Debates of June 5th, 2013

Concurrence in Vote 1—The Senate

[Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I enjoyed the member's speech, especially those parts that delved into the constitutional complexities of modifying the Senate.

If the NDP were serious about the issue, if it wanted to look at the issue rigorously and substantively instead of engaging in partisan rhetoric, why did NDP months ago not suggest that the matter be brought to the Supreme Court before the government even took that route?

The most responsible way to go about changing the Senate would be to, first, get an opinion from the highest court in the land. I wonder why the NDP did not propose that when it had the chance?

[Rathika Sitsabaiesan, NDP, Scarborough—Rouge River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, once again, this is another bit of NDP history I can share with everybody in the House. For decades, the NDP has consistently voted against funding for the Senate and voted to abolish it. It has been in support of abolishing the Senate for decades.

I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to make that clear yet once again to all the members of the House.

[Denis Blanchette, NDP, Louis-Hébert, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Scarborough—Rouge River for her speech.

Is it not rather strange that after the Senate was created at the request of the provinces, they discovered it was not useful? That is rather strange.

I would like my colleague to talk about the work that needs to be done and specifically what we could do that would be better than a partisan Senate.

[Rathika Sitsabaiesan, NDP, Scarborough—Rouge River, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for looking for some constructive criticism so we can actually do some positive work moving forward.

As he mentioned and as I mentioned earlier, the five provinces in Canada that did have an upper House, as quickly as they could, started abolishing them because they did not feel an upper House was very useful.

What can we do with the dollars that are being put toward the Senate?

As I mentioned, we could be investing in housing, transit, creating jobs for our youth, ensuring that our communities are safe. There is so much that can be done. There is absolutely no place for an unelected, unaccountable Senate in our democracy. It is time to roll up the red carpet and close down the Senate. Let us abolish the Senate.

The House resumed consideration of the motion,

Opposition Motion—The Senate

[The Acting Speaker, Bruce Stanton]

It being 10 p.m., it is my duty to interrupt the proceedings and put forthwith every question necessary to dispose of the business of supply.

Call in the members.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #730

Business of Supply

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

I declare the motion defeated.

Concurrence in Vote 1--The Senate

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

The next question is on opposed vote No. 1.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

[Some hon. members]

Yea.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

All those opposed will please say nay.

[Some hon. members]

Nay.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

In my opinion the nays have it.

And five or more members having risen:

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #731

Main Estimates 2013-14

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

I declare the motion carried.

[Tony Clement, Conservative, President of the Treasury Board]

moved:

That the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, except any vote disposed of earlier today and less the amounts voted in Interim Supply, be concurred in.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

No.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

All those in favour of the motion will please say yea.

[Some hon. members]

Yea.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

All those opposed will please say nay.

[Some hon. members]

Nay.

[The Speaker, Andrew Scheer]

In my opinion the yeas have it.

And five or more members having risen: