Senate Debates — 24 February 2026 (Sitting 52, 44th Parliament, 4th Session)

2026-02-24 / Sitting 052 / 44-4 / E

Senate Debates

DEBATES OF THE SENATE 1st SESSION • 45th PARLIAMENT • VOLUME 154 • NUMBER 52 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Tuesday, February 24, 2026 The Honourable RAYMONDE GAGNÉ, Speaker

CONTENTS (Daily index of proceedings appears at back of this issue). Publications Centre: Publications@sen.parl.gc.ca Published by the Senate Available on the Internet: http://www.parl.gc.ca

The Senate met at 2 p.m., the Speaker in the chair. Prayers. SENATORS’ STATEMENTS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Hon. Katherine Hay: Honourable senators, happy Tuesday and remember to wear pink tomorrow for Pink Shirt Day. Today, my statement is on something we all have a very vested interest in. Before I go on, what strikes me about you all is your extraordinary smarts and your ability to move through incredibly complex things, bringing unique perspectives, creativity and curiosity. You strengthen legislation, ask hard questions and help Canada navigate through a changing world.

Colleagues, we are living through extraordinary change in just about everything. Today, I am speaking about artificial intelligence, or AI, reshaping global markets, redefining productivity, transforming labour, testing national security and challenging policy assumptions. Three committees in this chamber are studying AI. Every committee has it on its mind. Legislation is coming our way. With so much respect for all our knowledge and learnings, I suspect we are on different playing fields, some elite — dare I say Olympic level — and some Little League, where I happily play with AI.

With that reality, I’m proud to announce the launch of a parliamentary briefing series entitled AI Explained for parliamentarians from the Senate and the House and their staff. It’s four sessions, four months, four topics — things we are all talking about here, at home, at dinner parties, everywhere. First, in March, it’s basically AI Explained with Armughan Ahmad, well-known global AI tech and Canadian founder of companies; and Tyler Anderson, CEO of Disruptive Edge, a company that goes into the biggest companies to get them AI ready, like Walmart, TELUS and RBC.

In April, stay tuned for AI and National Security, Sovereignty and Governance, Infrastructure with Janice Stein from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy; and Shannon Bell, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer of OpenText. In May, there’s AI Skilling — which I understand is not upskilling — and Labour with Sabrina Geremia from Google; Rola Dagher, former global channel chief at Dell Technologies; and Lisa Zarzeczny from Elevate. In June, we are going to top it off with Canada’s Play to Win with some of Canada’s biggest players.

It will be a dialogue about investment, commercialization, scale and leadership in the global AI stratosphere. Here is what I know to be true: First of all, stay tuned and join me because sober second thought should never mean a steady state. It’s just not an option. Thanks so much. [Translation] MIKAËL KINGSBURY Hon. Claude Carignan: Honourable senators, my statement will focus on a person rather than on AI. Honourable senators, I am very proud to rise today to pay tribute to an athlete who has represented Canada well and who is a living embodiment of discipline, perseverance and excellence.

Mikaël Kingsbury is not just a champion. Over the years, he has set a global benchmark in his sport and become a role model for a whole generation of young Canadians. I would like to share a personal story about Mikaël. Several years ago, through the Fondation Élite Saint-Eustache, a foundation I had the honour of establishing, I awarded a scholarship to a 16-year-old who dreamed of perfecting his freestyle skiing skills. Even at that age, this young man showed extraordinary determination and discipline. Today, he has become a true living legend in Canadian sport.

From the very start, Mikaël established himself as an exceptional athlete. He embodies excellence in every way. His career is inspiring and his performances are truly something to behold. He represented Canada with panache at the Milano Cortina Olympic Games in Italy. As everyone knows, he was the first Canadian to win gold at those Olympic Games. He was part of a contingent of 207 athletes who represented our country with pride and who brought home 21 medals: five gold, seven silver and nine bronze.

Mikaël’s track record speaks for itself: 100 World Cup victories, a gold medal at the PyeongChang Olympics and silver medals in Sochi and Beijing. More recently, he won a silver medal in the individual moguls event two weeks ago, and, last week, he won Canada’s first 2026 Winter Olympics gold medal. Few athletes in the history of Canadian sport can boast of such dominance in their discipline. Without a doubt, Mikaël Kingsbury belongs to the very select circle of the greatest Canadian athletes of all time. 1527 THE SENATE Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Statistics and records aside, what is equally impressive are the qualities he possesses as a human being. Everyone who has had the privilege of meeting Mikaël has been struck by his kindness, easygoing personality and humility. Thanks to these qualities and his remarkable athletic prowess, Mikaël is a role model in the world of sports and well beyond. His parents — Julie and Robert, who happens to be my chiropractor — are so very proud of him, as are the people of his region, his province and his country. In his own way, he is also an inspiration well beyond our borders.

Through his determination and perseverance, Mikaël has made a name for himself in his sport and has become, for hundreds of young athletes, the finest example of challenging one’s limits. Honorable senators, Canada can be proud. Today, it is our privilege to salute an outstanding journey characterized by hard work, courage and excellence. Well done, Mikaël. Hon. Senators: Hear, hear! [English] VISITORS IN THE GALLERY The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s former Ambassador to the United States.

She is accompanied by her husband, Duncan Cameron, and their sons, Jack and Ewen Cameron. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Boehm. On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada. Hon. Senators: Hear, hear! •

(1410) KIRSTEN HILLMAN Hon. Peter M. Boehm: Honourable senators, in a democracy, public service is a sacred trust — a bond between the individual, one’s country and its people. In my view, it is the highest calling. To exercise that trust abroad is a distinct honour and privilege. Today, I pay tribute to one of Canada’s finest public servants, our now-former ambassador to the United States Kirsten Hillman. There are many misconceptions about what an ambassador does. It is not, or not always, the high-flying, intrigue-laden life depicted on television and in the movies — much to my regret.

It is hard work, 24-7 availability, dealing with unexpected issues, split-second judgment calls and the effective private and public projection of the national interest. You are the face of your country in a foreign capital. Uniquely, our embassy in Washington is like a southern branch of the Privy Council Office, responsible for the interaction of all federal departments and agencies with the United States. Throw in the interests of our provinces and territories and other stakeholders, and, well, you get the picture. Ms.

Hillman brought experience, savoir faire and dedication to her lengthy tenure in the ambassadorial role. She came to the vocation through her native Manitoba, with studies and time in Alberta and Montreal. She distinguished herself as a lawyer and high-level trade negotiator in Geneva at the World Trade Organization, but particularly as chief negotiator for Canada for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. I met many foreign officials in my travels who told me that Ms. Hillman’s open and friendly nature masked one of the toughest negotiators they had ever faced.

Colleagues, she smashed the glass ceiling and became our first woman ambassador to the United States in March 2020 at the beginning of the most recent period of “unprecedented times” to which we are all too accustomed. Her tenure covered part of the first Trump administration, the Biden administration and the first year of the second Trump administration.

There was a global pandemic, continued bilateral policy differences, threats to our sovereignty from a previously steadfast ally and a trade war, which will make the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA, all the more challenging. Let me make one last point that illustrates the character of Kirsten Hillman: Knowing that I had served in Washington, Ms. Hillman came to see me in early 2017 to talk about the possibility of accepting the position of deputy head of mission at our embassy in Washington.

I expected policy questions, how to deal with Congress, the State Department, the Pentagon, the White House and so on. Instead, she had one question: “Will this posting work for my family?” To be sure, foreign service is about service abroad. Loved ones often come along. There is a deeply human element at play that Ms. Hillman never forgot. Having her family with her today is a testament to that. Kirsten Hillman has excelled in serving our country at an incredibly challenging time. For this, all Canadians should be grateful. Kirsten, welcome home. I wish you, Duncan, Jack and Ewen all the very best.

Thank you, colleagues. 1528 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator Carignan ]

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Hon. Sharon Burey: Honourable senators, welcome to Black History Month. [Translation] Let’s recognize Canadian history. [English] Welcome to Canadian history, for it is when we throw off the shackles of caste and class that we can liberate our minds and experience as Canadians the totality of Canadian history, what it means to be Canadian, and what it means to truly unleash the potential and promise of this great country and build a strong Canada.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine. This year’s theme is “Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present and will inspire future generations. It is in this spirit that I am pleased to introduce Dr.

Zainab Abdurrahman, the one hundred and forty-fourth president of the Ontario Medical Association and the first Black woman to lead the organization. She serves as an assistant clinical professor of the School of Medicine at the Toronto Metropolitan University and an adjunct assistant clinical professor in pediatrics at McMaster University. She earned her medical degree from the University of Toronto and completed her pediatrics residency and subspecialty training in allergy and clinical immunology at McMaster University.

Deeply committed to advancing health equity, she has been a key contributor to the Black Scientists’ Task Force on Vaccine Equity and the Black Health Vaccine Initiative, in partnership with the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario. Beyond equity work, she is passionate about the intersection of technology and medicine.

She is dedicated to leveraging innovation to enhance patient care and is a strong advocate for advancing the medical profession through inclusive leadership and systemic change. [Translation] As we celebrate Black History Month and Canada’s history, let’s pay tribute to their accomplishments while also acknowledging the broader importance of diversity in shaping the landscape of medical research and health care, which will lead to better treatment for all of us. Thank you.

Meegwetch. [English] VISITORS IN THE GALLERY The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Travis Keisig, President of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) and member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan; Mike Cuffe, Montana State Senator and former President of the PNWER; and Matt Morrison, Director. They are accompanied by other delegates of the PNWER and are the guests of the Honourable Senator MacDonald. On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada. Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST ECONOMIC REGION Hon. Michael L. MacDonald: Honourable senators, as the Senate Co-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, it is my pleasure to welcome today’s delegation from the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, or PNWER, as they visit the national capital. The Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group’s work is primarily active in three areas: The Council of State Governments, with its various regional meetings; the National Governors Association conferences, which usually occur twice annually; and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

All of these meetings occur on the U.S. side of the border. However, the PNWER meetings are unique in that they alternate annually between Canada and the U.S. For example, last year it was held in Seattle, and this year it will be held in Edmonton. Established in 1991, PNWER is a unique statutory public- private partnership created by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, in addition to the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

The partnership brings legislators, governments and business leaders together to advance shared regional priorities with a mission to increase the economic well-being and quality of life of citizens across the region on both sides of the border. For more than three decades, PNWER has served as a trusted forum for cross-border collaboration, policy innovation and the exchange of best practices.

