Senator Housakos: Senator Gold, with all due respect, for years, we have had motions in this chamber, and there have been motions that have passed in the House of Commons, calling upon the government to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Saying it takes time and is ongoing is not acceptable when it has already been seven or eight years. The government has the power to do this, and when you don’t do it, it empowers organizations like the IRGC.

When will you list the IRGC as a terrorist organization?

Senator Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise to add my voice to Senator Coyle’s inquiry on Canada’s transition to a net-zero emissions future. Thank you to our colleague for initiating this urgent conversation. The transition must include, to quote Senator Coyle:

. . . finding innovative and effective ways to ensure the people, communities and regions most closely impacted by the transition to a net-zero economy are considered, have a voice and are supported.

Coming from Saskatchewan and Treaty 4 territory, I agree. Our federation must prioritize the inclusion of Western Canada, Indigenous nations and all regions in net-zero solutions and economic opportunities. A fair transition must be a whole‑of‑nation priority and effort with no one left behind, tailored to the unique advantages and challenges of every region, all towards economic benefits across the country. By working together, our federation can achieve a successful green transition, supporting the prosperity of Canadian workers and their families, the well‑being of our grandchildren and future generations and Canada being all it can be.

Today I’ll add to this climate inquiry my view on three topics. The first is Canada’s path to net-zero emissions, the second will be Saskatchewan’s unique contributions and challenges and the third is Indigenous environmental leadership and stewardship.

Senators, I begin with Canada’s path to net zero. On climate action, we must succeed. Science requires limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. This is the goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

To put the 1.5-degree target in perspective, 2023 was likely the warmest year in the last 120,000 years based on scientific evidence. This past summer, Canada experienced terrible wildfires, floods and drought, all worsened by climate change. As of September, 44 million acres of forest burned across Canada, negating the carbon stored in the trees and the soil. That’s 8.5 times the normal rate. Fire forced the evacuation of Yellowknife, flash floods hit Nova Scotia and droughts struck the Prairies. Climate disasters also struck globally, including extreme heat and fires in Europe, forcing evacuations in Greece; the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century in Hawaii, with drier conditions due to climate change; and floods in Libya, with nearly 4,000 people killed and over 9,000 missing.

Such events will worsen, even if we meet our goal. To save a livable earth, humanity must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Canadians must do our part by meeting this goal domestically, and by supporting international efforts to fulfill the Paris Agreement. We are making progress. Canada’s 2022 overall emissions were 6.3% below 2005 levels, despite a population increase of 24% in the same period. Reductions are, therefore, evident and achievable.

However, our country’s target for 2030 is to reduce emissions 40% to 45% below 2005 levels. On that, we have a long way to go, and we’ve seen some setbacks. Canada’s 2022 emissions increased 2.1% compared to the previous year, mostly due to a cold winter, increased oil and gas production emissions and increased building heating requirements.

Looking ahead, Parliament has passed laws designed to deliver results over time. Two planks of the country’s federal climate plan are the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act adopted by Parliament in 2018, and the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act adopted in 2021.

Of course, all targets and policies must consider factors unique to each region. With the first plank, carbon pricing incentivizes economic decisions to reduce emissions against an escalating cost of such pollution. It’s basic economics: When the price goes up, demand goes down.

We, therefore, can expect improved results over time if existing laws remain in place. The 2021 statute brings transparency and accountability to the plan to meet our targets. This is the sensible approach to a problem we must solve, while concurrently providing certainty for businesses and consumers investing to reduce emissions.

Notably, federal carbon pricing was preceded by our country’s first output-based carbon pricing in Alberta in 2007 for large emitters, followed by Quebec introducing the first carbon tax later that year. I encourage Parliament’s focus on climate action. In 2021, I voted for the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, along with three quarters of this Senate.

Of course, the details of carbon pricing must remain subject to periodic evaluation and potential adjustments. Together, our federation must deliver fair outcomes, sector-specific strategies and overall results.

I note that the federal government plans to engage the provinces, territories and Indigenous organizations in an interim review of federal carbon pricing by 2026. The review will ensure alignment of pricing stringency across Canada, as well as evaluating impacts on interjurisdictional and international competitiveness. This is a responsible approach if outcomes are based on meaningful consultation with all partners.

We need to set goals and policies from the outside in if we want everyone throwing their collective shoulder behind the wheel and pushing in the same direction.

I trust that all members of the federation will engage to represent the voices of their people, nations and regions. Let’s not forget this country was built largely on compromise and cooperation. The next lift needs to include meaningful advance consultation.

