| Historical Information |
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| This post is about a previous Session of Parliament. Any legislation here that did not receive Royal Assent has been terminated. |
Happy Wednesday!
Once again not a lot to report in terms of legislation. The filibuster continued. There’s been a bit of movement on it, but it immediately got bogged down again, and a number of committee reports were submitted so we’re looking at those!
Matters of Privilege
Failure to provide documents
Subamendment – Dan Muys (Conservative, Ontario, Flamborough—Glanbrook)
What’s this? Movement on the filibuster that’s been tying up the government for the last month or so? Well I’m shocked.
We finally got a vote in on the first subamendment that has to be addressed. (There’s still an amendment on top of it that needs to be voted on before the original Motion can be voted on and things start moving again.) This was the subamendment to have the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and Paul MacKinnon appear before the committee investigating the government’s failure to produce documents on that SDTC scandal. The vote to include them passed with 172 voting in favour and 150 voting against.
| Party | For | Against | Paired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal | 0 | 148 | 2 |
| Conservative | 116 | 0 | 1 |
| Bloc Quebecois | 30 | 0 | 1 |
| NDP | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Green | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Subamendment – Tom Kmiec (Conservative, Alberta, Calgary Shepard)
But of course hoping that we get through this and our leaders get back to work instead of wasting time is too much to ask for. Immediately after passing the previous subamendment Tom decides to propose a new one. Currently the committee would need to report back to the House by November 22. Of course at this point so much time has been wasted that doesn’t leave them much time to do a proper investigation, so Tom wants to change the deadline to 30 days from the time this Motion is adopted.
So we’re right back to needing 3 votes to go through before anyone gets back to work.
Bill Updates
S-269 – An Act respecting a national framework on advertising for sports betting
S-269 has now completed its run through the Senate unchanged and is waiting to start its way through the House.
C-284 – An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care
C-284 has been passed by the Senate without change and was then granted Royal Assent.
C-244 – An Act to amend the Copyright Act (diagnosis, maintenance and repair)
C-244 has been given Royal Assent.
C-294 – An Act to amend the Copyright Act (interoperability)
C-294 has been given Royal Assent
Committee Reports
The Nexus Between Science and National Security in Canada: The Case of the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg
Special Committee on the Canada-People’s Republic of China Relationship (CACN)
A while back there was an issue where a virologist, Xiangguo Qui, was working for the Winnipeg National Microbiology Lab and was found to be sending information and viral samples to China for their benefit. This kicked off a whole investigation, including CACN requesting unredacted documents from PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) which were never turned over for privacy reasons. CACN has been looking into this situation and how it relates to national security, and has come back with the following recommendations:
- That the government ensure security assessments and clearances are completed quickly.
- That the government explore constitutionally compliant ways to prevent people under investigation for national security breaches from leaving the country.
- That the government establish a List of Trusted Countries for sharing research and intellectual property.
- That the government ensure the transfer of dangerous viruses be limited to labs located in Trusted Countries.
- That the government, in cooperation with the provinces and CSIS, make the scientific community aware of the risks of interference related to international cooperation.
- That the government update our national security policy, which hasn’t been updated since 2004, to reflect the threats from hostile actors like the People’s Republic of China.
- That the government immediately end research collaboration with organizations and individuals in China in Canada’s Sensitive Technology Research Areas. (Advanced digital infrastructure technology, advanced energy technology, space and satellite technology, etc)
- That the government add the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Thousand Talents Program of the People’s Republic of China, and similar programs to Public Safety Canada’s list of research organizations that pose the highest risk to Canada.
- That the government review security policies in departments that are outside national security organizations and are sensitive to foreign interference.
- That the government assign someone from the Privy Council Office to work with PHAC’s security officer to report annually on the application of new security measures within PHAC.
- That the government, considering that the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg and all future similar labs are designed to do research for the health and safety of Canadians, be considered an important part of national security and study how allied countries are handling similar labs when it comes to national security.
- That the government look into creating a liaison position to with with CSIS and PHAC to make sure scientists understand the classified information shared by CSIS.
CACN is currently requesting a government response to these recommendations.
Supplementary Opinion – Liberals
The Liberals wanted to add some context to the report and the reason for the creation of this committee, specifically when it comes to those unredacted documents never being submitted. They point out that in June, 2021 the Minister of Health referred the issue to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, who were then sent a complete set of unredacted documents because all the members of that committee hold the clearance necessary to view those documents.
They then say that this committee was created as a compromise between holding the government accountable while respecting that any sensitive information released could be made public, creating a risk to national security.