On behalf of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, I welcome to Ottawa current PNWER president and Saskatchewan MLA Travis Keisig; past president and Montana State Senator Mike Cuffe; Yukon MLA Adam Gerle; as well as Interim Executive Director Brandon Hardenbrook; Special Advisor Matt Morrison; Director of PNWER’s Regional Infrastructure Accelerator program Bruce Agnew; Scott Hunter, with the Government of Saskatchewan; and Lianne Bell, with the Government of Alberta. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1529

I look forward to discussing our common goals, especially during this important moment in the history of Canada-U.S. relations. Strong parliamentary relationships, such as those fostered by PNWER, are essential to ensuring that trade continues to flow efficiently and reminding us that the North American economy is deeply integrated, providing shared opportunities for businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the border. Welcome to the Senate of Canada, and I thank the people of PNWER for their continued leadership in strengthening the Canadian-American partnership. SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE Hon.

Donna Dasko: Honourable senators, I rise today to look back to that terrible day of February 24 four years ago today, the day that Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a day that will live in infamy. •

(1420) Let us contemplate the destruction that Russia has perpetrated with its illegal and immoral invasion of the free and democratic nation of Ukraine. First, the lives lost: between 100,000 and 140,000 Ukrainian forces lost and civilian losses, too, with 15,000 killed and 40,000 wounded as of last December. The year 2025 was the deadliest year of all for civilian losses. And Russia has lost over 300,000 in troop deaths since the full-scale invasion, as Putin uses his own citizens and other conscripts as cannon fodder without remorse or regret.

Russia’s invasion has triggered Europe’s largest forced migration since World War II, with over 10 million Ukrainians displaced from their homes. There is evidence of multiple crimes and violations committed by Russia and Russian troops: violations of international humanitarian law; violations of international human rights law; and breaches of international criminal law, including the crime of aggression committed when Russia invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine with no justification. The current situation is deeply troubling. Russia is not winning this war.

And although Ukrainians have fought tirelessly over these four years, they cannot push the Russians back without more help. The instigation of the so-called peace talks by U.S. President Trump exactly one year ago has yielded no resolution to the war, no ceasefire whatsoever, and instead provides cover for Russia to continue its path of destruction. As a supposed ally of Ukraine, Trump has brought little to the table, as he urges Ukraine but not Russia to give in and give up. What should a real peace agreement look like?

It must be grounded in the principles of international law and the principle that all decisions concerning Ukraine must be made with its full participation. It must include robust and binding security guarantees to Ukraine by the U.S., the EU, the transatlantic community and other partners that will prevent and counteract renewed Russian aggression. It must reconfirm that Ukraine has the freedom to choose its own security and political alliances, without limitations on its defence capabilities. Russia must fully compensate Ukraine for all material and immaterial harm it has caused.

Canada must continue our steadfast support for Ukraine, and I, for one, know that Canadians are onside. Let there not be a fifth year of this war, and let us all look ahead to the day when we can celebrate together a just peace for Ukraine. Thank you.

D’akuju. [Translation] FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF WAR IN UKRAINE SILENT TRIBUTE The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I would ask that you all rise and observe a minute of silence to mark four years since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. (Honourable senators then stood in silent tribute. ) [English] ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS JUSTICE CHARTER STATEMENT IN RELATION TO BILL C-14— DOCUMENT TABLED Hon. Iris G.

Petten (Acting Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, a Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-14,

An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing), pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1). 1530 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator MacDonald ]

[Translation] BUDGET 2025 IMPLEMENTATION BILL, NO. 1 THIRD REPORT OF BANKING, COMMERCE AND THE ECONOMY COMMITTEE ON SUBJECT MATTER DEPOSITED WITH CLERK DURING ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE Hon. Clément Gignac: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on November 26, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 13, 2026, its third report, which deals with the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 37, 39, 43 and 45 of

Part 5 of Bill C-15,

An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025. (Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) [English] SECOND REPORT OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS COMMITTEE ON SUBJECT MATTER DEPOSITED WITH CLERK DURING ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE Hon.

Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on November 26, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 13, 2026, its second report, which deals with the subject matter of those elements contained in Division 33 of

Part 5 of Bill C-15,

An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025. (Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) SECOND REPORT OF ENERGY , THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE ON SUBJECT MATTER DEPOSITED WITH CLERK DURING ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE Hon.

Joan Kingston: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on November 26, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 13, 2026, its second report, which deals with the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 32, 40, 41 and 42 of

Part 5 of Bill C-15,

An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025. (Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) STRENGTHENING CANADA’S IMMIGRATION SYSTEM AND BORDERS BILL SIXTH REPORT OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE ON CERTAIN ASPECTS OF SUBJECT MATTER DEPOSITED WITH CLERK DURING ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE Hon.

Rosemary Moodie: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on February 5, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 20, 2026, its sixth report, which deals with the subject matter of Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 of Bill C-12,

An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures, and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this report be taken into consideration? (On motion of Senator Moodie, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR CANADIANS BILL FOURTH REPORT OF LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON CERTAIN ASPECTS OF SUBJECT MATTER DEPOSITED WITH CLERK DURING ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE Hon.

David Arnot: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on February 5, 2026, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on February 18, 2026, its fourth report, which deals with the subject matter of

Part 4 of Bill C-4,

An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate. The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this report be taken into consideration? (On motion of Senator Arnot, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1531

• (1430) [Translation] THE ESTIMATES, 2025-26 SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES (B)—THIRD REPORT OF NATIONAL FINANCE COMMITTEE TABLED Hon. Claude Carignan: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the third report of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, entitled Supplementary Estimates (

B) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate. (On motion of Senator Carignan, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) [English] RULES, PROCEDURES AND THE RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT SECOND REPORT OF COMMITTEE TABLED Hon.

Peter Harder: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the second report (interim) of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, entitled The Role of Non-Affiliated Senators, and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate. (On motion of Senator Harder, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) [Translation] MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE FOR CANADIANS BILL FOURTH REPORT OF NATIONAL FINANCE COMMITTEE PRESENTED Hon.

Claude Carignan, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, presented the following report: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 The Standing Senate Committee on National Finance has the honour to present its FOURTH REPORT Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-4,

An Act respecting certain affordability measures for Canadians and another measure, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, February 5, 2026, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted, CLAUDE CARIGNAN Chair (For text of observations, see today’s Journals of the Senate, p. 643.) The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the third time? (On motion of Senator Cuzner, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.) [English] THE SENATE NOTICE OF MOTION TO RESOLVE INTO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE TO RECEIVE ANTON BOEGMAN, FOREIGN INFLUENCE TRANSPARENCY COMMISSIONER NOMINEE Hon. Iris G.

Petten (Acting Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move: That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, usual practice or previous order: 1. at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Senate resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole in order to receive Anton Boegman respecting his appointment as Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner; 2. the committee rise no later than 65 minutes after it begins; 3. the witness’ introductory remarks be limited to a maximum of five minutes; 4. if, during the Committee of the Whole, a senator does not use the entire period of 10 minutes for debate provided under rule 12-31(3)(d), including the responses of the witness, that senator may yield the balance of time to another senator; and 5. if the bells are ringing for a vote at the time the committee is to meet, they be interrupted for the Committee of the Whole at that time, and resume once the committee has completed its work for the balance of any time remaining. 1532 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026

FOREIGN INFLUENCE TRANSPARENCY COMMISSIONER NOTICE OF MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENT Hon. Iris G. Petten (Acting Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move: That, in accordance with

section 9(2)(

b) of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, S.C. 2024, c. 16, s. 113, the Senate approve the appointment of Anton Boegman as Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. BAIL AND SENTENCING REFORM BILL BILL TO AMEND—FIRST READING The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that a message had been received from the House of Commons with Bill C-14,

An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the National Defence Act (bail and sentencing). (Bill read first time.) The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time? (On motion of Senator Moreau, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.) [Translation] FEDERAL LAW–CIVIL LAW HARMONIZATION ACT, NO. 4 BILL TO AMEND—FIRST READING Hon.

Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate) introduced Bill S-6, A fourth Act to harmonize federal law with the civil law of Quebec and to amend certain Acts in order to ensure that each language version takes into account the common law and the civil law. (Bill read first time.) The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time? (On motion of Senator Moreau, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.) [English] CANADIAN NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION PARLIAMENTARY TRANSATLANTIC FORUM, DECEMBER 4-6, 2023—REPORT TABLED Hon.

Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Parliamentary Transatlantic Forum, held in Washington, D.C., United States of America, from December 4 to 6, 2023. JOINT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF DEFENCE SECURITY COMMITTEE, ECONOMICS AND SECURITY COMMITTEE AND THE POLITICAL COMMITTEE, FEBRUARY 19-21, 2024—REPORT TABLED Hon.

Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Joint Committee Meetings of Defence Security Committee, Economics and Security Committee and the Political Committee, held in Brussels, Belgium, from February 19 to 21, 2024. JOINT VISIT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS AND THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON TRANSATLANTIC ECONOMIC RELATIONS, APRIL 22-26, 2024—REPORT TABLED Hon.

Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Joint Visit of the Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Relations and the Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Economic Relations, held in New York, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America, from April 22 to 26, 2024. SPRING SESSION, MAY 24-27, 2024—REPORT TABLED Hon.

Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Spring Session, held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from May 24 to 27, 2024. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1533

ANNUAL SESSION, NOVEMBER 22-25, 2024—REPORT TABLED Hon. Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Seventieth Annual Session, held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, from November 22 to 25, 2024. JOINT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF DEFENCE SECURITY COMMITTEE, ECONOMICS AND SECURITY COMMITTEE AND THE POLITICAL COMMITTEE, FEBRUARY 17-19, 2025—REPORT TABLED Hon.

Rebecca Patterson: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association concerning the Joint Committee Meetings of Defence Security Committee, Economics and Security Committee and the Political Committee, held in Brussels, Belgium, from February 17 to 19, 2025. THE SENATE NOTICE OF MOTION TO URGE GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH A FEDERAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK THAT ENSURES PARITY BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CARE AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CARE Hon.

