Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Can I ask you a question, Senator Dalphond?

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I am deeply moved today to welcome a colleague from Quebec, the Honourable Manuelle Oudar. Her career, especially in the Quebec public service, has been no less impressive than her engagements and experience outside her work, which will serve her well as she performs her parliamentary duties.

Throughout her career, Senator Oudar has shown her talent for statecraft and public service. Whether as head of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la Sécurité du travail, the Quebec regulatory body responsible for promoting labour rights and obligations, or within the various ministries where she worked, she successfully managed to meet the high demands of governance and to deliver quality services to the public, while respecting their rights, needs and dignity.

She has always respected and promoted social justice, especially when it comes to reducing economic and identity-related inequalities, fighting violence against women, and ensuring that young people have access to the most inclusive workforce possible. Her sensitivity to the changing nature of the labour market has directly influenced many young women, future leaders, whom she guided as a mentor.

[English]

Senator Oudar also proved herself to be a woman of action. In 2020, then the CEO of Quebec Labour Standards, Equity, Health and Safety in the Workplace Commission, or CNESST, she successfully led the organization of more than 5,000 employees through the biggest health crisis of the early part of this century.

Committed to helping the public, she embodied the importance of social dialogue, notably by overseeing the production of the first practical guide to labour standards in the Quebec construction industry. This guide became a cornerstone, not only for the protection of workers, but also for supporting the industry’s economic activity. Testifying to its success, 26 evolving guides have been produced in a very short duration of time, allowing Quebec to avoid economic paralysis while protecting its workers.

Under Senator Oudar’s leadership, the commission was awarded the United Nations Public Service Award in 2022.

Considering her past achievements, Senator Oudar’s values, skills, expertise and accomplishments, as well as her keen understanding of the constitutional responsibilities enshrined in our institutions, are outstanding assets for her tenure as a parliamentarian.

I have no doubt that the continuation of her public service from the executive branch to the legislative one will be as smooth and successful as her career has been so far, and to that I can personally speak as well.

Senator Oudar, I speak for all members of the Independent Senators Group as I congratulate you on your appointment and express how delighted we are to have you as a colleague.

[Translation]

Welcome to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Today, we are welcoming five colleagues with impressive resumés.

[English]

Ontario Senator Marnie McBean first distinguished herself through her athletic feats, most notably her participation in the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympic Games. Representing Canada, she won an impressive total of four medals, including three gold medals. Besides that, Senator McBean illustrated herself through her community engagement. Indeed, she has long defended several human rights causes, notably related to sexual and gender identity. Before her deployment with the Olympic teams to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she stated, “Our team is going to be a safe and open space for self-expression and dialogue.” In the current political context, we know her future senatorial participation will help safeguard the constitutional rights of these minorities’ — and all minorities.

For her part, Ontario Senator Paulette Senior has been committed to combatting the systemic barriers that impede the development of the potential of women, girls and young people. Having administered social programs and numerous front-line community assistance resources, Senator Senior has been significantly impactful on the empowerment of women across the country. This inspiring leadership — both female and Black — is a fundamental asset for fulfilling our institution’s mandate. Senator Senior, I can assure you that the Senate is the right place to, as you have so eloquently put it, demand and lead a lasting change for all — everywhere.

Welcome also to Ontario Senator Toni Varone. Senator Varone has distinguished himself throughout his career as an influential businessman and philanthropist dedicated to the cause of the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Besides that, his commitment has regularly extended beyond Canada’s border, with Senator Varone serving as the President of The Italy Earthquake Relief Fund. Developing and maintaining connections in Canada and internationally is an essential skill for our institution; we deeply value it. I will paraphrase you, Senator Varone, when you were introduced to the charity world: You said that you fell in love with the passion of giving back. I have no doubt that, at the end of your Senate term, you will be able to emulate the heroes who left their mark on you.

Welcome, Senator Mary Robinson, who is representing Prince Edward Island. As a leader who has evolved in a family-owned agriculture business for the last six generations, Senator Robinson possesses extensive knowledge and a wealth of experience related to the challenges and issues impacting Canadian farmers. Senator Robinson will have the opportunity to engage and tackle head-on several problems affecting the Canadian agri-food industries. Her peers have also recognized her career achievements, notably through the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute outstanding Women in Agriculture Award, and her nomination in Atlantic Business Magazine as a member of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada. Her appointment to the Canadian Senate is another milestone in her brilliant career.

Welcome to our newest appointee, Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak, who is representing Ontario. As a successful technological business leader and a remarkable philanthropist, Senator Al Zaibak’s efforts have been highlighted during his career. He made possible the resettlement of nearly 1,000 Syrian refugees in the Greater Toronto Area through his not-for-profit charitable organization, Lifeline Syria. His commitment to the well-being of the population inhabiting his home country is durable, sustainable and deeply human. Due to the results achieved, the Toronto Region Board of Trade awarded him the 2018 Toronto Region Builder Award to highlight his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Toronto region. Senator Al Zaibak, your international business knowledge and acumen will bring great value added to the Senate.

In conclusion, I point out that both Ontario and Prince Edward Island now have full representation. This is something that I wish for all provinces and territories.

