Senator Mercer: I think any time you poke someone with a sharp stick, you can anticipate that there’s going to be a bit of pushback. I don’t think that we here in this chamber have all of the information that the government used the sharp stick and poked the truckers on that occasion. I don’t think we have all the information that caused them to do that. In retrospect, was it a wise thing to do? Probably not.

Senator Plett: It would be difficult for me to say “no” to you, Senator Gold, after yesterday.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson:

That, pursuant to section 58 of the Emergencies Act, the Senate confirm the declaration of a public order emergency proclaimed on February 14, 2022.

Senator Ataullahjan: Yes.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Would you take a question, Senator Tannas?

Senator Tannas: Yes.

Senator Pate: That’s in the short term, absolutely. A number of us have spoken about the longer-term issues and the fact that the situation we are in today was decades in the making. Would you agree that there is a need to really look at — and one of the next pieces of legislation we’ll be looking at will be trying to fix — some of those who were left behind, like the elderly, during this period? Do you believe we also need to be looking at the fundamental fabric — the social, economic and health frameworks — that exists to support people in the country?

Senator Tannas: No.

The Hon. the Speaker: Excuse me, Senator Tannas. I’m sure you want to answer this question, but your time has expired and there are other senators who want to ask questions. Are you asking for five more minutes?

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: Would Senator Plett take a question?

[English]

Hon. Michèle Audette: Would Senator Plett agree to answer a question?

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Senator Busson, I’m sorry. It is noon. I have to interrupt you. We will resume debate at 1 p.m.

Senator Gold: Would you agree that government should take advice from law enforcement?

Senator Gold: Shall I repeat it?

Senator Plett: The answer to your first question is certainly “yes.”

I’m not entirely sure how you phrased the second question.

The Hon. the Speaker: Would you like to ask another question, Senator Audette?

Senator Bernard: Senator Plett, thank you for your speech. There has been documentation of many forms of violence for the duration of this occupation. The primary organizers have histories of far-right extremism, including evidence of racist and Islamophobic sentiment. We have heard anecdotes from Ottawa citizens being victims of violence during the past three weeks in Centretown. We have seen hate symbols on display. And we have heard reports of violence and harassment toward media and journalists.

Canadians have a right to peaceful assembly and protest, we agree. However, there has been enough evidence that this occupation has not been a safe or a peaceful environment.

My question to you, Senator Plett, is why are the rights and freedoms of participants of the “Freedom Convoy” being prioritized over the rights and freedoms of residents in Centretown who have been unable to live their lives safely in the vicinity, and also journalists who have been prevented from reporting on the convoy?

Senator Plett: Certainly, senator.

Hon. Wanda Elaine Thomas Bernard: Would Senator Plett take a question, please?