Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I have enormous respect for our committees and their ability to propose studies to the chamber. If and when such a study is proposed, I’m sure all of us in the chamber will consider it with dispatch.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Again, thank you for the additional information in your question. I will add that to the inquiries that I plan to make.

Senator Coyle: Senator Gold, there were many reports tabled two days ago. The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s Report 7 on protecting aquatic species at risk found that delays, knowledge gaps and a bureaucratic approach undermined the government’s ability to protect aquatic species at risk. The report found that Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s approach to protecting aquatic species assessed as being at risk under the Species at Risk Act contributed to significant listing delays and decisions to not list species with commercial value. Furthermore, the audit found that the department did not have enough staff to enforce compliance with legislation aimed at conserving and protecting biodiversity.

Senator Gold, how will the government rectify Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s approach in order to ensure that the biodiversity crisis is taken seriously and aquatic species at risk are protected?

Senator Carignan: Now that we see the disaster caused by the Trudeau government’s legalization of cannabis looming on the horizon, what does the government plan on doing to reduce youth’s access to cannabis products, improve Canadians’ health, prevent criminals from pocketing profits and stop drug trafficking?

Senator Dalphond: Why do you propose sending it back to the Agriculture Committee when what is at stake is a financial issue? Perhaps we should send it to the National Finance Committee.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of October 19, 2022, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 2 p.m.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Therefore, honourable senators, in amendment, I move:

That the motion be not now adopted, but that it be amended by adding the words “to hear from any Minister of the Crown” between the words “the committee be authorized to meet” and “even though the Senate may then be sitting” in the last paragraph.

Some Hon. Senators: Agreed.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Speaker, the amendment is not an adjournment in my name; the main motion is. I believe that you called the question on the amendment. It does not affect my adjournment motion.

Senator Tannas: Yes, that is what I thought was maybe the case and consulted and did not get quite a clear answer; otherwise I would have asked for the adjournment of the debate when I was standing. I did not know whether or not I was allowed to finish my questions or just the one that was asked when we ran out of the 26 seconds, because I have a number of other questions.

Hon. Diane Bellemare: I would ask to adjourn the debate on the amendment. I think that it will go to senator —

Senator Ringuette: Yes, of course.

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Will you accept a question, Senator Ringuette?

The Hon. the Acting Speaker: Senator Dalphond, do you have a question?

Senator Martin: Speaking of joint exercises, NATO is conducting its annual nuclear deterrent training exercise, known as Steadfast Noon, despite threats from Russia. At a time when Canada’s sovereignty in the North may be challenged, Canada needs to be more prepared than ever to counter aggression from Russia. We are told that 14 of the alliance’s 30 member states are taking part in Steadfast Noon.

Senator Gold, is Canada taking part in this exercise, and if so, what role is Canada playing?

Senator Ringuette: Senator Tannas, this bill was sent in June to the Agriculture Committee. They met with the first sponsor of this bill, our former colleague Senator Griffin; a former MP from the Island, a proponent of the bill; and other witnesses. They also met with the Commissioner for Workers, as I stated, and also the director of policy for the department. The questions to these people, as far as I can see, have been put and they have been answered.

The most important question and piece of information that we have now at third reading is the unsolicited report from the PBO, because one of my questions to the PBO was: Did someone ask you to do this report, this analysis? His answer was, “No, this is a part of our regular process that we look at bills in front of the two chambers and we want to know what is the fiscal.” So the crux of this issue is the PBO report because, if not for that report that I questioned two weeks ago, why was it made? Why was it being transparently said in the Senate? It is this report that is the crux of why it should be reviewed again by the Agriculture and Forestry Committee. That is why my motion says that.

If I may add, Senator Tannas, this has been in front of the Senate since the end of May. P.E.I.’s seasonal workers are very much aware that this bill is in front of the Senate. Right now, they are going through a very stressful time because of Hurricane Fiona and because of the winter season coming up with fewer jobs for them. We need to deal with this quickly. I have told you how I am going to vote. In all fairness to the Agriculture Committee, I believe that they should have the opportunity to question the PBO and then report to us sooner rather than later in the interests of P.E.I.’s seasonal workers.

Senator Ringuette: May I have time to at least answer Senator Tannas?

The Hon. the Acting Speaker: Is permission granted?