On behalf of all members of the Independent Senators Group, I gladly welcome all five of you. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Colleagues, Honourable Senator Cuzner, I am pleased to welcome you among us today as a new colleague, after you proudly served your fellow Cape Bretoners in the other place from 2000 to 2019.

Your impressive political longevity is all the more exceptional considering that you received almost 75% of the vote in your last election. I am happy to see you today as you pursue your commitment to serving your community and our country in the Senate of Canada.

[English]

Senator Cuzner served as parliamentary secretary and went on to hold numerous other important positions as a parliamentarian in the House of Commons.

Before returning today to public service with your nomination to the Senate, you entered the field of diplomacy and held the very strategically important position of Consul General of Canada to New England. This experience will also serve you here because a diplomatic touch is always welcome at the Senate of Canada.

More than anything, I believe that your parliamentary experience in the other place will energize our discussion in this chamber. In this modern Senate, we pride ourselves on our diverse origins and professional backgrounds, and once again, I concur with Senator Plett on the relevance of your appointment, but for different reasons.

I do not believe that senators should be penalized for having previously held an elected public office. On the contrary, I believe such expertise helps us in our role as a complementary chamber to the elected House of Commons. I am happy that we can count on your experience and wisdom as a former federal MP. As such, you will add your voice and perspective to those of the 15 senators who were once elected representatives either at the federal, provincial, territorial, municipal or community level. All 15 of them are members of our various caucuses and groups.

You will, however, notice that our style of debate differs from that of the House of Commons. The Senate, as you know, is a place of sober second thought, a less partisan complement to the elected House of Commons. I wish you the best in adapting to your new role.

Senator Cuzner, in my name and those of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada. We look forward to working alongside you. Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: My question is for Senator Gold.

On October 26, 2022, more than 12 months ago, I asked you a question about Yves Bourque, a Canadian Paralympic athlete and a victim of thalidomide, who has been forced to deal with the extremely cumbersome, even inhumane, administration of the Canadian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program, a program that the government has entrusted to the firm Epiq.

Since then, my team and I have discussed Mr. Bourque’s case with the former minister of health, Jean-Yves Duclos, and his team, and more recently, with the team of his successor, Mark Holland. I was assured that follow-up had been done with Epiq, and the former minister even publicly stated that he had put pressure on Epiq to get things moving more quickly. However, nothing has changed.

Can the government assure us that additional measures will be taken to ensure that this program can be better administered immediately and to ensure accountability to address these unacceptable delays?

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, it is with great pleasure that I join my colleagues in extending a warm welcome to our two new senators, the Honourable Paul Prosper and the Honourable Judy A. White.

As we move together toward a fairer and more equitable future for everyone, and given the challenges we face, I can only applaud the appointment of two more distinguished Indigenous colleagues.

[English]

Senators Prosper and White are respected lawyers who have fought for the rights of individuals and groups that have too often been overlooked, and they are also dedicated to social justice. Their commitment to ensuring that the voices of the unheard are heard aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear in this chamber.

Senator Prosper, you have devoted your life to serving your community of the Mi’kmaw Nation. As a lawyer, you provided legal support on Indigenous treaty rights and taught Mi’kmaw governance along with Aboriginal and treaty rights at Cape Breton University. In an interview following your nomination as regional chief, you said that your election to this position was bittersweet. You were ecstatic to have gained the trust of the other leaders who voted for you, but accepting your new role meant giving up your leadership role in your own community. My intuition tells me you may be feeling the same way about your nomination to the Senate.

Senator White, your journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact. As you take your seat in the chamber, know that you will still be able to live by your passion for public service and your determination to create a just and equitable society. Your dedication to serving the people of Newfoundland and Labrador is evident in every aspect of your career. From your work advocating for justice and equality to your efforts in empowering marginalized communities, your firm commitment to the betterment of society shines brightly.

While it is true that you will both be spending more time in Ottawa away from your respective communities and families, just keep in mind that the work you will be doing will have a direct impact on them, as well as on all Canadians, and that you have the honour to be here representing them.

Together we stand on the cusp of meaningful change, and your presence among us adds depth to the conversations we will have and the decisions we will make. Your experiences will help us better understand the challenges faced by the people of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and beyond. Furthermore, your contributions will help shape policies that reflect the needs of our diverse population.

As we welcome our two new colleagues, we also acknowledge the responsibility that comes with the position we all hold. The Senate of Canada is a place where diverse perspectives come together to shape legislation that impacts the lives of all Canadians.

Honourable Senator Prosper and Honourable Senator White, in my name and in the name of all of your colleagues from the Independent Senators Group, I wish you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada. Thank you, meegwetch, wela’lin.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: It is my turn to have the pleasure of welcoming our new colleague.

[English]

Senator Jane MacAdam, you are officially opening a new chapter of your life today, and, as this chapter begins, I am honoured to congratulate and welcome you to the Red Chamber on behalf of all the members of the Independent Senators Group. I will take this moment to also welcome your family members, especially one of your granddaughters who seems to be ready to be part of the conversation here — hello to you.

In a recent interview following your appointment, you eloquently expressed your motivations for joining the Senate. You noted that you believe you have more to offer in terms of working for your province and the country, and that the duties align well with your background and experience. Those sentiments serve as a testament to your dedication to serve the people of this country, and I have no doubt that you will do so with the same drive that marked your career so far.

