November's legislative developments in Ottawa
Trans Mountain Expansion, Intergenerational Transfer of Farms, Border Carbon Adjustments, Recreational Boating, Credit Card Practices, Water on First Nations land, Canada–US Softwood Lumber Dispute
Today’s issue of Queen Street Analytics covers November’s legislative developments in Ottawa, with updates on bills that sit in committee, bills that went through first, second or third reading in the House and the Senate, and bills that received royal assent and became law.
Table of Contents (by file):
Energy, Environment and Resources
Agriculture and Forestry
Transport and Infrastructure
Finance, Banking, Commerce
Industry, Technology, Science
Indigenous Peoples
International Trade and Foreign Affairs
National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs
Fisheries and Oceans
Health
Social Development, Culture, Citizenship, Languages
Highlights (by file):
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1. Energy, Environment and Resources
House-Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR)
Study on Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion
2 meetings held in November. In total, 8 meetings held since September.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 1 brief submitted since October from an individual.
9 witnesses appeared in November from Department of Finance, Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer. In total, 32 witnesses appeared since September.
Study on Supplementary Estimates (B), 2024-25: Vote 1b under Canadian Energy Regulator, and Votes 1b, 5b, and 10b under Department of Natural Resources
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefs.
9 witnesses appeared in November from Department of Natural Resources. No previous witnesses.
Study on Canada’s Clean Energy Plans in the Context of North American Energy Transformation
1 meeting held in November. In total, 13 meetings held since September 2023.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 22 briefs submitted since February 2023 from ATCO, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada, Bourbonnais, Martin, Canada's Building Trades Unions, Canadian Biogas Association, Canadian Fuels Association, Canadian Gas Association, Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, Canadian Nuclear Association, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Coalition for Responsible Energy Development in New Brunswick, Dumont Nickel Project, Electricity Canada, Federated Co-operatives Limited, General Fusion, Hydrogen Naturally, Hycamite TCD Technologies, Ontario Power Generation Inc., Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, Parkland Corporation, Sandhu, Manvir, Word Resources Institute.
No witnesses appeared in November. In total, 44 witnesses appeared since September 2023.
House Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (ENVI)
Study on Environment and Climate Impacts Related to the Canadian Financial System
3 meetings held in November. In total, 10 meetings held since May.
3 briefs submitted in November from Ecojustice, Oxfam-Québec, Shift Action for Pension Wealth and Planet Health. In total, 4 briefs submitted since October from an individual.
10 witnesses appeared in November from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, Department of Finance, Department of the Environment, Investors for Paris Compliance, Principles for Responsible Investment, Regroupement pour la responsabilité sociale des entreprises, The Canadian Shareholder Association for Research and Education. In total, 61 witnesses appeared since May 2024.
Study on Subject Matter of Bill C-73
An Act respecting transparency and accountability in relation to certain commitments Canada has made under the Convention on Biological Diversity
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
1 brief submitted in November from Maple Leaf Strategies. No previous briefs.
2 witnesses appeared in November from Department of Environment. No previous witnesses.
2. Agriculture and Forestry
House Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI)
Study on Intergenerational Transfer of Farms and New Entrants
1 meeting held in November. In total, 2 meetings held since October.
1 brief submitted in November from Young Agrarians. No previous briefs submitted.
18 witnesses appeared in November from Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Fédération de la relève agricole du Québec, Grain Growers of Canada, Just Food, L'ARTERRE - Centre de référence en agriculture et en agroalimentaire du Québec, National Farmers Union, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Oakhurst Farm, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Skye View Farms Ltd., Union des producteurs agricoles. No previous witnesses.
Study on Impact of Border Carbon Adjustments and Reciprocity of Standards on Canadian Agriculture
1 meeting held in November. In total, 6 meetings held since October.
4 briefs submitted in November from Canadian Pork Council, Fertilizer Canada, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. In total, 6 briefs submitted since October from Agri-Food Innovation Council, Canadian Meat Council, Farmers for Climate Solutions.
No witnesses appeared in November. In total, 34 witnesses appeared since October.
Study on Fertilizer Tariffs
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
1 brief submitted in November from Sollio Cooperative Group. No previous briefs.
7 witnesses appeared in November from Canada Border Services Agency, Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Department of Finance, Sollio Cooperative Group. No previous witnesses.
Study on Railways: Issues and Opportunities for Canadian Agriculture
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefs submitted.
6 witnesses appeared in November from Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Pulse Canada, Union des producteurs agricoles, Western Grain Elevator Association. No previous witnesses.
