Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu introduced Bill S-205, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to another Act (interim release and domestic violence recognizance orders).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer introduced Bill S-213, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (independence of the judiciary).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan introduced Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Diane F. Griffin introduced Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Claude Carignan introduced Bill S-221, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act (retiring annuity and other benefits).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Mary Jane McCallum introduced Bill S-218, An Act to amend the Department for Women and Gender Equality Act.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Mary Jane McCallum introduced Bill S-219, An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan introduced Bill S-225, An Act to amend the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act (investments).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for underlining the real and important issue of helping those who helped us when we were on our mission in Afghanistan. The government has done everything that it can under extraordinarily difficult circumstances to assist all of those, whether interpreters or others, in Afghanistan who worked with our military and our presence in Afghanistan and will continue to do so.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): It’s good to be back in the chamber, leader, holding this continuously incompetent government to account.

The emergency in B.C. caused by unprecedented flooding has been heartbreaking for all Canadians to witness. I know every honourable senator joins me in sending condolences to the families of those who have died.

My question relates to the situation being faced by farmers in British Columbia. Livestock producers who were able to evacuate with their animals had to leave behind the feed for their herds. As the Canadian Federation of Agriculture has stated, the crisis in the region could have long-term consequences for animal welfare and our food supply.

Leader, what is the Government of Canada doing right now to provide emergency support to British Columbia farmers, especially livestock producers?

Senator Gold: Thank you, senator, for raising this question and for your ongoing commitment to keeping this in the public eye.

As I reported in response to an earlier question, the government has invested tens and tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to various international organizations working on behalf of those struggling and suffering in Afghanistan. It is complicated by the political situation, of course. Canada is doing everything it can. I won’t repeat the figures, but there are significant efforts by Canada in assisting in the humanitarian crisis that is facing too many in Afghanistan.

Senator Gold: The government is committed to doing everything it can both to help in the immediate term but, equally importantly, to take the steps with its partners — provincial and territorial — to build greater resilience into our supply chains and infrastructure. Indeed, Minister Blair underlined that in a recent pronouncement. The government will consider all possible measures, in consultation with its partners.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: I will be happy to get back to you with specific answers. I do want to emphasize, though, that the tragedies and devastation — not only in British Columbia but elsewhere in this country — underline the importance of a collective effort to fight climate change, to which this government remains committed.

Senator Gold: I think all senators would agree that under all circumstances, wherever possible, the most rigorous study and review of bills is appropriate.

That said, I can assure the honourable senator that it is the government’s view that the issuance of these payments will be done in accordance with the policy directives announced by the government in Budget 2021 and through the passage of Bill C-30, and seniors — and I address this to any and all who are watching — can be assured that these payments will be done in a correct manner.

Senator Griffin: I think a pre-study cannot do justice to a change that’s made during committee stage in the House of Commons. This is one problem with a pre-study as opposed to a Senate committee being able to do a more thorough, clause-by-clause study after the bill has come to us by the House of Commons.

Can I come back to ask: Does this drafting error highlight the usefulness of the Senate undertaking a clause-by-clause review?

Senator Gold: It’s the policy, principle and a value of this government, and I’m sure of all Canadians, that the access to safe drinking water for everyone is something we all deserve. It’s a priority for this government.

With respect to your question about providing funding for the new long-term water supply, I have been advised that Infrastructure Canada has received a request for funding and that the project is currently being assessed. The Government of Canada will continue to work with the Mayor of Iqaluit and territorial officials to move this forward as quickly as is reasonably possible.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for your ongoing commitment to the people of Iqaluit. I had the pleasure to visit there some few years ago, as you know.

I have been advised that the government has received a request for funding through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund’s large project stream for the City of Iqaluit for the Iqaluit water infrastructure improvement project. The project is currently being assessed. The government is of the view that a long-term solution is infrastructure based, and it is committed to working collaboratively with the city and the territory to arrive at a long-term and viable solution.

Senator Gold: Of course.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Senator Gold, would you take a question, please?