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The Order Paper and Notice Paper is a document that guides the deliberations of the Senate and lists items of business currently before it. These items are listed in several different categories and in a priority according to an arrangement adopted by the Senate as stipulated in the rules. The majority of these items constitute the Orders of the Day which are called following the daily Routine of Business. These items are themselves divided into two principal categories – government business and other business. Within each of these two categories are items for bills, motions, inquiries and reports of committees.
The Notice Paper contains the text of motions and inquiries not yet called for debate.
The Order Paper and Notice Paper is prepared every day in advance of the actual sitting.
2. Tabling of Documents.
3. Presentation of Reports from Standing or Special Committees.
4. Government Notices of Motions.
5. Introduction and First Reading of Government Bills.
6. Introduction and First Reading of Senate Public Bills.
7. First Reading of Commons Public Bills.
8. Reading of Petitions for Private Bills.
9. Introduction and First Reading of Private Bills.
10. Tabling of Reports from Inter-Parliamentary Delegations.
11. Notices of Motions.
12. Notices of Inquiries.
13. Presentation of Petitions.
14. Question Period.
15. Delayed Answers.
16. Orders of the Day.
17. Inquiries.
18. Motions.
Bills
No. 1.
November 14, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gustafson, seconded by the Honourable Senator Angus, for the second reading Bill C-11, An Act to give effect to the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement and to make a consequential amendment to another Act.
No. 2.
November 13, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Oliver, seconded by the Honourable Senator Di Nino, for the second reading Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (criminal procedure, language of the accused, sentencing and other amendments).
No. 3.
October 30, 2007—Second reading Bill C-10, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act, including amendments in relation to foreign investment entities and non-resident trusts, and to provide for the bijural expression of the provisions of that Act.
No. 4.
October 30, 2007—Second reading Bill C-12, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, the Wage Earner Protection Program Act and chapter 47 of the Statutes of Canada, 2005.
Inquiries
Nil
Motions
No. 1.
October 17, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Comeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator Brown:
That the following Address be presented to Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada:
To Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order of Canada, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Military Merit, Chancellor and Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:
We, Her Majesty's most loyal and dutiful subjects, the Senate of Canada in Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to Your Excellency for the gracious Speech which Your Excellency has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.
No. 2.
By the Honourable Senator Comeau:
November 14, 2007—That the document entitled Proposed Regulations Amending the Citizenship Regulations (Adoption) and Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, tabled in the Senate on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology for review and report.
Reports of Committees
Nil
Rule 27(3) states:
Unless previously ordered, any item under "Other Business'', "Inquiries'' and "Motions'' that has not been proceeded with during fifteen sittings shall be dropped from the Order Paper.
Consequently, the number appearing in parenthesis indicates the number of sittings since the item was last proceeded with.
Senate Public Bills
No. 1.
November 14, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Watt, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy, for the second reading of Bill S-214, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Excise Tax Act (tax relief for Nunavik). —(Honourable Senator Comeau)
No. 2.
November 14, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Hervieux-Payette, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Tardif, for the second reading of Bill S-209, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (protection of children). —(Honourable Senator Cochrane)
No. 3.
November 13, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-219, An Act to amend the Public Service Employment Act (elimination of bureaucratic patronage and establishment of national area of selection).—(Honourable Senator Ringuette)
No. 4. (one)
October 30, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Grafstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Corbin, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act to require the Minister of the Environment to establish, in co-operation with the provinces, an agency with the power to identify and protect Canada's watersheds that will constitute sources of drinking water in the future.—(Subject-matter referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment, and Natural Resources on November 13, 2007)
No. 5. (two)
November 1, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Carney, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Nolin, for the second reading of Bill S-215, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses.—(Honourable Senator Comeau)
No. 6. (two)
October 31, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-217, An Act to amend the International Boundary Waters Treaty Act (bulk water removal).—(Honourable Senator Carney, P.C.)
No. 7. (two)
October 31, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-218, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and to enact certain other measures, in order to provide assistance and protection to victims of human trafficking.—(Honourable Senator Phalen)
No. 8. (three)
October 30, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Lapointe, seconded by the Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C., for the second reading of Bill S-213, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (lottery schemes).—(Honourable Senator Tkachuk)
No. 9. (four)
October 25, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Segal, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cochrane, for the second reading of Bill S-201, An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act and the Bank of Canada Act (quarterly financial reports).—(Honourable Senator Comeau)
No. 10. (five)
October 24, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Segal, seconded by the Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C., for the second reading of Bill S-202, An Act to amend certain Acts to provide job protection for members of the reserve force.—(Honourable Senator Dallaire)
No. 11. (five)
October 24, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Grafstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Callbeck, for the second reading of Bill S-210, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings).—(Honourable Senator Andreychuk)
No. 12. (six)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Grafstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dallaire, for the second reading of Bill S-204, An Act respecting a National Philanthropy Day.—(Honourable Senator Champagne, P.C.)
No. 13. (six)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Goldstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Chaput, for the second reading of Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (student loans). —(Honourable Senator Tkachuk)
No. 14. (six)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Grafstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Day, for the second reading of Bill S-206, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (clean drinking water). —(Honourable Senator Cochrane)
No. 15. (six)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Banks, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore, for the second reading of Bill S-207, An Act to repeal legislation that has not come into force within ten years of receiving royal assent.—(Honourable Senator Segal)
No. 16. (seven)
October 17, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-211, An Act to regulate securities and to provide for a single securities commission for Canada.—(Honourable Senator Grafstein)
No. 17. (seven)
October 18, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-212, An Act to amend the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act. —(Honourable Senator Joyal, P.C.)
