Legislation focused on firearms and reconciliation are among key legislative priorities in the Senate as the fall sitting begins, the Government Representative in the Senate said.

Senator Marc Gold said he is eager to continue to build on debate and studies from the spring to move Government legislation forward.

Two Government bills are currently at the committee stage:

• Bill C-21 aims to address firearms violence in Canada and implement preventative measures.
• Bill C-29 provides for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation.

Three Government bills are currently at second reading:

• Bill S-13 amends the federal Interpretation Act to include a non-derogation clause on upholding section 35 Aboriginal and treaty rights.
• Bill C-35 sets out the Government’s vision for a Canada-wide early learning and child care system.
• Bill C-42 aims to bring greater transparency to corporate Canada.

Additionally, Bill C-48, legislation to strengthen Canada’s bail laws, was be introduced in the Senate on Tuesday after being adopted in the House of Commons on Monday.

Two new independent senators were also sworn in as the fall sitting began on Tuesday. Senator Paul Prosper represents Nova Scotia and Senator Judy White represents Newfoundland and Labrador.