Legislative Reports

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Saskatchewan

Thirtieth general election

On October 1, 2024, Premier Scott Moe requested that Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty dissolve the twenty-ninth Legislative Assembly and issue a proclamation directing the issuance of the writs of election for Saskatchewan’s thirtieth general election. The election will be held on October 28, 2024, giving candidates a 27-day period in which to campaign. Voters will also have the option to vote by mail or cast their ballots early during a voting period that will run from October 22 to 26.

New constituency boundaries will be in effect for the upcoming election. These boundary changes are the result of the final report of the Saskatchewan Constituency Boundaries Commission, which was approved and adopted by the Legislative Assembly in October 2022. The commission is appointed every 10 years following the release of census data from Statistics Canada and is tasked with reviewing and redrawing provincial constituency boundaries to ensure that every constituency has roughly the same number of voters. In December 2022, the Assembly passed legislation enacting the provisions of the commission’s final report, which came into force on October 2, 2024, the day following the dissolution of the twenty-ninth Legislative Assembly. Maps of the new constituencies can be found at the following link: www.elections.sk.ca/2024maps.

At the time of dissolution, the Assembly was comprised of 42 Saskatchewan Party members, 14 New Democratic Party members, four independent members, and one vacancy. Twenty-one of the Assembly’s sixty-one members are not seeking re- election.

Retirement of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel

After nearly 25 years of service with the Legislative Assembly Service of Saskatchewan, Ken Ring has announced his retirement effective October 31, 2024. Mr. Ring has served in the role of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel since 1999 and as a Table Officer since 2007.

New Table Officer

Danielle Humble-Selinger has been promoted to the position of Clerk Assistant and Table Officer. Ms. Humble-Selinger joined the Legislative Assembly Service of Saskatchewan in 2016 as a Hansard editor before transitioning to the Procedural Services team in 2021, first as a Procedural Clerk and subsequently as the Senior Procedural Clerk. Ms. Humble-Selinger has gained experience at the Table on a rotational basis in recent years.

Miranda Gudereit

Senior Procedural Clerk

New Brunswick

Committee Activity

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Chuck Chiasson, continued its scrutiny of the latest Auditor General’s report concerning travel nurse contracts. Following June deliberations with various entities, the Committee passed a motion urging the government to undertake a public inquiry into the travel nurse file. The government replied on June 28, 2024, and denied the request. In response, the Committee met again on July 23, 2024, and adopted a motion, proposed by Dorothy Shephard, requesting that the Auditor General undertake a further audit, utilizing the powers of a commissioner under the Inquiries Act, in relation to the travel nurse contracts with Canadian Health Labs, the Department of Social Development and the Vitalité Health Network.

Lieutenant-Governor Portrait

On August 16, 2024, Speaker Bill Oliver hosted a ceremony unveiling the portrait of the late Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau, the provinces 31st Lieutenant-Governor. Her husband Ronald Vienneau and family members were in attendance, and Lieutenant-Governor Brenda Murphy and artist Daniel McGraw provided remarks.

Official Languages Day

New Brunswick celebrated Official Languages Day on September 12, 2024. The day reaffirms the commitment to bilingualism and the full development of both official language communities. The Legislative Assembly celebrated this year’s theme, the history of the Official Languages Act, with a display of a plaque commemorating the 1969 Act which made the province the first, and only, officially bilingual province in Canada.

Conference

The Hansard Association of Canada held its 49th annual conference in Fredericton from August 19-21, 2024. The program included topics regarding staffing, automatic speech recognition, indexing and gender- diverse language.

Dissolution

The Legislative Assembly was dissolved on September 19, 2024. Premier Blaine Higgs met with the Lieutenant-Governor on the occasion, marking the beginning of the 32-day general election campaign. The electoral boundaries have been redistributed with the number of ridings remaining at 49. Twelve Members have either already resigned or announced their intent not to reoffer in the October 21, 2024, provincial election.

John-Patrick McCleave

Clerk Assistant and Clerk of Committees

Newfoundland and Labrador

Fall 2024 Sitting

In accordance with the parliamentary calendar, the Assembly is scheduled to resume for the Fall sitting on November 4, 2024, adjourning on December 5, 2024, with a constituency week scheduled during the last week of November.

Parliamentary Visitor Services Association Annual Conference

The Assembly hosted the annual Parliamentary Visitor Services Association (PVSA) conference in St. John’s from August 26 to August 29, 2024. While the Association visited St. John’s for the annual conference in 2006, it was not hosted by the Legislature as this jurisdiction was not a member at that time. Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to host its PVSA colleagues from across Canada for this valuable and informative professional development opportunity.

Inaugural Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy

The Speaker, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation have announced the Confederation 75 Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy. Complementing commemorations for the 75th anniversary of Confederation, this inaugural professional development and learning opportunity for educators will focus on democracy, governance, and citizenship. It will be held in St. John’s from November 25 to 27, 2024.

The Teachers Institute will provide a unique opportunity for educators to experience the inner workings of parliament and the broader structure of government first-hand, gain insight into the role of elected officials, and exchange best practices with peers in the focal point of democracy in our province. Participating educators will return to the classroom with renewed energy to share the knowledge gained with students and colleagues, helping to increase engagement with parliament for people in areas who cannot readily visit the Legislature in person, and increase awareness respecting democracy, governance and citizenship.