Senator MacAdam, you are bringing a solid background in legislative auditing, having served for seven years as the first female Auditor General of Prince Edward Island. That experience has given you a unique perspective on the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations, and we are confident you will bring that same level of diligence and attention to detail to your work as a senator.

You have been a key player in many high-profile reports and audits at the provincial, regional and national levels, including the collaborative report by a team of 10 auditors general from across the country entitled Perspectives on Climate Change Action in Canada.

With your swearing-in, our institution’s audit expertise has now doubled. Indeed, our esteemed colleague Senator Marshall, your sponsor today, who is also from Atlantic Canada, served for 10 years as the Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Your work examining government organizations, programs and services as an independent officer of the legislative assembly covered a broad spectrum of areas, from climate change and health care to social and economic programs — all areas that also fall within the Senate purview.

Your career proves your independent thinking, and your capacity to look at issues objectively and with an open mind.

When you received the Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants award, the clerk of your province’s legislative assembly said:

I think one of the things that really struck me is her coolness under pressure, and her ability to assess very quickly the types of questions that she was receiving and give thorough responses without stepping into some of the land mines that she is often presented with.

Your coolness under pressure is one of the skills that will certainly be put to the test in the Senate — sooner rather than later, I might add — as you join us at a very busy time that we like to call “silly season.”

Senator MacAdam, congratulations and welcome to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Colleagues, I’m well aware of the late hour, so I’ll ask for your attention for only a short period.

I rise to speak today on the principle of Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall act. As you know, this bill seeks to prohibit the practice of keeping in captivity over 800 species of wild animals, such as elephants and big cats, in Canada.

I’d like to draw your attention to a few points of interest that, in my opinion, should be thoroughly examined during the committee study.

[English]

Colleagues, I am aware that, in essence, S-241 is a good bill. In fact, most zoos, zoological institutions and animal welfare organizations generally agree with its objectives. In his speech at second reading, Senator Klyne eloquently presented Bill S-241 and its coalition of supporters as “a big tent that puts animals first.” I like this analogy and salute Senator Klyne’s openness to working hand in hand with zoological institutions for the benefit of animals.

I also take this opportunity to personally thank Senator Klyne for his compelling answers to the many questions I asked him further to my meetings with some stakeholders. I appreciate that you took the time, senator, to reassure me, which, in turn, will make for a shorter speech.

I’m reassured that the planned implementation of this bill is measured and balanced and doesn’t impose drastic action. For example, it proposes to phase out elephants in captivity, which will give zoos time to adapt while not forcing the 20 elephants currently in captivity in Canada to be taken out of what is sometimes the only habitat they have ever known. I know the Granby Zoo in Quebec has already begun this transition, and I salute them for their initiative.

However, after listening to the arguments made by senators in this chamber and being contacted by stakeholders, I can’t help but notice that some issues need to be addressed and clarified regarding this bill. Notably, I listened to Quebec stakeholders and heard their concerns. In Quebec, there are some major zoos and zoological institutions. As I have mentioned before, most of them support Bill S-241. Off the top of my head, I can think of the Zoo de Granby, the Montréal Biodôme, Parc Omega and the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.

There is also, however, one institution, Parc Safari, that has expressed some criticism and, I must say, some very valid concerns. Parc Safari is a unique institution in the sense that it has a very large area of land for the animals to roam in. In terms of land capacity, few can compare, either in Quebec or anywhere else in Canada. Parc Safari defines its mission as a means of conservation of endangered species, offering spaces and habitats as close as possible to the natural habitats of those animals. It is also a place to develop knowledge about those species and their reproduction. Over the years, Parc Safari has used its knowledge and experience to help endangered species reproduce, and they have sent some animals back into the wild — both in Canada and abroad — where nature intended them to be. That is not what I would qualify as a roadside zoo. On the contrary, it is rather a respectable institution dedicated to animal conservation.

It is important that zoological institutions like the Parc Safari be given a special status — one that recognizes their contributions to science and animal welfare and differentiates them from a regular zoo.

I know that Bill S-241 provides some solutions to this issue. In section 10.1(1), the bill would establish a legal framework for animal care organizations, and this framework recognizes the purpose of those organizations. Those chosen organizations would be designated by the minister and would have to promote wild animal welfare, support conservation, provide rehabilitation to injured or distressed animals, offer sanctuary to animals in need, conduct non-harmful scientific research and engage in public education. As well, they would have to satisfy numerous other eligibility criteria listed in section 10.1(2) of the bill.

I urge the committee to carefully study this section of the bill so that deserving organizations will be able to obtain this animal care organization status, which will ultimately benefit those captive animals.

It was also brought to my attention that provincial norms for zoos and animals in captivity can be widely different from one province to another. During my interaction with stakeholders, I was told that the Quebec ministry of agriculture, fisheries and food, which is the department responsible for caring for zoos, had recently imposed strict and rigorous conditions for animals in captivity. Many Quebec zoos have invested or are in the process of investing large sums of money to comply with those rigorous norms of the Quebec government. It seems unfair for those zoos and zoological institutions, after having invested large sums of money to comply with provincial captivity regulations, to lose this investment due to federal legislation making it illegal for some species to be held in captivity. I would like the committee to look at this situation and maybe for the federal government to work with the provinces to make the situation right and reassure those institutions that those investments will not have been made to no avail.

