The committee resumed consideration of the motion of Taylor Bachrach moved Thursday, November 30, 2023, on which read as follows:

That, given the importance of freshwater ecosystem services to the prosperity, sustainability, and resilience of British Columbian communities, and given the increasingly severe impacts of climate change including drought, wildfires, and floods, the committee urge the federal government to work with the Government of British Columbia to establish a $1 billion watershed security fund; that the Committee report this to the House; and that the government table a written response.

The debate continued

It was agreed, — That the motion be amended by replacing the word “table” with the words “provide to the committee”.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Shafqat Ali, Taylor Bachrach, Sophie Chatel, Lloyd Longfield, Leah Taylor Roy, Adam van Koeverden — 6;

NAYS: Gérard Deltell, Michael Kram, Branden Leslie, Dan Mazier, Monique Pauzé — 5.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, given the importance of freshwater ecosystem services to the prosperity, sustainability, and resilience of British Columbian communities, and given the increasingly severe impacts of climate change including drought, wildfires, and floods, the committee urge the federal government to work with the Government of British Columbia to establish a $1 billion watershed security fund composed of investments from the federal and provincial governments and the private sector; and that the government provide to the committee a written response.

Branden Leslie moved, — Given that:

1. the Senate is expected to vote on Bill C-234 to remove the carbon tax from grain drying and barn heating;
2. Canadian farmers have called upon the Senate to pass this important legislation; and
3. Bill C-234 would save farmers one billion dollars and help lower food prices for Canadians.

The committee call upon Senators who are delaying the passage of the legislation to stop playing political games with the livelihoods of Canadian farmers, recognize the decision of the elected House of Commons, and pass Bill C-234 into law without further delay.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Gérard Deltell, Michael Kram, Branden Leslie, Dan Mazier — 4;

NAYS: Shafqat Ali, Sophie Chatel, Lloyd Longfield, Monique Pauzé, Leah Taylor Roy, Adam van Koeverden — 6.

Branden Leslie moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(1)(a), the committee order the production of documents related to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s trip to COP28 in Dubai:

1. detailed itinerary;
2. meeting details, including the (i) name and titles of the individuals in attendance, (ii) meeting notes, (iii) purpose of meeting, and (iv) outcome of meetings;
3. briefing notes; and
4. and expenses incurred by the Minister.

That these documents be provided no later than Thursday, December 14th, 2023.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Gérard Deltell, Michael Kram, Branden Leslie, Dan Mazier — 4;

NAYS: Shafqat Ali, Taylor Bachrach, Sophie Chatel, Lloyd Longfield, Monique Pauzé, Leah Taylor Roy, Adam van Koeverden — 7.

At 12:37 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:42 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Beatrix Beisner, Diane Orihel, Wanda McFayden and Marc Hudon answered questions.