Retirements

On September 6, 2024, Andrew Parsons, Member for Burgeo-LaPoile and Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that he will not be seeking re- election at the conclusion of the 50th General Assembly. Mr. Parsons was first elected on October 11, 2011, in the 47th General Assembly and has served in various roles both in the Official Opposition and Government. Prior to his current ministerial portfolio, he served as the Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, as well as the Government House Leader.

Changes to House Standings

On July 16, 2024, Lela Evans, Member for Torngat Mountains, announced she would be leaving the Third Party caucus (NDP) to join the Official Opposition caucus (PC). The current House standings are:

• Government (Liberal) – 22
• Official Opposition (PC) – 14
• Third Party (NDP) – 2
• Unaffiliated – 2

Passing of Former Member

On August 15, 2024, the Assembly learned of the passing of former Member, Kevin Parsons, who served in the District of Cape St. Francis from 2009 to 2021. Mr. Parsons had a long record of community service, serving as mayor of Flatrock, his hometown, prior to his election to the House of Assembly, and serving again as a councilor following his retirement. The House of Assembly extends condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Bobbi Russell

Principal Clerk of Committees

Ontario

The summer adjournment began on June 6, 2024, and the House is scheduled to return for the fall meeting period on October 21, 2024. This has been an active adjournment period, with several committees meeting, a cabinet shuffle, and a by-election.

Committees

The standing committees continued to meet throughout the summer, having been authorized to do so by the House, and in some cases, on the request of a majority of committee members to consider a matter pursuant to the Standing Orders.

Five policy field committees met in September to resume consideration of the Estimates of ministries and offices selected for review. These Estimates meetings are expected to continue until the second week of October.

Standing Committee on Justice Policy

The Standing Committee on Justice Policy held 10 days of hearings for its study on intimate partner violence. The Committee invited expert witnesses to Queen’s Park to provide their submissions on intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. The sub- committee on committee business developed written guidelines for the invited witnesses, informing the scope of both their written and oral submissions. At the conclusion of the hearings, a summary of the recommendations from witnesses will be produced.

Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met in Kingston on July 25, 2024, to continue the Committee’s study on the renovation and restoration of the Legislative precinct. The focus of the meeting was to consider how Indigenous representation and viewpoints can be reflected at the site of the Sir John A. Macdonald statue on the south grounds of Queen’s Park.

While in Kingston, the Committee also toured Bellevue House, the former residence of Sir John A. Macdonald. Following repairs, it reopened to the public on May 18, 2024, and includes new exhibits and programming that showcase Indigenous perspectives and stories. The Committee met with a panel from the Bellevue House Community Advisory Committee and Parks Canada to discuss the redevelopment process and how the two groups worked together to ensure that representation and viewpoints of Indigenous people and other stakeholders would be included in the exhibits.

Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy

On July 8, 2024, the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy travelled to Orillia to hold public hearings as part of its ongoing study on regional governance and met with representatives from multiple municipalities.

The Committee also adopted a motion to study Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing policy related to land use for unlicensed event venues. It travelled to Caledon on August 13, 2024, to hold hearings for that purpose.

Changes in Membership

MPP Todd Smith, resigned on August 16, 2024, creating a vacancy in the House. MPP Smith had represented the riding of Bay of Quinte since 2011. He was Minister of Education at the time of his resignation and had also previously served as the Minister of Energy.

The by-election for Bay of Quinte took place on September 19, 2024, and Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario candidate Tyler Allsopp was elected as the new MPP for the riding.

Cabinet Shuffle

A cabinet shuffle took place on August 16, 2024, following MPP Smith’s resignation. Jill Dunlop and Nolan Quinn were appointed to new portfolios, as Minister of Education and Minister of Universities and Colleges respectively. Kevin Holland and Graham McGregor also joined cabinet as Associate Ministers of Forestry and Forest Products, and Auto Theft and Bail Reform.

Thushitha Kobikrishna

Committee Clerk

Yukon

2024 Fall Sitting

The 2024 Fall Sitting of the First Session of the 35th Legislative Assembly began on October 2, 2024, and is expected to conclude on November 21, 2024, after 28 sitting days. As the 2024 Spring Sitting was 32 sitting days, 28 days is the maximum permissible length for the Fall Sitting under the Standing Orders of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.

Yukon Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform

The Yukon Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform completed its examination of electoral systems and issued a statement summarizing its recommendations on September 12, 2024. The 38-member Citizens’ Assembly, comprised of two randomly selected individuals from each Yukon electoral district and chaired by Sara McPhee-Knowles, was tasked with recommending whether the current voting system should be retained, or another model should be adopted.

In its final report, which must be presented to the Legislative Assembly by October 31, 2024, the citizens’ assembly will recommend a ranked vote system of preferential voting where each voter ranks some or all the candidates standing for election in their riding. Additional recommendations include randomizing the order of candidate names on ballots, an extensive elections education program, and a threshold of a simple majority for a public referendum on adopting the new system.