Sharon Burey: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move: That the Senate recognize: (

a) that the World Health Organization and the Canadian Mental Health Association have identified mental health parity as a critical objective for an equitable health care system; and (

b) the urgent need to address disparities in mental health care access and coverage; and That the Senate urge the Government of Canada to establish a federal legal framework that ensures mental health and addiction care are treated on an equal footing with physical health care. •

(1440) BUSINESS OF THE SENATE The Hon. the Speaker: Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 4, 2025, Question Period will begin at 3:30 p.m. [Translation] MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE— MESSAGE FROM COMMONS The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that a message has been received from the House of Commons which reads as follows: Friday, February 13, 2026 EXTRACT, — That, (

a) pursuant to subsection 2(1) of

An Act to amend

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), No. 2, a special joint committee of the Senate and the House of Commons be appointed to undertake a comprehensive review relating to the eligibility of persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness to receive medical assistance in dying; (

b) five members of the Senate and 10 members of the House of Commons be members of the committee, including five members of the House of Commons from the governing party, four members of the House of Commons from the official opposition, and one member from the Bloc Québécois, with two Chairs of which the House Co-Chair shall be from the governing party and the Senate Co-Chair shall be determined by the Senate; (

c) in addition to the Co-Chairs, the committee shall elect two vice-chairs from the House, of whom the first vice-chair shall be from the Conservative Party of Canada, and the second vice-chair shall be from the Bloc Québécois; (

d) the quorum of the committee be eight members whenever a vote, resolution or other decision is taken, so long as both Houses and one member of the governing party in the House of Commons, one from the opposition in the House of Commons and one member of the Senate are represented, and that the Co-Chairs be authorized to hold meetings, to receive evidence and authorize the printing thereof, whenever six members are present, so long as both Houses and one member of the governing party in the House of Commons, one member from the opposition in the House of Commons and one member of the Senate are represented; 1534 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026

(

e) the House of Commons members be named by their respective whip by depositing with the Clerk of the House the list of their members to serve on the committee no later than five sitting days after the adoption of this motion; (

f) changes to the membership of the committee, on the part of the House of Commons, be effective immediately after notification by the relevant whip has been filed with the Clerk of the House; (

g) membership substitutions, on the part of the House of Commons, be permitted, if required, in the manner provided for in Standing Order 114(2); (

h) where applicable to a special joint committee, the provisions relating to hybrid committee proceedings contained in the Standing Orders of the House of Commons shall also apply to the committee; (

i) the committee have the power to: (

i) sit during sittings and adjournments of the House, (ii) report from time to time, to send for persons, papers and records, and to print such papers and evidence as may be ordered by the committee, (iii) retain the services of expert, professional, technical and clerical staff, including legal counsel, (iv) appoint, from among its members such subcommittees as may be deemed appropriate and to delegate to such subcommittees, all or any of its powers, except the power to report to the Senate and House of Commons, (

v) authorize video and audio broadcasting of any or all of its proceedings and that public proceedings be made available to the public via the Parliament of Canada’s websites; (

j) pursuant to subsection 2(3) of the act, the committee submit a final report of its review, including any recommendations, to Parliament no later than Friday, October 2, 2026; and (

k) pursuant to subsection 2(4) of the act, following the presentation of the final report in both Houses, the committee shall expire; and that a message be sent to the Senate requesting that House to unite with this House for the above purpose and to select, if the Senate deems advisable, members to act on the proposed special joint committee.

ATTEST Eric Janse Clerk of the House of Commons The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this message be taken into consideration? (On motion of Senator Moreau, message placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.) [English] ORDERS OF THE DAY CONNECTED CARE FOR CANADIANS BILL SECOND READING—DEBATE Hon. Joan Kingston moved second reading of Bill S-5,

An Act respecting the interoperability of health information technology and to prohibit data blocking by health information technology vendors.

She said: Honourable senators, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak today about Bill S-5, the connected care for Canadians act. [Translation] I am delighted to rise today and speak to Bill S-5, which supports the establishment of a connected health care system in Canada. [English] Secure and easy access to our own personal health information is crucial for saving lives and improving health care for Canadians, but it’s also about giving people and their care teams the right digital tools to unlock real benefits, not only for better health outcomes, but for reducing costs, driving innovation and growing Canada’s economy. [Translation] We have glimpsed the potential of this tool, but we are still far from making it a reality.

In Canada, health information is fragmented and scattered among hundreds of digital systems. [English] Today, 47% of Canadians access their health information electronically, and only 29% of physicians exchange health records across points of care. Across Canada, fax machines remain the primary way to share health information, which is unacceptable for our country. First, think about what this means for Canadians. When someone sees a new provider, they are asked to repeat their medical history, including their medications, allergies and conditions, sometimes multiple times.

That’s assuming they can recall the details correctly. This is not only frustrating for patients, it leads to wasted time, incomplete and inaccurate information and billions wasted in unnecessary costs. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1535

Think about what this means for our already stretched and fatigued health care providers. They are left with incomplete information about their patients, limiting their ability to provide informed care, which can lead to life and death risks. Providers often work with incomplete information, relying on patient recall, manual faxing, piecemeal documentation or informal cross-organization relationships. This fragmentation creates challenges for things like continuity, since emergency room staff, walk-in providers and community pharmacists often cannot access primary care records.

It also impacts patients’ safety when medication histories, pending results and care plan details are missing. There are inefficiencies in terms of costs and time for both patients and providers caused by duplicate assessments, tests and referrals. •

(1450) There are workflow problems in that clinicians lose significant time navigating multiple systems. A physician in New Brunswick recently shared that he has different usernames and passwords for five systems that he could access and five other inaccessible systems that have information that would improve his care of his patients. He shared this with a colleague last week. There is poor equity. Patients with low health literacy, language barriers or limited system familiarity disproportionately shoulder the burden of coordinating their own care. It also hides the true complexity of care.

Much of what keeps the system functioning is unrecognized, unsupported work and workarounds. Physicians report that they spend two hours a day searching for information related to patient care. Patients also receive care through emergency departments, urgent care, walk-in clinics, community pharmacies, pharmacy-based clinics, social services, community mental health settlement services, physiotherapy and allied health clinics. These care providers cannot share information electronically.

Strengthening interoperability across the medical neighbourhood is, therefore, essential for ensuring continuity, reducing duplication and supporting the whole ecosystem of clinicians who contribute to the care of Canadians. In New Brunswick, the Health Systems Lab and McKenna Institute, both at the University of New Brunswick, or UNB, will conduct a province-wide systems-thinking study to map how providers across patients’ medical neighbourhoods access, navigate and reconcile information across multiple electronic medical records by visualizing how work is executed across the whole medical neighbourhood.

The study will reveal where interoperability breaks down, how variability emerges and where targeted, co-designed interventions can strengthen coordination, safety and productivity across the provincial system. Those lessons should be shared with provincial counterparts. Imagine the difference if every patient and their health care providers could easily access health records electronically, no matter where in Canada the patient receives care. Our health records should follow us wherever we go, across every part of the health care system and from one province or territory to another.

The focus of this proposed legislation is straightforward: to improve patient safety while protecting patient privacy and giving providers the digital tools they need to deliver safe, efficient and accessible care. Bill S-5 would enable health information to be shared securely and effectively on a need-to- know basis, including between patients and health care providers, in an easy-to-read format while safeguarding personal information. This is connected care.

The issue stems from the fact that health information in Canada is often stuck in separate systems and can’t be easily shared due to a lack of common standards and business interests. The lack of standards also impacts the quality and consistency of information, limiting the potential for de-identified data to be used in research and AI-driven innovation that could lead to real health outcome improvements for Canadians. To address this issue, this proposed legislation would require health IT vendors in Canada’s digital health sector to adopt common technical and data standards.

It would also prohibit vendors from engaging in data blocking, a practice that prevents authorized users from accessing health data even when privacy legislation allows it. Bill S-5 has critical implications for the future of our health care system and for the economy. Data saves lives in a very real way, and it has the power, perhaps more than anything else, to transform our health systems. This is also true for artificial intelligence, or AI, which has the power to improve care and treatment, reduce provider burden and improve productivity and innovation.

But the safe and effective use of AI depends on access to high-quality anonymized data that is standardized and can be shared across the system. For example, by standardizing and integrating anonymized data, researchers can find patterns and trends more easily to help diagnose a rare disease or underlying condition that would not have been obvious from one piece of data in isolation. This is also true for researchers analyzing data to improve health or prevent a public health emergency and for innovators building technology that could pave the way for a very different future for our health care system.

Ultimately, better data and digital tools create a more efficient, accessible and innovative health system. It’s time to move ahead with a modern, safer and connected health system that strengthens both health outcomes and Canada’s economy. Better- connected health data is also expected to drive major efficiencies, with estimates suggesting up to $9.4 billion in annual savings from reduced duplication, fewer missed appointments and more effective use of resources. 1536 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator Kingston ]

The lack of timely access to health information increases the risk of misdiagnoses, medication errors, treatment delays and unsafe treatments in Canada. [Translation] Each of these risks can cause a patient serious harm or result in death. [English] Let me take a moment to share the story of Greg Price, whose legacy has been an inspiration for some of us working on this legislation. In 2012, Greg Price, a 31-year-old Alberta man, died of complications from surgery for testicular cancer. From the beginning of Greg’s journey through the health care system, he experienced problems.

Lost and delayed health information and a lack of communication between digital tools and health data systems undermined the efforts of the health providers involved in his care. Falling Through the Cracks: Greg’s Story is a short film based on Greg Price’s experience with the health care system.

In spite of the tragic outcome of this story, the message of the film is intended to inspire positive change to the health care system. [Translation] Greg’s tragic and unexpected death highlights the risks that all Canadians run due to the fragmentation of data in our health system. [English] In the lead-up to this legislation, many Canadians came forward; like Greg Price’s family, they had suffered because they could not access the health information they needed. One physician shared the story of how they had worked with their cancer patient to set palliative end-of-life goals.

