Government Representative in the Senate Sen. Peter Harder pictured in the Senate Chamber on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. iPolitics/Matthew Usherwood

In an anti-climactic finish after fierce opposition to mandatory alcohol screening, the Liberal government’s impaired driving legislation has cleared its last hurdle in the Senate with the controversial screening measures left in the bill.

The House of Commons’ message to the Senate rejecting its amendments was adopted on division.

The government’s representative in the Senate, Sen. Peter Harder – who had days earlier warned senators that trying to remove the key screening provision gutted the bill – tweeted Wednesday the bill received final approval and said the new law will saves lives.

Life-saving legislation that creates new and stronger laws against alcohol- and drug-impaired driving has received final approval in the Senate. Thanks to Senator Gwen Boniface for sponsoring Bill C-46 in the Senate. #SenCA #cdnpoli — Peter Harder (@SenHarder) June 20, 2018

Mandatory screening will allow police to take a breath sample from drivers they pull over without having reasonable suspicion of impairment.

Opponents to mandatory alcohol screening have charged that the measure is unconstitutional and will exacerbate Canada’s court backlog. But proponents say it’s a useful tool for police and will save lives.

The bill is expected to receive royal assent Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate, alongside the government’s cannabis legalization legislation Bill C-45.