Senator Plett: Leader, the end of Minister Lametti’s statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling said, “We will continue to stand with those affected by this terrible crime and support them.”

Leader, how does leaving the position of Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime vacant since October 1 of last year show support for victims and their families? And how does letting the review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights go two years overdue show support for victims and their families?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, my question, again, is for the government leader in the Senate.

Leader, a Supreme Court of Canada ruling last week, which struck down life without parole for mass murderers, means that the man who killed six people in a Quebec mosque in 2017 may be eligible to apply for parole. His lawyer called the court decision a glimmer of hope, yet the families of his victims live each and every day with the pain and loss of their loved ones.

On Friday, the Minister of Justice released a statement that read, “. . . we will respect the court’s decision and carefully review its implications and path forward.”

Leader, what does that mean? Why has the NDP-Liberal government completely ruled out a legislative response? What is your path forward? To just move on and let the victims fall by the wayside once again?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I wish to pay tribute to Bruce Gilchrist Duncan Campbell, who passed away on May 17, 2022. Born to Duncan and Kathleen Campbell, Bruce grew up on the family farm in Chater, Manitoba.

Bruce was a humble man who made significant contributions to our country, to my home province of Manitoba, to my community of Landmark, to the farming industry and to everyone who had the privilege of chatting or working with him.

He was a generous man who inspired so many people — a man who always had sensible words of encouragement supported by a tremendous depth of knowledge.

Bruce was a natural businessman and was gifted with a down-to-earth approach and an ability to build strong relationships with people, his staff and his community.

My remarks today are a true testament and demonstration of Bruce’s ability and vision to forge strong community bonds.

Bruce started his career as a sales rep who eventually seized the opportunity to purchase an interest in a small, rural feed business in Landmark, Manitoba, in 1968. Just nine years later, he successfully became the sole owner. In the 30 years that followed, Bruce built and turned Landmark Feeds Incorporated into an innovative, leading company that he profitably sold to Maple Leaf Foods in 1999.

Bruce had great success in leading partners and teams in agribusiness, but his legacy is much bigger than that alone. He was a visionary who put people at the forefront of all his endeavours.

His successes are well documented. The significance of his contributions in the agricultural industry in Western Canada speak for themselves. His fireplace mantel was filled with awards, recognitions and honourable mentions, the Order of Canada being one of them. But his best renown was his reputation of caring for individuals around him.

I wish to share a specific story that will give everyone a glimpse of what kind of person Bruce Campbell was.

In 1991, I helped fundraise for the construction of our new arena in Landmark. At the time, the project was one of about a million dollars. Bruce was our largest single financial contributor.

As the plans progressed, I recall sharing with him that the project was short $50,000 and that we were considering the option of not immediately going ahead with the ice plant. Well, Bruce didn’t think that was a good idea, so, he turned around and wrote us a cheque for $50,000. His additional donation made such a difference. Many would have said, “I’ve already given.” But not Bruce. Bruce encompassed his community with generosity.

In small communities, the arena is the centre of so many great memories. Bruce and his family not only ensured that Landmark was thriving, but, just like in business, he put the people at the forefront. The Landmark Arena is now named after him.

On behalf of Canada’s farming community, the people of Landmark, Manitoba, and myself personally, I wish to pass on my condolences to his wife, Lesley; his children Nancy and Brock; and their spouses, grandchildren and all family members and friends.

I pray that you find solace in knowing that Bruce has left us for a better place, while recognizing that he left our community a better place.

Thank you.