Senator David Wells

Senator. Chair of Transport and Communications Committee, Deputy Chair of Audit and Oversight Committee. VP Canada-Europe Parl. Assoc. Conservative.

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

“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: https://t.co/GeWFAWpQlB

@SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

“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: https://t.co/frC83kVjZN

@SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Basil Crosbie @basilcrosbie]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

Wishing Muslims and all who celebrate Eid al Adha Mubarak!

@SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #eidaladha

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senate of Canada @SenateCA]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

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

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

Climate policy that ignores economic reality will not succeed.

Instead, it jeopardizes our economy and industries including the oil and gas industry.

With global oil prices skyrocketing in a world where our country must fight to keep a competitive position, net zero and other unrealistic climate policies are undermining Canada’s economy.

Read full article: https://t.co/wfTrDpo35W

@OilGasCanada @WeAreEnergyNL @CBCNL @vocm @StJohnsTelegram @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #energy

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

Saddened to hear of the passing of Eg Walters.

Eg was a champion for the hungry and those that needed a hand up. His work with the Community Food Sharing Association had a significant impact on many.

I was honoured to award him the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal in 2017 for his service to our community.

Rest in peace.

@SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

Another important meeting with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association. While their “Day-on-the-Hill” is an annual event, my interactions with them happen regularly and throughout the year.

On tap are the realities of front-line policing, which are felt across all communities: increasing violent crime, recruitment & retention and, of course, funding. Good to hear that they’re utilizing artificial intelligence to make the work more efficient and reducing their time behind the desk on paperwork versus what they are trained to do in investigations and street work.

@SenateCA @CPC_HQ @RNC_PoliceNL #cdnpoli #nlpoli #PublicSafety #Policing

[Senator David Wells @WellsDavid]

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of James “Jim” O’Toole – a respected firefighter, a leader, and a tireless advocate for those who put their lives on the line to protect others.

A husband and a father of two boys, Jim rose to the rank of Lieutenant, while also being an admirable union leader serving as @IAFFofficial Local 1075’s President.

Jim leaves a remarkable legacy, not the least of which were his efforts on behalf of Bill C-224 – An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting. I was privileged to work with Jim on this.

Jim’s work will remain a powerful reminder of who he was for decades to come. My condolences go to his wife, Crystal, and his sons Ryan and Gavin.

@SenateCA @STJFD @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli