The senate.

• Author: Lalonde, Chantal
• Position: Legislative Reports

This was an eventful quarter in the Senate, with the swearing-in of new senators, intense debate on legislation and significant adjustments to the structure of committees, all contributing to the institution's ongoing transformation.

Senators

The Red Chamber welcomed 20 new senators during this period, all of whom were selected using the new Senate appointment process. Senators Yuen Pau Woo (BC), Patricia Bovey (MB), Rene Cormier (NB), Nancy Hartling (NB), Gwen Boniface (ON) and Kim Pate (ON) were the first to take their seats, on November 15. Senators Marilou McPhedran (MB), Wanda Thomas Bernard (NS), Tony Dean (ON), Sarabjit S. Marwah (ON), Lucie Moncion (ON), Howard Wetston (ON), Diane Griffin (PEI) and Renee Dupuis (QC) were sworn in the following day. Next to take to the oath, on November 23 and December 1, were Senators Eric Forest (QC), Marc Gold (QC), Marie-Frangoise Megie (QC) and Raymonde Saint-Germain (QC). Finally, Senators Daniel Christmas (NS) and Rosa Galvez (QC) were introduced on December 14. As a result, when the Senate adjourned on December 15, the standings were 42 non-affiliated senators, 41 Conservative senators and 21 Liberal senators.

There were then three retirements during January 2017. Nancy Ruth, appointed under Prime Minister Paul Martin, retired on January 5. Serving since March 24, 2005, she is well known for her work in the fields of human rights and on feminist issues. Wilfred P. Moore also bid farewell to the Senate on January 14. Appointed on the recommendation of Prime Minister Jean Chretien on September 26, 1996, he has been a tireless advocate for the interests of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region. James S. Cowan, who served as Leader of the Opposition from 2008 to 2015, and then as Leader of the Senate Liberals until mid-2016, was the third senator to retire, on January 22. Also appointed on the advice of Prime Minister Paul Martin, on March 24, 2005, Senator Cowan has been a strong supporter of Senate modernization and a leader in the area of genetic discrimination prevention.

Speaker's Rulings

On November 15, during debate on a report of the Special Committee on Senate Modernization, a point of order was raised relating to the use of unparliamentary language. The Speaker reminded Senators that such behavior is contrary to the Rules of the Senate and requested that all members be mindful of the language they use and decorum.

Another point of order was raised on November 24, with respect to the...