Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Government leader, last week during Question Period with Minister Miller, my colleague Senator Housakos and I asked a simple question, not once, not twice, but three times, and yet the minister helplessly tried to finesse his way out of answering the question. I do not believe he fooled anyone present with his bizarre attempt to portray that he didn’t understand the question posed to him three times.

On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent, leader. That law was put forward by the Trudeau government as an important commitment. When it was debated in the chamber, many here will remember that I raised concerns about the legislation. Nevertheless, UNDRIP became law. It incorporates a constitutional duty to consult Indigenous people when considering measures that might potentially adversely impact established Aboriginal or treaty rights.

Senator Gold, did your government consult the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network before introducing Bill C-11?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, over the weekend a report from Global News indicated that an ArriveCAN-related issue caused power crews from Maine to be held up at the border on their way to help the people of Nova Scotia in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. It is said that the U.S. crews were concerned they would not be able to get across the border at all. Following these reports, a spokesperson for Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino, denied that there had been any such issue at the border. However, the Nova Scotia premier’s office stood by the allegation that there was indeed an issue and a delay. This was also confirmed by Nova Scotia Power. Even so, later, in an evening press conference, the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, dismissed any delay as being inconsequential.

Honourable senators, tens of thousands of people in Atlantic Canada have been left without power and entire communities have suffered unimaginable devastation. There is nothing inconsequential about that. So, which one is it, leader? Can you confirm that there was an issue with ArriveCAN that caused the delay of crucial aid to the people of Nova Scotia? If so, do you agree with your colleague Minister Blair’s characterization of the delay as being inconsequential?

Senator Plett: If you check the record, I think the minister said that information may be available. He didn’t promise to make it available. I’m asking that it be made available.

Those unserious answers and empty promises are putting into question the authenticity and genuineness of the Trudeau government. It’s no wonder that Canadians are losing hope.

Senator Gold, will you commit to providing a detailed list of Indigenous organizations that your government consulted with before Bill C-11 was tabled? May I remind you, Senator Gold, that this is a bill that you want passed? We need answers. The Indigenous communities have not been consulted. If they have been, before this bill becomes law and before we are asked to vote on it, will you provide us with a list of the Indigenous organizations that were consulted as per UNDRIP?