No. 18. (three)
October 30, 2007—Second reading of Bill S-216, An Act to amend the Access to Information Act and the Canadian Wheat Board Act.—(Honourable Senator Mitchell)
Commons Public Bills
No. 1. (two)
November 1, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Campbell, seconded by the Honourable Senator Peterson, for the second reading of Bill C-292, An Act to implement the Kelowna Accord.—(Honourable Senator Stratton)
No. 2. (four)
October 24, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Dallaire, seconded by the Honourable Senator Moore, for the second reading of Bill C-293, An Act respecting the provision of official development assistance abroad.—(Honourable Senator Segal)
No. 3. (six)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Goldstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Campbell, for the second reading of Bill C-280, An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (coming into force of sections 110, 111 and 171).—(Honourable Senator Di Nino)
No. 4. (seven)
October 17, 2007—Second reading of Bill C-299, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identification information obtained by fraud or false pretence).—(Honourable Senator Comeau)
Private Bills
Nil
Reports of Committees
Nil
Other
No. 6. (one) (motion)
October 30, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Segal, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
WHEREAS the Canadian public has never been consulted on the structure of its government (Crown, Senate and House of Commons)
AND WHEREAS there has never been a clear and precise expression by the Canadian public on the legitimacy of the Upper House since the constitutional agreement establishing its existence
AND WHEREAS a clear and concise opinion might be obtained by putting the question directly to the electors by means of a referendum
THAT the Senate urge the Governor in Council to obtain by means of a referendum, pursuant to section 3 of the Referendum Act, the opinion of the electors of Canada on whether the Senate should be abolished; and
THAT a message be sent to the House of Commons requesting that House to unite with the Senate for the above purpose. —(Honourable Senator Banks)
No. 4. (one) (motion)
November 13, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Segal, seconded by the Honourable Senator Keon:
That the Senate call upon the Government of Canada to engage in negotiations with the European Union towards a free trade agreement, in order to encourage investment, free movement of people and capital.—(Honourable Senator Tardif)
No. 7. (one) (motion)
November 13, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Spivak, seconded by the Honourable Senator Segal:
That the Senate urge the Government of Canada to update the 1989 Phosphorus Concentration Regulations to prevent the growth of toxic algae in Canada's lakes, rivers and streams. —(Honourable Senator Comeau)
No. 3. (four) (inquiry)
October 25, 2007—Resuming debate on the inquiry of the Honourable Senator Callbeck, calling the attention of the Senate to the thousands of Canadian seniors who are not receiving the benefits from the Canada Pension Plan to which they are entitled. —(Honourable Senator Robichaud, P.C.)
No. 3. (five) (motion)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Grafstein, seconded by the Honourable Senator Losier-Cool:
That the following Resolution on Combating Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Intolerance, which was adopted at the 16th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, in which Canada participated in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 9, 2007, be referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights for consideration and that the Committee table its final report no later than March 31, 2008:
RESOLUTION ON COMBATING ANTI-SEMITISM, RACISM, XENOPHOBIA AND OTHER FORMS
OF INTOLERANCE, INCLUDING AGAINST MUSLIMS AND ROMA
1. Recalling the Parliamentary Assembly's leadership in raising the focus and attention of the participating States since the 2002 Annual Session in Berlin on issues related to intolerance, discrimination, and hate crimes, including particular concern over manifestations of anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,
2. Celebrating the richness of ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious diversity within the 56 OSCE participating States,
3. Emphasizing the need to ensure implementation of existing OSCE commitments on combating anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance and discrimination, including against Christians, Muslims, and members of other religions, as well as against Roma,
4. Recalling other international commitments of the OSCE participating States, and urging immediate ratification and full implementation of the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, and the Rome Statute,
5. Reminding participating States that hate crimes and discrimination are motivated not only by race, ethnicity, sex, and religion or belief, but also by political opinion, national or social origin, language, birth or other status,
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly:
6. Welcomes the convening of the June 2007 OSCE High Level Conference on Combating Discrimination and Promoting Mutual Respect and Understanding, in Bucharest, Romania as a follow-up to the 2005 Cordoba Conference on Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Intolerance;
7. Appreciates the ongoing work undertaken by the OSCE and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (the OSCE/ODIHR) through its Programme on Tolerance and Non-discrimination, as well as its efforts to improve the situation of Roma and Sinti through its Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, and supports the continued organization of expert meetings on anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance aimed at enhancing the implementation of relevant OSCE commitments;
8. Recognizes the importance of the OSCE/ODIHR Law Enforcement Officers Programme (LEOP) in helping police forces within the participating States better to identify and combat hate crimes, and recommends that other participating States make use of it; 36
9. Reiterates its full support for the political-level work undertaken by the three Personal Representatives of the Chair-in-Office and endorses the continuance of their efforts under their existing and distinct mandates;
10. Reminds participating States of the Holocaust, its impact, and the continued acts of anti-Semitism occurring throughout the 56-nation OSCE region that are not unique to any one country and necessitate unwavering steadfastness by all participating States to erase the black mark on human history;
11. Calls upon participating States to recall that atrocities within the OSCE region motivated by race, national origin, sex, religion or belief, disability or sexual orientation have contributed to the negative perceptions and treatment of persons in the region;
12. Further recalls the resolutions on anti-Semitism adopted unanimously by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at its Annual Sessions in Berlin in 2002, Rotterdam in 2003, Edinburgh in 2004, Washington in 2005 and Brussels in 2006;
13. Reaffirms especially the 2002 Porto Ministerial Decision condemning "anti-Semitic incidents in the OSCE area, recognizing the role that the existence of anti-Semitism has played throughout history as a major threat to freedom'';
14. Recalls the agreement of the participating States, adopted in Cracow in 1991, to preserve and protect those monuments and sites of remembrance, including most notably extermination camps, and the related archives, which are themselves testimonials to tragic experiences in their common past;
