Senator Gold: I will certainly make inquiries as to what resources are being dedicated to the open banking file, and I have confidence that the CRA is going to do its very best to treat all taxpayers — and all Canadians — fairly as we approach this happy time of the year when we have to face the music in our taxes. Thank you for your question.

[Translation]

Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, the Treasury Board of Canada has ruled that the Canadian Human Rights Commission has discriminated against its own Black and racialized employees. This revelation is even more disturbing considering that yesterday marked the United Nations’ seventy-fifth International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. After these brave employees have come forward with their stories, Black Canadians can no longer place their trust in the Canadian Human Rights Commission to handle complaints of anti-Black racism.

My question to you, Senator Gold, is this: What actions will the government take to address anti-Black racism in the Canadian Human Rights Commission to ensure the complaints process is equitable for Black Canadians?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Doug Deacon. He is a friend of the Honourable Senator Downe and brother of the Honourable Senator Colin Deacon.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

An Hon. Senator: Add inflation to it.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question.

According to my information, Minister Alghabra recently met with the authorities at Bathurst Regional Airport to reassure them that the government will continue working with representatives of the airport and other regional airports to help support them.

I do not know the details of that conversation, but I will reach out to the government to seek further information, if there is any.

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I would like to explain, for those who have less experience than you, honourable colleague, that just because I am a member of the Privy Council it does not mean that I have access to the information on national security that was provided to the Prime Minister or parliamentarians. I thank you for the confidence you have in my role, which I am pleased to fulfill to the best of my abilities.

However, I simply do not have access to that information. Even if I did have access to information concerning national security, I would not be allowed to share it publicly, as you are well aware.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 67, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding ministerial exemptions granted under COVID-19 quarantine rules — Public Health Agency of Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 67, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding ministerial exemptions granted under COVID-19 quarantine rules — Public Safety Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table the answers to the following oral questions:

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 24, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 17, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning credit card merchant fees.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning fees to small businesses — Export Development Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning fees to small businesses — Department of Finance Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning fees to small businesses — Farm Credit Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning fees to small businesses — Business Development Bank of Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning fees to small businesses — Corporations Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 6, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, concerning the Special Economic Measures Act.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 22, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Marshall, concerning the Departmental Results Report.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 13, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning the Embassy in Armenia.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 7, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Wells, concerning a Canadian airline crew detained abroad.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on March 24, 2022)

In Budget 2017, the government committed to invest $256 million to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This represents the estimated Canadian dollar cost to purchase paid-in shares worth US$199.1 million. The government has made four payments to date, each valued at US$39.8 million.

The government remains committed to promoting strong and inclusive economic growth in Canada and around the world. As part of this, Canada is a member of several Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), including the AIIB. Canada’s investment in this MDB is made alongside many like-minded shareholders, including Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on May 17, 2022)

As announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the government is working with the payment card industry and businesses to lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses in a manner that does not adversely affect other businesses and protects existing reward points for consumers.

The government is moving quickly and has initiated discussions with payment card networks, financial institutions, acquirers, payment processors and business associations.

Concurrent with the Fall Economic Statement announcement, the government released draft legislative amendments to the Payment Card Networks Act and indicated that should the industry not come to an agreement in the coming months, it would introduce this legislation at the earliest possible opportunity in 2023 and move forward with regulating credit card transaction fees.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on May 18, 2022)

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which launched in 2019, allows eligible first-time home buyers to lower their borrowing costs by sharing the cost of buying a home with the government.

In response to feedback from Canadians, in 2021 the Government of Canada expanded the eligibility criteria of the program to help Canadians seeking to purchase a home in the higher priced markets of Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria.

Budget 2022 extended the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive by three years to March 31, 2025. The Government continues to assess options noted in Budget 2022 to make the program more flexible and responsive to the needs of first-time home buyers, including single-led households.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 21, 2022)

Export Development Canada does not charge fees for any of our advisory services.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 21, 2022)

As announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the government is working with the payment card industry and businesses to lower credit card transaction fees for small businesses in a manner that does not adversely affect other businesses and protects existing reward points for consumers.

