The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Shannon Cornelsen. She is the guest of the Honourable Senator Simons.

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

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question.

Any product or technology that will assist producers to do their part to reduce emissions is welcome. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will make inquiries and report back as quickly as I can.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, in a recent email from CMHC, they noted that “CMHC exists for a single reason: to make housing affordable for everyone in Canada.”

Yet under your government’s watch, housing prices in Canada have more than doubled over the last six years. Would you not agree, then, Senator Gold, that means your government has been a spectacular failure on this file?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): No, I do not agree, Senator Plett. I guess it remains my duty to remind the Senate yet again of the shared jurisdiction on housing between provinces and municipalities, to say nothing of the role of the private sector. I may also remind this chamber of the many measures that the government is doing through its spending power and in collaboration with the provinces and territories to support the creation of new housing and to support those who are seeking to enter the housing market or to pay their rent.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Pate: Thank you for that, Senator Gold.

Given the shortcomings of Bill C-5 and the reality that the 20 individuals granted conviction reviews over the past decades were all men — only one of whom was Black and one of whom was Indigenous — what measures in particular will be implemented from the recommendations that you mentioned in the report commissioned by the Minister of Justice and completed by the Honourable Harry LaForme and the Honourable Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Respectfully, it’s the position of the government that the assertion and assumption is incorrect.

Canada and this government has put into place a serious, responsible climate action plan that includes many features, one of which is the price on pollution. It is a market-driven mechanism that works to create incentives and disincentives for companies to do their part. It takes time for these things to take effect.

The government remains convinced that the measures that it has put in place — of which this is one of a large suite of measures — is the right thing to do for Canada, for our economy and, indeed, for the planet.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Sandra Manning, Mark Manning, Ian Martin, Orinda Careen, Jerry Careen, Father Wayne Dohey, Marie Mackenzie, Pat Dohey and Sara Mang. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Manning.

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

Senator Gold: The government has full confidence in Minister Lametti, who is a lawyer, a dedicated minister and a man of integrity. As Attorney General of Canada, it is essential that Minister Lametti be informed of the media coverage of a case like this. Given their interdependent responsibilities, it is crucial that the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions maintain an effective relationship.

It is perfectly normal, senator, and indeed essential that they communicate and work together, so that they can both make fully informed decisions.

Although this relationship is part of their public duties, it does not change the fact that the public organization is independent, apolitical and responsible for its own affairs.

Of course, their communications are covered by protection similar to attorney-client confidentiality.

[English]

Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: My question is for Senator Gold. In March, the media reported that the Quebec Court of Appeal had overturned the conviction of someone who had been tried in a secret trial. The Court of Appeal denounced this practice, which, in its words, was contrary to the fundamental principles of justice and “incompatible with the values of a liberal democracy.”

This secret trial was also a serious breach of one of the pillars of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, namely the right to information. We also learned from the same media outlet that Minister Lametti was in close communication with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada about this case, after stating a few months earlier that he was steering clear of this case in order to defend the transparency and independence of justice.

Senator Gold, is the Minister of Justice’s intrusion into a court proceeding as reprehensible as the Prime Minister’s interference in the SNC-Lavalin case?

Senator Gold: The government is not comfortable at all knowing that Canadians are facing challenges with the rising cost of living, including access to affordable housing.

The government is confident that the measures it put in place are not Band-Aid solutions. They are targeted, focused and serious. They work in partnership with the provinces and territories, Indigenous communities and municipalities. They provide real, tangible assistance to Canadians in a time of need, and the government will never apologize for continuing to act responsibly in the best interest of Canadians.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, I think there is one thing that you and I can both agree on, and that is that our seniors are valuable citizens and deserve to be looked after. But yesterday, the environment minister announced that the Trudeau government will also be applying its carbon tax in Newfoundland and Labrador, which means the price of home heating oil, gasoline and other fuels will be going up, and this impact will likely be felt much more among seniors.

In a recent CBC article, the Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners’ Association, Sharron Callahan, said that she has heard from seniors that are being forced to make choices between food, medication and heat, and even some who may be forced to leave their homes if they can’t afford to keep them warm.

Senator Gold, at a time when the cost of living is already making it difficult for Canadians, and especially our most vulnerable citizens, why is your government punishing them with this tax hike?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, the inflation rates then and now are matters of public record. There is no doubt, Senator Housakos, as we know and experience, that the inflation rate has risen significantly over the last number of years and, of course, although it is the talking point of the opposition of which you are a member to blame all aspects of inflation and all ills, whether it’s drug policy or gun violence, on the federal government, those who reflect seriously on these matters know very well the multifaceted explanations for these. The government’s Fall Economic Statement is a targeted and appropriate one to address the rising cost of living and inflation, and the government has confidence that it will bear fruit.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I think the government is grateful and acknowledges the work that the agricultural sector — beef producers and others — are doing to do their part.

The answer to your question is no. The government remains committed to the equitable application of the price on pollution in those jurisdictions that have chosen not to have a comparable program, and it will continue to do so in the best interests of this and future generations.

Hon. Kim Pate: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate as well.