Electoral boundaries

As noted in Yukon’s previous legislative report, on May 10, 2024, the Electoral District Boundaries Commission submitted to the Speaker an interim report, pursuant to section 415(2) of the Elections Act.

In its interim report, the Commission proposed the amalgamation and realignment of some of the existing rural districts. Following the release of the interim report, the Commission gathered feedback through public hearings and written submissions.

On September 6, 2024, the Commission released a media advisory to notify the public that it was proposing changes to the interim report. Notably, the total number of electoral districts would be increased from 19 to 21 to preserve the number of rural ridings.

The Commission’s final report must be presented to the Assembly by October 10, 2024.

Public Accounts Committee Report

On September 19, 2024, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts released a report on the Yukon Public Accounts 2022-23. The report, Seventh Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, recommends that the Department of Finance continue to address issues necessary to facilitate earlier tabling of the Yukon Public Accounts and ensure that, at a bare minimum, the deadlines included in the Financial Administration Act are adhered to. The committee noted that the Financial Administration Act requires that the public accounts be provided to the Legislative Assembly on or before October 31 each year and the Yukon Public Accounts 2022-23 were tabled by the Sandy Silver, Minister of Finance, on November 22, 2023.

The Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Currie Dixon, presented the committee’s report to the Legislative Assembly on the first day of the 2024 Fall Sitting, October 2, 2024.

Allison Lloyd

Deputy Clerk

Alberta

1st Session of the 31st Legislature

The Spring Sitting of the first session of the 31st Legislature adjourned on May 29, 2024. The fall 2024 session is scheduled to commence on October 28, 2024.

Composition of the Assembly

The composition of the Assembly remains at 48 members in the United Conservative Caucus, 37 New Democrat Members, one independent Member, and one vacant seat. A by-election to fill the vacancy in Lethbridge-West must be called by January 1, 2025.

Committee Business

The Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship met on September 24 to continue its consideration of the Personal Information Protection Act. As part of the review process the Committee was pleased to meet directly with Philippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and Michael Harvey, Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, along with Alberta’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Diane McLeod. The Committee also heard presentations from officials from the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, and the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations.

The Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services also met on September 24. The Committee reviewed the Interim Report No. 2 from the Members’ Compensation, Benefits and Allowances Review Subcommittee and agreed to extend the mandate of the Subcommittee and set a new reporting deadline of February 15, 2025. In addition, the Committee discussed changing security needs for Members and the increasing cost of security systems. Speaker Nathan Cooper who chairs the Committee, advised committee members that an additional $1,000/Member would be available for the remainder of the fiscal year for the installation of security systems for Members’ permanent residences. He also addressed a recommendation from the Sergeant-at-Arms that Members take advantage of personal safety devices available through the LAO. Continued funding for these safety measures in the next fiscal year required amendments to the Members’ Services Orders, which were agreed to.

The Select Special Ethics Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee, which has already recommended a candidate for the Ethics Commissioner position, continues to meet regularly to complete its recruitment of a candidate for the Chief Electoral Officer role.

The annual public meeting hosted by the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund has been scheduled for the evening of November 6. This year, in addition to media relations and online advertising the Committee will be using electronic billboards in Edmonton and Calgary to promote awareness of the meeting. As in previous years, questions will be accepted from attendees in the public gallery and from participants connecting through a variety of online platforms.

CPA Regional Seminar

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Regional Seminar will be hosted in Edmonton from October 17 to 20. Delegates from across the country will have an opportunity to participate in business sessions on the modernization of parliament, political polarization, parliamentary outreach, and security for elected officials. The event will also feature a keynote stages of Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canda National Parks Act. The motion also contained provisions for the study of the factors that contributed to the recent fires in Jasper National Park by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development.

Procedure / Privilege

Question of Privilege on Foreign Interference and Alleged Reputational Harm to Members of Parliament

On June 18, 2024, Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East) raised a question of privilege regarding the “Special Report on Foreign Interference in Canada’s Democratic Processes and Institutions,” produced by the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. The report exposed foreign interference by countries like China and India, implicating unnamed parliamentarians who may have wittingly or unwittingly cooperated with these states. Ms. Kwan expressed concern that all MPs could now find themselves under suspicion, damaging their collective reputations and impeding their ability to fulfill their parliamentary duties. She suggested the matter be referred to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, where the unredacted report could be reviewed under proper security conditions. On September 19, 2024, Andrew Scheer (Regina—Qu’Appelle) also rose on the matter, criticizing the Prime Minister’s response to the report.

On September 23, 2024, the Speaker ruled on the question of privilege. He emphasized that the matter was not raised at the earliest opportunity, a key condition for establishing a prima facie question of privilege. Additionally, the Speaker noted that the concerns expressed by the member, though serious, lacked concrete evidence demonstrating material interference with parliamentary duties and therefore this was not a matter of privilege.