However, when the patient was transferred to the emergency department due to worsening symptoms, including a limited ability to communicate, the hospital did not have a record of the patient’s treatment plan. This led to the emergency staff preparing the patient for unwanted surgery. By coincidence, the patient’s family doctor was working in the ER and was able to intervene. The patient was only able to die peacefully in their home, as they wished, because their doctor happened to be there.

The risks are also high for patients who travel in Canada, whether those in rural and remote communities or those who are out of province or territory for medical treatment or even travelling for business or on vacation. [Translation] One health care provider said the hospital where he works is located near a provincial border and accepts patients from the neighbouring province. He explained that these transferred patients arrive in serious condition, usually with photocopies of their health records.

The information is often incomplete because there is no digital connection between the provincial health systems. [English] My own province of New Brunswick knows this all too well. Children in our province with complex health needs often face travelling to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax for necessary health care and life-saving procedures and then returning to New Brunswick for follow-up care. Adults with very complex conditions are frequently referred to either Montreal or Toronto. In all these cases, important health information is often missing or inaccessible. •

(1500) These are real situations that, unfortunately, happen every day. These examples show that patients and health care providers rely on timely and accurate data. Without it, health care providers must make clinical decisions with incomplete information, which undermines their ability to provide safe care. Shockingly, one doctor in the Northwest Territories has likened the situation to “flying blind” — an unacceptable standard of care in Canada. From these stories, it is easy to see how this lack of access to patient health information contributes to physician stress, burnout and turnover.

Physicians need access to digital tools so they can focus more on patient care than on paperwork, and so they can feel confident about the care they are providing. That also applies to the health care teams that work with them. This legislation will also break down economic barriers for Canadian firms and innovators. Health data is one of Canada’s most valuable natural resources, thanks to our publicly funded health care system. By breaking down competing provincial and territorial requirements to create consistent national standards, we can unlock the full power of this data for innovation.

Canadian firms need a level playing field where standards are clear and consistent across the country, enabling them to compete at home and abroad. Aligning with international standards lowers the cost of doing business, frees firms from navigating a web of competing requirements and allows them to focus on scaling their solutions and harnessing the full potential of artificial intelligence. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1537

It also opens the door for emerging small businesses to enter the digital health sector, fuelling job creation and economic growth. By making it easier for Canadian companies to bring their solutions to market, we strengthen competitiveness, accelerate innovation and expand opportunities both nationally and internationally.

With Canada’s diverse population and rich health database, we have a unique advantage for building world-leading AI applications, attracting global talent and positioning our country as a leader in health innovation. [Translation] Consistent standards are essential not just to speed up progress on AI, but also to ensure that health information is accurate, consistent and impartial, lowering the risk of perpetuating inequities in the system. [English] Just as we wouldn’t allow a self-driving car drive without clear, machine-readable signs, AI and other digital tools need reliable, standardized data to function safely.

We know that when health information is connected and accessible to those who need it, Canadians can see benefits, such as improved quality of care, reduced medication errors, increased accuracy of diagnosis and a better, more efficient health system and economy. While this risk exists for all people across Canada, it is amplified for certain Canadians.

For example, people who must travel across provincial or territorial borders for care, like some New Brunswickers; patients who have many interactions with different parts of the health system, and many specialists, such as those with rare diseases or chronic conditions; people in rural and remote communities, who face higher rates of avoidable emergency department use due to gaps in primary care; children, particularly those under the age of 10, who are most likely to visit the emergency department for conditions that could be managed in primary care.

This legislation has been contemplated since 2023, and indeed long before that by health care professionals. Despite significant investments, Canada’s health system is under immense strain. Without decisive action, we risk perpetuating an outdated system that can fail patients. Without action, we will fall further behind our peers, losing the confidence of Canadians and missing opportunities to strengthen both our health care and our economy. This legislation responds directly to the urgent challenges we face today.

Health information is critical to improving accessible and efficient care, saving lives and driving change, but unlike several OECD countries who legislated on this years ago, Canada is not using this powerful tool to its full potential. Canadians themselves are demanding change. They want digital access to their health information to help them make important decisions. For many years, industries such as banking and air travel have provided seamless digital services, yet most Canadians cannot easily access their own health records.

In fact, just this month, the Standing Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy made observations on Division 23 of Bill C-15. The committee urged the government to examine, as soon as possible, opportunities to extend data-mobility frameworks to additional sectors of the economy beyond consumer-driven banking, such as health and tax data, noting that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has indicated that the current amendments would permit such sector- specific frameworks where desired.

Meanwhile, our health care system is at a breaking point, wait times are growing, and outdated and disconnected systems are holding back progress. Our health care workforce is also in crisis. Physicians, nurses and other members of the health team are burning out at unprecedented levels, yet health care providers spend hours charting and working with outdated systems. By improving the accuracy and timeliness of personal health information, the connected care for Canadians act has the potential to enhance collaboration among interprofessional teams, reduce duplication and improve patient outcomes.

The Canadian Nurses Association has been calling for the adoption of clinical data standards for years. Dr. Margot Burnell, president of the Canadian Medical Association, said recently that the inability to share records between health providers puts patients at risk. Electronic health record connectivity across the care continuum is critical to continuity of care and informed care. Without a seamless exchange of information between systems and providers, the burden of sharing data and information falls to patients and their families. This advice is not new.

A report released in 2015 by the federal Advisory Panel on Healthcare Innovation cites evidence that integrated care where: . . . inter-professional teams of providers collaborate to “provide a coordinated continuum of services” to individual patients, supported by information technologies that link providers and settings. . . . results in lower rates of hospitalization for patients, increased preventive services and lower costs per person. 1538 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator Kingston ]

[Translation] Furthermore, without coordinated action, Canada risks losing the ability to leverage this data to improve care, innovation and the system. In this period of global economic uncertainty, we cannot afford to overlook this opportunity. The use of digital health tools, including AI, will strengthen the Canadian economy and keep us competitive into the future. [English] Recognizing this, provinces, territories and the federal government have been working in an unprecedented way to bring our country together around a unified economy.

The digital health sector is no exception; it is one of Canada’s fastest growing industries and a major contributor to the GDP, with health care overall accounting for 15% of the Canadian workforce. In today’s uncertain global environment, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen Canada’s digital health sector and explore new partnerships. The legislation aligns with approaches used in other jurisdictions, such as Australia, the United States and the European Union. Their residents have been reaping the benefits of connected care for years. Now it is Canada’s turn.

If we act, we can ensure that Canadians have access to connected care that rivals — or even surpasses — the best in the world. However, without a nationwide approach, some regions of the country could see improvements, while others are left with significant gaps, exacerbating health disparities across the country. Bill S-5 would mandate common requirements for the content and exchange of data that would apply to health IT vendors across Canada. Together with a prohibition on data blocking, the legislation would improve data access and data mobility.

Pan-Canadian standards would be set out and maintained through regulations, with requirements that would enable patients access to their own health information, secure exchange and easy access to health information for those who need it while protecting privacy, and standardize health data content to improve quality and usability. In this way, Bill S-5 would allow health information to be shared effectively on a need-to-know basis to both patients and health care providers in a timely and easy-to-use format while protecting privacy. •

(1510) I want to emphasize that this bill does not impact existing privacy legislation. While the intent is to enable a connected care system, sharing or access to personal health information would continue to respect the requirements of Canadian, provincial and territorial laws that govern the use of personal health information. The Government of Canada remains committed to collaborating with partners to ensure the protection and secure sharing of Canadians’ health data and, in turn, to ensure patient safety.

This act would enable, not compel, secure access for patients and secure information sharing between health care providers. Bill S-5 applies only to digital health vendors. Some vendors, operating in markets where governments mandate such standards, have already adopted them. The legislation does not create a digital ID, platform or database of health information that would be shared with the Government of Canada. It does not compel data sharing.

This legislation is about Canadians and their providers accessing their own health data within the strict confines of existing privacy rules, within the circle of care and on a need-to-know basis. The Government of Canada is taking a collaborative approach with provinces, territories and stakeholders to achieve pan‑Canadian interoperability in the health sector. Recent events in Canada have highlighted the need for better health data for the benefit of both Canadians and the health care system. In 2022, the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy Expert Advisory Group released the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy.

This strategy is designed to support the effective creation, exchange and use of critical health data for the benefit of Canadians and the health care system. In 2023, at a meeting of Canada’s first ministers of health, there was clear recognition that health data could be useful in evaluating health care investments, providing insights into the health benefits and gaps experienced by Canadians.

In June 2024, the connected care for Canadians act was introduced in Parliament, proposing common data standards for health information technology systems with an aim to drive connected care, enhance patient safety and improve health outcomes. Bill S-5 is a reintroduction of the connected care for Canadians act. Provinces and territories will be able to use the federal framework to make similar laws in their jurisdictions if they choose. The bill will act as a backstop in provinces and territories without similar legislation in place.

Bill S-5 will also support a more coordinated and integrated care system, particularly in rural and remote communities and for Indigenous populations, where individuals rely more often on virtual care, cross-border medical travel and/or both on-reserve and off-reserve care. Let me take a moment to review recent efforts and investments that align with the goals of Bill S-5. There has been significant collaboration to meet federal, provincial and territorial, or PFT, commitments to improve how health data is collected, shared, used and reported. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1539

[Translation] In collaboration with the provinces and territories, the Government of Canada is implementing a joint action plan on health data and digital health. These efforts are guided by a Pan‑Canadian Health Data Charter that affirms common principles, such as equity, public trust through engagement, and respect for Indigenous data sovereignty. [English] As part of these efforts, federal, provincial and territorial governments have also been collaborating on health data reporting.

Common indicators have allowed us to measure progress in improving the health system and to communicate transparently to Canadians. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have advanced key initiatives, including pan‑Canadian principles to guide ethical and responsible AI use across health systems, a framework for health data stewardship and resources to build public trust and data literacy in health data sharing. Together, we have also developed a new public health information sharing agreement for more consistent public health data sharing across Canada to combat future public health emergencies.

Importantly, and directly in support of this legislation, the Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap is being implemented, which is led by Canada Health Infoway and outlines a path forward for defining common interoperability requirements in Canada. Bill S-5 would catalyze provincial, territorial and stakeholder efforts on the Shared Pan-Canadian Interoperability Roadmap by accelerating the adoption of common standards by health IT vendors through enforceable measures.

