Hon. Terry M. Mercer: Honourable senators, I note that this item is at day 15, and I do intend to speak to it. Therefore, with leave of the Senate, I ask that consideration of this item be postponed until the next sitting of the Senate.

The Hon. the Speaker: I hear a “no.”

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

[Translation]

The Senate proceeded to consideration of the second report (interim) of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament, entitled Use of displays, exhibits and props in Senate proceedings, tabled in the Senate on April 5, 2022.

An Hon. Senator: No.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I would ask that you rise and join me in a minute of silence.

(Honourable senators then stood in silent tribute.)

Senator Dalphond: I thank the Government Representative for reaffirming the government’s commitment to linguistic equality, and I welcome that. However, am I to understand that no decision has been made at this time, and that we won’t know until the end of the 30-day period whether the government will appeal the decision or not?

Hon. Robert Black, pursuant to notice of April 7, 2022, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry be authorized to examine and report on the status of soil health in Canada with the purpose of identifying ways to improve soil health, enable Canadian forest product and agricultural producers to become sustainability leaders, and improve their economic prosperity;

That in particular, the committee should examine:

(a)current soil conditions in Canada;

(b)possible federal measures that would support and enhance agricultural and forest soil health, including in relation to conservation, carbon sequestration and efforts to address the effects of climate change;

(c)the implications of soil health for human health, food security, forest and agricultural productivity and prosperity, water quality and air quality; and

(d)the role of new technologies in managing and improving soil health; and

That the committee report to the Senate no later than December 31, 2023, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report.

He said: Honourable senators, I move the motion standing in my name.

Senator Gold: Thank you for bringing this to my attention, senator. I will certainly make inquiries and report back.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, colleague, for the question.

As highlighted, the Barton report identified agriculture as one of the six sectors with growth potential, and the government agrees. I’m advised that the recommendation to reach $75 billion in agricultural exports by 2025 is a target that the government is striving towards and, indeed, has internalized. I note, colleagues, that from the Farm Income Forecast results report for 2020 and 2021, we know that in 2020 the government managed to have $74 billion of agricultural exports in total. That’s just $1 billion short of reaching the 2025 objective — and five years in advance. With the growth in the industry, the government foresees no difficulties in reaching the target.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. It’s not up to me to decide what a committee should do or not do. Ultimately, it is up to the Senate to decide. However, I can say that the premise of your question is false. I say that with all due respect, dear colleague.

The Government of Canada implemented a judicial appointment process to ensure that every individual the federal government appoints to the bench is the best candidate to serve the cause of justice and Canadians.

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Honourable Senator Woo, your time has expired.

Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

In 2017, the government’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth, chaired by Dominic Barton, identified agriculture as a key sector for growth. The advisory council’s report set a target to grow Canada’s agri-food exports from $55 billion to at least $75 billion by 2025.

When the first report was released, the then-finance minister thanked the members of the council for their advice and said:

I look forward to continuing to work with the Council as we continue to strengthen our middle class and grow Canada’s economy . . . .

(1500)

While these targets were headline news a few years ago, they seem to have fallen off the government’s radar as of late. However, I was pleased to see that agriculture was highlighted in this year’s federal budget to receive support for stable supply chains and economic growth, in addition to efforts to make the industry more sustainable.

The targets have not fallen off the industry’s radar. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture brought forward a resolution at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting last month regarding the need to support the implementation of initiatives outlined in the Barton report.

Honourable colleagues, as I have said time and time again, it is evident that agriculture can truly be a driver of the Canadian economy and can help us recover after the pandemic. In order to meet the ambitious Barton targets, we need to do a better job of promoting Canadian agriculture on the world stage and at home.

My question is this, Senator Gold: With only three years left to reach the 2025 targets set out in the Barton report, can you confirm whether we are on track to reach them?

The Hon. the Speaker: My apologies, but Senator Bellemare’s time has expired. She will have to ask for time to answer questions.

[Translation]

Are you asking for five more minutes to answer questions?

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker: We will suspend for one hour.

Senator Clement, when we return, you will have the balance of your time. Thank you.

(The sitting of the Senate was suspended.)

[Translation]

(The sitting of the Senate was resumed.)

(1900)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Moncion, seconded by the Honourable Senator Dean, for the second reading of Bill S-215, An Act respecting measures in relation to the financial stability of post-secondary institutions.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Senator Pate, will you answer a question?

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. On April 14, Chief Justice DeWare, of the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, handed down a ruling that made headlines not only in New Brunswick, but across the country. She found that the Prime Minister’s recommendation of a unilingual person to fill the position of lieutenant-governor was unconstitutional. Does the government intend to appeal this decision or comply with it?

The Hon. the Speaker: Are senators ready for the question?

Hon. Claude Carignan: Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Leader, our Ukrainian friends are currently being invaded by their Russian neighbours, and Russia has one of the most powerful armies in the world. I was pleased when Canada committed to sending equipment to help Ukraine defend its territory. However, I was extremely surprised when I learned a few hours ago that Canada was sending four howitzers and eight armoured vehicles. My question is this: Are you serious?

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, pursuant to the order adopted December 7, 2021, I would like to inform the Senate that Question Period with the Honourable Karina Gould, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at the later of the end of Routine Proceedings or 2:30 p.m.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)