Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine and report upon the expenditures set out in the Main Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024; and

That, for the purpose of this study, the committee have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, and that rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) be suspended in relation thereto.

The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that a message had been received from the House of Commons with Bill C-39, An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Rosa Galvez: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the ParlAmericas concerning the Ninth Summit of the Americas, held in Los Angeles, United States, from June 6 to 8, 2022.

Hon. Marilou McPhedran: Honourable senators, I would like to ask a question, if I may, to the Chair of the Ethics Committee, Senator Seidman. Would you accept a question?

Hon. Judith G. Seidman: Yes, senator.

Senator Plett: Senator Black, I believe this report involves a trip to Guelph. Since it was a public meeting and not — as the translators in our committee like to say — a secret meeting, it was discussed that you had asked for a certain sum of money. I believe that was cut almost by half. Does this report reflect what the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration approved this morning or does it reflect what you asked for?

Senator Black: Honourable senators, as we all know, in the preparation of a travel budget, committee clerks err on the side of caution. Therefore the request that we did send in was on the side of caution.

After my appearance at the Senate budget committee last week, subcommittee members lowered the participation from 12 senators to 9, and removed the costs associated with interpretation. As such, only nine people will be travelling and we will not be offering interpretation services to the committee for the trip.

Recognizing that the travel is coming up quickly, we need to get on with purchasing those tickets and the things we need. This report does reflect the lower amount.

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our colleagues who recently left this place a little sooner than expected, but in a manner that seems perfectly fitting for her: quietly, without fanfare, but with a lasting impact.

Despite her request not to have a formal period for tributes, I would still like to ensure that the retirement of Senator Sandra Lovelace Nicholas does not go unmarked. She has been a devoted champion for the rights of Indigenous women and girls, both before her appointment and through her work here. It would certainly not be an understatement to use the term “trailblazer.” She received the Order of Canada in 1990 and the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 1992. Though she will be missed, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have sat with her in this chamber and to have learned from her.

A Maliseet woman from the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick, Senator Lovelace Nicholas was the first female Aboriginal senator to represent Atlantic Canada. At the time of her appointment in 2005, her name was already well known. It has arguably become forever tied to the issue of improving the rights of Indigenous women and girls, as hers was the name in the case taken to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in 1981, Lovelace v. Canada. This ruling, in her favour, was the catalyst that began years of work to amend the Indian Act in order to end the gender discrimination that impacted the rights of First Nations women and their children. Along with colleagues like former senator Lillian Dyck, Senator Lovelace Nicholas continued to advocate for changes to the Indian Act, drawing our attention to the consequences of this ongoing injustice. During debate on Bill S-3, she told this chamber that:

. . . Canada cannot disconnect the ongoing discrimination against indigenous women in the Indian Act from the current human rights crisis of murders and disappearances.

How fitting that she spoke those words as the truth-gathering process was beginning in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, another issue for which she fought.

Honourable senators, there have only been nine Indigenous women appointed to the Senate of Canada. But following the retirement of Senator Lovelace Nicholas, half of them — five — are currently in our chamber. Seeing this progress and knowing the senators who are now representing these voices, I do not doubt that the issues Senator Lovelace Nicholas steadfastly pursued will continue to be ably advanced.

Her first speech in the Senate was in honour of International Women’s Day, when she delivered a statement about the late Mavis Gores, another Tobique First Nation woman who advocated for gender equality. At that time, she spoke these words, which seem equally fitting to describe Senator Lovelace Nicholas herself:

Honourable senators, if it had not been for the strength of First Nations women in our communities, and women’s groups across Canada, we would not have been able to accomplish what was once considered impossible: The changing of federal legislation by women who thought they did not have a voice.

Your voices have certainly been heard.

Woliwon, Sandra, thank you. Thank you for being you. You will be missed.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Donna Dasko: Honourable senators, two days ago, thousands of friends, admirers, dignitaries and citizens of Mississauga and beyond gathered there to pay tribute to an extraordinary woman, Her Worship Mayor Hazel McCallion, who passed away on January 29 at the age of 101.