15. Commends the 11 member states of the International Tracing Service for approving the immediate transfer of scanned Holocaust archives to receiving institutions and encourages all participating States to cooperate in opening, copying, and disseminating archival material from the Holocaust;
16. Commemorates the bicentennial of the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act which banned the slave trade in the British Empire, allowed for the search and seizure of ships suspected of transporting enslaved people, and provided compensation for the freedom of slaves;
17. Agrees that the transatlantic slave trade was a crime against humanity and urges participating states to develop educational tools, programmes, and activities to teach current and future generations about its significance
18. Acknowledges the horrible legacy that centuries of racism, slavery, colonialism discrimination, exploitation, violence, and extreme oppression have continued to have on the promulgation of stereotypes, prejudice, and hatred directed towards persons of African descent;
19. Reminds parliamentarians and participating States that Roma constitute the largest ethnic minority in the European Union and have suffered from slavery, genocide, mass expulsions and imprisonment, forced assimilations, and numerous other discriminatory practices in the OSCE region;
20. Reminds participating States of the role these histories and other events have played in the institutionalization of practices that limit members of minority groups from having equal access to and participation in state-sponsored institutions, resulting in gross disparities in health, wealth, education, housing, political participation, and access to legal redress through the courts:
21. Underscores the sentiments of earlier resolutions regarding the continuing threat that anti- Semitism and other forms of intolerance pose to the underlying fundamental human rights and democratic values that serve as the underpinnings for security in the OSCE region;
22. Therefore urges participating States to increase efforts to work with their diverse communities to develop and implement practices to provide members of minority groups with equal access to and opportunities within social, political, legal, and economic spheres;
23. Notes the growing prevalence of anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance being displayed within popular culture, including the Internet, computer games, and sports;
24. Deplores the growing prevalence of anti-Semitic materials and symbols of racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic organizations in some OSCE participating States;
25. Reminds participating States of the 2004 OSCE meeting on the Relationship between Racist, Xenophobic and Anti-Semitic Propaganda on the Internet and Hate Crimes and suggested measures to combat the dissemination of racist and anti-Semitic material via the Internet as well as in printed or otherwise mediatized form that could be utilized throughout the OSCE region;
26. Deplores the continuing intellectualization of anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of intolerance in academic spheres, particularly through publications and public events at universities;
27. Condemns the association of politicians and political parties with discriminatory platforms, and reaffirms that such actions violate human rights standards;
28. Notes the legislative efforts, public awareness campaigns, and other initiatives of some participating States to recognize the historical injustices of the transatlantic slave trade, study the enslavement of Roma, and commemorate the Holocaust;
29. Urges other states to take similar steps in recognizing the impact of past injustices on current day practices and beliefs as a means of providing a platform to address anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance;
30. Suggests guidelines on academic responsibility to ensure the protection of Jewish and other minority students from harassment, discrimination, and abuse in the academic environment;
31. Urges participating States to implement the commitments following the original 2003 Vienna Conferences on Anti-Semitism and on Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination and subsequent conferences that include calls to:
a. provide the proper legal framework and authority to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance;
b. collect, analyse, publish, and promote hate crimes data;
c. protect religious facilities and communitarian institutions, including Jewish sites of worship;
d. promote national guidelines on educational work to promote tolerance and combat anti-Semitism, including Holocaust education;
e. train law enforcement officers and military personnel to interact with diverse communities and address hate crimes, including community policing efforts;
f. appoint ombudspersons or special commissioners with the necessary resources to adequately monitor and address anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance;
g. work with civil society to develop and implement tolerance initiatives;
32. Urges parliamentarians and the participating States to report their initiatives to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and publicly recognize the benefits of diversity at the 2008 Annual Session;
33. Commends all parliamentary efforts on combating all forms of intolerance, especially the British All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Anti-Semitism and its final report;
34. Emphasizes the key role of politicians and political parties in combating intolerance by raising awareness of the value of diversity as a source of mutual enrichment of societies, and calls attention to the importance of integration with respect for diversity as a key element in promoting mutual respect and understanding;
35. Calls upon OSCE PA delegates to encourage regular debates on the subjects of anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance in their national parliaments, following the example of the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Anti- Semitism;
36. Calls upon journalists to develop a self-regulated code of ethics for addressing anti-Semitism, racism, discrimination against Muslims, and other forms of intolerance within the media;
37. Expresses its concern at all attempts to target Israeli institutions and individuals for boycotts, divestments and sanctions;
38. Urges implementation of the Resolution on Roma Education unanimously adopted at the OSCE PA 2002 Berlin Annual Session to "eradicate practices that segregate Roma in schooling'' and provide equal access to education that includes intercultural education;
39. Calls upon parliamentarians and other elected officials to publicly speak out against discrimination, violence and other manifestations of intolerance against Roma, Sinti, Jews, and other ethnic or religious groups;
40. Urges the participating States to ensure the timely provision of resources and technical support and the establishment of an administrative support structure to assist the three Personal Representatives of the Chair-in- Office in their work to promote greater tolerance and combat racism, xenophobia and discrimination;
41. Encourages the three Personal Representatives of the Chair-in-Office to address the Assembly's Winter Meetings and Annual Sessions on their work to promote greater tolerance and combat racism, xenophobia, and discrimination throughout the OSCE region;
42. Recognizes the unique contribution that the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation could make to OSCE efforts to promote greater tolerance and combat anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination, including by supporting the ongoing work of the three Personal Representatives of the Chair-in-Office;
