Hon. Robert Black: On Wednesdays, the Canadian Senators Group directs questions to committee chairs. Therefore, my question today is for my honourable colleague Senator Omidvar, the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Senator Omidvar, I and many Canadians are interested in your committee’s study on suicide prevention and how it might benefit rural areas and the first responders that continue to serve and protect our smaller communities. As we know, mental health challenges affect people of all ages, education, income levels and cultures. In any given year, one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

We also know that rural communities often have issues accessing many services, including the health sector. Witnesses have come forward in your committee study that continue to drive this narrative. In many cases, mental health-related services and supports in rural communities are less comprehensive, available and accessible than in urban areas.

What is your committee hearing from witnesses that will help address the difficulties rural first responders face in mental health resource access Canada-wide, and how will your committee continue to support rural first responders for the benefit of all Canadians? Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practice, for today’s sitting, tributes to our colleague the Honourable Senator Dawson be of 40 minutes, not including the time for his response, followed by an additional statement.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The answer is no, senator.

First, I do not want to engage in partisanship, but it is important to point out that your leader, Mr. Poilievre, did not say anything while waiting for the meeting to begin. He very quickly said, “We are going to honour it”, which is what Mr. Harper also did the last time. That is a good political move and I commend him for that.

However, as you well know, the fact that the provinces asked for a certain amount of money, while completely ignoring the tax points transfer, does not necessarily mean that the amount they requested was appropriate. It also does not mean that the provinces expected to get everything they asked for. As you said, there are ways of negotiating, and that is true on both sides.

The federal government’s response is meaningful and responsible. More money will be transferred to the provinces. As I mentioned before, for the first time, $2 billion will be allocated to address challenges uniquely faced by Indigenous peoples. Given the context in Canada and around the world and given that we have an economy that has just come through a pandemic, this is also a very fiscally responsible decision.

The Government of Canada showed that it has been accountable to Canadians in regard to health care. It has been equally accountable to the provinces, which have exclusive jurisdiction over the management of the health care system, meaning that they ensure that the reforms work for their citizens. For the first time, thanks to the data sharing approved by Premier Legault, Premier Ford and others, we will be able to exchange information and know where the money given to the provinces is going. If we give $1 billion to the provinces, it doesn’t mean they’re going to spend it on health care. That game has been played for a long time by the provinces, and the money with no strings attached often ends up in the general revenues.

For the first time, through data sharing and bilateral agreements, we will have the means to follow the money to see if it’s actually having an impact. This is a step in the right direction.

[English]

Hon. Brian Francis: Senator Gold, yesterday, it was announced that the federal government will provide $2 billion over 10 years to:

. . . address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health care services.

In light of the criticisms from Indigenous leaders, who were excluded from discussions on health care funding, could you please provide us with a detailed list of all the “Indigenous partners” your government plans to work with to prioritize investments, as well as with a detailed breakdown of how — and how much of — this funding will be disbursed directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis across all provinces and territories?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you. What is happening for the individuals in these countries is a tragedy. Whatever one thinks of the actions of governments or groups that are in control of territory, people are suffering. I’m glad our country has responded. Thank you for acknowledging that, and I’ll pass that on.

I know the government is looking at ways in which to continue to assist. The challenge, as you properly mentioned, in Syria, as it is in Afghanistan, has to do with the natures of the regimes and the odious things that they do to their citizens and, indeed, beyond. The government will continue to do what it can to assist those who want to assist the people of Syria and Turkey.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, I have nothing to add to my reply, because it is sort of Legislation 101 or Constitutional Law 101 that the Charter has pre-eminent force over all pieces of legislation.

But, Senator Housakos, this bill, which, respectfully, you have continued to mischaracterize as a censorship bill, is nothing of the sort, no matter how many times it’s repeated. History teaches us, alas, that one can continue to repeat things that are not true, and people may come to believe them, but it doesn’t make them any more true.