As I have laid out, the government is working collaboratively with provinces and territories to advance the goals of connected care in Canada. This legislation builds on conversations and work with provinces and territories across the country. In fact, we are already seeing progress in parts of the country. My home province, New Brunswick, through the MyHealthNB portal, is emerging as a leader in giving residents direct access to their health information. To date, more than 230,000 New Brunswickers have already accessed their personal health records through this system, with over 600,000 residents eligible.

The province has also made advancements so patients can generate a

summary of their health data that can be shared securely to their phone using a QR code, giving individuals the ability to carry their essential health information and securely share it with clinicians wherever they receive care. These kinds of patient-centred, standards-based solutions show what is possible when health information is connected. Building on these success stories, the intention is to continue to engage every step of the way.

For example, regulations would be informed by robust consultation with the provinces and territories, partners, Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders through the Canada Gazette process, and the work done to date by the PFT partnership will inform and accelerate this process. A collaborative and transparent approach with provinces, territories and vendors is being taken, providing ample time for them to develop their own legislation if desired and respecting provinces and territories that have made initial progress on mandating standards.

Quebec and Ontario are two of these. [Translation] Once it is established that administrations have implemented their own similar requirements, the federal framework does not apply. [English] As has been the case in other parts of the world, such as Australia, the United States and the European Union, legislation and regulations will be critical tools in Canada for driving change and successfully improving the interoperability of our health systems. Once it is passed, this legislation can save lives, as the story of Greg Price so poignantly illustrates.

Gaps in data collection, sharing and use will only continue to perpetuate the unnecessary risks and frustrations faced by Canadians and their circle of care. It also impedes our ability to make evidence-informed decisions that not only improve health care and promote equity but also drive system efficiencies and support the economy. There is strong support for change, and I believe that, with this legislation, we have found an approach that works in the best interests of all Canadians.

Bill S-5 provides a solid foundation to ensure that we can fully harness the potential of health data and digital tools, including artificial intelligence. Canadians will see improvements in the efficiency, accessibility and quality of care with secure and timely exchange of health information across care teams and settings. That is why I urge all senators to move quickly to support Bill S-5. Thank you. Woliwon. Hon. Colin Deacon: Would Senator Kingston take a question about her wonderful speech? Senator Kingston: Yes. Senator C. Deacon: Thank you, Senator Kingston. This has long been needed.

Canada’s largest public expenditure is health care, and we don’t use the data to help us build businesses, improve patient care or really understand how to improve the system. This is very welcome, without question. 1540 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator Kingston ]

My question, though, relates to the coming into force. Health Canada has a history of being very slow on regulatory matters. That worries me, though I did see clause 9 prioritizes incorporation by reference — incorporation of standards. You mentioned standards quite a bit in your speech. Do you believe the government will move as rapidly as it needs to move to unlock this opportunity for Canadians?

Because we have a chance, really, to build new industries that can dramatically improve care in Canada and then help us pay for our health care system by selling those successes around the world, and INOVAIT at Sunnybrook Research Institute is one of the examples that I put down. Could you give me a sense of how the government will move forward to make sure this starts to come into force very rapidly? •

(1520) Senator Kingston: It is informal, but I have been told by the minister that the real work — that being the work that needs to be done for the regulations — will happen as early as this summer. I’m even more reassured, I guess, by the fact that a lot of the work has been done.

Obviously, the engagement needs to happen as per what happens through the Canada Gazette, but the provinces and territories have been working pretty diligently — and more and more diligently, it seems, as the months pass — understanding that there are opportunities out there for growth and that Canadian companies need to be functioning with international standards in mind so that they can sell their products abroad.

Big provinces like Quebec and Ontario are moving on legislation of their own, which is great, and it will be used, most likely, as best practices for a lot of what is developed in terms of the federal government. I do have hope that it will happen quickly. There seems to be a lot of goodwill amongst the provinces and, certainly, amongst the health care professionals who are organized into groups. There is tremendous support for this to move forward, and they are looking forward to working with the government in terms of the regulations. Senator C. Deacon: Thank you, Senator Kingston. That is a great answer.

Just to build on what you said about the provinces’ involvement, there are, in Canada, 13 different health jurisdictions, and the barriers between those jurisdictions harm patient care in Canada because there are best practices that aren’t being shared because they need to get their own data. It’s like the water is different in Ontario, so they have to treat things differently.

To what extent does the government see this as an opportunity to build on removing interprovincial barriers, which are problematic for innovative companies that have great new opportunities to improve our health care system and help patients more effectively? To what extent will that be prioritized in the implementation of the bill? Thank you. Senator Kingston: Working on the standards together is one of the big wins, I guess, in this whole thing.

They have begun to do that since 2023, in particular, because the provinces and territories and so on come to the federal government with requests regarding health transfers, and in the most recent health transfer, there was a chunk of money, if you will, given to the provinces with the understanding that this would be spent on these very things — the development of Canadian standards and interoperability between the provinces — because of the things that I mentioned in terms of certain provinces, like my own, having to go for care to other provinces at times.

But you also noted research and innovation, and the sharing of anonymized or disaggregated data is really important to researchers in Canada, both in the health care sector and in the technology sector, to decide what it is we need and how best it would serve Canadians. We’re a multicultural country, so there are all kinds of opportunities to develop things that are very workable for all kinds of other situations, other countries and jurisdictions and so on. Hon. Rebecca Patterson: I am all for this.

I remember in the late 1990s when it was the health information superhighway, and all of us health care folks were super excited. There are, actually, 14 health jurisdictions, and, of course, the fourteenth is through the Canadian Armed Forces, which is federal. We have spent so many years trying to intersect with provinces and one territory — Yukon — where we have service members who also access care because they are outside of the Canada Health Act.

We have certainly seen the challenges of this, so I think the standards approach is absolutely outstanding, but I do believe you need to talk about Indigenous Peoples and also the Canadian Armed Forces. Standards are going to be quite important. My next thing is that this legislation right now talks about privacy and different things, but we also know that health information and health systems are a cybersecurity target. They are directly linked to that. Do you know whether the standards are also moving towards cybersecurity requirements, which affect not only the vendor but also the provinces that do this?

The subparagraph to that is that you have talked about transfer payments, and trying to replace existing systems is in the billions per province. Senator Kingston: First of all, my understanding is that with interoperability, there are things that can happen with the systems that we have. Some of them are clearly outdated and would not be able to do that, but there are systems in my own province, for instance, that should be able to talk to each other, but people haven’t done the work in order for them to talk to each other yet. I’m trying to think of the other thing that you first mentioned — cybersecurity.

The privacy legislation that exists in the provinces, which I understand is quite robust in most provinces, would be the part that we would be dealing with in terms of that. All of that still exists, and I know in my own province that there is a particular act that deals with health information in and of itself. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1541

Cybersecurity, as you’re more than well aware — better aware than most people in this room — is something that is ongoing, and we will need to have, certainly, not only standards but vigilance in terms of setting up firewalls and so on to protect information, because what this is meant to do is have information for the patient to access, for the providers to access and share amongst the circle of care, but, certainly, any big system — I know universities have been attacked.

Again, it’s a provincial issue that goes across all of the jurisdictions, and that will be something that I will mention in terms of needing to think about that, in particular. You’re absolutely right. Hon. Jim Quinn: Would you take a question? I have to echo what has been said. This is an overdue initiative. There is no reason that anybody in Canada — a Maritimer should be able to go to British Columbia if something happens; my medical data should be accessible to the provider in British Columbia.

I do recall back in the late 1990s and 2000 era when the Canadian health information highway was up for discussion, and there were two or three things — I was one of the central agency folks involved — one was cost, and the second was the system itself. Technology has advanced so much. Do you have concerns about costs or other challenges? What do you see as the biggest challenge besides cost? Senator Kingston: There is a cost to not moving forward, and I think that’s a larger cost. I worked in health care for a long time, and most of the technology that we use has to be updated every five years.

That’s a cost of doing business, if you will, and that needs to be built in. I don’t believe that it should be an excuse for not moving forward, and, generally, when you adapt to a new technology or adopt a new technology, it ends up either doing a little bit of cost containment, or — and I have seen it many times — it benefits patients in a way that means that their trajectory or what we spend on them in the health care system is, hopefully, less, and they are getting better at the same time. The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Osler, there is one minute left.

If you would like to start off with your question, I may have to interrupt. Hon. Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler: Will you take a question? Thank you for this. I understand the bill is about breaking down silos so that patients can have better and safer high-quality care. As we talk about health data, there is a nuance in there, and that is the health data ownership piece of it. As patients, we have a right to access our health data, but the physician or the clinic or the hospital that created that medical record is the owner or custodian of the data.

As we talk about this, there is a secondary use to health data when it comes to health IT vendors, in particular, once the data is anonymized and disaggregated, because it can then fall outside of typical privacy legislation within the provinces. •

(1530) There are concerns about the secondary uses of data once these silos are broken down in terms of data being used for purposes that we as patients didn’t know about and didn’t consent to, such as for the training of AI models or for commercial use by IT vendors who may seek to own or use the health data. Can you speak to some of the nuances about the secondary uses? Are there any safeguards within this bill or that are being discussed? BUSINESS OF THE SENATE The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Kingston, I regret that I have to interrupt you.

You will have the balance of your time when debate resumes at the end of Question Period. Honourable senators, before proceeding to Question Period with the minister, I would like to remind you of the time limits the Senate established for questions and answers in the order of June 4, 2025. When the Senate receives a minister for Question Period, as is the case today, the length of a main question is limited to one minute, and the answer to one minute and 30 seconds. The supplementary question and answer are each limited to 45 seconds.

In all these cases, the reading clerk stands 10 seconds before the time expires. I will now ask the minister to enter and take his seat. [Translation] QUESTION PERIOD (Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on June 4, 2025, to receive a Minister of the Crown, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S.

Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, appeared before honourable senators during Question Period.) BUSINESS OF THE SENATE The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, today we have with us for Question Period the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy to respond to questions concerning his ministerial responsibilities.