Colleagues, I support the principle of this bill. I believe that wild animals belong in the wild. I also believe they are entitled to respect and to a decent quality of life. I think Bill S-241, which has been on our Order Paper since March 24, 2022, will be overwhelmingly positive for animal protection and Canada’s reputation worldwide. That being said, we need to work in collaboration with zoological institutions and zoos for the benefit of animals. Those institutions still have a role to play in educating the public on endangered animals and the issues they face all around the world. Colleagues, I trust that the committee will thoroughly study these concerns, and I’m looking forward to their report to the Senate.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Brazeau, seconded by the Honourable Senator Housakos, for the second reading of Bill S-254, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (warning label on alcoholic beverages).

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, in any country, language — or languages, plural, in Canada — is the essence of our cultural expression, identity and strength.

In rising today to speak to Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages, I want to immediately recognize the important role that our two official languages, English and French, play in our country. I hope that this debate will continue to be constructive and calm, anchored in a sound understanding of the scope of the bill, the evolution of Canada’s demolinguistic situation and the need to act.

I won’t revisit the historical evolution of our language rights today, as Senator Cormier, the bill’s sponsor, skilfully walked us through that in his speech at second reading. He outlined the benefits this law brings to the country and, in particular, to its minority language communities. He also demonstrated the need for the reform proposed today in Bill C-13.

Let’s be clear about the scope of this bill. Bill C-13 seeks to promote and protect the French language, require bilingualism in federally regulated private businesses, support minority language communities and their institutions, both anglophone and francophone, all while recognizing the reality of Canada’s current linguistic dynamics.

Why is this reform necessary? The reality that can’t be ignored is that the French language is in decline throughout Canada. That is the unequivocal finding of the 2021 census. Across the country, French as the first official language spoken fell from 22.3% during the 2016 census to 21.4% in the 2021 census. The same trend can be observed in Quebec, the only majority francophone province, where French as the first language dropped from 83.7% in 2016 to 82.2% in 2021. By comparison, the use of English has increased steadily, rising from 74.8% to 75.5% of the total population of Canada between 2016 and today.

This is not a new phenomenon, but it confirms that the decline in the number of francophones in Canada is accelerating. This decline is hitting the Quebec nation and francophone communities outside Quebec particularly hard. Let’s face facts. Quebecers, but also Acadians and other francophones from New Brunswick, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and everywhere else, in short, all francophone communities in our country are negatively affected by this linguistic and demographic dynamic.

What solutions does Bill C-13 offer? Bill C-13 acknowledges this reality and promotes substantive equality of the two official languages. To achieve that, it proposes a tailored approach that is described as asymmetrical on many levels to promote and protect our two official languages, English and French, and it also pays particular attention to official language minority communities.

It is very important to clarify the situation. Treating the two official languages asymmetrically does not create injustice. Treating them symmetrically does. Given the situation we are in today and the data on the decline of the French language, it would be unfair and even inconsistent to pretend otherwise.

The principle of linguistic vulnerability is deeply rooted in the jurisprudence of our highest court. In Ford and Nguyen, the Supreme Court of Canada wrote, and I quote:

 . . . the general objective of protecting the French language is a legitimate one within the meaning of Oakes in view of the unique linguistic and cultural situation of the province of Quebec:

[T]he material amply establishes the importance of the legislative purpose reflected in the Charter of the French Language and that it is a response to a substantial and pressing need. . . . The vulnerable position of the French language in Quebec and Canada . . . .

The Supreme Court used a report from the Office québécois de la langue française on linguistic evolution to help justify its decision in Nguyen. That report states, and I quote:

In both the Canadian and North American contexts, French and English do not carry the same weight and are not subject to the same constraints in respect of the future. The durability of English in Canada and in North America is all but assured. That of French in Quebec, and particularly in the Montréal area, still depends to a large extent on its relationship with English and remains contingent upon various factors such as fecundity, the aging of the population, inter- and intraprovincial migration and language substitution.

The federal government’s decision to propose an asymmetrical approach to promoting and preserving our official languages in Bill C-13 is based on a solid factual and legal foundation.

[English]

It is also necessary to assert that an asymmetrical approach in favour of French is not synonymous with a loss of rights for English-speaking citizens, particularly minority anglophones in Quebec, whose situation is very dear to my heart. English‑speaking Quebecers will absolutely retain their rights under the Canadian and Quebec Charters. I could not tolerate my fellow English-speaking Quebecers having their rights endangered or infringed, but this is simply not the case.

Bill C-13 is, in fact, beneficial for the English-speaking minority in Quebec because it includes commitments to linguistic minorities such as advancing formal, non-formal and informal opportunities for members of English and French linguistic minority communities to pursue quality learning in their own language throughout their lives, including from early childhood to post-secondary education.

Furthermore, it should be remembered that Quebec — which is the most bilingual province in Canada because actually 44.5% of Quebecers are bilingual in French and English — offers fundamental rights and protections to its English-speaking communities in its own legislation. Our colleague Senator Dagenais eloquently referred to these protections. Those rights and privileges relate to education, administrative services, health services and others. The community also counts on strong and healthy institutions such as bilingual municipalities, hospitals and universities.

