Senator David Wells

CBC must do better for Canadians. I, along with my colleagues Senators @DonnaDasko and @SenCormier, held a press conference upon release of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communication’s report, Local News Matters: Rethinking CBC/Radio-Canada's Role in a Changing Media Landscape. This report examined CBC’s local and regional services and found that is severely lacking. Read the report: sencanada.ca/en/info-page/p… @SenateCA #cdnpoli #nlpoli

It was an honour to stand with Korean War Veterans to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, along with my colleagues Senators Yonah Martin, @BaltejSDhillon, Pat Duncan, and @SenRPatterson. This memorial is a stark reminder of the cost of war, and the Canadians that fought and those who were lost on the battlefield. Lest we forget @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Earlier today, along with my colleagues Senator Senator Duncan Wilson and Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications held a press conference marking the release of the latest report by the committee. The report is entitled Keep Canada Moving: Labour, Management and the Supply Chain in the Rail and Maritime Sectors. The committee found that the current approach to resolving labour disputes in Canada’s federally regulated rail and marine sectors is no longer viable. Recent work stoppages have disrupted the movement of critical goods, affecting industries across the country and undermining Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner. With more collective agreements set to expire, the risk of further disputes is increasing. The committee is calling on the federal government to take action, including establishing a new alternative dispute resolution process for when work stoppages threaten the national interest and clarifying the use of existing intervention powers. The committee emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for the right to strike with the need to ensure the continued movement of essential goods and services across Canada. Read the report: sencanada.ca/en/info-page/p… @SenateCA @mivillej #cdnpoli #nlpoli

At the Global Energy Show in Calgary I joined other energy industry leaders on a panel discussing the new global oil and gas order. My remarks focused specifically on the opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador in LNG. My message: There is a global shift in energy supply and NL has an abundance of oil, gas and hydro. We either act aggressively on our opportunities or we get left behind. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @energy_show #cdnpoli #nlpoli #Energy

I spoke in the Senate at third reading on Bill S-4 - An Act to Amend the Energy Efficiency Act. I acknowledged the important work done at committee, including the adoption of two of my amendments: the first related to the “commercial entity” provisions to prevent regulatory overreach and increased red tape for small and medium-sized Canadian businesses; and the second focused on enhanced parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability. Despite these accepted amendments, problems remain, with regard to Bill S-4. Too much is dependent on future discretion, too many safeguards were rejected and too many legitimate concerns remain unresolved. Modernization as proposed in this legislation must come with clarity and accountability. I am concerned the Bill does not strike the right balance. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #S4 #cdnpoli #nlpoli

“By creating special fast-track mechanisms and centralized oversight structures, Ottawa risks reinforcing the very problem it claims to solve.” Canada’s regulatory regime should be predictable and treat all subject to it equally , including those engaged in natural resource projects like pipelines, LNG terminals, and mines. The best approach for regulation is to establish clear rules at the outset, and then step aside. Read more: senatordavidwells.substack.com/p/regulatory-p… @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Monday evening, the Senate Human Rights Committee completed clause-by-clause consideration of Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act. I serve as official Senate critic of this bill. Following extensive testimony and deliberations, the committee adopted a number of significant amendments aimed at addressing concerns raised by committee witnesses and Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Third reading debate will begin this week in the Senate. Once the Senate completes its consideration of the bill and if the committee amendments are upheld, it will return to the House of Commons for consideration. Stay tuned. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #BillC9

“Geopolitical reality does not bend to aspirational climate timelines. Energy security requires pragmatism.” Now more than ever, energy independence and sovereignty are essential, as global supply chains remain vulnerable to political and geopolitical conflicts. Canada must prioritize its economy, industries and responsible resource development. Read more: open.substack.com/pub/senatordav… @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