The fact is that there is a great deal of disinformation, misinformation and misleading information being circulated for purposes that have nothing to do with the bill, but only with political and partisan considerations.

The Charter of Rights governs all of our actions in this chamber and the interpretation and application of the law by all public officials, as it should.

Senator Gold: You were not invited. It wasn’t me who extended the invitation, Senator Plett.

But what I’m saying is that those who were there I think can attest to the fact that the government is committed to working in a serious partnership way with the communities, and it’s going to take some time to develop those plans and make sure that the assistance the money can provide meets the needs of the individual communities.

I’ll make some inquiries. I don’t think I’ll have an answer quickly. Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with mixed feelings, I rise today to pay tribute to our cherished colleague Senator Dennis Dawson and to welcome his family here to share this day.

As you know, Senator Dawson first arrived on Parliament Hill at the young age of 27. He was one of the youngest MPs to ever sit in the other place. For nearly half a century now, he has been making the trip from Quebec City to Ottawa. That’s a lot of mileage to have put in.

[Translation]

Senator Dawson arrived in the Senate after a successful political career. For a time, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and to the Minister of Employment and Immigration. He also chaired the Quebec Liberal Caucus. After becoming a senator, he continued his hard work by serving as a long-standing member of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He also served as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and chaired the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.

[English]

As you all know, Senator Dawson also sponsored many important pieces of legislation, indeed quite recently, but I want to underline the role he played in Bill C-76, which modernized the Canada Elections Act. Several measures of that act were taken from a Senate public bill that he had previously tabled.

This was important work for Canadian democracy. The 2018 changes to the Elections Act not only made future elections more secure and transparent, but also made elections more accessible. To cite just one example, it reintroduced the voter information card as a valid piece of identification, and this is a form of ID that Canadians count on.

As you know, Senator Dawson has been a strong advocate of francophone linguistic and cultural rights, and an abiding champion of LGBTQ2 rights and women’s rights. But, again, as we all know, his legacy as a senator extends beyond lawmaking and beyond advocacy.

Senator Dawson has been a mentor to many staffers who have gone on to make their own unique contributions to public service. Recently, when the Senate introduced legislation to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, in Bill S-5, I had the opportunity of working with a former student of the “School of Dawson,” who now works in Minister Guilbeault’s office.

Dennis, she did a fantastic job. It’s to your credit — and hers, of course — but thank you.

[Translation]

Perhaps you envisioned a Senate reform that was different from the one the Prime Minister presented in 2015. You were very frank and open in that regard, but I admire the way you set aside your personal vision and did everything you could to support the new system. That shows your generosity of spirit and commitment to the common good.

Once again, that is to your credit.

[English]

Your devotion to Parliament has been longstanding, your contributions to Canadian political life too plentiful to list today and your friendship to me and to so many others, very valuable. The Senate is a far better place, Dennis, for your many years of service.

I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss being regaled by your stories at the Métropolitain. In your dapper ways, you’re just always fun to see and to be with.

[Translation]

My friend, I wish you happiness in this next chapter of your life. Thank you so much.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table the answers to the following oral questions:

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 1, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 2, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the funding for equitable library access.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Canada Revenue Agency.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Employment and Social Development Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bovey, concerning the Canada Disability Benefit.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on September 28, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning Canada-China relations.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning support for victims of Hurricane Fiona.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 20, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Loffreda, concerning the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 17, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Deacon (Nova Scotia), concerning the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 22, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Duncan, concerning employment insurance regional boundaries.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 29, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Seidman, concerning drug shortages.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 13, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 1, 2021)

The Government recognizes that the Employment Insurance (EI) program needs to keep pace with labour market shifts and the changing nature of work. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted program gaps. To address these and better understand the needs of employers and workers, the Government undertook consultations with Canadians and stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed in Budget 2021. These consultations are now complete.