Hazel McCallion presided as Mayor of Mississauga for 36 years, from 1978 to 2014, easily winning 12 elections and serving until age 93. She built her city of Mississauga from three small townships, cow pastures and sleepy meadows into one of this country’s largest, most livable and successful communities.

Mayor McCallion was a character, a force, with a big personality, and I was so happy that I got to know her. She got her start in politics after she and her husband, Sam, moved to a small community west of Toronto named Streetsville, which eventually became incorporated into Mississauga. Stints as Mayor of Streetsville and city councillor led to her first and successful run for mayor against a popular incumbent in 1978. She had been in office only a few months when a Canadian Pacific train carrying toxic chemicals derailed, accompanied by explosions and chemical spills. McCallion oversaw the successful evacuation of 200,000 Mississauga residents, gaining considerable praise and fame, and there was no looking back.

Her admirers named her “Hurricane Hazel,” a nod to her ability to get things done, including massive development, transit systems and infrastructure. She was a practical achiever and a superb communicator.

As a pollster, I always admired her extraordinary approval levels, higher than those achieved by any prime minister or premier that I had seen. At one public meeting where satisfaction with city services in Mississauga was being discussed, she was informed that her approval level was 95% and that 2% of citizens disapproved. “Two percent disapprove,” she said, “and I know them both.” Yes, she could count her detractors on the fingers of one hand.

Hazel McCallion received countless honours during her lifetime, including an Order of Canada, an Order of Ontario, an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Toronto and more. This was how I got to know the mayor when Equal Voice, which promotes women in politics, honoured the mayor with our EVE Award. The Royal York was filled for her speech that day in 2007, and every time I saw her after that, she went out of her way to tell me how much that award meant to her and how much it meant to be seen as a role model for women in politics.

That she was. One thing is sure — she reminds us that women in politics have diverse styles and views, that successful women do not have to fit into one mould and that you can be true to yourself. I loved her feisty iconoclasm. She was Hurricane Hazel, and for me she was the perfect storm. Thank you.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, as a young boy growing up under the careful eye of my dear mother, I was the recipient of her sage advice many times. One tidbit of advice she gave me was, “Fabian, stay on the high road, there is way too much traffic on the low road.” Another offering was one I am sure many of you have heard before, and that was, “In a world where you can be anything you want to be, be kind.”

With those thoughts in mind, I am pleased to present Chapter 72 of “Telling Our Story.” If you find my stories interesting, thank you, and if for some reason or other you do not, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.

Friends, many people who visit Newfoundland and Labrador are struck by the rugged beauty of our land, the scent of the salt water that surrounds us and the warmth and hospitality of the people who live there.

Many remark about the colourful houses, especially those located on the hills surrounding the harbour in St. John’s. They are a popular background used by many photographers, movie directors and wedding parties — the list is endless. We fondly refer to them as “Jellybean Row.” They are a major tourism attraction with their vibrant colours of red, blue, yellow, green, orange and all the many beautiful and bright colours of the rainbow.

In 1863, a hardware store called Templeton’s opened in downtown St. John’s, and about 50 years later the then-owner John Templeton and his brother David came across a set of old paint chips in the basement of their store. They knew right away that they had to do something with their discovery, so they contacted the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

That somewhat surprising collaboration marked the birth of the Heritage Paint Colours of Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan was straightforward — these paint chips needed a name befitting of the place we call home. Lara Maynard of the Heritage Foundation was tasked with the job, and said she wanted to select names that would best celebrate not only the landscape but our language as well. With names like Little Heart’s Ease, Charmer, Mussels in the Corner and Bristol’s Hope, she captured our history, culture and unique way of life very well.

Another piece of folklore tells a different story of the creation of “Jellybean Row” — a more romantic version, I do believe. Legend has it that in the early days, fishermen flocked to our shores to reap the bounty of the ocean, which John Cabot said was teeming with fish. That was before the crowd here in Ottawa took control of the fishery, but that’s a story for another day.

