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

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker: I see two senators rising. Do we have an agreement on a bell?

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

[English]

Senator Plett: Do I have time?

An Hon. Senator: No.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Are you asking for more time?

[English]

Senator Dalphond: It is impossible for me to comment on the Supreme Court jurisprudence and correct any false perceptions of the rulings in 10 seconds.

Senator Dalphond: I would ask if the house is ready to allow me five more minutes.

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

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

Some Hon. Senators: Question.

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

Senator Plett: Yes, I fully agree with that. Thank you.

Senator Pate: I do. When the Crown discovers there’s a history of abuse, they most often will then suggest a guilty plea. In those situations where it’s a woman responding to violence, would you have the same view that she should not have the benefit of that exceptional circumstance being considered by a judge?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: I believe the nays have it.

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: All those opposed to the motion will please say, “nay.”

Some Hon. Senators: Yea.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: The million-dollar question.

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