They were held over two phases (August 2021-February 2022; April 2022-July 2022), and included stakeholder roundtables, written submissions and an online survey. Topics included EI access and simplification, benefit adequacy, supports for workers experiencing life events, workers in seasonal industries, supports for self-employed workers, the Premium Reduction Program, and EI program financing. “What We Heard” reports from both phases were published online (Phase 1 report – April 2022; Phase 2 report — September 2022).

Based on consultation feedback and lessons learned from the pandemic, including the EI temporary measures, the development of a long-term plan on EI modernization is being finalized. The Government will release its overall EI modernization plan once the work is complete. At this stage, it would be premature to speculate on the timing of EI modernization and its content.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on December 2, 2021)

Since 2015–2016, the Government of Canada has provided funding to initiatives that support access to reading and published works for Canadians with print disabilities. In support of this objective, Budget 2022 announced $25 million over five years to support the following measures:

•the production of alternate-format materials by the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS);

•research and a survey of persons with print disabilities;

•a new Equitable Access to Reading Program to boost the production of accessible format reading materials through innovative partnerships.

To support development of the new program, the government is taking steps to determine the current and future needs of persons with print disabilities in a meaningful way that is effective and responsive. In addition to the survey, the government will also include stakeholders, persons with print disabilities and industry leaders in accessible technology in these critical conversations.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many Canadians. The CRA remains committed to being compassionate, flexible, and supportive during this challenging time. While there will not be any penalties for those who applied for these benefits in good faith, individuals will have to repay benefits payments they received that they were not entitled to receive.

Starting on May 10, 2022, the CRA began sending Notices of Redetermination to individuals who received a payment but were later determined to be ineligible for one or more benefit periods received. The CRA will work with all impacted individuals to ensure that any questions they may have about these letters are answered using a compassionate approach.

Individuals may find it challenging to meet their financial obligations. To help impacted individuals, CRA agents will work with them on a case-by-case basis to resolve any issues. Expanded provisions are available to help individuals meet their tax obligations, including flexible payment arrangements. Detailed information is available on the Canada.ca website for those who want to resolve their debt or explore payment options. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the CRA by phone to discuss their options with an agent.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

We recognize that this is a difficult time for many individuals. That is why the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for collecting these debts owed to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has designed expanded payment terms to provide Canadians with more flexibility for repayment. No penalties or interest will be charged on the emergency benefit overpayment. Canadians will not be put into financial hardship by having to repay emergency benefits they received.

ESDC and CRA have worked together to streamline the financial hardship process to make it less onerous to individuals that have been impacted. Flexible repayment options are available. Clients are encouraged to contact the CRA to establish repayment schedules based on their ability to pay and their financial situation. This will take into account the personal and financial circumstances of the person, in order to determine the best approach.

Each case will be reviewed on its own merit. Depending on the debtor’s ability to pay, appropriate recovery action may include renegotiation of a payment arrangement, suspension of collection activity, and/or other suitable measures.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Patricia Bovey on June 7, 2022)

On June 2, 2022, the government tabled Bill C-22, Canada Disability Benefit Act, to establish the Canada Disability Benefit. The intent of the proposed benefit is to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age Canadians with disabilities by supplementing existing income support measures, such as provincial and territorial social assistance. The bill received unanimous support at second reading, and was reported back to the House of Commons on December 14, 2022, after being studied and amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Given the critical role provincial and territorial governments play in providing benefits and supports to many Canadians with disabilities, the government will continue to engage jurisdictions on the design of the benefit, including through the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services and through bilateral meetings. Through these discussions, the government will work with provinces and territories as they determine how to treat the proposed Canada Disability Benefit and will seek to ensure persons with disabilities are better off as a result.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on September 28, 2022)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is aware of and is investigating allegations of unauthorized police presence in Canada. Since the investigation is ongoing, there will be no further comment on the matter at this time.

Generally speaking, Canada has seen an increase in the frequency of foreign interference, perpetrated by hostile state actors seeking to advance their political, economic and security interests to the detriment of Canada’s. As noted in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s 2021 Annual Report, these activities are sophisticated, persistent, and pervasive. When such threats are observed, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the RCMP apply the full measures of their mandates to investigate and mitigate where appropriate.