As you would understand, the fishermen would have to spend long, hard days out at sea, and upon their return home they would often be met with a heavy veil of fog hanging over the harbour, which was not necessarily the best condition in order to see their houses up on the hill. Therefore, the fishermen would paint their homes in these bright and vibrant colours to make them more visible. The houses then would pop out and shine against the cool grey backdrop of the fog. I like that story best.

Whatever reason for the creation of “Jellybean Row” you choose to believe, I will leave that up to you to decide, but I do encourage you to come and see it for yourself. The fact is many people love to visit there, see and experience this visual phenomenon and enjoy its unique character. I guarantee you that a walk along the streets of these bold and unusually matched coloured houses will lift your spirits on even the dullest of days, and we could all benefit from that.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, for the second reading of Bill C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.

Hon. Stan Kutcher: Honourable senators, today marks the three-hundred-and-fifty-ninth day of Russia’s illegal and genocidal invasion of Ukraine. Many pundits would not have predicted Ukraine would have proven so capable of defending itself in the face of overwhelming odds.

Let’s ponder the reality of this defence for a bit. At the time of the invasion, Russia had the world’s fifth-largest military; Ukraine ranked twenty-fifth. In 2021, Russia had four times more military personnel, six times more tanks, a naval fleet that was 16 times larger, 15 times the amount of artillery and 4,200 airplanes compared to Ukraine’s 310. But, as we know, Ukraine had tractors.

Everyone here has seen the iconic images of Ukrainian tractors towing disabled Russian tanks. The tractor has become the symbol of a people who are fiercely and effectively fighting for their land, for their lives and for their very existence. These are well-trained soldiers for sure, but also everyday people, who were doing everyday things until the bombs began to rain down. The world is amazed by their tenacity, resilience, heroism and sacrifice.

As President Zelenskyy is reported to have said when offered refuge outside Ukraine, “The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Unable to achieve military victory, Russia turned to genocidal attacks on civilians — targeting bombs on homes, hospitals, schools and daycare centres. Their troops detained, tortured and killed hundreds of innocent people. They stole thousands of children and whisked them off to Russia. Reuters estimates that over 40,000 people have been killed, over 50,000 injured, more than 15,000 missing and over 14 million displaced.

Canada, along with NATO members and other countries, has contributed substantial support including arms, infrastructure, medical supplies, expertise and more. As critical as this is, so is moral support — to let the people of Ukraine know that we stand with them.

Through the work of Senator Colin Deacon and the efforts of the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program participants Vladyslava Aleksenko, who championed the idea of Canadian senators signing our flag to be delivered to the Ukrainian Parliament — the Verkhovna Rada — and Alyona Palyenka, who has presented us with a signed Ukrainian flag from soldiers on the front line in Bakhmut, that is why we have an opportunity to show solidarity and gratitude in this chamber.

If you haven’t done so, please consider signing the Canadian flag where it is displayed in our reading room. Its message in Ukrainian is “Ukraino, mi z teboju,” which means, “Ukraine, we are with you.” For the fight in Ukraine is not only for Ukraine — it is for the values that underlie our democratic way of life.

Wela’lioq. Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Rosemary Moodie: Honourable senators, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month, and to acknowledge the significant change and progress that we have experienced as a country in the past years to make Canada a more inclusive country that values and honours Black Canadians.

I think of the decision to put Viola Desmond on the $10 bill. Her image signals to all Canadians that she represents what we believe is the best of our country.

I think of the recognition of the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent and how this moment was the beginning of a whole-of-government approach to change, address and recognize anti-Black racism in Canada.

I think of the apology to the descendants of the No. 2 Construction Battalion in Truro, Nova Scotia, in the summer of 2022, which I was honoured to attend. Their ancestors — our heroes — were finally recognized for their valour and bravery on behalf of this country.

And I think of the countless Canadians, in cities and towns in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast, who invested countless hours and immeasurable energy to see these changes and this progress come to fruition.

