Senator Plett: If the government acts responsibly, that would mean they would start to act responsibly, not continue to. We have seen no evidence of any of that in the last seven years.

Senator Plett: It sure is difficult to defend the indefensible, isn’t it?

Leader, you will appreciate that this is undoubtedly a source of great confusion and concern for Canadians. On the one hand, they hear economists sounding the alarm about a recession and cautioning against increased spending during an inflationary period. On the other hand, they see their government carrying on with its spending in direct opposition to the advice of economists.

Leader, does your government use different economics textbooks than Canadian economists, and, if so, can you please share them with Canadians?

Senator Plett: The utter lack of respect the government has for Canadians is shameful. To accuse the opposition of not having the proper questions — questions that you do not like, Senator Gold — is also reflective of that. You may not like our questions, Senator Gold, but you are obliged to answer them honestly.

Leader, even in the face of growing evidence that suggests that your plan is not working, your government continues to double down on its soft-on-crime approach that leaves Canadians vulnerable. We saw that last week, Senator Gold.

The Prime Minister continues to proudly proclaim that he took action on gun violence, but he didn’t. What he did was take action against people who aren’t hurting anyone, and never will. That same Prime Minister has also reduced penalties for dangerous people who use illegally acquired guns in the commission of gang-related crimes. These are facts, Senator Gold.

When will your government stop making it easier to be a criminal in Canada and start working to keep victims and Canadians safe?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition) rose pursuant to notice of May 18, 2022:

That he will call the attention of the Senate to the impact on Canada’s public finances of the NDP-Liberal agreement entitled Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement.

He said: Thank you, Your Honour. I see that this is at day 15, so I would like to move the adjournment for the balance of my time.

(On motion of Senator Plett, debate adjourned.)