I think it is important to be reminded that Bill C-13 has no impact on those rights provided for in the Quebec charter and by the Quebec government, and that a debate on our Official Languages Act is not the place to discuss topics pertaining to Quebec politics or Quebec’s concept of living together.

Why is Bill C-13 such a historic bill? Bill C-13 is truly a historic realization because it comes from true collaboration between numerous stakeholders, including the federal government, the Quebec government and the representatives of linguistic minorities all around the country. All these actors came together in recognition for the need to reform the Official Languages Act. This bill is eagerly awaited all around the country and was adopted with quasi unanimity in the other place, a great achievement in itself.

As a senator from Quebec, I am happy to have witnessed such a great collaboration between the federal government and the Quebec government. Agreements between the two have sometimes been difficult to reach, to say the least, particularly when it comes to linguistic issues, but I am glad to have seen the two working toward a common objective, the promotion and protection of French all around Canada, an ideal in which I’m happy to see the Quebec government being a proactive actor.

This agreement is reflected in the amendments proposed at committee to clauses 54, 57 to 59 and 71 of the bill, relating to federally regulated private businesses, which is the focus, the main scope of this bill.

Bill C-13 will bring a new standard for those federally regulated private businesses in Quebec and in francophone areas, ensuring that those businesses respect both the rights of Quebecers to work in the official language of Quebec and the rights of French minorities to receive services in their native tongue, which is not actually the case. Today, the report tabled by the federal Commissioner of Official Languages is very probing with regard to this situation and this unfairness for francophones.

All of this is done without infringing on the rights of anglophones. Essentially, Bill C-13 recognizes that the federally regulated private sector has a role to play in order to promote and protect French.

Bill C-13 is far from being Quebec-centric but focuses, and rightly so, on French-speaking communities outside of Quebec. It will ensure that consumers can communicate with federally regulated private businesses in French and provide language‑of‑work rights for francophone employees all around Canada.

The bill, as I have said, specifically includes a commitment to support the vitality of official language minority communities, that is, francophone communities outside of Quebec and English‑speaking communities in Quebec.

What about Indigenous languages? Obviously, I recognize the need for protection and promotion of Indigenous languages and the rights of the Indigenous peoples who speak them. Having said that, I don’t believe the reform of the Official Languages Act proposed in Bill C-13 is the right avenue to address this issue. Promoting French doesn’t impede on the application of Indigenous languages or the rights of Indigenous communities to use them. Both can be done simultaneously. They are not mutually exclusive.

In 2019, we at the Senate passed the Indigenous Languages Act. This is what I believe to be the efficient and appropriate legal instrument to consider in regard to Indigenous languages. If reform is needed, and improvements are requested, the solution would be to work through this law again to further protect and promote Indigenous languages. As such, you will find in me an ally in the Senate.

Why is a bilingual country worth fighting for? I began my intervention by saying that bilingualism was fundamental for Canada’s culture and its identity. I believe it unequivocally. It is not only important within Canada; it’s also one of our main attributes on the international level. Our languages open doors for us everywhere we go. Thanks to the English language and our historical ties to Britain, we are members of the Commonwealth, where we exchange and promote our interests with 55 other countries and nations. Thanks to our French heritage, we are also members of the Francophonie with its 54 members, 7 associate members and 27 observers.

Those ties are essential for Canada. Each one of our two official languages allows us to exchange, trade, connect, share our culture and develop strong diplomatic ties. It also helps to attract immigrants, workers and students. It truly distinguishes us worldwide.

[Translation]

In conclusion, as you can see, I fully support the principle of Bill C-13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada’s Official Languages, and I urge you to refer it to the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages as soon as possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of that committee for their excellent and intensive work on the pre‑study of the bill and the report they produced.

I will also answer a question a senator asked earlier about a committee chair sponsoring a bill. I can confirm that the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, with his trademark ethical sensitivity, has asked to step down from chairing that committee and has ensured that another senator will assume that position. The senator who asked that question also asked whether we knew of a situation where the sponsor of a bill was also the chair of the committee. I will reply by citing a recent event. The Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications and sponsor of Bill C-11 chaired the meetings where that committee studied that bill.

I am sure that when the members of the Official Languages Committee analyze this bill, they will put in the same high‑quality work on all the important aspects of the bill. Honourable colleagues, in conclusion, the changing demographics of our country point to an unequivocal decline in French. Bill C-13 is the fruit of a delicate collaboration, and it is necessary to ensure the equitable development of both of our official languages. It seeks to achieve equality and equity in the linguistic dynamic of our official languages. In this case, equality means that Canadians can be served by the federal government in the official language of their choice, regardless of what province they live in.

Francophones need this bill, but ultimately, Canada as a whole will benefit.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed colleague and an inspiring woman with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving since I arrived in the Senate. We were sworn in in this chamber just a few days apart, so this is a very special and personal moment for me.

[English]

I had the opportunity to get to know Senator Bovey in the three committees that we served on together: Transport and Communications, Foreign Affairs and Internal Economy, or CIBA. In all these instances, I was truly able to witness the excellence of Senator Bovey. At the CIBA Subcommittee on Human Resources particularly — and more recently — we tackled some delicate and important issues, and I can attest that no matter the subject or the situation at hand, she always acted with the respect and courtesy that characterize her so well. Patricia, I think I can speak for all the members of the subcommittee when I say your contribution and wisdom will be sorely missed.