The government is moving quickly and has initiated discussions with payment card networks, financial institutions, acquirers, payment processors and business associations.

Concurrent with the Fall Economic Statement announcement, the government released draft legislative amendments to the Payment Card Networks Act and indicated that should the industry not come to an agreement in the coming months, it would introduce this legislation at the earliest possible opportunity in 2023 and move forward with regulating credit card transaction fees.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 21, 2022)

Farm Credit Canada does not currently charge fees for business advisory services such as mentorship and training.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 21, 2022)

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) offers a range of advisory services, such as mandates focusing on sales & marketing, operational efficiency, and digital technology, and charges fees for services that are delivered by consulting professionals. In addition, BDC offers tools, articles and advice free of charge on its website. BDC continues to revise its activities, including fees, to ensure alignment with current market conditions and the needs of Canadian small and medium sized businesses. More information regarding BDC’s advisory services is available at the following website: https://www.bdc.ca/en/consulting.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 21, 2022)

Corporations Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continue to explore ways of making it easier and more affordable to start and grow a business in order to support small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Corporations Canada conducts a fee review every 5 years and these have led to beneficial fee reductions in the past. For example, the last fee review process in 2019 led to a reduction of 40% in Annual Returns fees in 2020. As part of the next fee review process, Corporations Canada will assess the impact of an incorporation fee reduction with stakeholders and partners and seeking new ways to reduce business start-up costs, particularly for entrepreneurs where the cost of incorporation represents a systemic barrier.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Ratna Omidvar on October 6, 2022)

Canada is horrified by the Iranian regime’s actions, which have culminated in the tragic killings of Mahsa Amini and hundreds of brave protestors.

Canada announced new measures to go even further, this includes:

•banning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials from Canada, forever;

•creating a new sanctions bureau and keep increasing sanctions on Iran;

•expanding ability to seize and freeze assets.

Canada has some of the toughest measures of any country in the world against the Iranian regime. Impunity is not an option. Canada stands with the Iranian people.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Elizabeth Marshall on November 22, 2022)

The department has prepared its Departmental Results Report (DRR) for the year ending March 31, 2022. The 2021-22 Departmental Results Reports were tabled by Minister Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, in the House of Commons on behalf of all departments, on December 2, 2022.

As required by the Financial Administration Act, the Debt Management Report must be tabled in each House of Parliament annually within 30 sitting days of the tabling of the Public Accounts in the House of Commons. The Public Accounts were tabled on October 27, 2022 and The Debt Management Report 2021-2022 was tabled in both houses of Parliament on December 14, 2022, which was within the legislative deadline.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on December 13, 2022)

On June 29, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced an expansion of Canada’s diplomatic presence and capacity in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Caucacus.

Following work and a report by Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, on ways to increase Canadian support for Armenian democracy, our government committed to open a full embassy with a resident ambassador in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. This will help build stronger bilateral ties and support Armenia in its democratic development.

As a step towards this commitment, and in light of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of Canada – Armenia relations, it was further announced by Canada’s Ambassador to Armenia, Alison LeClaire, on November 24, 2022, that a new consulate in Yerevan would be opened as of December 15, 2022, headed by Honorary Consul Vardges Avagyan. This consulate will offer essential consular services to Canadians living, studying, working, and travelling in Armenia, including emergency consular assistance and passport and citizenship services.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable David M. Wells on February 7, 2023)

Transport Canada takes all allegations of incidents involving aviation safety and security seriously. The responsibility for aviation security at Punta Cana International Airport rests with the Dominican Republic.

The incident involving the Canadian crew that was detained occurred at the general aviation or private terminal of the airport, not the main terminal building where scheduled commercial flights to Canada operate.

The main terminal and commercial aircraft area are protected by several more layers of security, and are separate from the general aviation area. Transport Canada does not have the legal authority or mandate to conduct a criminal investigation in a foreign State and has respected the due process of the Dominican Republic criminal justice system.

