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. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, on October 7, the Hamas terrorist movement launched an extremely violent, barbaric attack on the territory of the State of Israel from the Gaza Strip. Sadly, this date is already going down in human history as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, with more than 1,500 people having lost their lives and nearly 3,500 wounded.

When unequivocally speaking out against this barbaric and inhumane attack, our thoughts go out to the Israeli victims and their loved ones, the active members of the military and innocent civilians, including Israeli Canadians. As a result of this fanaticism, the region is now in a state of war and experiencing a humanitarian crisis.

Our thoughts also go out to the Palestinian civilians, nearly 2,500 of whom have lost their lives and more than 10,000 of whom have been wounded. The death toll already exceeds that of the six-week war in Gaza in 2014, another sad historic record. Trapped in the Gaza Strip, civilians are still trying to survive in the terrible conditions of a war zone, innocent victims of the mounting tensions caused by the Hamas terrorist attack.

These horrendous crimes cannot go unpunished. It will be very complicated to resolve this conflict, which has been going on for decades, and it is hard to remain hopeful that a peaceful solution will be found. However, we mustn’t give up hope. Violence will not solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine. As Albert Camus said, “Peace is the only battle worth waging.”

[English]

I take this opportunity given to me today to urge the actors in this conflict to act in respect for international and humanitarian law, to abide by the Geneva Convention and to give priority to saving and protecting the lives of the innocent civilians. Turning to terrorism and religious extremism is and will always be wrong. In these critical moments, I urge for restraint and reflection, for dialogue and for cooler heads to prevail — restraint and reflection that must apply as well within our diverse country.

I also salute the work being done by the Canadian government and our public servants — notably those serving in diplomacy and emergency management — to help and protect Canadian citizens on the ground in Israel and in Gaza, while dealing with difficult situations out of their control.

Colleagues, I am taking a stand here for peace and human rights, both for Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

In my name, and in the name of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I extend our deepest sympathies and support for the innocent victims of this conflict, and urge all involved to work toward peaceful and sustainable solutions for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for preventing further degeneration into a regional conflict. We need to stand together for peace.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

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!

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.

Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: For all women in Canada and elsewhere who believe in gender equality, the selection on October 6 of Nargues Mohammadi, Iranian activist, as winner of the Nobel Peace Prize sends a wonderful message of hope.

From deep in the prison where she is being held in Tehran, despite heart problems and mistreatment, Nargues Mohammadi remains among the harshest critics of Iranian theocratic power.

Arrested 13 times and sentenced five times to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes, this activist is fighting body and soul against mandatory veiling and violence against Iranian women.

[English]

Her voice is powerful. Here are her own words in an essay recently published in The New York Times:

What the government may not understand is that the more of us they lock up, the stronger we become.

The morale among the new prisoners is high. Some spoke with strange ease about writing their wills before heading onto the streets to call for change. All of them, no matter how they were arrested, had one demand: Overthrow the Islamic Republic regime.

What is less known is that Narges Mohammadi is also a mother who for eight years has not seen her twins, now 16 years old, who are exiled with their father. Her son speaks of her with pride. Her daughter only wants to be reunited with her mother. But Narges refused to leave Iran to continue her fight for freedom. This is a heavy sacrifice.

Could this highly publicized Nobel Prize breathe new life into the Woman, Life, Freedom movement in Iran, which has moved underground since the regime’s violent repression? Is Narges Mohammadi the long-awaited leader who could unify the opposition? Who knows? But we can hope.

[Translation]

In the meantime, Canada should be using every tool at its disposal to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime and its accomplices. Although a Senate motion urged the Government of Canada to do just that, it has yet to declare the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity, despite its close ties to Hamas, which is designated a terrorist entity.

We cannot remain indifferent to what has been described as an unprecedented feminist revolution. Narges Mohammadi is counting on us. With all eyes riveted on Gaza or Ukraine, let’s not turn our backs on Iranian women.

Thank you.

[English]

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, today, as Jewish people from across Canada and around the world are gathering here in Ottawa for an anti-Semitism conference, I feel compelled to talk about what that will mean as Israel increases its military action in Gaza. This conference was scheduled long before the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel that saw men, women and children of all ages murdered, raped and paraded through the streets as trophies; babies beheaded and set ablaze; and 200 Israelis taken and who remain hostage.

October 7 wasn’t an act of war or resistance. It was an act of cowardice and depravity. It was an act of terror and pathological Jew hatred, full stop.

The first and sole objective of Hamas is the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. That’s what they mean when they say, “From the river to the sea . . . .” It’s not a rallying cry for freedom and certainly not for peace. Hamas has no interest in peace. When we say that Israel has a right to defend itself and to defend its people, there can be no equivocation, especially in the coming days.

Of course, it is not easy to see images of civilians killed by Israeli rocket strikes. We can and should mourn the deaths of civilians in Gaza, as we mourn those in Israel.

However, we must be clear. Israel is acting in accordance with international law. It is engaging in a lawful, proportionate attack against a genocidal enemy force. While the human suffering of war is undeniable, we must remember that this war is not by choice for Israel. It is by necessity. Their very existence depends on it.

Israel’s military response against Hamas is not an act of retaliation, nor is it punitive. To describe it as such or to falsely accuse Israel of widespread atrocities, as at least one member of Parliament has done, is not only patently false and unfounded but an attempt to equate Israel with the cowardice of Hamas. Shame on anyone who does so, whether it be that MP, delegates at federal party conventions, members of provincial Parliament, heads of public service unions or Canadians marching shamefully in the streets in pro-Hamas rallies.

We’ve heard people at these rallies claiming that Hamas is not a terrorist group and that any violence they commit is justified in pursuit of a free Palestine. I don’t know how that can be characterized as anything other than hateful and anti-Semitic. Saying such things should be covered under our hate speech laws. If such laws don’t apply to the glorification of murdering babies and parading the bodies of dead women through the streets, to what do they apply?

If the October 7 attacks and the subsequent pro-Hamas rallies and anti-Israeli rhetoric being espoused by politicians and senior bureaucrats have shown us anything, it’s that — more than ever — we must recognize that anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. We must face it and we must fight it.

Never again means never again.

Thank you.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Dr. David Huntsman, Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia. He is the guest of the Honourable Senators Ravalia and Woo.

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