Question of Privilege on Alleged Failure of Government to Produce Documents

On September 16, 2024, Andrew Scheer (Regina— Qu’Appelle) raised a question of privilege regarding the government’s failure to comply with a House order from June 10, 2024, which required the production of unredacted documents related to Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). Mr. Scheer argued that the government’s submission of partial or redacted documents violated the House’s established authority to compel the production of documents, as dictated by parliamentary rules and traditions. He invoked historical precedents to underscore the importance of this power and called on the Speaker to find a prima facie case of privilege. Other members also rose on the matter in the following days, including Brian Masse (Windsor West) and Alain Therrien (La Prairie). Both reaffirmed that Parliament had the authority to demand documents from the government, and the government’s failure to comply with the June 10, 2024, order regarding SDTC represented a breach of privilege.

On September 26, 2024, the Speaker ruled on the matter. He concluded that the government had not fully complied with the House order, determining that it was in fact a prima facie case of privilege. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Scheer moved a motion to refer the issue to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

On October 2, 2024, as debate continued on the motion, an amendment was moved by Luc Berthold (Mégantic—L’Érable). The amendment added specific instructions for the committee to summon witnesses to appear on the matter, as well as a deadline for the committee to report back to the House.

The next day, Marie-Hélène Gaudreau (Laurentides— Labelle) again rose on the matter to criticize the government’s inconsistency and lack of transparency with respect to the matter. She underscored that the House had the right to demand documents, and the government had a duty to comply. That week, several other members also rose on the matter expressing concerns about blurring the separation of powers between Parliament and the judiciary.

At the time of writing, the debate on Mr. Scheer’s motion and Mr. Berthold’s amendment was ongoing.

Question of Privilege on the Alleged Failure of Witness to Respond to Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics

On September 17, 2024, Michael Barrett (Leeds— Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes) raised a question of privilege concerning the 12th report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics. The issue centered on Stephen Anderson, a business associate of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, who refused to provide documents and fully answer questions before the committee during an investigation into the minister’s business dealings.

Mr. Barrett argued that Mr. Anderson’s refusal to comply with the committee’s orders, as well as his evasive responses during questioning, constituted a clear contempt of Parliament. He called on the Speaker to find a prima facie case of privilege. He suggested that Mr. Anderson should be summoned to the House for questioning and be compelled to provide the unsubmitted records to uphold Parliament’s investigative power and ensure accountability.

On October 1, 2024, the Speaker delivered his ruling. In it, he emphasized the significance of committee privileges, particularly the obligation of witnesses to answer questions and the power of committees to order the production of documents. He determined that the matter was a prima facie case of privilege.

Following the Speaker’s ruling, Mr. Barrett introduced a motion requesting that the House find Mr. Anderson in contempt for failing to provide requested documents and information to the committee, as outlined in its 12th Report. It further called for Mr. Anderson to appear before the bar of the House to receive an admonishment from the Speaker, deliver the requested records, and answer the committee’s questions, including supplementary ones. The motion also stipulated that any produced records be referred back to the committee for further review, with the possibility of additional actions if deemed necessary.

At the time of writing, the debate on Mr. Barrett’s motion was ongoing.

Point of Order on the Alleged Violation of Standing Order 116 at Standing Committee on Public Accounts

On September 23, 2024, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, Iqra Khalid (Mississauga—Erin Mills) raised a point of order regarding an incident that took place earlier at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. She stated that during the committee’s debate on a motion, she had raised her hand to speak prior to a vote being called, that the chair saw her and yet proceeded to the vote. She argued that the chair had deliberately ignored her request to speak and that this had been captured on the meeting’s video.

Ms. Khalid cited Standing Orders 116(2)(a) and 116(2) (b), which stipulate that a chair cannot end a debate if members still wish to participate and that such violations can be brought to the attention of the Speaker of the House. If the Speaker finds a violation, they can nullify subsequent proceedings related to the violation. Ms. Khalid requested the Speaker review the situation and nullify the vote so that she may have the opportunity to speak as initially intended. 

On September 24, 2024, John Williamson (New Brunswick Southwest), the committee chair in question, rose in the House to explain that his belief was that in that circumstance, debate had ended. He stated that neither he nor the clerk was informed of Ms. Khalid’s desire to speak, that he did not see her hand and that, accordingly, he called the question. When Ms. Khalid expressed a desire to speak after the question had been called, Mr. Williamson explained that her only option was to challenge the chair’s ruling, which she did. The committee upheld his decision, and the vote proceeded. Mr. Williamson explained that he stood by his decision and requested that the Speaker review the matter.

At the time of writing, the matter was still under consideration by the Speaker.

Speaker’s Statements

Speaker’s Statement on Questions Deemed to Be Out of Order

On September 19, 2024, during Oral Questions, Pierre Poilievre (Carleton) called Jagmeet Singh (Burnaby South) a “a fake, a phony and a fraud.” This caused a lot of disorder in the House. At that time, the Speaker made a statement explaining that of late, some questions had been asked but were unrelated to areas of government responsibility and reminded them that the purpose of questions during question period is to hold the government to account.

Speaker’s Statement on the Prevention of Acoustic Incidents

On September 27, 2024, the Speaker addressed concerns about preventing acoustic incidents during sittings. In his remarks, he referred to an incident on June 10, 2024, when the House had to suspend its proceedings due to an acoustic issue. He explained that this posed risks, especially to interpreters. The Speaker emphasized that the House administration has been working to minimize these risks and introduced new preventive measures.