Tech Giants’ Intimidation and Subversion Tactics to Evade Regulation in Canada and Globally
Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (CHPC)
CHPC has been doing a study on the response of Google and Meta to Bill C-18 – The Online News Act. I’m sure everyone’s heard about this but due to the decline in viewership of media outlets around the world while websites like Google and Facebook are using news published by these outlets without giving any form of compensation the feds decided to start charging companies with the intention of using the funds gained to help boost Canadian media. Both Google and Meta made a lot of threats about leaving the Canadian market over this, with Facebook continuing to block access to news articles with a message saying they can’t show it because of government regulations. Claims like this are misleading though (the government isn’t preventing them from showing the articles, they just refuse to pay for the content they use), create a lot of outrage at the government for the company’s refusal to cooperate, and are part of the reason behind this study. Another part is the question of social media’s role in promoting misinformation and how to address it. CHPC came back with the following recommendations:
- That digital content platforms create mechanisms to detect questionable content that might be the product of disinformation or foreign interference. These platforms should be required to promptly identify such content and report it to users or face penalties.
- That the government develop an extensive information and awareness campaign on the dangers of disinformation.
- That the government require digital platforms collaborate with independent academic research by providing, upon request and by any means deemed appropriate, the data to understand our digital ecosystem. Emphasis here should be put on the way exposure to harmful content affects vulnerable people, such as children.
- An online communication service provider needs to take measures to ensure any procedures, practices, or systems (including algorithms) put in place to moderate content do not result in adverse treatment that falls under established grounds of discrimination.
- That the government make changes to the Income Tax Act to allow advertising purchased by businesses on foreign websites be counted as a fully deductible expense, while maintaining current restrictions for deducting the cost of advertising with Canadian media.
CHPC is currently waiting for a government response to these recommendations.
Dissenting Opinion – Conservatives
The Conservative members of CHPC say the report does not address censorship in Canada and want C-11 and C-18 to be repealed.
Rebuilding Trust: Transparency and Accountability in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces
Standing Committee on National Defence (NDDN)
NDDN has been looking into claims that the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are extremely slow to fill access to information requests, and the impact a lack of trust in our military caused by these claims can have. They’ve come back with the following recommendations to correct this:
- That the government prohibit the use of code words and pseudonyms that can be used to obscure what’s being discussed in communications, making it harder to follow through on access to information requests and reduce transparency.
- That the government ensure that an access to information requester is informed any time their request is divided into parts and/or assigned a new number.
- That the government enforce consequences for DND and CAF members who breach privacy by improperly sharing personnel files.
- That the government ensure officers responsible for investigating cases of misconduct have no conflict of interest.
- That the government reexamine the classification system within the DND and CAF with a presumption of open-source information.
- That the government release a plan and timeline for the DND and CAF to comply with all outstanding orders made by the Information Commissioner of Canada.
- That the government implement a continuity of records system within the DND and CAF to ensure all records are available and searchable upon the retirement or release of an individual record holder.
- That the government take measures to protect individuals serving in the CAF from disciplinary action caused by submitting a military grievance or access to information request.
- That the Auditor General perform an audit of the DND and CAF’s access to information systems.
- That the government restore the budget and human resources cut from the Office of the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombuds and remove other obstacles to performing their mandate.
- That the government require mandatory disclosure of search terms used by individual record holders in response to information requests.
- That the government take steps to protect the personal and medical information of members of the CAF from third party contractors, with an exception for front-line health care providers who need access to them.
- That the government take steps to ensure tangible details are released in reports by the Office of the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombuds and minimize response times to these reports to 30 days.
- That the government implement all recommendations in the Office of the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombuds’ report Hidden Battles, A systemic investigation into the identification of mental health needs and support for Primary Reserve members participating in domestic operations
- That the government implement C-362 – The Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombud Act
- That the CAF provide all members of a copy of their full medical and personnel files upon their release, in a modern format.
- That the government immediately begin a review of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security Act.
- That the government give the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada the ability to issue binding orders for federal entities to comply with the Privacy Act.
- That the government develop a privacy impact assessment to be conducted before introducing new programs or tools that could have significant consequences for privacy as related to the DND and CAF.
- The government perform a comparative review between our declassification system and those of our allies.
- That the government follow through on recommendations to make decisions from the Military Grievance External Review Committee binding if the Chief of the Defence Staff doesn’t respond within 90 days. The government should also consider if all final decision making should be referred to that committee.
- That the government give the Military Police Complaints Commission the ability to compel all documents needed for investigations.
NDDN is currently waiting for a government response to these recommendations.
A New Era of Partnerships: Canada’s Engagement with Africa
Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE)
FAAE has been looking into Canada’s relationship with Africa and has come back with the following recommendations:
- That the government publish a strategy for Africa that seeks policy cohesion in relation to diplomacy, trade and investment, development, humanitarian action, human rights, women and girls, security assistance, and people-to-people ties.
- That the government base its Africa strategy on partnership, mutual interests, and shared priorities.
- That the government include strategic objectives as well as benchmarks for success.