To address emerging and persistent threats, our government is always looking for ways to enhance the measures already in place and to bolster the toolkit through new approaches to confront foreign interference. This may include, for instance, consulting with Canadians on potential solutions to ensure that legislative frameworks evolve alongside the threat, and aligning with international best practices and the approaches of our closest like-minded partners and allies.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on October 18, 2022)

Our government recognizes the significant loss and hardship that Atlantic and eastern Quebec residents have suffered due to Hurricane Fiona. That is why we stepped up to deploy the Armed Forces in the immediate aftermath, launched the $300M Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, set aside further disaster recovery funding for provinces under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), as well as agreeing to match donations to the Red Cross’s response.

Donations to the Red Cross’s appeal is supporting a range of emergency services for those in need. This support has come in many forms including interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies. The government and the Red Cross are working together to finalize accounting of all matching-eligible donations and aim to share the final amount raised soon.

At the same time, the Red Cross is working closely with provincial governments in Quebec and across Atlantic Canada to meet the needs of impacted residents. This includes delivering financial assistance on behalf of some Atlantic provinces. The Government of Canada remains committed to work closely with both the Red Cross and with the provinces to help ensure the immediate needs of residents are met effectively and their longer-term recovery is supported.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Tony Loffreda on October 20, 2022)

In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada announced its plan to implement a Trusted Employer Model that reduces the administrative burden for return employers who have demonstrated a history of Temporary Foreign Worker Program compliance.

The Government of Canada takes its role in protecting temporary foreign workers seriously; ensuring the health and safety of these workers is a key priority. The Trusted Employer Model is being developed alongside a series of other measures that will provide additional benefits for both employers and workers, including a new Agriculture and Fish Processing Program, rebuilding the inspection regime, and establishing new housing standards for employer-provided accommodations. More details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Colin Deacon on November 17, 2022)

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is working to position Canada as an innovation hub and an attractive, globally competitive investment destination. In line with the government’s first-ever Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy, SIF was allocated $250 million to support IP-rich firms. This funding is seeing high demand. Public announcements occur once a contribution agreement is signed, and thus do not reflect the totality of negotiations under way. Recent announcements include the $40 million investment to Xanadu Quantum Technology, $15.9 million to EXFO Inc., and $30 million to Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation. Announcements will continue on a range of exciting projects, and SIF expects all funds under the IP-rich stream to be fully subscribed. SIF’s standard contribution agreements include a clause retaining project IP ownership within Canada. These can be adjusted to deal with unique circumstances or to ensure Canada’s offer is competitive relative to other jurisdictions. All companies have the full ability to benefit from their IP creation, as long as they anchor their business in Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pat Duncan on November 22, 2022)

The most recent employment insurance (EI) boundary review, which commenced in the fall of 2018 and concluded in June 2021, analyzed the homogeneity of the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in all EI regions. These homogeneities were determined by comparing the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in the Statistics Canada census geographic units that comprise each EI region.

For Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), the review found that combining the province’s current two EI regions into a single EI region would result in a reduction in both the unemployment rates and labour market condition homogeneity of the regions. The province and its two regions would go from being among the most homogenous in Canada to being the least homogenous.

The report on the results of the 2018-21 boundary review was shared with the committee by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on December 15, 2022.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Judith G. Seidman on November 29, 2022)

Drug shortages are a global problem, with countries around the world experiencing increased frequency and duration. Health Canada has dedicated drug shortage management resources in place and has implemented new regulatory tools and programs to support the management of shortages and help Canadians access the drugs they need. To help mitigate and prevent drug shortages, the government continues to support domestic manufacturing, working to develop a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, and ensuring the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) has the tools to improve access to quality medicines. The development of an essential medicines list is one of several options the department is currently exploring. Essential medicines lists are used by other regulators as a way of defining which drugs must be available for citizens. Health Canada is considering lessons learned from other countries that have developed these frameworks and put them to use. Adapting an essential medicines list to the Canadian context involves a series of considerations. The first is determining which of the over 9,000 prescription drugs authorized for marketing in Canada should be on the list, and whether and which over-the-counter drugs should be listed. These and other questions are currently under review by Health Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 13, 2022)

Moving forward with Employment Insurance (EI) modernization continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada (GoC). Modernizing the complex EI system that serves millions of Canadians each year is a serious undertaking that requires significant consideration. The GoC is taking the time necessary to get it right.

