Senator Gold: Well, Jewish people have a tradition of answering a question with a question. You will properly consider this is out of order, but let me ask you a question. As a member of the Senate for 15 years and as a former Speaker, surely you are aware that the question at this stage of the process has to refer to amendments that were either accepted or rejected and not to the bill as a whole.

Senator Housakos: Government leader, you’re giving the impression to this chamber that there is somehow a tradition in this place at message point of legislation that we’re just a rubber stamp, and that’s not the case.

It’s in the Constitution that this chamber has a right and a responsibility at message stage to refuse a bill as well, which you did not highlight, and to send it back along with many other options that this chamber has. Yes, there has been a tradition to bow to the wishes of the elected chamber, but there is also something the forefathers had established when they created this chamber — that when a government does something so egregious that a large number of Canadians find it offensive, we have the right to exercise our constitutional authority. I just want to put that on the record as well, government leader.

Senator Pate: Yes.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Question.

An Hon. Senator: Good idea.

Senator Tannas: Your thoughts?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: It is moved by the Honourable Senator Housakos, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin, that further debate be adjourned until the next sitting of the Senate. Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Do you have a question, Senator Boisvenu?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Is leave given for five more minutes?

An Hon. Senator: On division.

(Motion agreed to and bill read second time, on division.)

Some Hon. Senators: No.

[English]

Senator MacDonald: Honourable senators, I know I speak for my Conservative colleagues in regards to this bill because I know there is no support for this bill in our caucus. However, all bills deserve a chance to go to committee. I think that the light of day will expose the weaknesses in this bill. I suggest that the Senate send it to committee. Thank you.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Are senators ready for the question?

Senator Dupuis: If I understood correctly, I have 20 seconds to ask my question.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, Senator Dupuis.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

[English]

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(On motion of Senator Housakos, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Boyer, seconded by the Honourable Senator Marwah, for the second reading of Bill S-250, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures).

Senator Dalphond: I can do so, if my colleagues would agree.