They deserve the credit for this progress, more than anyone else.

Colleagues, an interesting recent phenomenon is the reference of Black History Month as “Black Futures” month by many young people. Indeed, our history is rich. The present is encouraging, and our future is bright.

Within the Senate, and under the leadership of Speaker Furey, the African Canadian Senate Group hosted the first of its kind Black History Month reception on February 7. I want to thank our Speaker for his sponsorship, and thank many of our colleagues who attended as well as our guests, including the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and other distinguished Black Canadian leaders.

The highlight of our evening was a spectacular performance by spoken word artist Nonso Morah. I will close my statement by quoting this young woman, who makes me confident that our future is bright, although I’m sure I’ll not do her wonderful words justice:

Dear child,

When the history you are taught rebukes you,

Baptize yourself the lion’s daughter.

Or the lion’s author

Wrapped yourself in the arms of legacy.

And accept the wild call of your identity.

Your destiny.

To write truth, as it is meant to be read.

Not in red, but in right.

Not in darkness, but in light.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the Main Estimates for the year 2023-24.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report on Federal Tax Expenditures 2023.

[English]

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the Supplementary Estimates (C), 2022-23.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Could I ask the senator a question before we ask for leave?

Senator McPhedran: Thank you very much.

First, Senator Seidman, allow me to begin with an apology for standing to ask this question, not realizing that you had been delayed in another meeting. I want to assure you that I meant no disrespect with that. It was a mistake that I made.

I also wish to note that the Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators is one of only five Senate committees that are empowered to act on their own initiative, without a prior order of reference from the Senate.

Recognizing that the committee is responsible to conduct, on its own initiative, any review and study of all matters relating to the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators, some time ago I submitted for your consideration a letter requesting attention to the current ethics code, following up on communications I have sent to the committee over the years that I have been in this place.

That letter was dated February 24, 2022. It was sent to you as chair, the deputy chair, all members of the committee, the committee clerk and the Senate Ethics Officer.

In so doing, I requested that our Ethics Committee undertake a study of the ethics code and I proposed eight areas of potential study — ranging from current financial disclosure requirements; examination of income from external board memberships and/or consultancies; Senate Ethics Officer transparency and reporting protocols, including protections and procedural rights for non‑parliamentarians impacted by such inquiries; and a recommendation to create an annotated commentary to the code to increase clarity and comprehension, particularly given how many appointments have been made to the Senate in more recent times.

These same issues were also raised as a part of my Inquiry No. 6, which is now concluded.

Senator Seidman, I wish to ascertain whether the committee will undertake to consider this study proposal. Thank you very much.

Senator Seidman: Thank you, senator, for your question. As you are aware, all meetings and discussions at the Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators are held in camera because of the high confidentiality of our work. Thus, I cannot respond to the particulars of your question. However, I can respond in more general terms and I do hope that will be helpful.

In response to your first question, the Ethics Committee receives correspondence regularly, and we always respond promptly to assure the individual that their letter or request has been received and that the committee will consider it. I have no doubt that you received such a response.

Second, with regard to your particular request for amendments, the committee works quite regularly with code amendments that have been suggested by senators or others. However, this work is quite regularly interrupted by urgent demands that require priority, as I am sure the chamber understands. In fact, the Ethics Committee has a regular program of review of the code and periodically puts out requests for input from senators and others.

You have seen the results of that weighing and considering of these suggestions because they must always be presented, debated and voted upon in this chamber. That is the result of our reports to this chamber, of which I myself, as chair, have presented several.

If I might add, we have been told that the Senate of Canada’s ethics code is one of the strongest of its type and is being used as a model for other legislatures.

The amendments that we, as a chamber, have made to date — and there have been quite a few rather important ones over the last few years — have been very constructive, and senators should be reassured by that. However, there is an ongoing process of updating the code and receiving suggestions from senators. When time permits, of course, we will do that and we will bring reports to the chamber.

I hope that this is helpful, senator. Thank you.