The government undertook comprehensive consultations with Canadians and key stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed to in Budget 2021. The consultations were held over two phases (August 2021 to February 2022; April 2022 to July 2022), and included stakeholder round tables, written submissions and an online survey. The “What We Heard” reports from the first and second phases of the consultations were published online, at what-we-heard-phase1.html and what-we-heard-phase2.html

The GoC is developing and will release its long-term plan for the future of EI modernization in the near future. This plan will be informed by what we heard during the consultations, longstanding issues with the program and lessons learnt from the pandemic.

Departmental officials are aware of Bill S-244, An Act to amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and the Employment Insurance Act (Employment Insurance Council), and will be considering it further as it advances through the legislative process.

[Translation]

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

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(At 3:50 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I also rise today to pay tribute to our colleague and our friend Senator Dennis Dawson.

Senator Dawson is one of the two remaining senators appointed by the Right Honourable Paul Martin. He has proudly represented the great people of Quebec and of Lauzon, while also strongly advocating for the Liberal Party of Canada. That is until, as has already been mentioned, Prime Minister Trudeau gave up on his caucus colleagues in the upper chamber and gave them the unceremonious boot.

Prior to being appointed to the upper chamber, Senator Dawson, as has been mentioned by his colleague Senator Jane Cordy, had served three terms as a Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, from 1977 on. He was also a strategic advisor, who had the ear of Prime Minister Martin, especially on Quebec matters.

Senator Dawson’s loyalty, respect for public life and passion for politics are things I have always appreciated and admired.

Even though we have never been on the same team, Dennis, I have always valued your perspective and eloquent ways of speaking to issues important to you and your team.

Colleagues, that is what this chamber is all about — working together from different perspectives to find solutions in the best interests of Canadians.

As I was preparing for these remarks, I went back to your maiden speech of 2006. Allow me to quote you, Dennis:

I, among many others, share the belief that despite globalization and its effects, the political role of a public representative remains a noble and critical service that is essential to promoting and defending the interests of the population. It is still by our political actions that we can make changes and contribute to a better quality of life for our citizens here in Canada and even outside our borders.

Senator Dawson, your commitment to serve and devote all your efforts to fulfilling the duty of sober second thought on behalf of Canadians has been most remarkable and admirable.

Over the years, I must say that some of my favourite memories of us being together come from when you chaired the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, and I had the privilege of being your deputy chair for some time.

Among the many studies we’ve done together, my favourite was when the committee worked on a road map report of 22 recommendations entitled Time for Change: The CBC/Radio-Canada in the Twenty-first Century.

We weren’t always on the same page there either, Dennis, but we worked together. I am thankful for the opportunity to work and travel together as it gave us space and time to become friends. I have fond memories of our travels, especially to Estonia and Belgium where you, Dennis, and I went on a bow tie and necktie shopping excursion. Note that Senator Housakos and I are wearing a special bow tie to salute you today.

I must say we even look a little more Liberal today than you do, senator.

Senator Dawson, your loyalty, devotion and commitment to the Liberal Party were recently showcased as you took on the arduous responsibility to defend a terribly flawed bill in this chamber, Bill C-11, the online streaming act. I can’t help but wonder if that is what pushed you into early retirement.

Humour aside, Dennis, I want to personally, on behalf of the Conservative caucus, thank you and wish you a happy retirement. Enjoy your time with your family, your loved ones, especially your granddaughter. God bless, Dennis.

