Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, over the weekend a report from Global News indicated that an ArriveCAN-related issue caused power crews from Maine to be held up at the border on their way to help the people of Nova Scotia in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. It is said that the U.S. crews were concerned they would not be able to get across the border at all. Following these reports, a spokesperson for Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino, denied that there had been any such issue at the border. However, the Nova Scotia premier’s office stood by the allegation that there was indeed an issue and a delay. This was also confirmed by Nova Scotia Power. Even so, later, in an evening press conference, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, dismissed any delay as being inconsequential.

Honourable senators, tens of thousands of people in Atlantic Canada have been left without power and entire communities have suffered unimaginable devastation. There is nothing inconsequential about that. So, which one is it, leader? Can you confirm that there was an issue with ArriveCAN that caused the delay of crucial aid to the people of Nova Scotia? If so, do you agree with your colleague Minister Blair’s characterization of the delay as being inconsequential?

Hon. David M. Wells: Honourable senators, this past weekend, Atlantic Canadians’ lives were immeasurably impacted by Hurricane Fiona. The massive storm left a path of devastation, washing away homes and livelihoods. At the peak of the storm, nearly 500,000 Atlantic Canadians were left without power. In its wake, over 280,000 are still without power as the Canadian Armed Forces, emergency crews, utility workers, first responders and citizen volunteers work to clear debris and rebuild.

The images from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec’s North Shore and my province of Newfoundland and Labrador are a sombre reminder that things can quickly change and strong storms can have a devastating impact. This drives home the critical importance of the global consensus on the effects of climate change.

Not only have many Atlantic Canadians lost their homes — more than 100 homes were destroyed in southwest Newfoundland — at least three people lost their lives: an individual from Prince Edward Island, a 73-year-old woman from Port aux Basques and an 81-year-old gentleman from Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia. I am certain that all our colleagues and I give our deepest condolences to the families and friends who have tragically lost their loved ones.

I have reached out to Mayor Button of Channel-Port aux Basques, as well as other MHAs and local officials, and I will be in the region later this week. Crews are making progress restoring power and rebuilding. This will be a long, ongoing Canadian effort.

Although Hurricane Fiona is the most recent, Atlantic Canada has had a long history of storms. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel killed 81 Atlantic Canadians. In 1968, Hurricane Ginny had the highest sustained winds on record. In recent years, many of us remember Hurricane Igor, which devastated parts of Newfoundland in 2010. Hurricanes Juan and Dorian also had immense impacts on the rest of Eastern Canada.

Atlantic Canadians have proven resilient time and time again and, colleagues, this time will be no different.