Transport Canada made arrangements with the Dominican Republic’s Cuerpo Especializado en Seguridad Aeroportuaria y de la Aviación Civil (CESAC) (Specialized Corps in Airport Security and Civil Aviation) to conduct an assessment of the airport. This was completed in February 2023.The assessment focused on commercial flights to Canada, and included a tour and review of the general aviation area.

No major security issues were discovered during this assessment. Transport Canada continues to collaborate with the civil aviation authority to encourage the continuous improvement of aviation security.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Audette, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mégie, for the second reading of Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, today I am pleased to present Chapter 74 of “Telling our Story.”

When one speaks of Newfoundland and Labrador, the word “fish” often comes to mind. Well, today I am going to tell you about a group of men known as “The Fish Gang” who, over a hundred years ago, left the small fishing outports of our province and headed to the streets of New York City to help build that city’s incredible skyline. American construction companies recruited Newfoundland fishermen who were used to climbing the high rigging on fishing schooners and, therefore, were not afraid of working on high steel. The risk was high but so was the pay.

Legend has it that the first Newfoundland ironworker was a man named Frank Treahy from Conception Harbour, who quickly sent word back home to the “bys” that there was steady work and good wages to be had erecting skyscrapers in New York. Other Newfoundlanders heeded his call, and by the 1930s, Newfoundlanders represented about a quarter of the membership of Iron Workers Local 40, which covers Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and Westchester County. Some rose to prominent positions in the union. In 1939, Newfoundland native Jim Cole was elected president and served until 1950. The next union president was Ray Corbett, whose family hailed from Harbour Main. He was then followed by Ray Mullett, the son of an ironworker from the now resettled community of Oderin in Placentia Bay. He, in turn, gave way in the early 1990s to another native Newfoundlander, Jack Doyle. You could say they took the place over.

The Newfoundland men were known to swim in schools or stick together and watch out for each other on and off the job. They soon became known as “The Fish Gang,” and when their sons took up ironwork, they were called “The Fish Offspring.”

The men from Newfoundland were also well known and respected for their strong work ethic, their wonderful personalities and their fearlessness. New York journalist Jim Rasenberger, in his 2004 book High Steel: The Daring Men Who Built the World’s Greatest Skyline, said:

The Newfoundlander would have been a natural for the work.... He would have possessed the sea legs and the rigging skills that were so important to the job.

He went on to say that the Newfoundlander “. . . would also have been accustomed to working hard under risky circumstances and not fretting too much about it.”

Rasenberger added:

Compared to hauling seal carcasses across a shifting icefield in Labrador, or climbing a ship’s mast on a stormy sea, the feat of balancing on a steel beam several hundred feet above the streets of New York was a cakewalk.

I am sure many of you have seen one of the world’s most famous photographs, which was taken by Charles Ebbets on September 29, 1932, and has been referred to at different times by the titles Eating over Manhattan and Lunch Atop a Skyscraper. It shows 11 men having their lunch while sitting on a steel beam on the sixty-ninth floor of the Rockefeller Plaza building in New York City. That would be about 850 feet about the city street. The photo has become an icon of 20th-century American photography. While some of the men in the photo remain unidentified, it is said that the third man from the left is Austin Lawlor of King’s Cove in Newfoundland, and the fifth man is Claude Stagg from the fishing community of Catalina.

Knowing that the boys from home always hung out together, I’m confident that there are a few more Newfoundlanders sitting there, dangling their feet.

In 1986, Hana Gartner with “The Fifth Estate” produced a great documentary on “The Fish Gang” called Ironworkers from Newfoundland: Walking Iron. It is easily accessible on the CBC website, and I encourage you to have a look. They built buildings like the Sears Tower, the World Trade Center and, yes, the Twin Towers. The hands of Newfoundlanders helped build one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Years ago, long before safety protocols were put in place, a Newfoundlander was asked during an interview about the dangers associated with the job, and his answer was, “You only fall once.”

It is said that wherever you go in the world, you will find a Newfoundlander and Labradorian. They have left our shores and made their marks throughout the world. It was no different with the lads who went to New York so many years ago. Today, I am pleased to pay tribute to the “The Fish Gang.”

Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

[Translation]

Senator McCallum: Thank you for the question. No, I’m not aware of that. I did look into it, and, at one point, they were included. I saw this when I looked at the final report, and then they were removed at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs. I don’t know what the reason for that was, but that is something that needs to be addressed in the committee.

When it goes to committee, I urge that this issue is not rushed through — we need at least two or three weeks of discussion because there are about 10 people that I will ask to present. Canadians need to know what the issues are behind this bill, and we need to do it justice. Thank you.

(On motion of Senator Dalphond, for Senator Anderson, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator McPhedran, seconded by the Honourable Senator White, for the second reading of Bill S-201, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum (voting age).

(On motion of Senator Tannas, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Wallin, seconded by the Honourable Senator Tannas, for the second reading of Bill S-248, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying).

Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak in support of Bill S-248, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), introduced by Senator Wallin. I would like to thank Senator Wallin, whose continued advocacy for expanding eligibility for advance requests for medical assistance in dying, or MAID, is grounded in evidence-based research, compassion and a patient-centred approach.

This bill contains two main objectives, the first being that it would amend the Criminal Code to permit an individual whose death is not reasonably foreseeable to enter into a written agreement to receive MAID on a specified day if they lose capacity to consent prior to that day. The second objective is to permit an individual who has been diagnosed with a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability to make a written declaration to waive the requirement for final consent when receiving MAID if they lose capacity to consent, are suffering from symptoms outlined in their written declaration and have met all other relevant safeguards outlined in the Criminal Code.

In effect, this bill would allow competent persons to make advance requests for medical assistance in dying. In the most practical sense, it would broaden the range of options for patients who are faced with difficult circumstances and, at times, agonizing decisions.

Honourable senators, we have heard from Senators Wallin, Seidman and Kutcher, who delivered well-researched and articulate arguments as to why this bill needs to be further studied at committee. Senator Wallin’s proposal for expanding the right to advanced requests for MAID isn’t new. As Senator Seidman highlighted, it was a recommendation made more than six years ago to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, which she was a member of, by many witnesses with knowledge and expertise in the areas of law, health and ethics. Senator Wallin also proposed this amendment last year during our study of Bill C-7, which passed in this chamber but was later rejected by the government of the day, who handed it over to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying for further study and consideration.

I would like to commend the work of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, which, as we are all aware, has conducted a parliamentary review on some of the key issues in Bill C-7, including advanced requests. The committee, co-chaired by our honourable colleague Senator Martin, recently tabled their second report, Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada: Choices for Canadians. This work is supported by our honourable colleagues including Vice-Chair Senator Mégie and members Senators Dalphond, Kutcher and Wallin. I’d like to highlight that in this report, the committee recommends that the Government of Canada amend the Criminal Code to allow for advance requests following a diagnosis of a serious and incurable medical condition, disease or disorder leading to incapacity.

Honourable senators, legislation can often seem theoretical, distant and cold. However, Bill S-248 involves real people, real families and agonizingly real choices made in a context that cannot possibly be understood by those who have not lived or experienced it.

I recognize that this is a deeply emotional and polarizing issue, and I respect the deeply held moral and spiritual beliefs of many in this chamber that we should not be in the business of making it easier to end a human life.

My perspective on this issue comes from over 35 years as a practising physician and having the gut-wrenching experience of witnessing incurable medical conditions slowly and steadily destroy everything that resembles life and living. I have witnessed the harsh toll that these conditions take on both patients and their loved ones. And so, the polarity of emotions in my own head and mind seem to be at constant odds. This is indeed a sensitive subject with a strong emotional and spiritual foundation, and based on my lived experiences in caring for individuals with cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative disorders, brain tumours and other neurological diseases that slowly and steadily strip away so much of what makes us who we are.

Honourable senators, I have always marvelled at the complexity of the human brain. Weighing a mere 1.4 kg, it shapes so much of what it means to be human, and its degeneration leaves behind sequelae that are heart-rending. Medical advances mean that we live longer and have a plethora of diagnostic and therapeutic options. The progress and understanding of medical science is indeed a marvel to behold. And yet, when it comes to understanding the brain, we remain somewhat in the dark.