Members were reminded to be cautious with their microphones, ensuring they do not place items or earpieces too close to them. The Speaker also advised members to store earpieces in designated locations on or inside their desks when not in use, reducing the risk of acoustic shock.

The Speaker outlined a new procedure where the volume of earpieces will automatically reset to zero at key moments throughout the day, such as when many members exit after Oral Questions, to prevent microphones from picking up unwanted sounds. Members will need to readjust the volume afterward, and the Speaker’s office will announce when these resets occur until the procedure becomes routine.

Other Matters

Emergency Debates

On September 16, 2024, Lori Idlout (Nunavut) requested an emergency debate be held on the recent deaths of First Nations people by police forces. The Speaker granted the request, and the emergency debate was held later that day. At midnight, the Speaker declared the motion adopted.

On October 1, 2024, Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona) requested an emergency debate be held on the crisis in Lebanon and Israel. The Speaker granted the request, and the emergency debate was held later that day. At midnight, the Speaker declared the motion adopted.

Moment of Silence

Tributes for the late Chuck Strahl

On September 16, 2024, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North) sought and obtained unanimous consent for a motion to have a moment of silence followed by a round of speeches in honour of the late Chuck Strahl the following day. On September 17, 2024, after question period, a representative of each recognized party, a representative of the Green Party, the Speaker and Mark Strahl (Chilliwack—Hope), son of the late Chuck Strahl, each made statements. Afterwards, there was a moment of silence.

Moment of Silence in memory of Cathy Merrick, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba

On September 18, 2024, the Speaker announced an agreement between all parties to observe a moment of silence in memory of Cathy Merrick, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Vicky Sedhya Maurice-Sevigny

Table Research Branch

British Columbia

43rd Provincial General Election

On September 21, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin issued a Proclamation dissolving the Legislative Assembly and writs of election were issued for the province’s now 93 electoral districts (up from 87). Final voting day for the 43rd provincial general election is set for October 19, reflecting the fixed election date prescribed in section 23(2) of the provincial Constitution Act. Party standings at dissolution were: 55 BC NDP, 20 BC United, eight Conservative Party of British Columbia, two BC Green Party, and two independents.

This will be the first provincial general election to feature modernized voting and counting procedures following amendments to the Election Act in 2019. The amendments allow Elections BC to use new technology such as networked electronic voting books and paper ballot tabulators. This will also be the first election cycle in which, following amendments to the Election Act in 2023 to address misinformation, the Chief Electoral Officer can require all digital platforms that publish election advertising to remove non-compliant content.

In addition to the six new electoral districts, 29 Members are not seeking re-election and two electoral districts have multiple incumbents running. As such, it is expected that a significant number of new Members will be elected.

The Legislative Assembly Administration issued transition guides for Members not seeking re-election as well as for Members seeking re-election, which consolidate key policies and procedures relating to the transition period. The documents provide guidance and information, including necessary procedures, for Members and their staff. It is available on the Members’ Guide to Policy and Resources website. Offboarding programming is in place for Members who are not seeking re-election, which will extend to support Members who re-offered but will not be returning in 43rd Parliament. A full onboarding program will be offered following general voting day to Members elected to the 43rd Parliament.

Party Affiliation Changes

On July 30, 2024, Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond North Centre, left the Official Opposition caucus to join the Third Party caucus. She became the third Member of the Official Opposition to join the Third Party since June 2024.

On August 28, 2024, the Leader of the Official Opposition, Kevin Falcon, announced that BC United would suspend its provincewide campaign in the 43rd provincial general election, and encouraged voters to support the Conservative Party of British Columbia. Candidates, including Members of the Official Opposition, who were intending to run as part of BC United had the option seek election as an independent or unaffiliated candidate, or seek election as a candidate for a different party, if provided the opportunity.

Three BC United Members, Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, Ian Paton, MLA for Delta South, and Trevor Halford, MLA for Surrey- White Rock, subsequently announced they would run as candidates for the Conservative Party of British Columbia and subsequently left the Official Opposition caucus to join the Third Party caucus. Five Members of the Official Opposition caucus stated their intention to run as independents in the upcoming general election.

Additionally, Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville- Qualicum, stated his intention to run as an independent. He has been sitting as an independent since being removed from the Government caucus in September 2023.

Note: References to Members and electoral district names were current to the dissolution of the 42nd Parliament.

Auditor General Retirement

On July 25, 2024, Michael Pickup, Auditor General of BC, announced his intention to retire on November 15, 2024. Pursuant to section 7(4) of the Auditor General Act, it is the role of a committee of the Legislative Assembly to appoint by unanimous resolution an Acting Auditor General when the Legislative Assembly is not sitting. With the Assembly not expected to resume sitting prior to the dissolution of the 42nd Parliament and the unlikelihood that the 43rd Parliament will be convened prior to the Auditor General’s retirement, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services was required to undertake this task. On September 12, 2024, the Committee unanimously appointed Sheila Dodds, currently Deputy Auditor General, as Acting Auditor General effective November 15, 2024. A recruitment process to recommend the appointment of an Auditor General is expected to be initiated early in the new Parliament.

