Senator Housakos: Senator Gold, I appreciate that, but it has been a while since the government has made that commitment with regard to the app. I appreciate that the ArriveCAN app can be a useful tool for some, and I have no doubt that Canadians of certain generations appreciate it more than others but, the truth is, it should be optional. We have agents at entry points for a reason. Their responsibilities shouldn’t be entirely relegated to an app, especially one that has been prone to technical issues. Moreover, Canadians should not be turned away from entering their own country under any circumstances. I remind honourable senators that the Prime Minister, once upon a time, said that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.

Can we get a commitment that this will be rectified? It has been a while now. I have asked this question in the past, and the minister has publicly given directives to CBSA. Canadians are still being penalized at the border, especially elderly Canadians who don’t have access to this app.

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, I rise today to express deep sadness as we mourn the passing of the iconic Guy Lafleur. In the days since the news of his passing, countless tributes have poured in from across the country affirming what we all know to be true about Mr. Lafleur: that he was a remarkable talent and a beloved individual.

Guy Lafleur was my favourite hockey player growing up and a childhood idol of mine, as he was for so many hockey fans. His distinct style, electrifying performance and prolific goal scoring were always a thrill to watch and made him a player like no other.

[Translation]

Lafleur’s hockey career was truly outstanding. He won five Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988, and was named one of the 100 greatest NHL players in 2017.

His many achievements solidified his legacy as a dominant figure in Montreal hockey history and one of the best players of all time.

[English]

Guy Lafleur’s commitment and devotion to the beloved game of hockey was unwavering even in his post-playing days. For decades following his retirement in 1991, he continued to give back and make countless contributions to the sport, serving as an ambassador to the Montreal Canadiens and establishing the Guy Lafleur Award of Excellence in an annual prize awarded to the top student athlete hockey player in my home province of Quebec.

[Translation]

His contributions went beyond hockey. In his later years, he helped advance cancer research through the Guy Lafleur Fund by supporting the CHUM Foundation, where he himself was a patient.

[English]

Mr. Lafleur leaves behind an immeasurable legacy, and his impact is felt throughout the world of hockey and far beyond. He remains deeply adored by millions of Canadians not only for his legendary talent but also for his humble nature off the ice, his generosity and accessibility toward his fan base and, most importantly, for the priceless memories he has given to hockey fans and Canadians, which they will undoubtedly cherish forever.

Guy Lafleur once spoke to a group of young hockey players, and he shared with them some sage advice. He told them to always work hard, always play passionately and play as if it’s the last game of your life.

[Translation]

In closing, colleagues, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Lafleur family and to the millions of hockey fans with whom he forged unique bonds throughout his career.

[English]

The glorious chants of “Guy, Guy, Guy!” will be dearly missed and fondly remembered forever. Thank you.

[Translation]

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader, Senator Gold. Earlier this year Public Safety Minister, Marco Mendicino, stated that he would issue a clear directive to Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, that Canadians returning home would have the option to present in person to border agents, including any required documentation, in hard copy rather than being penalized for not using the ArriveCAN app.

Senator Gold, Canadians who are arriving by air are still being refused boarding by airlines unless they have used the app, and Canadians still face financial penalties if they arrive at land crossings without having used the app.

My question, Senator Gold, is simple: Why has this still not been communicated to CBSA agents?