I also have fond memories of working alongside you at the Foreign Affairs Committee, where you acted as the driving force during our extensive study of cultural diplomacy. We spoke to it yesterday, and I want to pay tribute to you on this as well. This important study is yet another example of the quality and vision of our studies here at the Senate and a feather in the committee’s cap. It positioned Canada’s culture on the international stage and gave guidelines in order to promote it and use it to our advantage.

As you said recently in reflecting on this Foreign Affairs Committee study:

Culture portrays who we are — our national values, roots and diversities. Conveying Canadian messages and realities abroad, culture tells others what Canada is, where we come from and our courage in where we’re going.

Senator Bovey, you can be proud of the role you played in conveying these messages. You truly are a great ambassador for Canada, our artists and, broadly, for our culture.

If I had to describe Senator Bovey in three words, I would use “artist” — the easy one — “manager” and “educator.” She is someone with a strong sense of good governance, vast knowledge and impeccable artistic taste, all of which has enriched the Senate of Canada. Notably, your numerous initiatives to promote Canadian artists in the Senate will be part of your long-lasting legacy.

As I have said before, Senator Bovey, with the commitment and enthusiasm you bring to the causes you believe in, you are truly inspiring. You will soon reach the age of mandatory senatorial retirement, but your character and dedication guarantees an active and busy time in your post-Senate life. I know you will continue to serve Canadians in a different manner.

In my name and in the name of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you, the Honourable Patricia Bovey, many happy and still active years to come.

Thank you.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I will make my comments complementary to those of Senator Gold, with whom I fully agree.

My first point will be to the last point of Senator Plett, which is that this chamber has no government leader.

I believe that we have passed the stage where this objection is valid. I do believe that it should have been raised at the earliest possibility, which would have been either November 2015, or, at the very least, at the beginning of this current Parliament, because Senator Plett and Senator Housakos and many colleagues here have each and every day called Senator Gold “government leader,” and obviously it is clear that Senator Gold is the Government Representative and that he holds the powers and responsibilities prescribed in our rules to the Leader of the Government. The precedent has been set and it is now part of our parliamentary conventions.

Furthermore, the Parliament of Canada Act — the PCA — which defines the rules, customs and regulations of the Parliament of Canada itself, has been amended and now recognizes on the same level the senator occupying the position of Leader of the Government in the Senate or Government Representative in the Senate. The definition of the Leader of the Government in the Senate in the companion of our Rules is as follows:

The Senator who acts as the head of the Senators belonging to the Government party. In modern practice, the Government Leader is also a member of Cabinet. The full title of the Government Leader is “Leader of the Government in the Senate.”

Senator Gold is regularly treated as the Leader of the Government. He is afforded unlimited speaking time. Senator Gagné regularly exercises powers vested in the government leader and deputy leader position.

There is no doubt that Senator Gold is the head of the senators belonging to the government party. The PCA has been amended. His title is now recognized and the PCA has precedence over the Rules of the Senate and obviously over the website of the Senate.

To the second point regarding negotiations, I concur with Senator Gold. I have been, as have my other leaders colleagues, participating in the leaders’ meeting and it is clear that there have been offers and attempts to negotiate further to this message. I won’t refer to previous negotiations where all leaders agreed when we signed gentlepersons’ agreements, but this time it was clear there were attempts. I was not witnessing the bilateral meetings between Senator Plett and Senator Gold, obviously, but to that point, I’d like to refer you to a ruling by Speaker Kinsella on September 20, 2000, further to a point of order raised by the then-deputy leader.

Senator Kinsella ruled:

. . . the deputy leader has stated that an agreement has not been reached. I have no means of knowing whether an agreement will be reached. All I have before me is a motion stating that if they have reached no agreement at this point, the rule has been followed and the terms have been set out. Therefore, I rule that the point of order is not valid.

I do believe, Speaker, that you are in the same type of situation, because as the Speaker of the Senate, you are not part of our negotiations. You are not part of our meetings. It is not your role to read our emails, our texts or to listen to all of our conversations.

Your role is to be given a motion indicating that there has been a failure to agree to allocate time to conclude and adjourn debate, and this is why, on this ruling, I refer you to Speaker Kinsella’s ruling on September 20, 2000.

On another point, it is clear, even from the Leader of the Opposition’s comments, that there have been efforts to modernize the Rules of the Senate of Canada to reflect the practices of the Senate. There are 14 instances of “recognized parties” or “parties” in the Rules of the Senate. The only place this is not followed by the words “recognized parliamentary group” is pertaining to time allocation. I do not believe it is the intent of the Senate to render the entire sections on time allocation entirely inoperable by this inadvertent omission.

Again, I reiterate that the point of order regarding the status of the Government Representative should have been raised sooner, at the first opportunity, which is very far from us, either at the end of the year in 2015 or at the beginning of the next Parliament.

Thank you.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Welcome, minister.

I am interested in federal-provincial affairs, intergovernmental affairs, that are part of your portfolio. In the emergency context of the pandemic, governments at all levels were forced to come together for the common good of the people and to come to an agreement while respecting jurisdictions.

I’d like to hear your vision for the future. Can we build on the achievements in federal-provincial relations that this pandemic has brought about? How do you envision the next steps in negotiating the most pressing files in a way that respects jurisdictions and is effective?