Senators, I turn to Saskatchewan’s unique contributions and challenges around climate action. Our areas of strength include the world’s first clean coal power station at the Boundary Dam, preventing 5 million tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere since operations began — the equivalent of removing over 1 million vehicles from the road for a year.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies, including the Petroleum Technology Research Centre’s award-winning Aquistore, demonstrate effective carbon storage in the world’s first CO₂ storage site in a deep saline aquifer.

Flood and drought mitigation and water management through the proposed expansion of Lake Diefenbaker irrigation support sustainable agriculture, food processing and food security.

Protein Industries Canada is our plant protein supercluster, which is a great segue to another strength: the refinement of biofuels, including diesel and aviation fuel, at new refinery assets under way.

Soileos is a new, sustainable, non-polluting and climate-positive micronutrient fertilizer that assists farmers in boosting their yield, while returning carbon to the soil and enhancing nutrient cycling.

There are critical minerals, including uranium from the world’s largest high-grade deposits, to fuel regional and other reactors, and small modular reactors with Estevan and Elbow identified as potential sites in our province.

With its many climate change strengths, Saskatchewan also faces unique challenges in achieving a green economy.

Earlier this month, during Senate Question Period, I asked about the federal proposal to achieve a net-zero energy grid in Canada by 2035, with Minister Guilbeault having announced draft regulations in August. I raised the point that Saskatchewan has no access to large-scale hydropower to support intermittent renewables like wind and solar. In contrast, 80% of Canada’s population is already served by clean hydropower. Ergo, not one size fits all, and it will be extremely difficult and costly for Saskatchewan to meet the deadlines of 2030 and 2035 on a comparative basis.

While Saskatchewan can meet the 2050 net-zero goal, some compromise and collaboration would be required and useful on the road ahead toward 2050.

I was pleased to hear Senator Gold indicate that the federal government is committed to working with its partners to address unique challenges. I interpret that to include Saskatchewan, a partner in this great federation, where we strive to have none left behind.

Collaboration must be the approach of any federal-provincial government of the day — based on a shared commitment to effective climate action.

We should also expect collaboration with Indigenous nations. This leads to my final topic: How Canada can benefit from Indigenous environmental leadership, including Indigenous values, jurisdiction and resources essential to clean technology.

On the land and waters that we now call Canada, Indigenous peoples have practised sustainability and respect for nature since time immemorial. Indigenous environmental leadership begins with traditional wisdom. The report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission stated:

Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, from an Aboriginal perspective, also requires reconciliation with the natural world. If human beings resolve problems between themselves but continue to destroy the natural world, then reconciliation remains incomplete. . . . Reciprocity and mutual respect help sustain our survival. . . .

In 2021, Parliament upheld Indigenous inherent rights and jurisdiction by adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into federal law. This shift unlocked huge opportunities for Indigenous leadership to contribute to effective climate action. As I noted in our debate on the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, reconciliation and environmental stewardship are connected.

In 2020, Mongabay, an environmental science publication, reported that globally Indigenous people currently manage or have tenure on 40% of the world’s protected areas and remaining intact ecosystems. With meaningful jurisdiction, Indigenous leadership can make a critical difference around the world in preserving biodiversity and vital ecosystems, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Here are a few examples of Indigenous-led conservation efforts that contribute to Canada’s nature-based climate solutions by sequestering carbon in soil and plant life.

In 2019, Thaidene Nëné came into existence as a 14,000‑square-kilometre national park reserve in the Northwest Territories, co-managed by the Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation and the Canadian government.

Other examples include the 64,000-square-kilometre Great Bear Rainforest in B.C.; the 29,000-square-kilometre Pimachiowin Aki in Manitoba and Ontario, being the largest protected area in the North American Boreal Shield; and the 108,000-square-kilometre Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Nunavut.

Senators, many Indigenous nations are shifting to clean energy. For example, this year in Saskatchewan, the Meadow Lake Tribal Council opened Canada’s first Indigenous-owned bioenergy facility to heat 5,000 homes using wood waste from a nearby sawmill.

In 2021, also in my province, the Cowessess First Nation unveiled a new solar project aiming to become Canada’s greenest First Nation with 800 panels installed on five community buildings.

In northern B.C., the coastal nation of Kitasoo/Xai’xais owns and operates their own small storage hydroelectric plant, delivering clean energy to the community year-round, along with a solar installation on their school roof.

Other nations in the region are also exploring similar projects to replace diesel generation.

