A bill to establish a framework towards a national universal pharmacare in Canada and another to expand offshore wind opportunities on the East Coast are top priorities as the Senate sitting resumes this fall.

Bill C-64, known as the Pharmacare Act, was referred to the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology in the spring and study is set to begin in September. There is a Senate leadership agreement for a third reading vote on this bill by October 10.

“This legislation is a concrete step towards a national pharmacare program that will improve health equity, affordability and outcomes for Canadians,” said Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate. “Bill C-64 will create a stronger public health care system that will enable the federal government to provide free coverage for contraception and diabetes medications.”

Meanwhile, the Senate study of Bill C-49 is well underway at the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources. There is a Senate leadership agreement for a third reading vote by October 1.

This legislation would expand the mandate of offshore boards in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador to include renewable energy projects to ensure a consistent regulatory regime in federal-provincial jointly managed areas.

“Both provincial governments are calling on the Senate to adopt Bill C-49 as swiftly as possible so that they can enact mirror legislation to make this a reality this fall. As a chamber that represents regional interests, this legislation must be prioritized without delay to ensure economic advantages are established in Atlantic Canada,” Senator Gold said.

RCMP and CBSA oversight

The Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs is set to begin its study of Bill C-20 this fall. The legislation would establish the Public Complaints and Review Commission, an enhanced independent review and complaints body for the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“This legislation addresses a longstanding need – that is especially important to communities most affected by systemic racism and discrimination – to provide real independent oversight and accountability for these agencies,” Senator Gold said.

Committee study of Bill S-15, to protect elephants and great apes, concluded at the end of June, and the legislation is now at report stage in the Senate.

Two Government bills were introduced in the Senate at the end of June, following their adoption in the House of Commons, and are expected to be debated and studied this fall.

Bill C-26 promotes cyber security across four federally regulated critical infrastructure sectors.

Bill C-40 would establish an independent commission to review, investigate and decide which criminal cases should be returned to the system due to a potential miscarriage of justice.