3. Transport and Infrastructure
House Committee on Transport, Infrastructure (TRAN)
Study on Regulation of Recreational Boating on Canada’s Waterways
2 meetings held in November. In total, 4 meetings held since October.
3 briefs submitted in November from MacDonald Turkey Point Marina Inc., Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association. No previous briefs.
10 witnesses appeared in November from Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Fondation Rivières, MacDonald Turkey Point Marina Inc., Norfolk County, Ontario Provincial Police, Port Dover Waterfront Preservation Association, Université du Québec à Montréal, University of Ottawa, Carleton University. In total, 25 witnesses appeared since October.
Study on Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities
3 meetings held in November. In total, 7 meetings held since February.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 7 briefs submitted since March from Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, ARCH Disability Law Centre, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Celiac Canada, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador, Council of Canadians with Disabilities, Food Allergy Canada.
No witnesses appeared in October. In total, 28 witnesses appeared
Senate Committee on Transport and Comms (TRCM)
no activity in November
4. Finance, Banking, Commerce
House Committee on Finance (FINA)
no activity in November
Senate Committee Banking, Commerce, Economy (BANC)
Study: Examine and report on Canada’s monetary policy framework
5 meetings held in November. In total, 7 meetings held since October.
1 brief submitted in November from Statistics Canada. No previous briefs.
9 witnesses appeared in November from International Monetary Monitor, School of Political Studies, Statistics Canada, University of British Columbia, University of Quebec at Montreal, University of Western Ontario, Vancouver School of Economics. In total, 11 witnesses appeared since October.
5. Industry, Technology, Science
First Reading in the House
Bill C-418 (amend the Employment Insurance Act (accessibility and other measures)): first reading completed on November 5.
Royal Assent
Bill C-294 (amend the Copyright Act f(interoperability)): royal assent received on November 7.
House Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU)
Report on Credit Card Practices and Regulations in Canada
3 meetings held in November. In total, 10 meetings held since October.
2 briefs submitted in November from Consumers Council of Canada, Shakepay Inc. No previous briefs.
19 witnesses appeared in November from Canada Revenue Agency, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Centre for Future Work, Competition Bureau Canada, Department of Finance, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, Peoples Group Ltd., Statistics Canada. In total, 46 witnesses appeared since October.
Study on Examination of Telecommunication Companies Service Contract Practices
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefs submitted.
1 witness appeared in November from Rogers Communications Inc. No previous witnesses.
Senate Committee on Science and Technology (SOCI)
no activity in November
6. Indigenous Peoples
Royal Assent
Bill S-16 (respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation): royal assent received on November 7.
House Committee on Indigenous/Northern Affairs (INAN)
Bill C-61
An Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands
7 meetings held in November. In total, 18 meetings held since September.
1 brief submitted in November from Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services. In total, 18 briefs submitted since August from Aq'am First Nation, Assembly of First Nations, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs Steering Committee on Technical Services, Council of Canadians, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, First Nations Advisory Committee on Safe Drinking Water, Government of Ontario, Macdonald-Laurier Institute, Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Okanagan Indian Band, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River.
21 witnesses appeared in November from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Department of Indigenous Services, Department of Justice. In total, 94 witnesses appeared since June 2024.
Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA)
Study on the Subject Matter of Bill S-268
3 meetings held in November. No previous meetings.
1 brief submitted in November from Indigenous Services Canada. No previous briefs.
10 witnesses appeared in November from Casa Foundation For International Development, District Ventures Capital, Indigenous Tourism Alberta, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Native Women's Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Startup Canada. No previous witnesses
7. International Trade and Foreign Affairs
House Committee on International Trade (CIIT)
Study on Canadian Women and International Trade: Selected Considerations
2 meetings held in November. In total, 5 meetings held since October.
No briefs submitted.
8 witnesses appeared in November from Casa Foundation For International Development, District Ventures Capital, Indigenous Tourism Alberta, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Native Women's Association of Canada, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Startup Canada. In total, 22 witnesses appeared since October.
Report on Effects of American and European seafood import policies on the fishing industry in Canada
1 meeting held in November. In total, 4 meetings held since May.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 1 brief submitted in May by Fur Institute of Canada.
No witnesses appeared in November. In total, 11 witnesses appeared since May.
Study on Recent Developments Concerning the Canada–United States Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute
2 meetings held in November. No previous meetings.
1 brief submitted in November from BC Lumber Trade Council. No previous briefs.
9 witnesses appeared in November from BC Lumber Trade Council, Groupe Lebel, Institut de recherche en économie contemporaine, J.D. Irving Limited, Ontario Forest Industries Association, Québec Forest Industry Council, Sinclar Group Forest Products Ltd., United Steelworkers, W&M Enterprises. No previous witnesses.
House Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE)
Study on Canada's Advancement of a Two-State Solution
3 meetings held in November. In total, 5 meetings held since October.
20 briefs submitted in November from Canadian Women Against Antisemitism, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Federation CJA, Honest Reporting Canada, JSpace Canada, Olive Branch, Rabbinical Association of Vancouver. No previous briefs.
10 witnesses appeared in November from B'nai Brith Canada, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Coalition of Canadian Palestinian Organizations, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Independent Jewish Voices Canada, JSpaceCanada. In total, 21 witnesses appeared in October.
Bill C-353
An Act to provide for the imposition of restrictive measures against foreign hostage takers and those who practice arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations and to make related amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
2 meetings held in November. No previous meetings.
1 brief submitted by Australian Wrongful and Arbitrary Detention Alliance. No previous briefs.
14 witnesses appeared in November from Canada Border Services Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Hostage International, Human Rights Action Group, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Secure Canada. No previous witnesses.
Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA)
no activity in October
8. National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs
First Reading in the House
Bill C-417 (establish a framework on animal-assisted services for veterans): first reading completed on November 5.
House Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
Study on Russian Interference and Disinformation Campaigns in Canada
3 meetings held in November. In total, 8 meetings held since October.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 1 brief submitted in October from Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
1 witness appeared in November as an individual. In total, 21 witnesses appeared since October.
Study on Growing Problem of Car Thefts in Canada
2 meetings held in November. In total, 10 meetings held since February.
No briefs submitted in November. In total, 11 briefs submitted since February by Association des directeurs de police du Québec, Association of Canadian Port Authorities, Automotive Industries Association of Canada, CAA Insurance Company, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian Automobile Association, Canadian Vehicle Exporter's Association, Customs and Immigration Union, National Police Federation, Shipping Federation of Canada, VIN Verification Services Inc., York Regional Police.
No witnesses appeared in November. In total, 42 witnesses appeared since February.
Study on Electoral Interference and Criminal Activities in Canada by Agents of the Government of India
1 meeting held in November. In total, 3 meetings held since October.
No briefs submitted.
No witnesses appeared in November. In total, 10 witnesses appeared since October.
House Committee on National Defence (NDDN)
Study on Space Defence
1 meeting held in November. In total, 8 meetings held since March.
No briefs submitted in October. In total, 1 brief submitted since June by Aerospace Industries Association of Canada.
No witnesses appeared in November. No previous witnesses.
Study on Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Contaminated Sites
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefs submitted.
3 witnesses appeared in November from Department of the Environment, Department of Health, Treasury Board Secretariat. No previous witnesses.
Study on Defence Policy Updates
2 meetings held in November. In total, 5 meetings held since April.
No briefs submitted .
8 witnesses appeared in November from Department of Public Works and Government Services, International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, Project Ploughshares. In total, 23 witnesses appeared since April.
Study on Canadian Armed Forces' Role in the 2021 Afghanistan Evacuation
1 meeting held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefs submitted.
1 witness appeared in November as an individual. No previous witnesses.
Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (SECD)
Bill C-26
An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts
2 meetings held in November. In total, 3 meetings held since September.
6 briefs submitted in November from Assembly of First Nations, Canadian Council for Refugees, Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council, Customs and Immigration Union, Management Advisory Board for the RCMP, Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In total, 8 briefs submitted since September from National Police Federation, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group and Other Organizations.
9 witnesses appeared in November from Canada Border Services Agency, Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police. No previous witnesses.
House Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA)
Study on Experience of Indigenous Veterans and Black Veterans
6 meetings held in November. No previous meetings.
No briefssubmitted.
27 witnesses appeared in November from Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones, Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Assembly of First Nations Veterans Council, Canadian Aboriginal Veterans and Serving Members Association, Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Canadian War Museum, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indspire, Legacy Voices, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Neeginan Centre, The Last Post Fund, The Vimy Foundation, Veterans Association Food Bank, Veterans Association Thrift Store. No previous witnesses.
9. Fisheries and Oceans
House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO)
Study on Derelict and Abandoned Vessels
2 meetings held in November. In total, 6 meetings held since September.
3 briefs submitted in November from Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Nanaimo Port Authority, Quebec Subaquatique. In total, 5 briefs submitted since October from Cadboro Bay Dead Boats Society, Vision Marine Consutling Ltd.
8 witnesses appeared in November from Atl'ka7tsem Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, Coastal Restoration Society, Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Legacy Foundation, Port of Bridgewater Incorporated, Québec Subaquatique, Sunshine Coast Regional District. In total, 28 witnesses appeared since September.