According to the Indigenous-governed not-for-profit organization Indigenous Clean Energy, nearly 200 medium to large renewable energy projects with Indigenous involvement are now in operation, or in the final stages of planning or construction across Canada. In addition, 1,700 to 2,100 micro or small renewable systems are now in place with Indigenous leadership or partnerships.

Further opportunities exist for Indigenous-led climate action through responsible development of critical minerals required for clean technology, along with additional solar and wind sites.

Last year, the Royal Bank of Canada reported that Canadian Indigenous territories hold at least 56% of advanced critical minerals projects, 35% of top solar sites and 44% of better wind sites. As I said in May as the sponsor of a government bill advancing economic reconciliation, business leaders and investors should run, not walk, to consult Indigenous nations on such opportunities.

Senators, to conclude, climate action is the only path to a bright future for our grandchildren and future generations. Time is running out. Our generation must not fail young people and those yet to come, nor can we fail our fellow creatures.

Our chamber’s influence can help foster collaboration in our federation on the net-zero mission. To that end, I thank Senator Coyle for helping to keep climate action top of mind, particularly in a time of war, unthinkable terrorism, inflation and many other geopolitical challenges.

Make no mistake: Progress is achievable. Canadians must press on together with our brothers and sisters around the world to save our only home, Mother Earth.

Thank you, hiy kitatamîhin.

Senator Gold: I’m sorry my answer does not satisfy you, Senator Housakos. As I have said on other occasions, it is an easy matter to make the argument, but it’s far more difficult and important to make sure that innocent people who are drawn into these matters do not suffer.

The government is taking its responsibility seriously and responsibly.

Senator Lankin: Thank you very much. I appreciate the intent of what you’re trying to do and I’m generally supportive. The details and the consequences are always going to be important, and I know that would be worked on at committee and there are a number of things that may come forward.

I have a couple of questions. I’ll put them all out there so that it’s all in one question. These follow on the questions that have been asked.

First, every province and the First Nations within those provinces have different arrangements at the current time. You seem to be familiar with Saskatchewan; I’m very familiar with Ontario. Like Saskatchewan, the fact is that some of the general revenues that are raised in non-Indigenous casinos are pooled to go back to other First Nations. That’s not something the province has to do, and it’s something that could change as we go forward. I wonder if you’ve looked at that.

Second, has your research brought together the materials about the different schemes that are in place in different provinces? I think it’s important to take a look at that and what the history is. I understand from a quick conversation — I may have this wrong — that Alberta, for example, used to have a pooled fund, the Wild Rose Foundation, I think it was, that was to benefit First Nations in Alberta, and that was done away with by the province. So the action of the provinces, which have often been focused on wanting to see the federal government take its full responsibility with respect to First Nations, are at risk of walking away.

The second thing is that when I was on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation board, I chaired the social responsibility committee, which was about responsible gambling as well as all of the other social responsibility items, and we won awards many years in a row for the program around safe gambling and prevention for people who were at risk. Does your bill make reference to that being built into the national framework as well?

Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak briefly on behalf of all members of the Canadian Senators Group about the horrific attacks that occurred in Israel, and now the unfolding human catastrophe in Gaza. As global citizens, we are quite rightly horrified and heartbroken.

As parliamentarians, I think we must be clear-eyed, and we must urge our government to focus on easing the suffering of all those people by providing aid wherever and whenever it is needed. I think we must urge the government to exercise serious diplomatic influence in order to stop the potential spread of this horrible contagion of war.

Canada has a strong legacy of promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. When former Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957, he said:

Of all our dreams today there is none more important — or so hard to realise — than that of peace in the world. May we never lose our faith in it or our resolve to do everything that can be done to convert it one day into reality.

Colleagues, that is Canada’s role in the world, and its role — more importantly — now more than ever.

These are difficult times with the prospect of even darker days ahead. Hope is hard to find in the face of terror and horror, but may we always be driven by our faith that peace will always prevail.

Thank you.

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, I want to add my voice to those of Senators Gold and Plett, as well as Senators Saint-Germain and Tannas in the wake of the atrocities in Israel.

First, to all those who have lost a family member or friend, especially our fellow Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences. To those without news of a loved one, please remain hopeful.

Next, I want to express our solidarity with Israel and its people. I also want to clearly condemn the unjustifiable acts committed by members of Hamas, a terrorist organization that doesn’t hesitate to kill, injure or kidnap innocent civilians, including children.

[English]

In my opinion, the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 are clear breaches of basic human rights and cannot be justified under international law, including the rules of war. In fact, they are barbarian acts that confirm that Hamas is a terrorist organization that must be neutralized.