Natalie Beaton

Committee Research Analyst

The Senate

Legislation

The House of Commons sent a message to the Senate on September 26, 2024 regarding Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to another Act (interim release and domestic violence recognizance orders), to acquaint it that the House had passed the bill with amendments.

Chamber, Procedure and Speaker’s Rulings

On September 17, 2024, Speaker Raymonde Gagné tabled an updated version of the Rules of the Senate, dated September 2024.

A point of order was raised on September 17, 2024 by Senator Donald Neil Plett, the Leader of the Opposition, concerning processes followed within the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, and its Steering Committee, in relation to changes made to an op-ed he wrote in the Hill Times. After debate, the Speaker reserved her decision.

On September 25, the Senate adopted a motion governing all stages of proceedings on Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act.

Senator Donald Neil Plett raised a point of order on September 25, 2024, with respect to the requirement for a Royal Recommendation for Bill S-15, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Senator Plett argued that expenditures that would be incurred as a result of this bill required a Royal Recommendation, that money bills could not originate in the Senate, and thus the bill should be ruled out of order. After further debate on September 26, the Speaker reserved her decision.

Committees

The Senate was informed on September 17, 2024, that the twentieth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, entitled Missing Records, Missing Children, was deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on July 25, 2024. The report was placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting.

On September 19, 2024, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its twenty-sixth report on Bill C-291, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts (child sexual abuse and exploitation material), without amendment. The bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

On September 24, 2024, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs presented its twenty-seventh report on Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures), with amendments and observations. The report was placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting. Later that day, the Senate adopted the eighth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, entitled Sealing the Future: A Call to Action, and requested a government response.

On September 25, 2024, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources presented its tenth report on Bill C-49, An Act to amend the Canada—Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada- Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, with amendments and observations. After debate on September 26, the report was defeated, and the unamended bill was placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting.

Senators

Senator Mobina Jaffer retired from the Senate on August 20. She was appointed to the Senate on June 13, 2001, on the advice of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, to represent the province of British Columbia. She was the first Muslim senator, the first African-born senator, and the first senator of South Asian descent. Prior to joining the Senate, Senator Jaffer had been an accomplished lawyer, having practiced at the firm Dohm, Jaffer and Jeraj since 1978. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1998. Senator Jaffer was the first South Asian woman to practice law in Canada. During her tenure as a senator, she served as chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights and the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, as well as a member of: the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration; the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance; the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs; and the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages.

During the period covered in this publication, seven senators were appointed on the recommendation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Senators Victor Boudreau, Charles S. Adler, Daryl

1. Fridhandler and Kristopher Wells were introduced on September 17, 2024, and took their seats in the Senate Chamber.

Senator Boudreau was appointed to the Senate on June 28, 2024, to represent the province of New Brunswick.  Senator  Boudreau  was  a  member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, serving as a minister of several portfolios, including Finance, Economic Development, and Health. He has volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Comfort Life Network and the Rotary Club of Shediac. He served his community as Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Shediac, as well as a member of the Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick.

Senator Adler was appointed on August 17, 2024, and represents the province of Manitoba. At a young age, Senator Adler emigrated to Canada from Hungary, and went on to become a renowned radio host, journalist, and influential voice in Canada. He is a champion for human rights and Canadian democracy. He received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association, among other recognitions.

Senator Fridhandler was appointed on August 30, 2024, to represent Alberta. He has over 40 years of legal experience and was a corporate lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, and businessman prior to joining the Senate. Appointed King’s Counsel, he has been the recipient of many awards and recognitions and has been a trusted legal advisor for a range of companies, non-profit organizations, and projects.

Senator Wells was also appointed on August 30, 2024, and represents the province of Alberta. He is an educator, a scientific expert, and a champion for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Senator Wells has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions, including the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Alberta Award for Study of Canadian Human Rights and Multiculturalism.

On September 18, 2024, Senator Tracy Muggli was introduced, after having been appointed on August 17, 2024. She represents the province of Saskatchewan. Prior to joining the Senate, she was a registered social worker, senior executive, and former provincial public servant with over 35 years of experience in the health and social services sectors. Most recently, she was the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. She has received several awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the (Saskatchewan) Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.

Senator Pierre Moreau was appointed on September 10, 2024, to represent the province of Quebec and was introduced in the Senate on September 25, 2024. Prior to joining the Senate, Senator Moreau was a lawyer specializing in public and administrative law. He is also a former member of the Quebec National Assembly, having represented the ridings of Marguerite- D’Youville then Châteauguay between 2003 and 2018, and held several cabinet positions.

On September 25, 2024, Senator Suze Youance was appointed to represent the province of Quebec. At the time of writing, she had not yet been introduced and taken her seat in the Senate. Further information about this new senator will be included in the next summary.