[Translation]

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I also want to pay tribute to a colleague and friend.

Dear Dennis, I would have preferred to give this speech in September 2024, because according to your date of birth, your departure is premature. However, in years of political life, you are part of an elite club of parliamentarians who have lived — although the better word is probably survived — on the Hill for such a long time.

Having won the seat for Louis-Hébert in 1977 at the age of 27, he was the youngest MP in the House of Commons. He earned a number of firsts since then, as my colleagues have mentioned. Of note, he is the only parliamentarian in this chamber to have worked under both Prime Ministers Trudeau.

This clearly demonstrates the breadth of his experience and the scope of his institutional memory, a memory that has helped us on countless occasions to better understand sometimes a context, sometimes the reasons for certain decisions, certain rules. We will sorely miss this memory.

[English]

If I had to describe Senator Dawson, it would be as a connector, someone with charisma, people skills and an innate sense of communication as well as human relations. If you ever met Dennis outside of Parliament, you would notice that he is very rarely alone — actually, he is never alone. He is always surrounded, always deep in a conversation. I even noticed there is a table at the Château Laurier — one right in the centre of the action — where nobody dares to sit unless he is there, fearing to take Senator Dawson’s place.

His international parliamentary network is remarkable. In his years as a parliamentarian, he deeply contributed to strengthening Canadian interparliamentary diplomacy. I personally have noticed how respected, esteemed and cherished he is by so many members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Adored by all his current and former employees, he is also known as one of the best people to work for on the Hill.

Apart from those qualities, Dennis is first and foremost a family man. We only have to take a peek at his iPad wallpaper, which always has the most recent picture of his first granddaughter, June Dawson, to know that his family is always on his mind.

He is also very devoted and loyal to his political family. Senator Dawson has never shied away from that fact. Never mind election results, leadership changes or institutional reforms, he is and always will be a proud Liberal.

[Translation]

Dennis, please know that my sadness in seeing you leave the Senate today is mitigated by the knowledge that I am not losing the friend I have known for years, the man with such a charming sense of humour — no, not Senator Dawson, but Dennis, Anne’s husband and father to Cindy, Kathryn-Anne and Julian, whom I wish to acknowledge today, and, of course, grandfather to June.

On behalf of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you much happiness in your retirement. I can only imagine that you will be very active and well taken care of elsewhere and otherwise.

See you soon, my friend.

Thank you. Meegwetch

[English]

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Honourable senators, it is my pleasure and honour to rise today to give tribute, on behalf of the Canadian Senators Group, to Senator Dennis Dawson.

Through the years, we have sometimes fondly referred to each other as “the other Dennis.” You know how we are all inclined to perk up and listen when someone calls our names. Invariably, when my name was called and I looked up, it was disappointingly for the other Dennis, who is very active, busy and a hard-working senator.

Senator Dawson is a man who has built his career on service to others. There has been reference made to his five years as a school trustee for the school board in Quebec before becoming a young and then long-time member of Parliament, representing the riding of Louis-Hébert. There was also his service as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and later the Minister of Employment and Immigration. He was appointed to he Senate in 2005, making him currently one of our longest‑serving senators. His experience and corporate memory will be missed.

His departure from this chamber will be the loss of a strong and opinionated — sometimes slightly partisan — voice that has always worked tirelessly on behalf of Quebecers and Canadians.

While our politics have not always lined up, I have the greatest respect for how you have worked diligently in the service of the public, forcefully and doggedly defending your convictions.

I should have worn a bow tie today in tribute to you, Senator Dawson. I actually have a sealskin bow tie I should have worn. In that connection, Senator Dawson — and this may be my last opportunity to ask you in this chamber — maybe in your reply you can tell us this: Do you hand-tie all those beautiful, stylish bow ties we will miss seeing?

Best of luck to you, senator, as you move on to your next exciting chapter in life. Thank you.

Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend and dependable colleague — Senator Dennis Dawson.

I met Senator Dawson in the Senate. Across the aisle in our former chamber, his bow ties always struck a chord of curiosity with me, and I knew I wanted to meet this fellow. It wasn’t until I joined the Progressive Senate Group that I got to know him personally, beyond his notable reputation.

Senator Dawson was drawn to politics at a young age, making waves as one of the youngest MPs ever elected in Canada, at the young age of 27 years old. Voted into three consecutive terms in the riding of Louis-Hébert, Senator Dawson served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Immigration as well as the Minister of Labour. He also chaired his party’s Quebec caucus. Later, he launched and ran one of Canada’s leading government relations firms in Quebec City and Montreal.

Long before his appointment to the Red Chamber, Senator Dawson was helping to shape a better future for Canada and applying his political talents with the wisdom and skill of a true statesman. His strong progressive and independent voice influenced the creation and philosophy of the Progressive Senate Group, and his guidance as Deputy Leader is invaluable to all PSG members.

Throughout his entire career, Senator Dawson has been a strong advocate for Quebec and the French language. These core values came into play for Senator Dawson as sponsor of Bill C-11, broadcasting legislation that will play an important role to sustain Canada’s minority cultures and languages. As one of this chamber’s longest-serving members, Senator Dawson steered the bill with skill and a steady hand on the rudder, making it look almost easy, but that’s what comes with conviction and experience; this wasn’t his first barbecue or test of standing the heat in the kitchen.

Senator Dawson also made a valuable contribution serving as Chair of the Transport and Communications Committee and a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. In addition, he helped sustain Canadian democracy as sponsor of Bill C-76, the Elections Modernization Act, passed in 2018.

Senator Dawson, I will miss your friendship, your advice, your humour and your colourful bow ties that brighten our caucus and these chambers, where you will be missed by many. I trust you will enjoy spending time with your new granddaughter and your family, and I wish you all the best going forward.

Hon. Leo Housakos: Too much to say and too little time to say it in, Senator Dawson. Honourable senators, I want to start off by saying that when I came to the Senate, Senator Dawson was one of the youngest senators here. He was Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, and I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence that that committee has become my favourite one in the Senate of Canada.

I’ll tell you this: Those of you who love the way I chair the committee, bring it up with my professor. Those of you who don’t like the way I chair the committee, also bring it up with Senator Dawson, whom I took close notes from during all these years.

Senator Dawson and I have a lot of similarities and a lot of dissimilarities. Of course, our similarities are that we both love Parliament and the political arena and we’re fiercely partisan when it comes to our political parties.

One of our dissimilarities is that he actually managed to get elected in the House of Commons, and I never did that. The other dissimilarity is, as you all know, I support Conservative right‑wing positions in politics, and he supports all the wrong ones. Despite that, I’ll tell you what I learned most from Senator Dawson. Despite the political battles on the floor of this chamber or at committee, he taught me that it doesn’t prevent you from becoming good friends. That’s what we have become through the years. He taught me that after those battles, you can have a glass of wine at the end of day — in our case, sometimes two and sometimes three. That’s really the most important thing I have taken away from Senator Dawson.

[Translation]

I would also like to point out that Senator Dawson was a great parliamentarian, both in the House of Commons and here in the Senate. Senator Dawson has been and still is a great Quebecer and a great Canadian. He is a role model for me, because he shows us that we can be both at the same time. We can be great Quebecers and support the Quebec nation and, at the same time, support our great country.

Senator Dawson, you are a role model. I have always taken copious notes, and it is something that I will never forget and will always cherish.

[English]

It’s important to highlight that in this chamber, there have been a lot of great parliamentarians, great legislators and great orators. Those are all great skills you can develop, but there is an intangible that Senator Dawson has that very few human beings have: He has a huge personality.