Of course, Israel has the right to re-establish law and order within its borders. In fact, it has the duty to protect its citizens and visitors against any repetition of these outrageous acts.

The countries and organizations that supported Hamas will have to be held accountable for their complicity in the atrocities committed. For now, the minimum they can do is work diligently for the release of all hostages. I also invite Canada to exercise global leadership to help secure the release of all hostages.

Finally, I was deeply saddened to see groups in Canadian cities last week showing support for Hamas, considering their atrocities against civilians. Colleagues, our country is built on the rule of law and respect for the life and dignity of all, irrespective of their origin, belief, religion or opinion. These core values are part of our social contract as a country — let us reaffirm them loud and clear.

Hatred and acts of support for Hamas have no place in Canada. I invite all leaders and influencers, including political and religious ones, to reaffirm these values and to call for a lasting peace in the Middle East based on mutual respect and the two‑state solution.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, please join me in rising for a minute of silence to remember the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel.

(Honourable senators then stood in silent tribute.)

[Translation]

Hon. Marty Deacon: Honourable senators, as I begin, thank you again to my colleagues on their words regarding the recent terrorism and Hamas.

I rise today to talk about an important day that focuses on all Canadians, their health and their well-being. Today is Canada Parks and Recreation Association day on the Hill. Some of you had an opportunity to meet representatives this morning in our beautiful senators’ lounge or in meetings throughout the day.

They are here to talk to us and continue to educate us on the contribution the parks and recreation sector makes to all of Canadian society. Think about what this looks like and what it feels like in your own community.

When I grew up, I worked for my local parks and recreation department. In the parks department, this included ensuring all town properties and parks were in great shape, and in July and August I worked for the recreation department with youth in the summer. These were experiences that influenced my life and love of my community. Yes, colleagues, I learned how to drive tractors, back up trailers each day full of park maintenance equipment, give tune-ups to my truck each day and sharpen lawnmower blades. I also planted many trees and shrubs on the town’s park properties that, 40 years later, tower into the sky.

I also had the privilege to work with young people as a recreation counsellor and director. In my young life, which was not easy, these experiences with parks and recreation gave me a sense of connection, of belonging, of pride and of community that was deeply missing in my life. Over the years I have observed the pivotal role parks and recreation play in promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being. This sector supports healthier lifestyles and fosters resilience against health challenges.

Fast forward to today in my role as a senator: I visited over three dozen organizations during those early months of the pandemic, and I saw our recreation professionals leading in a time of crisis and uncertainty. These community workers pivoted like no other. They reconfigured their recreation facilities and rallied to bring all staff and volunteers in to help and provide refuge, support and essential services during those uncertain and early days. This made the difference for many who were struggling, particularly the most vulnerable in our community.

In every corner of this country, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association is working to model and ensure this sector is creating a legacy of unity, well-being, vitality and resiliency to which we dearly aspire to leave our children.

The CPRA will continue work to build a stronger, healthier and more resilient Canada by promoting health, greening our economy, empowering youth and combatting climate change. Let us make sure this work can continue. For this, we thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, I rise today to draw your attention to a cause that I know is important to so many of us here. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I would like to take a moment to speak about this issue and why it remains crucial to raise awareness.

Senators and staff are indeed focused on that work. This year marked the eighth time that our Senate Sensations team, organized by Conservative staffer Karma Macgregor, participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, raising not only awareness but over $12,000 for research and support for the cause. I thank all those who organized, participated in and donated to this event. It’s clear that breast cancer has affected the lives of so many.

Estimates show that about 1 in 8 Canadian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and, honourable senators, an estimated 1 in 34 Canadians will die from breast cancer.

Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer among Canadian women and the second leading cause of cancer death. We know that early detection and treatment leads to better outcomes, and though these statistics can sound scary, the death rate has actually been decreasing since its peak in 1986. This likely reflects the improvements in screening and treatment. Over 80% of female breast cancer cases are diagnosed at stage 1 or 2. In Canada, the probability of surviving at least five years after diagnosis is about 89%. These encouraging statistics remind us just how important it is to remain focused and to have regular screening.

Statistics Canada reported a drop in cancer diagnoses in 2020, which has generally been attributed to the disruptions in screening services that occurred during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The domino effect of this could have devastating effects: Missed or delayed screenings will lead to missed or delayed diagnoses.