Study on Impact of the Reopening of the Cod Fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec
2 meetings held in November. In total, 5 meetings held since October.
3 briefs submitted in November from Atlantic Groundfish Council, Oceana Canada, Ueushuk Fisheries Limited. In total, 6 briefs submitted since October from Atlantic Groundfish Council, Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union, Oceans North.
4 witnesses appeared in November from Nunatslavut Community Council, Nunatslavut Government. In total, 16 witnesses appeared since October.
Report of Review of the Fisheries Act
4 meetings held in November. In total, 5 meetings held since September.
15 briefs submitted in November from Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Forest Owners, Canadian Gas Association, Canadian Nuclear Association, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Electricity Canada, Fundy United Federation, Manitoba Hydro, Mining Association of Canada, Ontario Waterpower Association, Pathways Alliance, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, WaterPower Canada. In total, 22 witnesses appeared since October from Canadian Wildlife Federation, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, David Suzuki Foundation, East Coast Environmental Law, Ecojustice, Ecology Action Centre, Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations, Living Oceans Society, Mining Association of Canada, Northern Confluence, Oceana Canada, Oceans North, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, SeaBlue Canada, Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, SkeenaWild Conservation Trust, West Coast Environmental Law Association.
17 witnesses appeared in November from Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Electricity Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance, First Nations Fisheries Council of British Columbia, Mining Association of Canada, Nova Scotia Power Inc., Nunavut Fisheries Association, WaterPower Canada. In total, 21 witnesses appeared since September.
Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO)
Study on Examine and report on ocean carbon sequestration and its use in Canada
3 meetings held in November. In total, 7 meetings held since October.
4 briefs submitted in November from Great Lakes Fishery Commission. No previous briefs.
2 witnesses appeared in November from Great Lakes Fishery Commissioner. No previous witnesses.
10. Health
First Reading in the House
Bill C-419 (establish a national strategy for universal eye care): first reading completed on November 19.
Royal Assent
Bill C-284 (establish a national strategy for eye care): royal assent received on November 7.
House Committee on Health (HESA)
Study on Opioid Epidemic and Toxic Drug Crisis in Canada
2 meetings held in October. In total, 19 meetings held since December 2023.
2 briefs submitted in November by Children’s Healthcare Canada. In total, 31 briefs submitted since January by ANKORS, Association pour la santé publique du Québec, Canadian AIDS Society, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Canadian Chiropractic Association, Canadian Civil Society Advancing Safe Supply Working Group, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, Children’s Healthcare Canada, Communities, Alliances and Networks, Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal, Eastside Illicit Drinkers Group for Education, Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus, Moms Stop the Harm, Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, Ottawa Inner City Health, Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, Save the Children Canada, Solutions for Kids in Pain, The J Healthcare Initiative, Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance, Toronto Public Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network.
10 witnesses appeared in November from City of Toronto, First Nations Health Authority, Ottawa Inner City Hall, Vancouver Island Construction Association. In total, 69 witnesses appeared since December 2023.
Bill C-368
An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (natural health products)
4 meetings held in November. In total, 7 meetings held in October.
41 briefs submitted in November from Abbotsford School District, BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, Brain Canada Foundation, Brain Injury Alliance, Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Canadian Brain Research Strategy, Canadian Chiropractic Association, Canadian Concussion Network, Canadian Paediatric Clinical Pharmacology Expert Advisory Group, Canadian Traumatic Brain Injury Research Consortium, Children's Healthcare Canada, Collaborative Evidence: Developing Awareness and Research for Brain Injury Lab, Comox Valley Head Injury Society, Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada, Easter Seals Ontario, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, Headsup Concussion Advocacy Network, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, IWK Health Centre, Krystantos, Living Guideline for Pediatric Concussion, McGill University Health Centre. In total, 45 briefs submitted since August from Brain Injury Canada, Brain Injury Association of Windsor and Essex County, Ontario Brain Injury Association, The Cridge Centre for the Family, Toronto ABI Network.
7 witnesses appeared in October from Brain Injury Canada, Concussion Cafe Yukon, Concusson Legacy Foundation Canada, Constable Gerald Breese Centre for Traumatic Life Losses. No previous witnesses appeared.
11. Social Development, Culture, Citizenship, Language
Second Reading in the Senate
Bill S-274 (establish National Thanadelthur Day): second reading completed on November 7.
Third Reading in the Senate
Bill S-269 (respecting a national framework on advertising for sports betting): third reading completed on November 5.
Bill S-276 (respecting Ukrainian Heritage Month): third reading completed on November 19.
That is it for today’s issue. Next week, we cover what Ottawa’s lobbying landscape looked like in November.