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I also want to pay tribute to a colleague and friend.

Dear Dennis, I would have preferred to give this speech in September 2024, because according to your date of birth, your departure is premature. However, in years of political life, you are part of an elite club of parliamentarians who have lived — although the better word is probably survived — on the Hill for such a long time.

Having won the seat for Louis-Hébert in 1977 at the age of 27, he was the youngest MP in the House of Commons. He earned a number of firsts since then, as my colleagues have mentioned. Of note, he is the only parliamentarian in this chamber to have worked under both Prime Ministers Trudeau.

This clearly demonstrates the breadth of his experience and the scope of his institutional memory, a memory that has helped us on countless occasions to better understand sometimes a context, sometimes the reasons for certain decisions, certain rules. We will sorely miss this memory.

[English]

If I had to describe Senator Dawson, it would be as a connector, someone with charisma, people skills and an innate sense of communication as well as human relations. If you ever met Dennis outside of Parliament, you would notice that he is very rarely alone — actually, he is never alone. He is always surrounded, always deep in a conversation. I even noticed there is a table at the Château Laurier — one right in the centre of the action — where nobody dares to sit unless he is there, fearing to take Senator Dawson’s place.

His international parliamentary network is remarkable. In his years as a parliamentarian, he deeply contributed to strengthening Canadian interparliamentary diplomacy. I personally have noticed how respected, esteemed and cherished he is by so many members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Adored by all his current and former employees, he is also known as one of the best people to work for on the Hill.

Apart from those qualities, Dennis is first and foremost a family man. We only have to take a peek at his iPad wallpaper, which always has the most recent picture of his first granddaughter, June Dawson, to know that his family is always on his mind.

He is also very devoted and loyal to his political family. Senator Dawson has never shied away from that fact. Never mind election results, leadership changes or institutional reforms, he is and always will be a proud Liberal.

[Translation]

Dennis, please know that my sadness in seeing you leave the Senate today is mitigated by the knowledge that I am not losing the friend I have known for years, the man with such a charming sense of humour — no, not Senator Dawson, but Dennis, Anne’s husband and father to Cindy, Kathryn-Anne and Julian, whom I wish to acknowledge today, and, of course, grandfather to June.

On behalf of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you much happiness in your retirement. I can only imagine that you will be very active and well taken care of elsewhere and otherwise.

See you soon, my friend.

Thank you. Meegwetch

[English]

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate, and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practice, for today’s sitting, the duration for Senators’ Statements be 45 minutes, to be used for the purpose of paying tribute to our colleague the Honourable Senator Christmas, not including the time for his response.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I am also pleased to rise today to welcome two new colleagues, the Honourable Senator Sharon Burey and the Honourable Senator Rebecca Patterson.

[English]

Honourable Senator Sharon Burey, today in the Senate you are officially opening a new chapter of your life, and as this chapter is beginning, I wish to express how eager all members of the Independent Senators Group are to work with you.

Colleagues, Senator Burey has demonstrated tremendous leadership and earned so much respect in the field of children’s health. Her work as a health advocate has been recognized with numerous honours. She has been bestowed with the Ontario Chapter Excellence Award and a Special Achievement Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as an Excellence in Health Care Award from the North American Black Historical Museum & Cultural Centre. She was notably recognized for her outstanding service to the Council For The Prevention Of Child Abuse in Windsor-Essex County, where she was the co-chairperson of the medical issues committee. Despite all those experiences and awards, Senator Burey has proven her continuous pursuit of professional development, and she has recently completed a Physician Business Leadership Program at York University.

Honourable Senator Burey, even though you were appointed 23 days ago, you have been dedicated to improving the well‑being of Canadians from a very young age when you decided to pursue your medical studies and became a renowned, engaged and seasoned pediatrician.

At one of the conferences of the Ontario Medical Association related to the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, which took place in August 2021 and at which you presided, you stated, “Children and adolescents make up roughly 20% of our population, but they are really 100% of our future.” As we all face the challenge of leaving future generations with a world worth living in, your credentials give me high hopes that we will do a much better job with the contributions and leadership of colleagues like you.

Colleagues, we are privileged to have with us here the first woman of colour to ever hold the position of President of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario. Senator Burey, it is now no secret that you know how to break a glass ceiling, and today we are pleased to have among us another senator to inspire future generations to dream big.

We wish you every success.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, Lawyers Without Borders Canada, a non-profit organization based in my hometown of Quebec City, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. That is 20 years of solidarity, international cooperation and commitment to the mission of giving access to justice to those who need it most and who could not otherwise access it.

Lawyers Without Borders Canada was founded in October 2002 by Dominique-Anne Roy, Pierre Brun and Pascal Paradis. These three committed lawyers from Quebec decided to join forces and participate, on a voluntary basis, I should note, in international solidarity efforts for justice. Lawyers Without Borders Canada is now an internationally recognized cooperative organization, known for its expertise, its credibility and its dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights. This organization makes a meaningful contribution, on the ground, to strengthening access to justice and legal representation.

Over the years, Lawyers Without Borders Canada has launched 52 projects in 32 countries with many local partners, helping hundreds of thousands of people. That is very commendable. Right now, Lawyers Without Borders Canada has 140 employees and volunteers in Bamako, Bogota, Guatemala City, Montreal, Port-au-Prince, Quebec City, San Salvador and Tegucigalpa. A total of 18 international cooperation projects are under way with 135 global partners.