Katy Quinn

Procedural Clerk

Manitoba

First Session of the 43rd Legislature

The First Session of the 43rd Legislature resumed with the introduction of the newly elected Member for Tuxedo, Carla Compton, on October 2, 2024. It was also the first day in the House for our new Committee Clerk, Melanie Ching, who was hired in May 2024, and introduced in our previous submission. The Session is scheduled to end on November 7, 2024, with an expected Throne Speech on November 19, 2024, to commence the Second Session. Speaker Tom Lindsay also commenced the proceeding by reading the text of a letter from Grand Chief Garrison Settee dated September 17, 2024, and the Speaker’s response dated September 18, 2024. The letters were to show appreciation to the Legislative Assembly, and its staff, for facilitating the arrangements to allow the late Grand Chief Cathy Ann Merrick to lie in state.

These Fall Sittings will see the completion of the Estimates process in the Committee of Supply, as well as the completion of Government Designated Bills. The House is required to complete consideration of the four Designated Bills detailed in the Autumn edition of the CPR selected by the Official Opposition in the Spring for further consideration in the Fall. The House completed Second Reading of these Bills on October 3, 2024. At the time of this submission, Committee consideration must be completed by October 28, while Concurrence and Third Reading must then be completed by November 7, 2024, with the four Designated Bills receiving Royal Assent before the House rises that day. This is also the deadline for the completion of the Main Supply process including passage of the Budget Implementation and Tax Statute Amendment Act 2024 (BITSA).

Ethics Report Motion

On October 8, 2024, the House dealt with the first report produced by the Ethics Commissioner pursuant to The Conflict of Interest (Members and Ministers) Act which came into force on October 4, 2023, replacing The Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Conflict of Interest Act. The Clerks had to create a procedure to deal with the report and the House agreed to adopt the following format which the Speaker outlined:

The provisions governing these debates are:

1. An Ethics Report Motion shall be considered as the first item of business under Orders of the Day – Government Business.
2. Debate on an Ethics Report Motion shall be
3. limited to one sitting day.
4. The House shall not adjourn until all Members have had an opportunity to speak to the Motion. When there are no further speakers in the debate, the Speaker shall put the question.
5. An Ethics Report Motion cannot be amended.
6. The Speaker shall read the motion to the House to open the floor for debate.
7. During debate on an Ethics Report Motion, no Member shall speak longer than 10 minutes.
8. All Members may speak to the Motion, in the following debate rotation:

• The Member who is the subject of the complaint, or a Member of their party.
• The complainant Member, or a Member of their party.
• A Member of the subject’s party.
• A Member of the complainant’s party.
• An Independent Member.

Further to that, before reading the motion to open the debate, the Speaker of this House will read into the record the recommendations contained in the Report from the Ethics Commissioner. On October 8, 2024, the first Motion was regarding the Member for Keewatinook, dated September 19, 2024.

On page 17 of that report the Ethics Commissioner wrote:

For the reasons given above, it is my opinion that [the Honourable Member for Keewatinook] did not contravene the Act by having a contract with the Government of Manitoba prior to April 1, 2024. However, he did contravene the Act by having a contract with the Government of Manitoba on and after April 1, 2024. He also contravened the Act by failing to include the contract in his Disclosure Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Sources of Income.

I also conclude that [the Honourable Member for Keewatinook]’s contraventions were inadvertent. I therefore recommend that no penalty be imposed.

The Honourable Speaker presented the following motion which was passed after a short debate.

“THAT the Legislative Assembly accept the Report of the Ethics Commissioner regarding the Honourable Member for Keewatinook, dated September 19, 2024, and approve the recommendation contained therein.”

Reappointment of the Ethics Commissioner, Information and Privacy Adjudicator, and Lobbyist Registrar

Jeffrey Schnoor was officially reappointed by a Resolution of the House on October 8, 2024, as the Ethics Commissioner, Information and Privacy Adjudicator, and Lobbyist Registrar for a term not to exceed five years. This reappointment was upon recommendation of the Standing Committee on Legislative Affairs, who had met over the summer to decide this. Schnoor has held these positions since 2018.

Government Apology

On October 8, 2024, Government House Leader Nahanni Fontaine sought and received leave to allow her to make a statement to the House, without responses, before commencing with Routine Proceedings. She advised that the purpose of the statement would be to offer an apology on behalf of the Government regarding reparations for Manitoba’s Children’s Special Allowances policy.

Leave was also sought and granted to allow the following individuals to be seated on the floor of the Chamber for this statement. This request was the second of its kind in this session.

On March 21, 2024, the Government House Leader sought and received leave for the Premier to make a statement to the House (without responses) and for Edward Ambrose and Richard Beauvais to be seated at the Bar of the House for the statement which would be followed by a brief recess.

The persons allowed on the floor on October 8th were as follows:

• Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy
• Grand Chief Garrison Settee
• Margaret Swan

• Minister Mona Buors
• Four youth representatives: Lareina Settee, Janelle Peters, Karlii Beaulieu, and Mary Derendorf

Greg Recksiedler

Research Officer/Clerk Assistant

Québec

Proceedings of the Assemblée nationale du Québec

Composition

On September 5, 2024, Pierre Fitzgibbon, Member for Terrebonne, resigned his seat at the Assemblée nationale. The date of the by-election has not yet been announced. Christine Fréchette, Member for Sanguinet, has been appointed as the new Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region. Jean-François Roberge, Member for Chambly, succeeds Ms. Fréchette in her functions as Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration. He maintains his other ministerial duties.