Many of us have witnessed the effects of loss of cognition in our loved ones, friends and communities. The process is hardly ever linear. Plateaus and systematic decline are interwoven until all that remains is a shadow of what was a productive life.

In medical school, I had the opportunity to study dementia and neurocognitive disorders. During an elective in Edinburgh, Scotland, I had my first experience of working and studying in a “dementia unit,” as it was called. It was here that I first witnessed the impact of the loss of higher function on loved ones and caregivers. I felt so helpless and forlorn, and this memory would come back to haunt and remind me of how very cruel this malady is as I took charge of caring for my own unit and individuals in various stages of cognitive decline in my beloved Twillingate.

Honourable senators, let me categorically state that I would never canvass, suggest, coerce or advise MAID. It is a decision that must and should always be left to the individual and their determination as to why, how or when they might seek such an option. If asked, I will offer all options for individuals and families to consider and include the key members of my team in that complex and emotionally charged process. I’ve often turned to clergy and psychologists myself for personal reflection, and perhaps redemption, when facing these questions.

My time in practice has taught me that even when every treatment option is offered to those in cognitive decline, there is a progressive point in some individuals that does cause irremediable pain and suffering, physical and emotional pain, searing dissociation that is caught in the eyes of the victim — haunting, cruel and unremitting.

Does life’s moral compass always bend towards justice? I don’t know the answer to that. But watching people that I’ve loved so dearly go through this agony has left me wounded and scarred. I have witnessed countless tragic and painful experiences: the angst of confusion, agitation, delirium, combativeness, personality changes, loss of bodily function, infections and often helplessness.

A dear friend once said to me, “Ravs, all I can remember is the pain and confusion in mum’s eyes. All my other wonderful memories have been drowned out by this one image. What could we have done differently?” My answer is that I’m not sure. I’m hurting too. She knit me a pair of woollen socks, she baked me pies and she loved inviting me in for pea soup on Saturdays. She was so wise. I miss her, too.

We, as the providers of care, often feel the most helpless, trying our best to provide evidence-based care for our community members — people we know and love so dearly.

So yes, I’ve seen a lot of suffering and pain, and I do not have all the answers. But the memories linger and surface. There are the blood-curdling screams, aggression and agitation and cruel verbal assaults on loved ones. Even when you know why it is happening, you live with it, day in and day out, in a state of disbelief and despondency.

So the difficult question arises repeatedly from patients: “What if I did not have to go through this? What if it did not have to be this way? Can I make this decision? What if I change my mind? Will I still go to heaven? I’m afraid. I can’t bear to watch my family agonize over me if I lose it altogether.”

Honourable colleagues, Bill S-248 offers competent patients options. It is our duty to assess whether those options are feasible in allowing Canadians the choice of how they wish to plan their lives when faced with such unbearable situations. This is an important piece of legislation. It requires all of our careful thought, consideration and study at the next legislative step at committee. Thank you, wela’lin.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Ravalia, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan, for the second reading of Bill S-253, An Act respecting a national framework for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Hon. Marie-Françoise Mégie: Honourable senators, it is a great honour for me to introduce you to my guest today. She was able to take her rightful place as a Black woman, demonstrate her excellence and make a unique contribution to Quebec society and the advancement of medicine.

Her name is Yvette Bonny. She was born in Haiti in 1938. She studied medicine and provided health care in the rural areas of the country. She emigrated to Quebec in 1961 and did her residency at the Sainte-Justine pediatric hospital in Montreal in 1965. She was the first Black woman resident at that hospital.

She then went on to specialize in hematology at the Saint-Antoine Hospital in Paris, the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, where she did her residency in hematology in 1967 and in pathology in 1968.

When she began her career, she was the third woman hematologist in Quebec and the first with a specialization in pediatrics. However, it was not an easy road. As a Black female doctor, Dr. Bonny had to work that much harder to gain the confidence of her peers and some parents who, when they saw her, doubted her abilities. She often felt as though she always had to prove that she was the best.

