The Hon. the Speaker: If you are opposed to the motion, please say “no.”

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of earlier this day, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 2 p.m.

Hon. Senators: Question.

The Hon. the Speaker: In my opinion the nays have it. I see two senators rising.

And two honourable senators having risen:

The Hon. the Speaker: Are senators ready for the question?

Senator Gold: It would be my pleasure to pass that on.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I’m not sure I have much to add to my previous response. Canada does have the will to defend the North, and is taking all measures within its capacity to do so.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question, senator.

It is not a question of manipulation. I will make inquiries — for the fact-based questions — and I will get back to you soon as possible.

[English]

Hon. Rose-May Poirier: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Leader in the Senate. On Monday an Angus Reid survey revealed that over half of Canadians feel they cannot keep up with the cost of living. According to Statistics Canada, in January inflation grew by 5.1 year over year — the highest level since 1991.

This year it has become harder for Canadian families to feed themselves. The cost of fresh fruit has gone up 8.2%, margarine is up 0.5% over the past year, chicken is up 9% in just one month and beef is up 13%, again in just one month.

Senator Gold, you recently stated that the Trudeau government is seized with the issue of inflation. When you look at these grocery prices for families going higher and higher, how do you show a government seized with the high cost of living?

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

I must answer your questions the same way I did just a few days ago: I will add them to the questions already received. I have put these questions to the government, and will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Hon. the Speaker: On debate on the amendment, Senator Gold.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Downe, I know we have broad leeway when asking questions, and I will continue to adhere to that, but I’m sure your supplementary will have some nexus to the debate on the amendment.

Senator Gold: Again, thank you for the question. It’s an important one. The Government of Canada has a presence in the North and will continue to use that presence to assert and defend its sovereignty. It is also taking steps in light of the recent Russian aggression to register its opposition not only to the aggression but challenges to Canada’s sovereignty in the North and will continue to do so.

Senator Wells: Thank you, leader. Supplementary to that, given the proximity of our northern border with Russia and our lack of defences — and it is, colleagues and Senator Gold, a lack of defences in Canada’s North, including our territorial waters — what, if anything, is Canada doing to protect and secure our borders?

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

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, I stand before you once again. My hometown of Peshawar bleeds, 56 people killed this afternoon, over 200 injured and all they were doing is going for prayers. I want to acknowledge the devastation that has been directed upon Peshawar again and again. I don’t know a single family, including my own, that has not been affected by the years of terrorism, for which there is never any acknowledgement. I want to stand and acknowledge all the lives lost in Peshawar today and in the years gone by. Thank you, Your Honour.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I give notice that, later this day, I will move:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 2 p.m.