43. Reminds participating States that respect for freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief should assist in combating all forms of intolerance with the ultimate goal of building positive relationships among all people, furthering social justice, and attaining world peace;
44. Reminds participating States that, historically, violations of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief have, through direct or indirect means, led to war, human suffering, and divisions between and among nations and peoples;
45. Condemns the rising violence in the OSCE region against persons believed to be Muslim and welcomes the conference to be held in Cordoba in October 2007 on combating discrimination against Muslims;
46. Calls upon parliamentarians and the participating States to ensure and facilitate the freedom of the individual to profess and practice any religion or belief, alone or in community with others, through transparent and non- discriminatory laws, regulations, practices and policies, and to remove any registration or recognition policies that discriminate against any religious community and hinder its ability to operate freely and equally with other faiths;
47. Encourages an increased focus by participating States on the greater role teenagers and young adults can play in combating anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance and urges participating States to collect data and report on hate crimes committed by persons under the age of 24 and to promote tolerance initiatives through education, workforce training, youth organizations, sports clubs, and other organized activities;
48. Reminds participating States that this year marks the 59th Anniversary of the United Nations Human Rights Commission's adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which has served as the inspiration for numerous international treaties and declarations on tolerance issues;
49. Calls upon participating States to reaffirm and implement the sentiments expressed in the 2000 Bucharest Declaration and in this resolution as a testament to their commitment to "respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion'', as enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act;
50. Expresses deep concern at the glorification of the Nazi movement, including the erection of monuments and memorials and the holding of public demonstrations glorifying the Nazi past, the Nazi movement and neo- Nazism;
51. Also stresses that such practices fuel contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and contribute to the spread and multiplication of various extremist political parties, movements and groups, including neo-Nazis and skinhead groups;
52. Emphasizes the need to take the necessary measures to put an end to the practices described above, and calls upon participating States to take more effective measures to combat these phenomena and the extremist movements, which pose a real threat to democratic values.—(Honourable Senator Di Nino)
No. 5. (five) (motion)
October 23, 2007—Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Moore, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cowan:
That the following humble Address be presented to Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada:
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY:
WHEREAS full representation in the Senate of Canada is a constitutional guarantee to every province as part of the compromise that made Confederation possible;
AND WHEREAS the stated position of the Prime Minister that he "does not intend to appoint senators, unless necessary'' represents a unilateral denial of the rights of the provinces;
AND WHEREAS the Prime Minister's disregard of the Constitution of Canada places the Governor General in the intolerable situation of not being able to carry out her sworn duties under section s. 32 of the Constitution Act, 1867, which states, "When a Vacancy happens in the Senate by Resignation, Death, or otherwise, the Governor General shall by Summons to a fit and qualified Person fill the Vacancy.'';
AND WHEREAS upon the failure of the Prime Minister to tender advice it is the duty of the Governor General to uphold the Constitution of Canada and its laws and not be constrained by the willful omission of the Prime Minister;
Therefore, we humbly pray that Your Excellency will exercise Her lawful and constitutional duties and will summon qualified persons to the Senate of Canada, thereby assuring that the people and regions of our country have their full representation in a properly functioning Parliament, as that is their undeniable right guaranteed in the Constitution of Canada.—(Honourable Senator Tkachuk)
No. 1. (six)
By the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C.:
October 17, 2007—That she will call the attention of the Senate to the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
No. 2. (six)
By the Honourable Senator Mitchell:
October 18, 2007—That he will call the attention of the Senate to the importance and economic potential in pursuing the Kyoto objective.
No. 10. (two)
By the Honourable Senator Sibbeston:
November 1, 2007—That the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration be authorized to examine and report on changes to Senate policies necessary to incorporate into both the 64-point travel system for individual Senators and into committee travel budgets the costs of purchasing carbon offsets that meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and also meet internationally recognized standards and certification processes;
That the Committee also evaluate, as a further means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the possibility of expanding the use of teleconferencing and other technological systems to reduce the need for witness travel to Ottawa; and
That the Committee present its final report to the Senate no later than December 12, 2007.
No. 11. (one)
By the Honourable Senator Segal:
November 13, 2007—That whenever the Senate is sitting, the proceedings of the upper chamber, like those of the lower one, be televised, or otherwise audio-visually recorded, so that those proceedings can be carried live or replayed on CPAC, or any other television station, at times that are convenient for Canadians.
No. 15. (one)
By the Honourable Senator Kenny:
November 13, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
No. 16. (one)
By the Honourable Senator Kenny:
November 13, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
No. 17. (one)
By the Honourable Senator Kenny:
November 13, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to examine and report on the national security policy of Canada. In particular, the committee shall be authorized to examine:
(a) the capability of the Department of National Defence to defend and protect the interests, people and territory of Canada and its ability to respond to and prevent a national emergency or attack, and the capability of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to carry out its mandate;
(b) the working relationships between the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering, and how they collect, coordinate, analyze and disseminate information and how these functions might be enhanced;
(c) the mechanisms to review the performance and activities of the various agencies involved in intelligence gathering; and
(d) the security of our borders and critical infrastructure;
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the committee on this subject since the beginning of the First session of the Thirty-seventh Parliament be referred to the committee; and
That the committee report to the Senate no later than March 31, 2009 and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until 90 days after the tabling of the final report.