On behalf of all senators, I welcome the minister. 1542 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Senator Kingston ]

Minister, as I have noted to the Senate, a main question is limited to one minute and your response to one minute 30 seconds. The question and answer for a supplementary question are both limited to 45 seconds. The reading clerk stands 10 seconds before these times expire. I ask everyone to respect these times. Question Period will last 64 minutes. MINISTRY OF INTERNAL TRADE CANADA-U.S. TRADE Hon. Claude Carignan: Welcome, minister. I’m glad you have one minute and 30 seconds to answer.

The answer to my first question is a number, so you should still have one minute and 30 seconds to give me an answer about the illegal tariffs. On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a large proportion of the tariffs Donald Trump had imposed on many companies around the world. Several experts estimate that these unjustified and illegal tariffs brought in between $173 billion and $227 billion. Of that amount, how many billions of dollars do you estimate Canadian companies have been cheated out of by these illegal tariffs? Hon.

Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Thank you, Madam Chair. I’d like to take a moment to thank the honourable senators for the invitation. It’s always a privilege to be here. Senator Carignan, thank you for your question. As you rightly said, we maintained that the reciprocal tariffs announced by President Trump were unjustified. We were obviously pleased with the decision of the U.S.

Supreme Court, which has resulted in a reduction in the tariffs applied to Canadian companies. However, a number of challenges remain in certain sectors. If I understand your question correctly, Senator Carignan, you want to know the exact amount of money that Canadian companies have paid and how much they might get back. I saw a preliminary analysis of these numbers following Friday’s decision, but I’d be happy to share the exact figures with you, which are quite high. I think I know what your second question is going to be, so I look forward to hearing it. Senator Carignan: I anxiously await these figures.

The Government of Canada has been rather cautious in its response and fairly silent in the wake of the decision. You gave a few interviews where you said that you were satisfied. Can you explain to us how the Government of Canada intends to recoup these amounts for the companies? What measures will you take to do that? Mr. LeBlanc: Senator Carignan, I fail to see how you could consider our government’s reaction to be cautious. Personally, I had agreed to speak on Gérald Fillion’s show and I was on my way to the Radio-Canada building in Montreal when the Supreme Court decision was announced.

While I was walking around the Radio-Canada building, I gave about six or seven interviews to journalists who were following me. I certainly wasn’t being cautious. However, you’re right about one thing, Senator Carignan. The Supreme Court didn’t say anything about refunds. The amounts were indeed paid by private sector companies. U.S. law does provide recourse to recover these amounts. The government will support companies that wish to go that route, but it would be a private course of action. The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister.

Senator Carignan: It sounds like you’re not going to take any legal action on their behalf. Mr. LeBlanc: I didn’t say we wouldn’t help them. I said the decision — The Hon. the Speaker: I have to interrupt. I’ll go back to Senator Carignan for your next question. INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE Hon. Claude Carignan: Minister, you have quite a few roles, including Minister of Internal Trade. On March 21, 2025, during the most recent election campaign, the Prime Minister promised real free trade among the provinces by Canada Day 2025. He said he would gradually remove all federal exceptions restricting internal trade.

Nine months have passed since Canada Day 2025, but nobody has heard a thing about a real interprovincial free trade agreement. Minister, how many federal barriers to internal trade has your government removed, and when? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: I’ll give you a very precise answer. All trade barriers have been removed. That was in a bill we passed, Bill C-5.

For the first time in a long time, we met with the country’s internal trade ministers, and we came to the table with clean hands. All federal barriers, all of the federal government’s exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, have been fully removed. Senator Carignan: Did the government show leadership in chairing the first ministers’ conferences to ensure that barriers between the provinces were also being removed? We’re not seeing results yet. We see the Prime Minister making the rounds of world capitals, but not of provincial capitals to provide leadership on matters concerning interprovincial barriers.

What’s happening with the interprovincial barriers aspect? Mr. LeBlanc: The good news, senator, is that we’re making very good progress. I think that the Prime Minister visits a lot of provincial capitals and meets with premiers more often. Mr. Harper, for example, never held meetings with all of the provincial and territorial premiers, but I’ve attended at least four meetings with Prime Minister Carney, including one a month ago in Ottawa. There was a dinner at Meech Lake the night before, then the meeting the next day. We did indeed discuss the importance of making progress in the provinces and territories.

As for trucking issues, all barriers between the provinces and February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1543

obstacles to the sale of goods have been eliminated. That means we’ve made breakthroughs in two areas for the first time in a long time, though more progress remains to be accomplished. The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. • (1540) [English] CANADA-UNITED STATES-MEXICO AGREEMENT Hon. Peter M. Boehm: Minister, it’s good to have you here. You recently returned from Mexico after leading probably the largest Canadian delegation in commercial terms to that country, which, of course, is our third-largest trading partner.

Much is on the line, obviously, for both of us in the renegotiation — if that’s what it comes to — of CUSMA and the overall tension. I’d like to ask you about opportunities for closer collaboration between Canada and Mexico but also whether the bilateral thinking with your counterpart is aligned in terms of any specific sector revisions versus starting from scratch. That’s the first question. And if we are to expand our trade with Mexico, can we do that without sending product through the United States, specifically via intermodal transport along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts? Hon.

Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator Boehm, thank you for the question. Of course, you have considerable experience yourself in the relationship between Canada and Mexico. You’re right; it was the largest bilateral trade mission in decades. Almost 400 Canadians accompanied me, representing 230 businesses — big and small — and business associations. It involved three cities: Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.

On the first question, Senator Boehm, regarding the Mexican government, I had the opportunity to meet President Sheinbaum with some colleagues. My vis-à-vis is Secretary Ebrard. We are very much aligned with the Government of Mexico in terms of the importance of a trilateral review, not a renegotiation of CUSMA. They are of the view, as we are, that there is a lot of benefit to the three economies to having a trilateral free trade agreement. One country has some particular issues with Mexico and Canada. We can work through those, we believe, and preserve the important trilateral framework.

That’s the view that the Mexicans expressed to me. It’s one with which we are in complete agreement. If we want to increase our bilateral trade between Canada and Mexico, separate and apart from the North American free trade context, you are absolutely right, senator, that intermodal transport links are critical. An iconic Canadian rail company, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, has invested considerably and has a huge footprint in Mexico; and LOGISTEC, a Quebec company, is acquiring a port on the east coast. Senator Boehm: I yield the remainder of my time to Senator Loffreda.

CANADIAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENT ON THE SALE OF GOODS Hon. Tony Loffreda: Minister LeBlanc, welcome to the Senate. I want to discuss internal and interprovincial barriers — something we’ve been talking about for almost 160 years now — but, more specifically, the work of the Committee on Internal Trade and the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods it signed in November. My question focuses on Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, which I’ve always described as the heart and soul of our economy.

Can you speak to us about the positive impact the agreement will have for SMEs, which sometimes lack the resources to navigate multiple regulatory systems across provinces and territories? How will your agreement help them access a larger domestic market more seamlessly and cost- effectively? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, thank you for the question. It follows up on Senator Carignan’s question.

You’re much more optimistic than your Conservative colleague, which I think is great. As you noted, that significant agreement was signed in November among all the provinces at a meeting in Yellowknife, where I was. Ontario and Nova Scotia have shown enormous leadership in our federation. We signed an agreement regarding the mutual recognition for the sale of goods, and we did away with the interprovincial trucking barriers, which made no sense.

Small- and medium-sized businesses can now sell a particular item in Nova Scotia, and it’s deemed to comply with all of the sale of goods requirements in another jurisdiction. That’s just one thing — [Translation] The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. [English] CANADIAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Hon. Tony Loffreda: Thank you for that response. I looked at the committee’s 2025 Year in Review highlights, and I noted that the parties have concluded financial services negotiations and will incorporate a new

chapter into the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, or CFTA, in 2026. Can you expand on how these changes might facilitate the supply of financial services across Canada and make access to capital for SMEs — which is so important — more easily obtained and delivered? 1544 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Mr. LeBlanc ]

Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Again, senator, thank you for the question. Financial services, in terms of having true free trade between the 13 provinces and territories in Canada, have always been a challenge. Different provincial regulators have different rules. They have been for a long time.

The Government of Canada had some exemptions to the free trade agreement in financial services, which, of course, were eliminated in June by the adoption of the legislation that this house and the House of Commons adopted. It is work that is being led largely by Ontario. We have an in‑person meeting co-chaired by Canada and Nunavut in March of the Committee on Internal Trade.

The premiers agreed with the Prime Minister at our meeting in January that we would try to make very significant, quick progress on building codes and mutual recognition of labour and trades because of the importance, for example, of the construction of housing and other labour mobility issues. I intend to push the provinces on the access to capital issues, as you said.

In Atlantic Canada, the number of financial institutions 20 years ago that might have offered opportunities to those SMEs has significantly diminished, so they’re doing business with a company in another jurisdiction now, and they’re caught up in these interprovincial rules. Senator Loffreda: To wrap that up and continue on that thought, how is the communication process coming along to the SMEs? Have you talked to many of them? Are they positive, confident that they will be able to navigate across Canada, have access to capital like they should have and keep our economy going forward, progressing? Mr.

LeBlanc: That’s a very good question, senator. In fact, one of the things that the Prime Minister and I committed to first ministers — and I said this when we met as the Committee on Internal Trade at that meeting in Yellowknife you referred to in November — is that we have a Trade Commissioner Service that helps small- and medium-sized businesses — to Senator Boehm’s question — access the Mexican market. I saw that last week myself.

We are in the process of standing up with provincial partners the equivalent of a domestic Trade Commissioner Service, precisely so we can take some of that energy and enthusiasm and use federal Regional Development Agencies and provincial partners to assist those small businesses in Canada as well. CANADA-UNITED STATES-MEXICO AGREEMENT Hon. Mohammad Al Zaibak: Welcome back, Minister LeBlanc. Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, President Trump has pivoted to a new tariff authority, imposing a 10% to 15% global levy.

Minister, how does the Supreme Court’s invalidation of the tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, and the president’s immediate imposition of new levies under a separate legal authority change Canada’s practical exposure under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA? And what is the government’s legal assessment of whether these replacement tariffs are themselves CUSMA- compliant? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S.

Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, thank you for the question. The final legal advice and analysis are being prepared or are being put together. Obviously, over the weekend, we had some preliminary advice, both from our embassy in Washington and from the government’s legal advisers, both in Canada and in the United States. The interesting thing — you’re right — is that, since the president’s authority under the IEEPA legislation was evacuated, he’s using a different piece of American legislation. He has announced 10% and then 15% across-the-board tariffs.