In June, a Justice lawyer wrote, on behalf of Justice Minister Lametti, to the lawyers for Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance — 2 of the 12 Indigenous women whose cases who were included in our report, Injustices and Miscarriages of Justice Experienced by 12 Indigenous Women: A Case for Group Conviction Review and Exoneration by the Department of Justice via the Law Commission of Canada and/or the Miscarriages of Justice Commission — advising that since there, “ . . . may be a reasonable basis to conclude that a miscarriage of justice likely occurred in this matter,” their cases will be reviewed.

The cases of these and the additional 10 Indigenous women demonstrate the urgent need for protection to ensure that injustices like those experienced by the Quewezance sisters do not continue unabated.

Canadians have been promised two ways in which this can happen: the yet-to-be-implemented body to examine possible wrongful convictions, and the much anticipated revival of the former law commission of Canada. What will the mandates of each be, and when can we expect to see these review bodies up and running?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, it is with great sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Pastor Leon Fontaine this past weekend.

Leon was well-known as the pastor of Springs Church, one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in Canada with two locations — one in Winnipeg, and one in Calgary. He also served as the CEO of Miracle Channel, Canada’s original Christian television station, since 2010.

Leon’s faith was the foundation of his life. His love for God and his compassion for others moved him to put that faith into action — which was evident in the strength of his vision and the warmth of his heart.

He described his vision using the word “laugh,” which he spelled L-A-F: L for love, A for acceptance and F for forgiveness. His goal was to teach others to love one another unconditionally the way God loves us, to accept one another where we are because everyone is at a different place and to forgive because everyone makes mistakes. So we should learn to forgive as Christ forgave us.

I had the privilege of visiting Leon’s church in Winnipeg a few times, and I was recently interviewed for one of his shows on Miracle Channel. It was clear to me that this was a man who not only loved God, but also deeply loved his country.

During the pandemic, Leon did everything he could to make sure that people continued to receive the care they needed. When indoor services were no longer possible due to public health orders, Springs Church launched drive-in services where people could assemble in the safety of their vehicles, and listen to inspirational music and encouraging messages streaming on a large outdoor screen.

When he felt things went too far with the federal government’s vaccine mandates, he wasn’t afraid to speak up and say so. Leon’s stance was sometimes controversial, but he was not one to stand idly by when he saw someone in need. His faith was not just a Sunday faith. It translated into everything he did. He was compelled to do what he could to make the world a better place by impacting one person’s life at a time.

The world lost a treasure last week, but heaven gained a saint. To Leon’s wife, Sally; his children Eden, Danielle, Tamara, Michala and Zack; their spouses Jayden, David, Jeremy, Austin and Jessica; and to his five grandchildren, you have our deepest condolences in your time of loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, and may you experience the nearness of the God of all comfort during this challenging time.

Hon. Karen Sorensen: Honourable senators, I rise today to honour and welcome a dear friend and long-time colleague to the chamber, Mayor Richard Ireland of Jasper.

Richard is the first and only mayor of Jasper. He was first elected as chair of the Jasper Town Committee in 1989 before Jasper was even considered a municipality. He served in that capacity until 2001 — Jasper’s first year as a municipality. Richard won that first mayoral election, and has either been acclaimed or re-elected every election since.

Acclamation tends to be the best way to get there.

Few can say they’ve done as much as Richard has to lift up his community over the last 30-plus years. As the only two municipalities in North America located within a national park, Jasper and my hometown of Banff have walked a unique path together. Banff became a municipality in 1990, and has seen six mayors in her 32-year history. Mayor Ireland has made it very clear, publicly, that his favourite Banff mayor was the fifth.

As internationally renowned tourist destinations, Jasper and Banff have much in common and share many of the same challenges: In particular, both balance the desires of valued visitors with the needs of the permanent residents and temporary workers who call our communities home.

Having worked with Richard for over 17 years, I’ve seen first‑hand how Jasper has flourished during his tenure — to name a few, building infrastructure with modern amenities and recreation facilities for residents and tourists, as well as investment in below-market value housing opportunities; passing municipal legislation to help protect the natural environment that makes Jasper so special; welcoming and, more importantly, providing programs to integrate many new immigrants, including providing free support for refugees, permanent residents and other newcomers through Jasper Settlement Services; and taking an active role in advancing truth and reconciliation with Indigenous people.

In the words of my colleague Senator Paula Simons:

Municipal governments are on the front lines of so many of the major issues, problems and crises facing our country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jasper faced the same dilemmas as destination towns across the country: how to support local businesses who are reliant on tourists, while safeguarding the health of community members. Fortunately, Richard was at the helm to walk that balance.

Just this past summer, he once again made the difficult decision to ask visitors to stay away as fire threatened the town. While the town suffered another huge economic hit, Mayor Ireland led with grace, assuring that the community was not at risk and that the limited power that was available was used to keep residents safe.

Richard’s decades of experience and his commitment to collaboration, listening and leadership are the attributes that I observed while working with him — and the attributes that I admire. I am delighted that he continues in this role, helping the municipality of Jasper meet challenges and opportunities in the coming years. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to the gallery today.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, today I am pleased to present chapter 67 of “Telling Our Story.”

