The Senate made significant progress on key Government legislation in June, with seven bills receiving Royal Assent, one advancing to a Senate committee for further study and six more moving to the House of Commons for review.

“After another year of uncertainty and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a path forward to ensure that the business of the Senate on behalf of all Canadians did not take a break,” said Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.

“Senators examined important pieces of legislation ranging from environmental protection to strengthening the criminal justice system to critical economic matters. Of note for the Senate, the latest budget bill passed into law this week makes changes reflecting the new reality of a more independent and less partisan institution.”

Prior to rising, the following pieces of legislation were proclaimed into law after being adopted in the Senate:

Bill C-8 implements provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in December.

Bill C-14 preserves provincial representation in the House of Commons.

Bill C-19 implements the budget tabled this spring, supporting Canadians and our economy.

Bill C-24 grants funds for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

Bill C-25 grants funds for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023.

Bill C-28 responds to a recent Supreme Court decision by restoring criminal liability for violence committed while in a state of negligent self-induced extreme intoxication.

Bill S-10 advances Indigenous self-government. It enacts a new governance agreement with the Anishinabek Nation and modernizes a historic self-governance agreement with the shíshálh Nation.

Government legislation advances

In addition to the new legislation, a key legal bill was referred to a Senate committee for consideration after completing second reading.

Bill C-5 proposes to repeal certain mandatory minimum penalties, allows for a greater use of conditional sentences and establishes diversion measures for simple drug possession offences, among other measures. It was referred to Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Additionally, the Standing Senate Committee on Transport on Communications started a pre-study on Bill C-11 before the legislation arrived in the Senate. The bill proposes a new legislative regime to govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal information for commercial activity in Canada.

The Senate also sent six Government bills that originated in the Upper Chamber to the House of Commons for consideration. Find a full list here.