- That the government identify sectors where Canada’s strengths overlap with Africa’s priorities.
- That the government address specific challenges being experienced in fragile and conflict-affected states with the goal of improving human security and community resilience.
- That the government continue to support a stronger role for women in the peace and security of African partners.
- That the government continue to consult African governments, organizations, and the diaspora communities within Canada as part of its strategy and consider hosting a Canada-Africa summit.
- That the government take steps to ensure any departments involved in its African strategy have personnel with in-depth knowledge about Africa.
- That the government look at funding that could support policy-oriented research on Africa.
- That the government collaborate with African partners to assess healthcare structures and equity gaps in providing primary care, improve pandemic preparedness through research and knowledge-sharing, and address the impact of climate change on healthcare.
- That the government expand its support for enhancement of food security in Africa, including through using Canadian agricultural and technological expertise.
- That the government enhance its diplomatic capacity in Africa by increasing the number and size of its missions, and by creating and staffing additional Canadian foreign service and trade commissioner positions in African countries.
- That the government ensure all missions in Africa provide services in English and French.
- That the government ensure French is the primary language used in diplomacy with countries that have French as an official language.
- That the government acknowledge and provide resources for the support and advancement of the French language in Africa.
- That the government continue its engagement with African members of the Commonwealth and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
- That the government make francophone Africa a pillar of its African strategy.
- That the government organize robust multisector and inclusive trade missions to African countries.
- That the government continue to provide technical support for the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and work for the development of free trade agreements in Africa.
- That the government review the systems around study permits and visitor visas to ensure timely processing for people from African countries. This should include African groups seeking to participate in major events held in Canada, and these standards should be made public.
- That the government address institutional and situational issues that make it harder for francophone Africans to come to Canada.
- That the government work with the provinces to support a two-way educational exchange program.
- That the government continue to engage members of the African diaspora community informally on the implementation of the African strategy, as well as allow for their formal participation.
- That the government use its presidency of the G7 in 2025 to raise issues of African concern to the G7’s agenda.
- That the government adjust its methods of providing international assistance to Africa to ensure more is being given to civil society organizations there and through Canadian civil society organizations that support community- and youth-led projects in Africa.
- That the government simplifies processes to approve projects from Canadian and African civil society organizations with the goal of reducing administrative burdens and improving the transparency of funding.
- That the government continue to increase its International Assistance Envelope every year until 2030, work towards the UN target of 0.7% of gross national income for development assistance, and set a timetable to reach these goals.
FAAE is currently waiting for an official government response to these recommendations.
Question of Privilege Concerning the Refusal to Respond to Questions by Ms. Lauren Chen
Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
SECU is currently looking into Russia’s interference and disinformation campaigns in Canada and has been looking at the recent discovery that Tenet Media has been receiving money from Russia to spread far-right misinformation. As part of this they asked Lauren Chen, one of the founders of Tenet, to appear before them.
Lauren refused the initial request to appear. After being summoned she agreed to a meeting, where she proceeded to refuse to answer any questions. Her reasoning is that there’s an active legal case against her for involvement in the US and she doesn’t want to say anything that’s going to impact her case there.
Bit of an interesting thing here, it’s noted in the report that a witness can refuse to answer questions by an individual member of a committee but if the committee as a whole rules that the question has to be answered you aren’t allowed to refuse. SECU ordered Lauren to answer their questions, which she continued to not do, so now SECU has to report what’s happening to the House so they can decide what (if anything) needs to be done about it.
Potential anti-competitive behaviour in Canada’s e-Transfer ecosystem
Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU)
Quick and simple one here, INDU has been looking into practices and regulations in the credit card industry and believe there is anti-competitive behaviour happening within the e-Transfer ecosystem. They’re recommending that the Competition Bureau look into it.
Further Consideration – Adam Chambers (Conservative, Ontario, Simcoe North)
Adam proposed that instead of accepting this report it be sent back to INDU for further consideration. He wants the following people to appear as witnesses for at least two hours each before December 17:
- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
- The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry
- Shereen Benzvy Miller, Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
- Matthew Boswell, the Commissioner of Competition
- Jeremy Wilmot, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Interac Corp.
- A panel consisting of Patrick Collison, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stripe, and John Collison, co-founder and President of Stripe
The committee would also be instructed to hold two more meetings to receive evidence from stakeholders and experts.
This motion was accepted with 174 in favour and 146 against, then the report was sent back with the same vote split.
| Party | For | Against | Paired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal | 0 | 145 | 2 |
| Conservative | 115 | 0 | 1 |
| Bloc Quebecois | 32 | 0 | 1 |
| NDP | 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Green | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Closing Fun
And that’s all for the week! I’m going to be away on a trip for a bit, so this is going to be the last post I make this month. I’ll see you all in December!
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