proceedings in the speaking times was established examined during the summer Assembly and in parliamentary for mandates in which each holidays dates back to July 2003. committees. New Standing parliamentary group disposes of a limited time period. Total Nicole Bolduc Order provisions pertaining to and Cédric Drouin committees were adopted for the time is shared equally between Parliamentary Proceedings Directorate

64 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/AUTUMN 2014