Under American law, they can’t be in place for more than 150 days without congressional authority. I spoke earlier this week with the U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Greer. The Americans immediately indicated there would be a CUSMA exemption from this new tariff that the President was proposing, similar to what had been in existence under the IEEPA tariffs. That is an important recognition of the value of the trilateral agreement. •

(1550) There is no doubt the President has always said that he will continue to look at American law to implement his tariff agenda. The fact that the American government recognized the CUSMA exemption again tells me that they see value in the agreement. Senator Al Zaibak: Also, the Supreme Court’s ruling has shifted the tariff debate to Capitol Hill. Partisan legislation aimed at reasserting Congressional authority over trade has gained new momentum.

How is Canada engaging directly with the Congressional counterparts — the Senate Finance Committee, for example, and the House Ways and Means Committee in particular — to help shape any forthcoming U.S. trade legislation in a manner consistent with CUSMA’s obligations and Canada’s market access interest? Mr. LeBlanc: Senator, you have, I think, properly identified the very considerable value that we as a government place on parliamentary diplomacy. There are members of this chamber who have relationships with U.S. legislators. There are interparliamentary associations.

Many members, I’m sure, who do very good work are in this chamber. I know our ambassador — the previous ambassador, who I understand was in your gallery earlier today, Ambassador Hillman — had been extraordinarily engaged for many years with legislators in both houses in the United States. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1545

I was with the Prime Minister when he spoke with the new ambassador, Mark Wiseman. It’s very much a part of his priority work as well. I, myself, when I’m in the United States, talk to senior Republican leaders. The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. [Translation] INTERPROVINCIAL LABOUR MOBILITY Hon. Danièle Henkel: Good afternoon, minister. Thank you for being here. Minister, a midwife trained in Vancouver can’t work directly in Moncton. An electrician from Alberta can’t work in Montreal.

The act of bringing a baby into the world or working on electricity does not change at provincial borders, and yet professional orders claim that they do. Meanwhile, our hospitals are understaffed, our construction sites lack technicians, and skilled immigrants recruited at great expense from abroad are waiting years to be allowed to work in their field. Minister, you promised a 30-day standard for processing interprovincial recognition applications. Why has this standard still not come into effect? When will that happen? Thank you. Hon.

Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Thank you for the question, senator. I completely agree with your question and the issues you raised. As I mentioned, in the meetings I attended with Mr. Carney, the most insistent premiers were often those from Ontario and Nova Scotia, but the other premiers agreed with these discussions. We need to trust people.

If someone is qualified to be a technician in an Alberta hospital, I’d be very pleased if that person could work in New Brunswick and if that mutual recognition were in place. Legislation governing those professional orders is fully in the hands of provincial legislative assemblies. We have ways of encouraging them. I’ve even stated publicly that we want to make significant progress on labour mobility. You mentioned the health care sector, which I believe is essential for Canadians.

I’ve been criticized for saying that if we don’t see rapid progress, we’ll have to look at the money we transfer to the provinces for workforce training to encourage them to move faster. The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE Hon. Danièle Henkel: Thank you, Mr. LeBlanc. Today, Canadian SMEs that export to the United States have to follow the CUSMA rules of origin to avoid tariffs. However, if President Trump gets his way in July and dismantles CUSMA in favour of a bilateral agreement, these rules of origin could change overnight.

What exactly are you negotiating on behalf of Canadian SMEs? To what extent were they consulted before you walked into the room? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: We’ve held substantial consultations with a number of organizations representing SMEs, as you rightly mentioned, with the provinces and territories and with sectors hit with sector-specific tariffs. We held public consultations.

This week, I also met with two other important sectors of Canada’s economy to discuss these concerns. I don’t want to disagree with your remarks, but I don’t think that we’re going to end up with bilateral agreements. I think we will still have a trilateral agreement. If the parties want to discuss the rules of origin, we will be — The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. [English] TRADE TARIFFS Hon. Michael L. MacDonald: Welcome, minister. Good to have you and see you here in the peak of health. Minister, within hours of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on the IEEPA tariffs, the administration pivoted to

section 122, imposing a 15% global surcharge that expires in 150 days, while

section 232 tariffs remain in place. While

section 122 is temporary,

section 301 remains available to target Canada specifically. Have you or your officials conducted a formal risk assessment of potential

section 301 exposure? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: You’re absolutely right, senator.

Section 232 tariffs remain the most significant economic headwind currently for large and important sectors of the Canadian economy. We are continuing to work with the Americans to see if there is a way to bring some relief to those, we think, also unjustified sectoral tariffs. That’s

section 232. 1546 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026 [ Mr. LeBlanc ]

You’re right. Ambassador Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, has publicly indicated he will launch some

section 301 — exactly the premise of your question, I think — investigations, which then allow him to recommend certain remedies to the President, including the imposition of other tariffs. This is an ongoing threat of the U.S. administration. It’s not new. They pivoted to

section 301 in light of the Supreme Court’s decision. I know our embassy in Washington is presently doing some work. Again, they haven’t announced the details of precisely which investigations have begun. My communication with Ambassador Greer this week was cordial. I’m hoping to see him towards the end of next week. That’s precisely a question I’ll put to him. I’d like to understand the detail of where they’re proposing to go. Canada will, of course, be ready to support those industries that may be targeted, as we did in the 232 tariffs, should that be the case. CANADA-UNITED STATES RELATIONS Hon. Michael L. MacDonald: Minister, legal analysts note that

section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act could be used to target countries over “unreasonable or discriminatory” practices with no upper limit on the tariff rate. Canada has provincial alcohol embargoes and supply management issues, and they have been cited as possible triggers that can invite U.S. tariff retaliation. Given this vulnerability, what is the government doing to reduce the risk of retaliatory action ahead of the CUSMA review? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S.

Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: That’s a fundamental question, senator — “to reduce the risk of retaliatory action,” that’s a very big phrase to ask. We’re constantly looking to reduce the risk of retaliatory action. This administration is unlike previous administrations; they can decide to go in a particular direction, often without any notice or without much forewarning. The

section 301 tariffs require an investigation that can lead — I don’t disagree with the premise of your question. I think we need to continue to make the argument that these interests are against the American — The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. •

(1600) INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE Hon. Donna Dasko: Welcome, minister. My question follows other questions about interprovincial trade. Your government has reduced the barriers that you are responsible for. You have made more progress than the provinces have in reducing their interprovincial barriers. We also know, from the economic analysis, that a full reduction of interprovincial barriers would increase gross domestic product, or GDP, quite significantly. You mentioned some initiatives that the provinces are undertaking now.

What does your economic analysis show in terms of critical areas or initiatives at the interprovincial level that would have the most impact if they were implemented? I would first like to get a sense of what those areas might be. Thank you. Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, thank you for the question. The premise of your question is absolutely correct. The economic benefit to Canada’s GDP is considerable.

The Prime Minister said it well, noting, “We will give ourselves far more than any foreign nation could ever take from us.” I think by that, he means reducing these internal trade barriers and focusing on major projects. But regarding the internal trade barriers alone, we have seen estimates as recently as a couple of months ago of 3.5% to 4% of the GDP in a true free trade context. I’m optimistic, senator. The provinces are showing a great deal of willingness to move at speed. This has been a two-decade-long challenge.

Everybody had reasons why this basket of exceptions was critical, including previous governments of Canada. We are urging and working with the provinces to prioritize the building trades, for example, and in terms of your colleague’s question, through mutual recognition of skilled trades. We think that we can do a lot of work on harmonizing building codes. It makes no sense that a modular home made in New Brunswick can be more easily sold in Maine than it can in Prince Edward Island.

Senator Dasko: Are these the areas that you feel would have the greatest impact on GDP, or are there other areas that also need a lot of work? Mr. LeBlanc: Senator, there are many areas that need a lot of work, so your question about prioritization is the right one. If you look at the needs of Canadians around housing and the ability to quickly build more houses — including modular housing construction — provinces tell us it’s their priority. We have put billions of federal dollars behind that initiative.

We think it would be more efficient and improve the GDP of the country — not to mention the housing stock for Canadians — if we made significant progress quickly on mutual recognition and labour mobility. Let’s start with skilled trades and perhaps the medical profession as an example. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1547

TRADE TARIFFS Hon. Hassan Yussuff: Minister, thank you for being here. As you know, the sectoral tariffs have had a significant impact on workers in the auto, steel, aluminum and softwood lumber sectors. Of course, these sectors have been devastated and remain so. We have seen the loss of auto plants that have been idle in Ontario. The bigger question I have is on the context of our engagement around the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA — I would not want to call it “renegotiation” because that’s not what it is supposed to be. It’s a renewal of the agreement.

Is the government priority to seek to eliminate these tariffs as soon as possible given the fundamental impact they have had on workers and communities across this country? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, you have much experience in representing workers in this country. You have identified sectors of our economy — steel, aluminum, automobiles and softwood lumber — that are critical for Canada’s GDP.

Thousands of skilled — and, in most cases, unionized — workers earn their living in communities big and small across the country. Of those sectors, some provinces are more dominant in particular sectors than others. I come from a province where the softwood lumber industry is critical to communities across the province and across the country. We believe that the priority is to bring relief with respect to these sectoral tariffs. And you said it well, senator. It’s not a renegotiation of the CUSMA agreement. It’s not 2016 again.

It’s a review that was built into the agreement, six years from the date of it coming into force. It’s July of this year. It’s not a chapter-by-chapter renegotiation. We hope that, as part of that review, because we believe it’s in the American economic interest for American consumers and workers, that we can get to a position — working with our Mexican friends, American business organizations, American business leaders and groups representing American workers — where these tariffs can be adjusted downward precisely as part of that review.

Senator Yussuff: Minister, the government has certainly shown a commitment to continuing to protect these sectors. They are vital to our industrial economy. Last week, we announced an industrial strategy in this country. How are we going to utilize our broader exports, the internal creation of new markets and new development of our military industrial strategy to ensure we can re-employ these workers in sectors that have been devastated by these impacts? Mr.

