House of Commons.

• Author: Nickel, Sophia
• Position: Legislative Reports

Introduction

This account covers key highlights of the period from October to the end of December 2021. The 44th Parliament convened on November 22, 2021, and re-elected Anthony Rota (Nipissing--Timiskaming) as Speaker of the House of Commons. On November 23, 2021, Governor General Mary Simon delivered the Speech from the Throne. On December 16, 2021, the House agreed by unanimous consent to adjourn until January 31, 2022.

Legislation

* C-4, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Conversion Therapy)

On November 29, 2021, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti (LaSalle--Emard--Verdun) introduced Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy). During the 43rd Parliament, Mr. Lametti introduced similar bills: during the first session, Bill C-8 (March 9, 2020); during the second session, Bill C-6 (October 1, 2020). On December 1, 2021, on a motion moved by Rob Moore (Fundy Royal), the House adopted the bill at multiple stages by unanimous consent. Bill C-4 received Royal Assent on December 8, 2021.

* C-3, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code

On November 26, 2021, Minister of Labour Seamus O'Regan (St. John's South--Mount Pearl) introduced Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, which would classify the intimidation of health service providers or of those seeking health services as an offence. The bill would also make certain amendments surrounding paid medical leave of absence. On December 16, 2021, the House adopted Bill C-3 by unanimous consent at multiple stages. This motion included the adoption of amendments tabled by Mark Holland (Ajax) earlier in the sitting which incorporated provisions for bereavement leave relating to the loss of a child or an unborn child. This amendment stemmed from Bill C-307, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (bereavement leave), a business item that was terminated upon the dissolution of the 43rd Parliament and reintroduced to the 44lh Parliament as Bill C-211 by its original sponsor, Tom Kmiec (Calgary Shepard). Bill C-3 received Royal Assent on December 17, 2021.

* C-2, An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19

On November 24, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland (University--Rosedale) introduced Bill C-2, An Act to Provide Further Support in Response to COVID-19. On December 2, 2021, the House agreed by unanimous consent to proceed to a recorded division on the Bill's second reading and to organize committee business (see Committees section below). On December 16, the House agreed by unanimous consent to advance Bill C-2; the question was then put at third reading and the motion agreed to on recorded division. The Bill received Royal Assent on December 17, 2021.

Committees

On December 2, 2021, the House agreed by unanimous consent to identify which members would serve on the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) within 24 hours of the order's adoption and to call upon the Clerk of the House to convene a meeting within the week. The order also appointed the Standing...