Newfoundland and Labrador is no stranger to maritime disaster with pervasive threats of ocean ice, raging storms and jagged reefs jeopardizing sailors who brave the seas when conditions are poor. From these come some stories of fantastic heroism and others of terrible tragedy.

One such tragedy occurred on a windy February night in 1918 on a luxury steamer bound for Halifax and New York. The SS Florizel, under Captain William Martin, was a vessel of some history. Commissioned in 1909, the Florizel was among the first ships specifically designed to navigate the icy waters around Newfoundland and Labrador. She had participated in the rescue of sealers stranded on the ice during the great Sealing Disaster of 1914 and was the vessel to carry to Europe the first 500 volunteers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in World War I — the Blue Puttees. But on that fateful winter’s night, she would not be celebrated.

The Florizel left port at St. John’s around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, with orders from Captain Martin to proceed at full speed. Unbeknownst to Martin, however, the ship’s chief engineer, J.V. Reader, had only put her at partial speed in order to delay her arrival in Halifax and force an overnight stay at the port so that Reader could visit his family. This action, however intended, had fatal consequences, as Captain Martin judged the ship as having travelled much farther than she actually had, turning her westward long before she’d passed the Avalon Peninsula.

Just after 4:30 a.m., the Florizel crashed head-on into a reef off Cappahayden, going full speed. Dozens of crew and passengers died in the initial impact, with many more drowning or freezing as the ship was torn to pieces by the perilous waves. An SOS signal was sent out, but due to the previous navigation error, the rescuers were directed to the wrong area. Thankfully, the people of Cappahayden could see the wreck from the beach and corrected this error. They attempted to launch a small boat to rescue survivors, but it was immediately overturned by the storm.

Meanwhile, on the Florizel, power had been lost, and most remaining survivors were weathering the storm in the small radio room. As it was wartime in the dead of winter, it was particularly difficult to mount a rescue. The day after the crash, a handful of rescue vessels incorrectly reported that there were no survivors on the wreck, halting rescue progress until the reports were rectified. To make matters worse, the large rescue ships couldn’t go near the wreck due to the reef, and the small rescue ships couldn’t launch due to the storm.

Twenty-seven hours after the crash, a rescue successfully took place, saving 44 passengers and crew. However, an even greater number were lost — 93 people lost their lives, including three-year-old Betty Munn, who was sailing with her father. She was torn from his arms in the disaster. In memory of her death, there is a statue of Peter Pan, the fairy tale she loved, in Bowring Park in St. John’s.

The task of preaching and bringing comfort to the families of those who had suffered the loss of loved ones fell to Archbishop Edward Patrick Roche of St. John’s, who in a sermon at the memorial for the victims said:

With the exception perhaps of the great Sealing Disaster of a few years ago [the SS Newfoundland, 1914] never has there been in our history — strewn as that history is with marine tragedies great and small — an ocean horror that has come home to us with such appalling force as the great disaster of the ‘Florizel’ which now throws its shadow over our city and our Island.

Thank you.

Hon. Mary Coyle: Honourable senators, I rise today with my head spinning, my spirits elevated and with a strengthened resolve to encourage everyone to urgently come to the climate action table. I was honoured to join fellow Senators Bovey and Galvez as part of the Canadian delegation at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, which attracted 30,000 registrants from 197 countries, including the largest Indigenous contingent ever. This was touted as the “COP of implementation.”

Canada had an impressive delegation, representing all sectors and regions, and our pavilion hosted a high-quality series of substantive events. We discussed mitigation, reducing and eliminating emissions, adaptation to climate impacts, stepping up and greatly expanding climate finance from billions to trillions, reforming the Bretton Woods Institutions and creating a “loss and damage” fund for the countries hardest hit by climate impacts.

We discussed Indigenous-led climate action and rights, the disproportionate impacts on women, women as leaders on solutions and not just victims, energy transitions and energy security, whole-of-economy transitions, just transitions, culture, oceans, more focus on methane, the cryosphere, cities, nature, biodiversity, agriculture and forests. We discussed drought in Africa and that continent’s vast potential for solar energy, protecting the Congo basin, glaciers melting in Nepal, small island states at risk, Ukraine and the absolute imperative of upping ambition internationally and in Canada to ensure we keep the shared goal of 1.5 °C alive.

At COP27, Sara Olsvig, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, said:

The Inuit reality has become the global reality. It is important to recognize the interconnectedness of our human rights and climate.

Dr. Courtney Howard of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment described the need for an adaptation sprint given the realities of the irreversible extreme heat, heat domes, wildfires and summers of smoke and floods.

John Kerry, U.S. climate envoy, said:

Adaptation is critical even though there is a point where, if we do not reduce emissions sufficiently, we’re not capable of adapting our way out of the climate catastrophe.

Brazil’s president-elect, the inspiring Lula da Silva, said:

Today I am here to say that Brazil is back and ready to build a healthier planet — with the survival of the Amazon rainforest we can help ensure the survival of the world. We need each other to survive, we need more confidence and determination, we need more leadership.

Honourable colleagues, Lula is right. We need leadership more than ever. Honourable colleagues, let’s step up. Thank you.