[English]

Lawyers Without Borders Canada is a pioneer in the field of international legal cooperation. Its great achievement is to have allowed more than 100 lawyers from here to get involved elsewhere in service of those who need it the most. This pro bono commitment amounts to $7 million of non-billed legal work over the past five years. This involvement of our lawyers allows their expertise and dedication to shine through — without borders.

For all these reasons, dear colleagues, I salute in this chamber the 20 years of success of this remarkable organization, an organization born here and now serving throughout the world. Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I am very pleased to join my colleagues from all groups and caucuses in welcoming Senator Leonard Andrew Cardozo.

[English]

While it may be the first time, Senator Cardozo, that you are present in this chamber, no one is thinking of you as a stranger to the study of legislation, federal politics, our work in this chamber or to the Senate’s overall contribution to Canadian society. Indeed, you have been one of Canada’s leading voices on public policy for many years. Whether as a columnist, a professor at the Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, a commissioner of the CRTC or as the head of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy, you have brought attention to important and sensitive issues. Your contributions have helped Canada become a more progressive and fair country, and I have no doubt that you will pursue that great legacy in your time at the Senate.

Despite your very impressive career, what strikes me the most about you, Senator Cardozo, is your deep social involvement in your community. Over the years, you have been active in the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region, the Media Awareness Network and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. All those organizations were fortunate to count on you for leadership and support.

As President of the Pearson Centre, you have often given a platform for senators to express their views. Many colleagues have been invited to events and conferences. For my part, I remember fondly co-chairing with you a successful panel on the work of Parliament in front of a wide audience of diplomats. I now know that was only the beginning of our collaboration.

You said recently in an interview that the role of the Senate as a place of sober second thought means that legislation is often improved here, and that senators are also able to shine a spotlight on issues that deserve attention. It seems to me you already fully understand what we senators aim to do, as well as what your role and purpose in the chamber are going to be.

I have a feeling you will hit the ground running in your new role, but if you ever find yourself in need of anything, please know that the Independent Senators Group will always be ready to help.

Finally, I also know we share a common passion for the arts. I am very impressed by the artistic side of you. While as a painter you specialize in the abstract, I have a feeling that your contribution as a senator will be a tangible one.

From all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada. I have no doubt that you are in the right place at the right time.

Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Quebecer, an exceptional man who left his mark both on Quebec and the entire country. We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of the Honourable Jean Lapointe.

Above all, I want to express my deepest condolences to his family, his fans and all those from whom he commanded — and will continue to command — admiration and respect. During his maiden speech in the Senate, the Honourable Jean Lapointe shared his views on tributes like the one we are paying him today. He said, and I quote:

I humbly offer a suggestion that would no doubt reduce the time spent on the interminably long tributes occasioned by deaths, retirements, or celebrations of famous people.

I realize that on such occasions some of our colleagues use the opportunity to speak more about themselves. My suggestion is therefore as follows. In the event of a death, or when tributes are made to living persons, I suggest that both Senate leaders make a short speech to mark the occasion.

The good old times.

There may be exceptional circumstances, where people acknowledge that a colleague was a very close personal friend of the departed, and I can accept this.

As you can see, he was very diplomatic.

I’ll be brief, dear colleagues, in order to respect his wishes and in honour of his courage to speak to the Senate at the first opportunity made available to him about a matter of general interest. I’ll be brief, but I hope nevertheless to do justice to a man with such a brilliant and rich career.

Jean Lapointe was an artist of a thousand talents, a singer-songwriter, humourist and comedian, and throughout his professional life he was generous with his talent and his accomplishments, in this place and elsewhere.

The great success of his duo Les Jérolas earned him two invitations to “The Ed Sullivan Show,” in 1963 and 1967, which was a first for a Quebec duo. They made an appearance even before the Beatles on that prestigious American show, in addition to appearing twice at the Olympia in Paris, the ultimate venue at the time for francophone artists.

As a senator, Jean Lapointe dedicated himself primarily to defending the interests of people grappling with a gambling or substance addiction. This cause that he championed was a major theme throughout his personal and professional life.

He embodied a model of courage that required you to never deny, to get back up again and again, to succeed and to give back. His legacy will remain in our collective memory and live on through La Maison Jean Lapointe, which he established and which continues to help the vulnerable.

It is thanks to him that many people now find the strength to ask for help and receive the help they need. For this, as well as the artistic and compassionate legacy he leaves behind, my message to him is, “Bravo, Honourable Jean Lapointe.”

[English]

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Would Senator Miville-Dechêne take a question?

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That the Senate of Canada:

(a)recognize the right of the Ukrainian people to determine their own future, and to be free from any and all outside interference;

(b)recognize the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its sovereignty, which was recognized at the time of the Budapest Memorandum in 1994 and includes Crimea and the Donbas;

(c)denounce the fraudulent and undemocratic referenda forced upon the people of the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia;

(d)condemn all coercive and violent tactics undertaken by Russia in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine;

(e)affirm its steadfast support for the people of Ukraine and their right to peace and security; and

(f)condemn any and all escalation of military and other attacks on Ukraine and its people by Russia.