Breast Cancer Canada recently launched a PROgress Tracker Breast Cancer Registry where the capital P-R-O stands for patient-reported outcomes. We need more data, and this is one way to achieve that. Canada does not currently track race-based data around screening rates to help identify and combat race‑based disparities, which we know exist.

Honourable colleagues, I invite you to join me in marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month by encouraging those who are eligible to participate in breast screening tests. Together, we can show our support for those fighting this disease, and we can continue to work towards improving outcomes for everyone.

Thank you.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

[Translation]

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, when 6‑year‑old Palestinian American Wadea Al-Fayoume saw his landlord enter their apartment in Chicago, he was excited to see the man who had attended his birthday party just two weeks prior, and he ran for a hug. The landlord was speaking to his mother about his anger about the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The mother responded, “Let us pray for peace.” But she and her son were instead met with violence when 6-year-old Wadea was met with a seven-inch blade and stabbed 26 times while the landlord allegedly yelled, “You Muslims have to die. You’re killing our kids in Israel. You Palestinians don’t deserve to live.” Wadea’s final words to his mother before passing were, “Mom, I’m fine.”

Wadea’s death at the hands of hate reflects the horrific loss of life we have seen in Israel and Palestine over the last week, where an estimated 1,400 Israelis have died at the hands of Hamas. An estimated 2,450 Palestinians have perished, and at least a quarter are children. I cannot offer more specific numbers, as the death toll is continuously rising.

I was hesitant to speak today for fear of being labelled a “terrorist sympathizer.” But I sit amongst you, colleagues, in the chamber of sober second thought, where we speak on difficult and uncomfortable issues. I strongly condemn Hamas, and this is not the first time I have condemned Hamas. I condemn them for attacking innocent Israeli civilians.

I grieve for the loss of life on both sides. As a vocal human rights advocate, I must remind my colleagues that Israelis and Palestinians both have fundamental human rights that must be respected and protected; to say this is not and should not be controversial.

With reports of city officials in Markham, Ontario, attempting to secretly end Islamic Heritage Month, we must also guard against the surge of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia here at home as a response to the global events.

Yesterday, a man in Michigan was arrested after attempting to find others to help him “hunt Palestinians.” I ask my colleagues today to join me in combatting this rising tide of hate and calling for a ceasefire. There must be an end to hostilities and the unnecessary loss of life. Thank you.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of members from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario).

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of our former colleague the Honourable Linda Frum.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, colleagues.

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Don and Carolyn Murdoch, who are accompanied by Thane and Kelly Higgs. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Plett.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of His Excellency Sam Tan, High Commissioner of Singapore in Canada. He is the guest of the Honourable Senators Woo and Oh.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of collaborators in the Canadian Pride Caucus. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Cormier.

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

Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, this week is Small Business Week, a week-long event that celebrates Canada’s entrepreneurship and the 1.2 million employer small businesses in Canada.

According to Statistics Canada’s latest data, small businesses account for 97.9% of all businesses in Canada. In my home province, this represents nearly 250,000 businesses. Across the country, they employ 8.2 million Canadians, which represents 67.7% of the total private labour force.

[Translation]

This week, the Business Development Bank of Canada will be hosting a number of events to help businesses rise to the challenge of managing and growing a small business, especially against the current backdrop of labour shortages, rising interest rates and inflation.

[English]

Colleagues, we know that the pandemic was difficult on our business community. Small businesses were under immense pressure to innovate, digitize and make their products available online for easy order and delivery. It was a question of survival.

Unfortunately, some did not recover from the various lockdowns and health restrictions, while others are struggling to recuperate lost revenues — which is why I welcomed the government’s recent decision to extend the repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account.

However, for the most part, Canada’s business community showed us the true meaning of resiliency. Business owners are naturally always looking to the future. They are creative, adaptable and fully committed to growing their business. They put everything on the line every single day. I admire their passion and perseverance, and how they are eager to adapt to the economy of the future.

Thankfully, the government is also there to support businesses to break into the online marketplace and use technology to increase their sales. Launched in March 2022, the $4-billion Canada Digital Adoption Program hopes to help 160,000 businesses move online, boost their e-commerce presence and incorporate technologies that help them become more productive and competitive.

I have always said that small businesses are the heartbeat of any economy. I would even argue that they are the heart and soul of our neighbourhoods and towns. There are incredible business success stories in all corners of our great nation. This week, we celebrate these individuals, their families and their staff who are injecting life into our local communities.

Honourable senators, please join me in celebrating Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit and our small businesses — whether online or in our communities — for being an important part of our economy, and for contributing to our overall prosperity and well‑being. We thank them for all that they do. Thank you.