No. 18. (one)
By the Honourable Senator Kenny:
November 13, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence be authorized to undertake a study on:
(a) the services and benefits provided to members of the Canadian Forces, veterans of war and peacekeeping missions and members of their families in recognition of their services to Canada;
(b) the commemorative activities undertaken by the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep alive for all Canadians the memory of the veterans achievements and sacrifices; and
(c) the implementation of the recently enacted Veterans Charter;
That the committee report to the Senate from time to time, no later than March 31, 2009.
No. 21.
By the Honourable Senator Banks:
November 14, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
No. 22.
By the Honourable Senator Banks:
November 14, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be empowered to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
No. 23.
By the Honourable Senator Banks:
November 14, 2007—That the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources be authorized to examine and report on emerging issues related to its mandate:
(a) The current state and future direction of production, distribution, consumption, trade, security and sustainability of Canada's energy resources;
(b) Environmental challenges facing Canada including responses to global climate change, air pollution, biodiversity and ecological integrity;
(c) Sustainable development and management of renewable and non-renewable natural resources including but not limited to water, minerals, soils, flora and fauna; and
(d) Canada's international treaty obligations affecting energy, the environment and natural resources and their influence on Canada's economic and social development.
That the papers and evidence received and taken and work accomplished by the Committee on this subject during the First Session of the Thirty-ninth Parliament be referred to the Committee;
That the Committee report to the Senate from time to time, no later than June 30, 2009, and that the Committee retain until September 30, 2009, all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
No. 24.
By the Honourable Senator Keon:
November 14, 2007—That the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament have power to engage the services of such counsel and technical, clerical, and other personnel as may be necessary for the purpose of its examination and consideration of such bills, subject-matters of bills and estimates as are referred to it.
No. 25.
By the Honourable Senator Keon:
November 14, 2007—That the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be empowered to permit coverage by electronic media of its public proceedings with the least possible disruption of its hearings.
No. 26.
By the Honourable Senator Keon:
November 14, 2007—That the Chair and Deputy Chair be authorized to request transcripts for in camera meetings be produced, when deemed necessary, for the use of the Chair, Deputy Chair, the members of the committee, the Clerk of the Committee and its analysts in accurately reflecting the discussions of the Committee in minutes and draft reports; and
That these transcripts be destroyed at the end of a session.
No. 1.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With respect to government decentralization:
A. Could the Government of Canada provide a copy of any reports and/or briefing notes that have been prepared since December 2003 for the Prime Minister or any other minister regarding proposals to relocate government departments (or parts thereof), agencies and Crown corporations from the National Capital area to the regions of Canada?
B. Could the Government of Canada provide reports and/or briefing notes prepared by any government department since December 2003 assessing which government departments (or parts thereof), agencies or Crown corporations could be relocated from the National Capital area to the regions of Canada?
No. 2.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With regard to the impact of climate change on Prince Edward Island:
In June 2001, Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada jointly released a report entitled Coastal Impacts of Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise on Prince Edward Island as part of the Climate Change Action Fund project.
A. Could the Minister of Environment advise if there have been any updates to the study since the release of the report in June 2001?
B. Could the Minister please provide any additional information since June 2001 on the impacts of climate change and rising sea-levels on Prince Edward Island?
No. 3.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With respect to Governor-in-Council appointments:
A. Could the Government of Canada provide a list of all Governor in Council (GIC) appointments of Prince Edward Island residents appointed between June 1, 2007, and October 15, 2007?
B. Could the Government of Canada provide the name of the appointee, the board, agency, commission or other appointment they received and the length of the term?
No. 4.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With respect to ministerial appointments:
A. Could the Government of Canada provide a list of all Ministerial appointments of Prince Edward Island residents appointed between June 1, 2007, and October 15, 2007?
B. Could the Government of Canada provide the name of the appointee, the appointment they received and the length of the term?
No. 5.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—Over $230 million has been invested in the Canada Summer and Winter Games since inception. From track and field complexes to ski hills, soccer pitches to swimming pools, a legacy of sports facilities have been built up in 19 medium-sized communities across Canada.
A. Could the Government of Canada provide all statistics, documents, briefing notes, or assessments regarding the Canada Games Financial Framework including:
i) the procedural guidelines for inflationary adjustments; and
ii) a description of acceptable "essential operating'' costs?
B. Could the Government of Canada provide the total amount actually spent on the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina?
C. Could the Government of Canada provide all statistics, documents, briefing notes, or assessments regarding its financial commitment to the 2009 Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island including:
i) the present financial contribution; and
ii) the total proposed financial contribution?
No. 6.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—In May 2007, the Minister of Public Works announced that thousands of public servants will relocate from Ottawa to Gatineau.
A. Could the Minister of Public Works provide all statistics, documents, briefing notes, or assessments prepared regarding the May 2007 decision to relocate public servants from the Ottawa to Gatineau regions?
No. 7.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—In 1997, the North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group (TWG) on Pesticides was established to serve as a focal point for addressing pesticide related issues. The TWG's primary objective is to facilitate cost effective pesticide regulation and trade among Canada, Mexico, and the United States through harmonization.
