The Hon. the Speaker: Pursuant to the order of December 12, 2023, I leave the chair for the Senate to resolve into a Committee of the Whole to consider the subject matter of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act. The Honourable Senator Ringuette will chair the committee.

On the Order:

The Senate in Committee of the Whole in order to receive the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, P.C., M.P., Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, each accompanied by one official, respecting the subject matter of Bill C-56, An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act.

(The sitting of the Senate was suspended and put into Committee of the Whole, the Honourable Pierrette Ringuette in the chair.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, the question is as follows: It was moved by the Honourable Senator Plett, seconded by the Honourable Senator Martin:

That Bill C-21 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended ——

Shall I dispense, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker: I hear a “no.”

Honourable senators, leave was not granted. The sitting is, therefore, suspended, and I will leave the chair until 8 p.m.

(The sitting of the Senate was suspended.)

(The sitting of the Senate was resumed.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson:

That, pursuant to rule 7-2, not more than a further six hours of debate be allocated at third reading stage of Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms).

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, it is 6 p.m. Pursuant to rule 3-3(1), I am obliged to leave the chair until 8 p.m. when we will resume, unless it is your wish, honourable senators, to not see the clock.

Is it agreed to not see the clock?

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Plett, did you want five more minutes? Very well.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted?

The Hon. the Speaker: You still have 10 seconds to respond.

The Hon. the Speaker: That’s correct.

The Hon. the Speaker: I am sorry to interrupt, but the time for debate has expired.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: In my opinion, the yeas have it.

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker: Any advice on the bell?

The Hon. the Speaker: The vote will take place at 10:04. Call in the senators.

Motion agreed to on the following division:

Leave having been given to revert to Presenting or Tabling of Reports from Committees:

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

The Hon. the Speaker: All those in favour of the motion will please say, “yea.”

The Hon. the Speaker: All those opposed to the motion will please say “nay.”

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator, I’m sorry. The time allowed for debate has expired. Are you asking for a few more minutes?

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

The Hon. the Speaker: I think the yeas have it.

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Batters has a question. Senator Dasko, will you take a question?