At the committee clause-by-clause study of Bill S-4 - An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act- two of my amendments were passed. The first, surrounding the legislation’s “commercial entity” provisions to ensure that regulations affecting commercial entities may only apply in relation to the importation or interprovincial shipment of energy-using products. This would prevent unnecessary regulatory overreach and added red tape for small and medium sized Canadian businesses. My second amendment focused on enhancing parliamentary oversight. It strengthens accountability by ensuring the Act is reviewed sooner (5 years instead of 10) and with a clear focus on the key new features introduced by Bill S-4- that ensures this legislation is not proving to be a regulatory burden for Canadian businesses. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Great meeting with @WellsDavid discussing Consumer Protection i regards to Bank Act, earthquake, flood, cyber, resiliency, and consumer affordability. Much thanks to the Senator and his team for this conversation. @IBACanada #IBAC2026ontheHill

In the Senate I rose as sponsor of Bill C-234 - the Living Donor Recognition Medal Act - sponsored in the House of Commons by my colleague, MP Ziad Aboultaif. This act recognizes those who give the gift of life through organ donation and show extraordinary courage, compassion, and sacrifice. In addition, the medal and recognition would spread awareness and spark consequential conversations on living organ donation. @mpziad @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #organdonation

Wishing Muslims and all who celebrate Eid al Adha Mubarak! @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #eidaladha

I spoke at third reading of Bill S-214 - An Act to amend the Special Economic Measures Act (disposal of foreign state assets). I then called the question asking for a vote. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and will now be sent to the House of Commons for consideration. In my speech I noted that this private bill from an individual senator was on a topic on which the government should have been front and centre. The use of confiscated foreign assets from rogue states should be part of Canada’s plan to stand up to nations that don’t respect international borders and wage illegal and immoral wars on peaceful nations. Congratulations to Senator @DonnaDasko on the success of her efforts on this important legislation. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Senators Peter Harder, @SenatorWallin and @WellsDavid met with @UMDearborn Ottawa Internship students in the Senate Chamber to discuss the Senate’s role, Canada–U.S. relations and public service. #SenCA #SENgage

Congratulations to Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Alex Newhook, on a great performance and scoring the Game 7 OT goal for the Montreal Canadiens! As the Canadiens head to Eastern Conference final, we know @AlexNewhook_ will make #nl proud! @NHLMedia @CanadiensMTL @GonzagaVikings @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

I spoke in the Senate chamber on Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places). This legislation is highly relevant especially amidst rising religion-based hatred and division including acts of anti-Christian hate, and antisemitism as seen in acts of desecration, intimidation, and destruction of places of worship. Since 2015, police-reported hate crimes in Canada have risen by 258 per cent. The Bill proposes to expand criminal law on several fronts at once: with respect to symbols, offences motivated by hatred, and access to certain religious, educational, cultural or community places. I also spoke on an amendment proposed in the House of Commons concerning section 319 of the Criminal Code, which removes, from the provisions dealing with wilful promotion of hatred and wilful promotion of antisemitism, the defence under which a person cannot be convicted if they, in good faith, expressed an opinion on a religious subject—or an opinion based on a religious text in which they believe—or attempted to establish such an opinion by argument. The removal of such defences and protections of good-faith debate is not something that should be taken lightly, nor should it be a bargaining chip. I cautioned that the Senate committee which studies this Bill must, in all its proceedings including consideration of amendments, guard against the removal of protections from the Criminal Code. The cost of protecting against hate cannot be the freedom to debate and to express oneself. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #C9

May 14th marks Moose Hide Day, a symbol proudly worn in opposition to all forms of violence against Aboriginal Women and Children. Together, we commit to spreading awareness and taking action. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @Moose_Hide #cdnpoli #nlpoli

It’s Europe Day! Celebrate the democracies of Europe with which we share the value of freedom. Canada’s connections with the EU and the rest of Europe are deep in culture, trade, defence, human rights and more. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @J_MorenoSanchez @s_yoncourtin #cdnpoli #eupoli #nlpoli

While Canada talks about removing interprovincial trade barriers, Liberal Government Bill S-4 creates new ones. At the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and as official critic of this Bill S-4, I introduced an amendment to the Bill that would avoid the creation of extra and unnecessary barriers for Canadian companies shipping energy-using goods across provincial borders. I will continue to fight for Canadian companies and for freer trade within Canada. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #S4