A. Could the Government of Canada provide all statistics, documents, briefing notes, or assessments from January 2004 to September 2007 on the following:
i) How many cases exist where Canadian pesticide standards have been lowered in order to harmonize regulations with the United States?
ii) How many cases exist where Canadian pesticide standards have been increased in order to harmonize regulations with the United States?
iii) How many products were affected from lowering Canadian pesticide standards in order to harmonize pesticide regulations with the United States?
iv) How many products were affected from increasing Canadian pesticide standards in order to harmonize pesticide regulations with the United States?
v) What are the standards Canadian officials use to determine whether or not to lower pesticide standards?
vi) What percentage of Canadian pesticide residue levels are stricter than American standards?
vii) What percentage of products in Canada are found to exceed legal residue limits?
No. 8.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With respect to naming federal government buildings:
Federal government buildings have been named in honour of individuals who have made invaluable contributions to Canadian society. While many Canadian men and women from various careers have contributed to the success of Canada, it appears that the names of federal government buildings are restricted almost exclusively to former male politicians.
i) Could the Minister of Public Works please provide a list of the names of all Canadian federal government buildings?
ii) Could the Minister of Public Works please provide the percentage of federal government buildings which are named after women?
iii) Could the Minister of Public Works please provide the percentage of federal government buildings which are named after former politicians?
No. 9.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With respect to the Agent Orange Ex Gratia payment:
On September 12, 2007, the Harper Government announced a disappointing compensation package for people affected by the spraying of Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown, offering payment only to those who served between 1966 and 1967. While campaigning in the 2006 federal election, Stephen Harper stated, "Our Government will stand up for full compensation for persons exposed to defoliant spraying during the period from 1956 to 1984.''
A. Could the Government of Canada advise as to why it has not honoured its promise to provide compensation to individuals exposed to spraying during the period of 1956 to 1984?
B. Could the Government of Canada advise as to why it is using February 6, 2006, as the cutoff date for this compensation package?
No. 10.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 17, 2007—With regard to the Government of Canada's Use of Employment Services:
A. Could the Government of Canada provide the total costs associated with the use of headhunters, executive recruiters, and employment agencies in hiring exempt political staff since January 2006 for the following:
i) Ministerial Offices
ii) Prime Minister's Office
B. Could the Government of Canada provide the following information pertaining to the use of headhunters, executive recruiters, and employment agencies for Governor in Council appointments:
i) What was the total number of individuals recruited using employment services since January 2006?
ii) How many of these individuals were appointed?
iii) What vacant positions were these individuals expected to fill?
iv) What was the total cost for using various employment services?
No. 11.
By the Honourable Senator Carstairs, P.C.:
October 18, 2007—1. There are approximately 220 000 deaths in Canada each year. About 75per cent of these deaths are seniors. A vast majority of these seniors require palliative and end-of-life care. However, it is estimated that only 15-25 per cent of people who require end-of-life care have access to it. Unfortunately, the government has terminated the Canadian Strategy for Palliative and End-of-Life Care. What steps is the government taking to meet the needs of Canadians at end-of-life? What is the current mandate of the Health Canada Secretariat on Palliative and End-of-Life Care? What is the budget of the Secretariat for 2007-08? What are the strategic priorities for the Secretariat in 2007-08?
(a) Under the Canadian Strategy for Palliative and End-of-Life Care there were five working groups who with federal support were able to leverage needed change in end-of-life care. What is the current status of these working groups? What impact has the termination of the Strategy had on them? Is the federal government still supporting the development and sharing of best practices through these community-driven working groups?
(b) Quite often people living in long-term care facilities or nursing homes require palliative and end-of-life care; however, staff persons in these facilities are often woefully undertrained. Is there any work being undertaken by the federal government to work with the appropriate professional associations and with the provinces to address this situation?
(c) What role will the Secretary of State (Seniors) play in acting as a facilitator among the federal departments? Among the provinces? Between the community and the federal government? Within the Department of Health itself?
(d) How does the role and mandate of the new National Seniors Council differ from the role and mandate of the former National Advisory Council on Aging?
2. How many Canadians were successful in drawing benefits under the new Compassionate Care Leave Benefit in 2004/05? How many Canadians were successful in drawing benefits under the new Compassionate Care Leave Benefit in 2005/06? In 2006/07? How many Canadians are projected to receive benefits under this program in 2007/08?
3. How much money was paid out in benefits under the Compassionate Care Leave provision in 2004/2005? In 2005/ 2006? In 2006/2007? How much money is forecast to be paid out in benefits under this program in 2007/08?
4. (a) How many claims for the Compassionate Care Benefit were filed in 2004/2005? In 2005/2006? In 2006/2007? How many claims are projected to be received in 2007/08?
(b) How many claims for the Compassionate Care Benefit were denied in 2004/2005? In 2005/2006? In 2006/2007? How many claims are expected to be denied in 2007/08? What was the reason most were denied?
(c) Among recipients of the Compassionate Care Benefit in 2004/2005, how many used the full eight weeks available? Among recipients of the Compassionate Care Benefit in 2005/2006, how many used the full eight weeks available? Among recipients of the Compassionate Care Benefit in 2006/2007, how many used the full eight weeks available?
(d) Of the claims for the Compassionate Care Benefit which were approved, how many claims were shared among more than one recipient in 2004/2005? In 2005/2006? In 2006/2007? How many are projected to be shared in 2007/08?