In addition, on September 12, 2024, Youri Chassin, Member for Saint-Jérôme, withdrew from the parliamentary group forming the Government. He currently sits as an independent Member.

The Assemblée nationale is now composed of 125 Members: 86 from the Coalition avenir Québec, 19 from the Québec Liberal Party, 12 from Québec solidaire, four from the Parti québécois, along with three independent Members. One seat is vacant.

Legislative agenda

Since Parliament resumed on September 10, 2024, two government bills have been introduced in the Assemblée, and no bills have been passed.

Ruling from the Chair

Ruling on a request for an urgent debate

On September 24, 2024, the President ruled on a request for an urgent debate by Pascal Bérubé, Member for Matane-Matapédia, regarding the impacts of Northvolt’s decision to cut 1,600 jobs in Sweden in an effort to handle its financial obligations. The request was ruled inadmissible.

While the request concerned a definite and important matter involving the responsibility of the Assemblée, the situation could not be considered a “sudden, acute crisis” or a “worsening of such a crisis” as defined by jurisprudence. The ruling stated that Northvolt’s decision had no direct impact on its activities here and its consequences on Québec’s economy were currently uncertain and hypothetical. Moreover, the Northvolt project had been in the news for some time, which illustrated that it was not a crisis that could be described as “sudden.” Lastly, a debate upon adjournment about the “instability regarding the Northvolt project” had been held on September 17, 2024, which illustrated that the Assemblée had had other opportunities to discuss the matter.

The Salle de l’Assemblée nationale moves into the Salle du Conseil législatif

September 10, 2024, was a historic date: Parliament resumed in the Salle du Conseil législatif, which is where the Members of the Assemblée nationale will now be sitting. This temporary change is necessary because the Salle de l’Assemblée nationale will undergo work in the coming years as part of a major renovation project that will include bringing the room up to standard and upgrading the technology used during sittings. Over the summer, many Assemblée nationale staff from various departments worked to adapt the Salle du Conseil législatif to provide the Members with a functional, welcoming space when Parliament resumed.

Committee proceedings

Bills

A few days after the announcement of the departure of Mr. Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Member for Terrebonne, the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Energy and Natural Resources undertook special consultations on the bill Mr. Fitzgibbon had tabled in June: Bill 69, An Act to ensure the responsible governance of energy resources and to amend various legislative provisions. Ms. Fréchette, Member for Sanguinet and newly appointed Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, took part in the consultations, which were held over six sessions.

The bill contains more than 150 sections, and is intended, in particular, to simplify the calls for tender process regarding electric power supply contracts for Hydro-Québec. It also entrusts the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy with establishing and implementing an integrated energy resource management plan. The plan must aim to promote energy development in Québec with a view to energy transition. In addition, the bill prescribes the procedure and conditions according to which the Régie de l’énergie fixes electricity rates. Lastly, it enacts the Act respecting a financial assistance program to limit the impact of Hydro-Québec electric power distribution rate increases on the domestic clientele and establishing the Fonds d’aide à la clientèle domestique d’Hydro-Québec.

The Commission heard 38 witnesses and received over 70 briefs during the public hearings on the bill.

Seven other bills were also the subjects of special consultations in parliamentary committees in September, and five underwent clause-by-clause consideration, for a total of over 150 hours of work in public meetings. These consultations included those on Bill 63, An Act to amend the Mining Act and other provisions, Bill 61, An Act enacting the Act respecting Mobilité Infra Québec and amending certain provisions relating to shared transportation, and Bill 68, An Act mainly to reduce the administrative burden of physicians.

Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social

Media on Young People’s Health and Development

On September 12, 2024, the Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Young People’s Health and Development officially began its work by holding special consultations and public hearings, which ended on September 26, 2024. Some 40 Québec, Canadian and international organizations and specialists from fields such as education, health and social services, public safety, the law, and digital issues participated in the hearings.

Committee members will soon be travelling to certain schools and educational institutions across Québec to meet with young people and school staff.

The Committee’s steering committee is composed of four parliamentarians, each representing one of the parties with seats at the Assemblée nationale.

Marie-Christine Aubé

Direction de la séance et de la procédure parlementaire

Roxanne Guévin

Direction des commissions parlementaires

presentation from Cam Linke, Chief Executive Officer of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), on Artificial Intelligence and the parliamentary world.

Chamber Timers

The timers in the Chamber were upgraded over the summer adjournment. The Information Technology and Broadcast Services team developed and installed upgraded programming for the timers specific to the needs of tracking Assembly business. The upgrade makes use of pre-defined function libraries and runs on a faster processor while also allowing for greater precision when adding and subtracting seconds from the timers. The user interface remains the same but will provide Table Officers with increased responsiveness and more accurate time readouts.

Jody Rempel

Committee Clerk

House of Commons

Introduction

This account covers key highlights of the period from July to early October 2024. Having been adjourned since June 19, 2024, the House resumed sitting on September 16, 2024.

Legislation

Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act

On September 19, 2024, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault (Laurier— Sainte-Marie), sought and received the unanimous consent of the House for a motion to dispose at all