Still, these obstacles did not stop her. Dr. Bonny showed her determination throughout her long and outstanding career. On April 2, 1980, she performed the first bone marrow transplant on a child in Quebec. A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to treat leukemia and other cancers and is now done to treat sickle cell disease, a genetic red blood cell disorder.

She was the only pediatric hematologist performing this procedure in Quebec for many years. Over the course of her career, she performed 200 bone marrow transplants.

Her dedication, compassion and humour earned her the nickname “Patch Adams” among her pediatrics colleagues.

She received many awards and honours throughout her successful career. I certainly don’t have enough time to list them all, but I would like to point out that she was made a knight of the Ordre national du Québec in 2007 and has been a member of the Order of Canada since 2008.

Dr. Bonny has always been an inspiration to me. She has paved the way for young girls from Haiti who dream of working in health care. She is a role model for the Haitian community and especially for all young Black women.

Colleagues, please join me in congratulating Dr. Bonny on all her accomplishments and in wishing her and her daughter, Nathalie Gadbois, a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada.

Thank you.

Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, let me begin by thanking the Canadian Senators Group for giving me their speaking time today.

To this day, and despite more and more scientific research, cancer is still taking a toll in Canadian society. Some of our fellow citizens manage to recover from this disease while others, for the most part, succumb to it.

I rise today to pay tribute to Nadine Girault and honour her memory. The former Quebec minister of international relations and la francophonie was taken by this terrible disease on February 13, 2023.

Born in 1959 in Saint Louis, Missouri, to Haitian parents, Nadine Girault grew up in the beautiful Quebec town of Gaspé where her family settled after fleeing the dictatorship in Haiti.

After graduating from high school in Gaspé, Nadine Girault moved to Montreal, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing at the École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal and a master’s in business administration at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Nadine had a rich and varied career, going from Xerox to the Bank of Montreal, with stints at Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Investissement Québec, the Montreal police force, the Royal Bank of Canada and the Desjardins Group.

In 2018, Nadine decided to enter provincial politics and was elected as an MNA for Coalition avenir Québec, representing the riding of Bertrand. Nadine would be appointed as the Quebec minister of international relations and la francophonie under Premier François Legault’s first government.

During Nadine’s first term, Quebec unveiled its Africa strategy, which included an investment of $50 million to fund projects and Quebec companies interested in doing business in Africa. It was also under her leadership that Quebec appointed the largest number of women to Quebec delegations around the world.

Nadine was a dignified, elegant, hard-working and very athletic woman. She was a model of selflessness and resilience, an inspiration for the diversity of our country and an example of a leader who made public service a priority.

As I extend my sincere condolences to her family and her party, I salute the memory of a woman who proudly represented Quebec and the French language abroad.

Rest in peace, Nadine Girault, my dear and sorely missed friend.

Hon. Chantal Petitclerc: Dear colleagues, I rise today to note the death of Kiska, at the approximate age of 47 years.

[English]

Known as “the world’s loneliest orca,” she died last week after four decades in captivity in Ontario.

Captured off Iceland in 1979, she spent her first year in Canada with the orca Keiko, who was later sold to Mexico and then returned to freedom in Iceland a few years later. Kiska, however, would have no such luck. She remained in captivity and mothered five calves, none of which survived.

After the death of her tank mate, Kiska was to live her last 12 years in solitary confinement.

Many have said Kiska inspired change. I agree, but change also came from the efforts of amazing and strong champions. Today, I want to recognize the many individuals who fight for animal rights and who are committed to making those changes happen.

We make our decisions from the comfort of our suits and seats. As I was reading about the death of Kiska, it allowed me to dive into the many stories of courageous, passionate and strong activists who give their time and lives to defending the rights of animals. They include Phil Demers, Dylan Powell, Camille Labchuk, the humane societies and many others. They dedicate years and decades of their lives. They show up at peaceful protests. They seek justice. They document. They research. They never give up. In the end, they push society — they push Canada — to become a better place. Today, I want to thank them, as they are devastated by the passing of Kiska.

It may feel like they have failed, but they haven’t. Because of their relentless actions in the defence of animals, Kiska may very well have been the last captive orca in Canada. Let’s hope so.

Meegwetch. Thank you.