Evidence of meeting #108 for Public Safety and National Security in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was debate.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Chair, I would like a recorded vote, please.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
We will have a recorded vote.
(Amendment negatived: nays 6; yeas 2 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Therefore, I declare CPC-27, CPC-28, and CPC-29 defeated.
We are now on to clauses 159 through 167. Do I have permission to group them for the vote?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
(Clauses 159 to 167 inclusive agreed to on division)
(On clause 168)
We are now on to NDP-108.
NDP
Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Thank you, Chair.
I'm moving—and I can't believe it—my final amendment.
NDP
Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC
This amendment follows on the suggestions of several witnesses we heard from, including Professor Wark, Professor Roach, and the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, which all suggested shortening the review period for the legislation, and that it should be commenced in the fourth year after the act has passed and completed by the fifth.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Thank you, Mr. Dubé.
Members should also know that if NDP-108 is adopted, PV-46 cannot be adopted. We've observed the custom of having Ms. May speak to her amendment at the same time.
Do you wish to speak to your amendment, Ms. May?
Green
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's not just custom. I hate to be a stickler, but there is that motion you passed that requires me to be here.
Green
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
The committee passed it, and we all know that it's just a random coincidence that the same language was passed by every committee, because a committee is the master of its own procedures.
All I will say is that my motion is identical to that of Mr. Dubé. It is to have a more timely review of four years and not six. I'll just say, if you'll forgive me one little moment, that on January 30, 2015, a Friday, Bill C-51 was dropped for first reading. I took it home with me on the airplane and read it, and I came back to Parliament on the Monday and said, “This is the secret police act and we have to stop it.”
I am grateful for the many changes that are being made here today. I wish we could have made more, but remaining vigilant to make those changes, I'd like to see the review period set at four years instead of six.
Thank you very much.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Is there any debate? I see none.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Do you wish to make any other observations on PV-46?
Green
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
No, except to say thank you. I know it's not your personal fault that the motion was passed by the committee. Do take it to the higher-ups some day.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Those in favour of PV-46...?
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 168 agreed to on division)
(Clause 169 agreed to on division)
We're on amendment LIB-54.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This amendment establishes that the proposed avoiding complicity in mistreatment by foreign entities act would come into force on a day to be fixed by the Governor in Council. This allows the government time to prepare to meet the requirements of the new act before it comes into force by, for instance, preparing the required direction.
NDP
Matthew Dubé NDP Beloeil—Chambly, QC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd say that in continuing to prove the problems with an amendment that's incomplete, I think the.... It will come into force as soon as the bill is adopted, so I will be voting against this amendment.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
Is there further debate?
(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clauses 170 to 173 inclusive agreed to on division)
Shall the schedule carry?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal John McKay
We're getting there.
We're on amendment LIB-55.
Mr. Picard, you apparently are quite anxious to move it.
Liberal
Michel Picard Liberal Montarville, QC
A little bit, yes.
Since the whole Bill C-59 is looking at improving our national security framework and legislation, I think we should encourage the international community to do the same. I move that the preamble be amended by adding after line 12 on page 1 the following:
Whereas the Government of Canada, by carrying out its national security and information activities in a manner that respects rights and freedoms, encourages the international community to do the same;