✘ C-291 (Genetically Modified Food)

Bill

C-291: An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (Genetically Modified Food)

Second reading.

Vote

Nay.

Rationale

Canada has one of the safest, most affordable, and most abundant food supplies in the world, and that is due in no small part to our science based regulatory system. Before genetically modified products are sold to Canadians, they undergo a rigorous science-based health and safety assessment that determines whether they are as safe and nutritious as their conventional counterparts. Health Canada is responsible for health and safety information on food labels and the CFIA is responsible for all other information. The CFIA enforces food labelling requirements. If new information relevant to the safety of a food product comes to light, both the CFIA and Health Canada have procedures in place to change or revoke an authorization for safety reasons.

Result

Defeated.

✔︎ C-4 (Public Service)

Bill

C-4: An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act

Senate Amendment.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The Government of Canada believes that Bills C-377 and C-525 diminish and weaken Canada’s labour movement and are counter-productive to a positive working relationship between employees and employers. Given the essential role that unions play in protecting the rights of workers and helping the middle class grow and prosper, and the importance of restoring a fair and balanced approach to labour relations, the Government is proposing to repeal the provisions enacted by these two Bills. Repealing Bills C-377 and C-525 was identified as a priority in the mandate letters of the Honourable Patricia A. Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Result

Passed.

✔︎ C-7 (Public Service)

Bill

C-7: An Act to amend the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board Act and other Acts and to provide for certain other measures

Senate Amendment.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Our government is committed to supporting the dedicated and proud members of Canada’s national police service. The response meaningfully addresses the Senate’s concerns with Bill C-7 by increasing the scope of issues that can be bargained. The amendments would ensure meaningful discussions in good faith on topics of importance to RCMP members and reservists, such as harassment and transfers, that were excluded from collective bargaining under the original version of Bill C-7. 

This vote was on Senate amendments to Bill C-7, several of which the Government accepted.

Result

Passed.

✔︎ C-305 (Mischief)

Bill

C-305: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Mischief)

Third reading.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

The intent of the Bill is consistent with the Liberal commitment to ensuring equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination, in keeping with the Charter. It is also consistent with a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in Canada.

Result

Passed.

✘ C-307 (Tamper Resistance & Abuse Deterrence)

Bill

C-307: An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Tamper Resistance and Abuse Deterrence).

Second reading.

Vote

Nay.

Rationale

Health Canada’s review of the latest scientific evidence concluded that it would not have the intended health and safety impact. Instead of helping solve the crisis, it would most likely create a ‘balloon effect’, in which measures to control one drug lead people to other drugs. The proposed approach would also have increased costs for consumers and patients needing important and legitimate medications, especially for people who pay out of pocket for their own drugs.

Result

Defeated.

✔︎ C-18 (Rouge National Urban Park)

Bill

C-18: An Act to amend the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act and the Canada National Parks Act

Third Reading.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Bill C-18 will meet a mandate commitment to work with the Ontario government to enhance the country’s first urban national park – Rouge National Urban Park – including improved legislation to protect this important ecosystem and guide how the park will be managed.

Result

Passed.

✔︎ C-30 (CETA)

Bill

C-30: An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States and to provide for certain other measures.

Second Reading.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

All 28 EU Member States approved the conclusion of CETA and have signed the agreement. The next step in the EU’s approval process will be a vote in the European Parliament, following which CETA will enter into force. A vote in the European Parliament is expected in December. All EU Member States will also need to approve the agreement before it can be fully brought into force. CETA is a top priority for Canada. We are working with our partners in Europe to ensure implementation next year. CETA will deliver positive results and opportunities for citizens in the EU and Canada.

Result

Passed.

✔︎ C-37 (Controlled Drugs and Substances)

Bill

C-37: An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related amendments to other Acts

Third Reading.

Vote

Yea.

Rationale

Our government must continue to respond to this tragic crisis in a way that is comprehensive, collaborative and compassionate. This legislation proposes to ease the burden on communities that wish to open a supervised consumption site, while putting stronger measures in place to stop the flow of illicit drugs and strengthening the systems in place for licensed controlled substances facilities. And we will continue to work with our partners across the country to continue bringing forward evidence-based solutions to save lives and ensure that 2017 is the year that marks a turn on this national public health crisis.

Result

Passed.

✔︎ C-4 (Public Sector Collective Bargaining)

Bill

C-4: An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act

Third Reading.

Vote

Yea.

rationale

The Government of Canada believes that Bills C-377 and C-525 diminish and weaken Canada’s labour movement and are counter-productive to a positive working relationship between employees and employers. Given the essential role that unions play in protecting the rights of workers and helping the middle class grow and prosper, and the importance of restoring a fair and balanced approach to labour relations, the Government is proposing to repeal the provisions enacted by these two Bills. Repealing Bills C-377 and C-525 was identified as a priority in the mandate letters of the Honourable Patricia A. Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Result

Passed.