5. What measures has the federal government taken in order to inform Canadians about the existence of the Compassionate Care Benefit? How do these measures compare to measures taken to inform Canadians about parental benefits?
6. What measures has the federal government taken to encourage the provinces and territories whom have not already done so to amend their Labour Code provisions to allow for job protection for those who take compassionate care leave.
No. 12.
By the Honourable Senator Callbeck:
October 18, 2007—1. In June 2000, the federal government announced a National Strategy on Rural Health. As part of the Strategy, the federal government announced the creation of a Ministerial Advisory Committee on Rural Health in July 2001.
(a) What is the current status of this Ministerial Advisory Committee on Rural Health?
(b) If the Committee is active, who are the Committee's members?
(c) Is the Committee currently providing advice to the Minister of Health on how the federal government can improve the health of rural communities and individuals?
2. In November 2002, the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Rural Health released a report entitled "Rural Health in Rural Hands: Strategic Directions for Rural, Remote, Northern and Aboriginal Communities'', which contained 43 recommendations.
(a) What is the status of each of these recommendations?
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
No. 13.
By the Honourable Senator Callbeck:
October 18, 2007—1. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Homeowner Residential Repair Assistance Program (RRAP) offers financial assistance to low-income households who own and occupy substandard housing to enable them to repair their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety.
(a) What is the current wait time for funding under the Homeowner RRAP in the Province of Prince Edward Island?
(b) How many Islanders are currently on the waiting list for funding under the Homeowner RRAP?
(c) How many projects were funded by the Homeowner RRAP in each of the last three fiscal years?
(d) What was the Government of Canada's investment to the Homeowner RRAP in Budget 2007? In Budget 2006?
2. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities.
(a) What is the current wait time for funding under the RRAP for Persons with Disabilities in the Province of Prince Edward Island?
(b) How many Islanders are currently on the waiting list for funding under the RRAP for Persons with Disabilities?
(c) How many projects were funded by the RRAP for Persons with Disabilities in each of the last three fiscal years?
(d) What was the Government of Canada's investment to the RRAP for Persons with Disabilities in Budget 2007? In Budget 2006?
3. The Rental Residential Rehabilitation Program (Rental RRAP) offers financial assistance to landlords of affordable housing to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants. Mandatory repairs are those required to bring properties up to minimum levels of health and safety.
(a) What is the current wait time for funding under the Rental RRAP in the Province of Prince Edward Island?
(b) How many Islanders are currently on the waiting list for funding under the Rental RRAP?
(c) How many projects were funded by the Rental RRAP in each of the last three fiscal years?
(d) What was the Government of Canada's investment to the Rental RRAP in Budget 2007? In Budget 2006?
4. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) program helps homeowners and landlords pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time low-income seniors can live in their own homes independently.
(a) What is the current wait time for funding under the HASI program in the Province of Prince Edward Island?
(b) How many Islanders are currently on the waiting list for funding under the HASI program?
(c) How many projects were funded by the HASI program in each of the last three fiscal years?
(d) What was the Government of Canada's investment to the HASI program in Budget 2007? In Budget 2006?
5. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Emergency Repair Program (ERP) assists low-income homeowners or occupants in rural areas to make emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses.
(a) What is the current wait time for funding under the ERP in the Province of Prince Edward Island?
(b) How many Islanders are currently on the waiting list for funding under the ERP?
(c) How many projects were funded by the ERP in each of the last three fiscal years?
(d) What was the Government of Canada's investment to the ERP in Budget 2007? In Budget 2006?
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
No. 14.
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
October 24, 2007—1. With respect to Burma:
Under the military junta, Burma has achieved one of the worst human rights records in the world. Over three decades of military dictatorship has led to widespread suppression of democratic ideals such as freedom of speech, association, assembly and the murder of innocent people. Could the Government of Canada provide all emails, correspondences, briefing notes, or assessments regarding its position on the following:
A. What measures is the Government of Canada taking to ensure Canadian corporations end all commercial ties with Burma?
B. What measures is the Government of Canada taking to ensure that no additional commercial contracts form between Canadian companies and Burma?
C. What domestic steps is the Government of Canada pursuing to guarantee those Canadian corporations financially benefiting from economic activity in Burma are restricted from securing any contracts from the Government of Canada?
D. What steps is the Government of Canada taking to assure the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board does not maintain any direct or indirect holdings in companies conducting business with Burma?
E. What bilateral and multilateral efforts is the Government of Canada using to persuade Burma's military junta to relinquish power?
F. What diplomacy is occurring between the Government of Canada and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, and India to pressure Burma's military junta to end violence against the people of Burma?
G. What methods is the Government of Canada employing to pressure Burma's military junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy party?
No. 15.
By the Honourable Senator Callbeck:
October 25, 2007—1. In June 2005, Prime Minister Stephen Harper committed in writing that "A Conservative Government would immediately extend the Veterans Independence Program services to the widows of all Second World War and Korean War veterans regardless of when the Veteran passed away or how long they had been receiving the benefit prior to passing away.''
(a) Since January 1, 2006, have officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Finance or the Treasury Board Secretariat prepared any estimates of the cost of extending the program to all surviving spouses of all Second World War and Korean War veterans regardless of when the Veteran passed away or how long they had been receiving the benefit prior to passing away?
(b) If so, would you provide the costs identified in any estimates that were prepared, the time frame in which the estimates were prepared, and the assumptions that were used to calculate each estimate?