LeBlanc: Thank you, senator, for highlighting the announcement the Prime Minister and some of my colleagues made around Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy last week, at a time when Canadians want the Government of Canada to increase its defence spending to meet our North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, commitments. We must do so in a way that brings maximum benefit to Canadian workers and Canadian industries. I think the Prime Minister said the priorities would be to build, partner and buy. Let’s build the high-quality equipment that the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces need here in Canada.

Let’s partner with like-minded countries that want to build that with us. Ultimately, the third recourse would be to buy if we haven’t been able to build or partner. That might be an example. HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Hon. Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler: Thank you, minister, for being here. Your 2025 CUSMA consultations confirmed a clear consensus among Canadians for a do-no-harm approach to the 2026 review. As you know, medicare is currently protected in CUSMA through reservations primarily found in Annex I and Annex II.

However, while Reservation II-C-6 theoretically shields medicare, its public purpose clause is a known legal vulnerability if Canada expands or modernizes its public health offerings. In light of these findings, how will your enforcement strategy specifically safeguard the autonomy of provincial health insurance plans against trade-based challenges? Will you commit to keeping Annex II protections — the protections for health and social services — off the table to ensure this remains a review and not a platform for eroding our sovereign right to deliver health care? Hon.

Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, you just asked a fundamental question. I’m happy to commit that the government will, in those review discussions with our American friends, preserve precisely the exemptions that you identified. This picks up on a question from your colleague.

The Americans, in their conversations with us, are focused on a few sectors of the economy where the President is intent on enacting global tariffs as a pursuit of American policy to bring these manufacturing industries to the United States. That is properly the subject of American political discourse and debate. In my conversations with the United States — with Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer — they have not raised these issues with us in any way, nor would the Government of Canada in any way engage in renegotiating or weakening — and I’m not trying to parse words and be cute.

It’s not something the Government of Canada would consider. But, to be very fair, it’s not something up to now that any of our partners in the trilateral agreement have raised with us. Senator Osler: Thank you, minister. 1548 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026

Alberta’s Bill 11 legislates a dual-track system that encourages private insurance coverage for medically necessary care. Legal experts warn this shift could weaken our Reservation II-C-6 protection, which requires health measures to be maintained for a public purpose. In other words, by allowing physicians to bill both the public system and private patients concurrently, Alberta may be stripping these services of their public purpose status, potentially opening a back door for U.S. firms to demand market access under CUSMA’s national treatment obligations.

During the upcoming review, what specific safeguards will you implement to ensure provincial privatization does not provide a loophole for the U.S. to challenge our medicare system? •

(1610) Mr. LeBlanc: Senator, thank you for that question. Right now is the first time I have heard the precision of drawing a connection between those lines, but the importance of protecting the Canadian public health care system from these theoretical or potential American trade actions is obviously of great importance. The good news is I’ll be back at the office when the Speaker releases me after 64 minutes — I thought it was 60 minutes. Once my time here has expired, senator, I would be happy to ask that exact question and share with you the answer. CANADA ELECTIONS ACT Hon.

Rodger Cuzner: Good to see my friend in good health and good spirits, obviously. Minister, you have emerged as a bit of a Swiss Army knife for the Prime Minister by taking on a broad scope of responsibilities. One of them is being the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada. As such, surely Bill C-4 has come across your desk. We have recently heard in committee from the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Cathy Hawara, about how

Part 4 confirms “. . . Parliament’s long-standing intent respecting its exclusive regulation of federal political parties’ dealings with personal information . . . .” I realize all members of the other house supported this with their votes, but senators have registered a strong concern about that particular provision because of the scant review — The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, senator. Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S.

Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Your Honour, what a tragedy to cut off such an excellent question. Perhaps you’ll allow me to imagine what Senator Cuzner was going to ask in that fantastic question. Senators, I was the Minister responsible for Democratic Institutions. It used to be part of the King’s Privy Council function, as you know. That particular function now resides with our Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, but for many years, I was the Minister responsible for Democratic Institutions.

I was the minister at a time when a privacy commissioner in a province decided to apply the privacy regime of a provincial government to the Canada Elections Act. I do not believe it’s in our national interest to have a patchwork quilt of provincial privacy commissioners or

interpretations on something as fundamental as protecting the private data of Canadian electors. The good news is all of the political parties represented in the House of Commons believe that we have found the way to have a robust national regime while working with political parties to provide that protection. I don’t think it is the proper jurisdiction of a provincial privacy commissioner to opine on the Canada Elections Act. We, as a Parliament, have to take responsibility for the protection of that private information, and I think we have done exactly that in this legislation. MAJOR PROJECTS OFFICE Hon.

Rodger Cuzner: My second brief question is about the Major Projects Office. As you know, minister, Nova Scotia is all in on wind energy. The wind west Atlantic energy project has huge potential to revolutionize energy in Atlantic Canada, producing 5,000 megawatts of power. Can you give us an update on that project, specifically where it stands and the impacts for the province of Nova Scotia and markets beyond? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S.

Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, that’s a critical question in terms of major projects for our region. It’s not just for your province of Nova Scotia but also for Atlantic Canada and partner jurisdictions that would benefit from such a significant development in wind energy. Premier Houston, with his Atlantic counterparts, has been an effective advocate. We decided to advance the wind west Atlantic energy project, along with proponents, to be developed with the Major Projects Office.

As you know, senator, last September, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator received — oh, it was such a good question, Your Honour. We’re out of time. The Hon. the Speaker: Well, you were not out of time. But thank you — now your time is up. February 24, 2026 SENATE DEBATES 1549

CANADA-UNITED STATES RELATIONS Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Minister LeBlanc, I think you would agree that your government’s approach to Canada-U.S. relations and the upcoming CUSMA review have significant implications for Canadians. Transparency on these issues should, therefore, be a priority. Yet, according to media reports, you are giving an off‑the-record speech at Canadian Club Toronto that’s closed to all media. Minister, what are you sharing with that audience that you believe Canadians shouldn’t hear? Hon.

Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, thanks for the question. I regularly accept to meet with business organizations, representatives of workers or others to talk about our conversations with the Americans. Many of these conversations are private. However, I have been around long enough to believe that a private conversation isn’t private. I found out that for the group organizing this lunch, tickets sold out very quickly.

I’m excited that it’s happening on Thursday. The good news is I asked that, of course, we open it. If you’re going to have 200 or 300 people who bought tickets for your lunch, I’m not naive enough to think that somebody is not going to report on what was said. The good news is we opened it to the media. People can livestream it. I’ll make sure, senator, it’s available on Facebook, if you would like to watch it. I think it will be a fantastic experience on Thursday. I’m sure the people who bought tickets will be very enthusiastic about their investment.

Senator Martin: I do have a Facebook account, so I look forward to that. Minister, from the outset, your government’s message on Canada’s trade relationship with the United States has created unmet expectations. Unrealistic timelines and unfocused efforts confuse Canadians and leave businesses hesitant to make critical investment decisions. Why isn’t your government prioritizing clear, transparent communication with Canadians, especially given the unpredictability of our key trading partner to the south? Mr. LeBlanc: It may not surprise you that I don’t quite agree with the premise of that question.

I think we have been very transparent and open with Canadians about the challenges that the world as well as Canada’s economy and workers face with the Trump administration. We ran an election campaign where we were very transparent with Canadians about the importance of diversifying our trade relationships with reliable partners, building major projects here at home and ensuring that we support workers and sectors of the economy who are unfairly targeted by tariffs that we think are unjustified.

We continue to pursue, if you will, a three-track approach, controlling what we can control here at home and working with our American and Mexican partners — The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, minister. INTERPROVINCIAL TRADE Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): My second question is related to a recent International Monetary Fund, or IMF, report highlighting the cost of interprovincial trade barriers — which you already answered questions about — as well as duplicative regulations and restricted labour mobility, significant productivity losses and a potential 7% boost in GDP left unrealized.

These domestic constraints are fully within Canada’s control. While Bill C-5 is a step forward, it doesn’t go far or fast enough. Why is your government failing to deliver the one Canadian economy it promised? What additional measures are being taken to unlock our full internal economic potential? Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., M.P., President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy: Senator, you referred to the IMF report.

We think that should encourage all of us, particularly our provincial and territorial partners, to take note of the very significant — which I agree with in terms of your question — economic upside to removing these barriers. Many of them are properly within the sovereign constitutional jurisdiction of provincial or territorial legislative assemblies. The good news is the provinces are working with one another and with us. Some provinces are, for example, declaring that they will recognize, by default, labour mobility or labour force credentials. We have a patchwork quilt of provinces trying to lead the way.

Our job is to encourage all of them to move as quickly as we can and to look at what federal instruments we have to encourage them to move as quickly as possible, with the full partnership of the Government of Canada. •

(1620) I’m not pessimistic about the progress we can make. I recognize the urgency of the moment, as your question did. The good news is that as recently as January, which was a month ago, in a private dinner the night before the meeting and during the meeting on the Thursday — the day after — the first ministers committed to each other and to us to continue to make effective progress. Senator Martin: On that note, minister, as you said, provinces have a role, but there are clearly things that the federal government can do. Conservatives have supported common- sense reforms to unleash economic growth.

I’m sure you’re aware of two very important bills. Why won’t your government follow suit and repeal policies like Bill C-69 and Bill C-48, as well as other regulations that stifle our resources sector? This is something the federal government can do right now. Mr. LeBlanc: Thank you for the question, senator. The House of Commons pronounced itself on those particular Conservative motions some time ago. We think the government is making very significant progress in partnership with the Government of Alberta.

The memorandum of understanding that the Prime Minister signed with Premier Smith is a very important 1550 SENATE DEBATES February 24, 2026

step forward. We are working diligently with our partners in Alberta, as well as other provinces and Indigenous groups, on the implementation of those commitments. We regularly take stock. I chair a cabinet committee that is regularly updated on the progress of that work. I am optimistic that we will be a very good partner for the Government of Alberta within those industries and sectors that you have identified. [Translation] CANADA-UNITED STATES-MEXICO AGREEMENT Hon.

Document details

Collection	Senate Debates
Citation	2026-02-24 / Sitting 052 / 44-4 / E
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	2026-02-24 / Sitting 052 / 44-4
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	HANSARD_SEN
Identifier	6c398da88b70d644ca4e8d9614f1499309702330

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (pdf).