The Hon. the Speaker: Every motion needs a seconder, Senator Housakos.

The Hon. the Speaker: All those opposed will please say “nay.”

The Hon. the Speaker: Are senators ready for the question?

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Senator Christmas’ children Peter, Lacey and Gail, as well as his grandchildren Rawlin and Arya.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker: My apologies. She can move the adjournment. She is on debate once I call upon her.

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Moncion?

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator McCallum?

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker: All those in favour of the motion please say “yea.”

The Hon. the Speaker: In my opinion, the “nays” have it.

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker: Normally, you would be correct, Senator Moncion; however, once debate has started on a topic, and I call upon a senator, I’m calling upon them on debate.

Rule 5-13(2) would apply. She would be on debate and, as a consequence, can move the amendment.

Do we have a seconder for the amendment?

The Hon. the Speaker: On adjournment as well.

Are senators ready for the question on the main motion?

The Hon. the Speaker: Do we have agreement on a bell?

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

The Hon. the Speaker: Dear colleagues, as our winter adjournment period approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to each and every member of our Senate family. I know I speak on behalf of all senators as I extend our heartfelt appreciation for the work of our staff and administration across all offices and directorates of the Senate.

A special thank you to our Black Rod and our Senate pages, who work tirelessly to ensure the work in the chamber and in our committees runs smoothly.

To all the hard-working people who make it possible for us senators to do the work we do on behalf of all Canadians, I say thank you. The past few years have been very challenging and at times extremely difficult for us all, but through all of these trying times, each member of the Senate family rose to the occasion and provided invaluable support.

[Translation]

I must say, I am very proud of the progress we made together, despite the unprecedented difficulties and challenges.

The new year will undoubtedly usher in new challenges and opportunities that will allow us to learn and grow. However, I am sure of one thing: You will all be by our side to help us overcome all the challenges that come our way.

[English]

It has been said that as we express gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but, rather, to live by them. I hope in some small way that we senators do that each and every day.

To my colleagues and to all those who work with us, please take the time over the next few weeks to spend good, quality time with family and friends. Get as far away from here as you can, turn off your phones and enjoy a well-deserved holiday season.

The Hon. the Speaker: The default position is one hour. I hear Senator McCallum saying one hour.

The vote will take place at 2:02 p.m.

Call in the senators.

(1400)

Motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator McCallum negatived on the following division:

The Hon. the Speaker: Just to clarify, colleagues, rule 5-13(2) says you must be on debate to move the adjournment of the Senate. Debate has started on Bill S-11. When I called upon Senator McCallum, I was calling upon her on debate on Bill S-11. It is, therefore, quite permissible for her to move the adjournment of the Senate.

I am now asking if there is a seconder for Senator McCallum’s adjournment motion? If there isn’t, then it cannot be entertained.

Senator Housakos, are you seconding this?