2. Have other similar estimates been prepared for an expanded program using different assumptions or eligibility rules? If so, would you provide the estimates, together with the assumptions on which they are based?
3. At a meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs on June 8, 2006, the Minister of Veterans Affairs used an estimate of $500 million annually to expand the Veterans Independence Program to all those (veterans, spouses and caregivers) who are currently ineligible.
(a) Was this estimate provided by officials in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Finance or the Treasury Board Secretariat? If not, who prepared it?
(b) Would you provide a copy of at least one departmental memo, briefing note or other document that contains the estimate the Minister used at the committee meeting?
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
No. 16.
By the Honourable Senator Callbeck:
October 31, 2007—1. What were the total net assets of the Canada Pension Plan fund at the end of the most recent fiscal year? What portion of these assets was in the form of cash?
2. What was the total amount of benefits paid out during the most recent fiscal year?
3. Would you provide the latest actuarial assessment of the Canada Pension Plan fund with respect to its capacity to meet anticipated demand for benefits?
(a) When was this assessment performed?
(b) When is the next assessment planned?
4. Does the most recent actuarial assessment methodology include any assumptions that a certain number or a certain portion of eligible persons will fail to apply for the benefit?
(a) Does the methodology assume a 100 per cent application rate?
(b) If any other assumptions were made about application rates, what were those assumptions?
(c) If application rates were to approach 100 per cent, would this alter the actuarial assessment of the fund?
5. In the past 5 years, have officials at Canada Pension Plan, Finance Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat or Human Resources and Social Development Canada performed any assessment or estimate of the cost of making changes to the limitation on benefits paid retroactive from the date of application?
(a) If so, would you provide the resulting assessments and/or estimates?
(b) If so, would you provide any evaluation that was made about the impact of each option on the actuarial soundness of the Plan?
6. Has any assessment or estimate been made of the cost of matching the Quebec Pension Plan's policy of making retroactive payments for up to 60 months?
(a) If so, would you provide the resulting assessments and/or estimates?
(b) If so, would you provide any evaluation that was made about the impact of each option on the actuarial soundness of the Plan?
7. Has any assessment or estimate been made of the cost of removing the limit altogether, and allowing applicants to receive payment for all retroactive benefits?
(a) If so, would you provide the resulting assessments and/or estimates?
(b) If so, would you provide any evaluation that was made about the impact of each option on the actuarial soundness of the Plan?
8. If the impact evaluations requested were not performed, is it a reasonable to assume that there would be no impact, owing to the fact that the actuarial assessment assumes a 100 per cent application rate?
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
No. 17.
By the Honourable Senator Callbeck:
November 13, 2007—1. In November 2003, the Prime Minister's Task Force on Women Entrepreneurs released its final report and recommendations. During its hearings, Task Force members heard repeatedly that women entrepreneurs would gladly pay into Employment Insurance (EI) if they would have access to maternity and parental benefits. As such, the Task Force made one recommendation with regard to the expansion of parental leave for women entrepreneurs:
Recommendation 4.01: The federal government should extend maternity leave benefits to self-employed women.
(a) Have officials in Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), the Department of Finance or the Treasury Board Secretariat prepared any estimates of the cost of extending the Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits to self-employed women?
(b) If so, would you provide the costs identified in any estimates that were prepared, the time frame in which the estimates were prepared, and the assumptions that were used to calculate each estimate?
(c) Has HRSDC examined other program models which could provide maternity and parental benefits to self- employed women? If so, would you provide the full results of these examinations?
2. In March 2005, the Governments of Canada and Quebec concluded a final agreement on Quebec's Parental Insurance Plan. This agreement provided the administrative, financial and operational provisions for Quebec to establish its own plan which includes maternity and parental benefits for self-employed persons.
(a) How have officials in HRSDC, the Department of Finance or the Treasury Board Secretariat followed the implementation of this agreement? Would you provide any reports, reviews or other materials that discuss the implementation and transition period?
(b) Have any other provinces or territories expressed an interest in establishing a similar agreement with the federal government?
(c) Have officials in HRSDC, the Department of Finance or the Treasury Board Secretariat prepared any estimates of the cost of establishing a similar agreement in any or all provinces and territories?
(d) If so, would you provide the costs identified in any estimates that were prepared, the time frame in which the estimates were prepared, and the assumptions that were used to calculate each estimate?
3. On September 27, 2006, a deferred response was tabled to an oral question regarding maternity benefits for women entrepreneurs which I raised in the Senate. The response, in part, states: "Government supports available to women entrepreneurs and more specifically, the potential to extend the Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental programming to this population are significant issues that warrant ongoing discussion.''
(a) Have officials in HRSDC been engaged in any recent activities or ongoing discussions with respect to the extension of maternity and parental benefits to women entrepreneurs? If so, would you please describe them?
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
No. 18.
By the Honourable Senator Spivak:
November 13, 2007—Of Health Canada.
1. What are the details of Health Canada's monitoring program to determine whether food manufacturers are voluntarily reducing the trans fat content in their products? Specifically, by what methodology, in what locations, with what frequency, and in what percentage of foods that contain fats is monitoring taking place or expected to take place?
2. How many meetings were held, or other communications conducted, with individuals who opposed the adoption of the Trans Fat Task Force recommendations? Specifically, who were the registered lobbyists involved in meetings/ communications and with whom did they communicate within Health Canada either in person, in writing, by e-mail or telephone.
Please note that I wish to receive a response within 45 days of tabling these questions.