Senator Dawson, I’ll tell you this: You will never be forgotten, always be remembered in this chamber and in this institution and always missed. I wish you a great retirement. Enjoy your family. I know how much they mean to you. Enjoy the new addition to your family. When you come back, there will be a glass of wine waiting from me to you. We’ll miss you, Senator Dawson.

[Translation]

Hon. Éric Forest: Dear colleagues, it is with some sadness that I rise today to acknowledge what we believe to be the somewhat premature retirement of Senator Dawson, an esteemed colleague who has devoted most of his professional career to public service — and especially to resolving the knotty problems in our bills with consummate skill.

As you know, Senator Dawson began his public service career in education as one of the youngest trustees ever elected and later as chair of a school board in Quebec.

He was then elected to the House of Commons at the age of 25, again becoming one of the youngest MPs in Canadian history. He was so young that he had to threaten to set up a tent in front of the East Block in order to get his office, because he wasn’t the ideal candidate in the eyes of the then prime minister, the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

It turns out that throughout his distinguished 18-year career in this chamber, Senator Dawson has proudly represented the Quebec City region, Quebec as a whole, and Canada.

I am thinking in particular of his work as sponsor of the important Bill C-11, his contribution to restoring fairness for workers at the Davie shipyard, his ongoing involvement in international diplomacy, his unrelenting commitment to protecting the French language and to strengthening LGBTQ2 rights.

I got to know Senator Dawson particularly well within the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie, at the Board of Internal Economy and at the regular gatherings of our “lunch buddies” group.

When I first came to Parliament Hill, I was fortunate to benefit from his kind advice and extensive experience in Ottawa. His advice was invaluable as I explored how best to focus my efforts in the upper chamber.

I absorbed his wisdom and insight gleaned from time spent in both Houses of Parliament. We are constantly seeking to strike a balance between the need to improve the government’s bills and the importance of not taking the place of elected representatives, whose role complements our own.

Ever since Senator Dawson’s imminent retirement was announced, his many friends have showered him with well-deserved praise. He built up an extraordinary network of contacts on the Hill, and he was extremely generous in sharing his experience and advice with all his colleagues, regardless of their affiliation.

I often feel that politics has become more divisive and polarizing than ever, largely for electoral reasons. However, Senator Dawson showed us that it is possible to make one’s way in Ottawa by being a true gentleman and by focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us.

My hope for all of us, my dear Dennis, is for more men and women of your calibre to contribute to the work of the upper chamber.

Dennis, I look forward to seeing you again and especially to hearing you share your many stories, each one more colourful than the last. I wish you health and happiness in this important chapter of your life. I look forward to our paths crossing again in the future.

Hon. Amina Gerba: I rise today on behalf of Senator Michèle Audette to pay tribute to our colleague, Senator Dennis Dawson, who decided to retire so that he can spend more time in the most wonderful role of all, that of grandfather.

Senator Audette first heard of Senator Dawson when he was a young politician. In fact, he was elected as the youngest member of Parliament in Canadian history.

She finally met him many years later. Yes, the first few times, she thought he seemed like someone with a good sense of humour and who was maybe even a bit of a clown.

A few moons later, their career paths crossed again and she was happy to have a chance to really talk to him and get to know this intelligent man much better. Senator Audette had the privilege of benefiting from his wise and precious advice over the course of many meetings and discussions that were not necessarily all sweetness and light, since it is important to point out that our dear colleague, although kind and respectful, has a tendency to be rather blunt. She would like to thank him for that advice, because he helped her make some very judicious choices.

On a number of occasions, she and her friend Dennis were on the same flight back to Quebec during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and those are memorable moments for her.

When she was appointed to the Senate, he was the second person to call and congratulate her. At first, she really thought she would be part of his group. However, that was not to be. He nevertheless respected her decision, even though he took every opportunity to let her know that his group, the Progressive Senate Group, was the best option in the Senate.

Dear colleague, dear advisor, dear friend, on behalf of Senator Audette, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I wish you a tranquil and wonderful retirement. You are now part of her circle of mushum.

Thank you.