The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker: All those senators seated in the chamber who are opposed to the motion will please say “nay.”

The Hon. the Speaker: I hear a “no.” All those senators seated in the chamber who are in favour of the motion will please say “yea.”

Some Hon. Senators: Yea.

Some Hon. Senators: No.

The Hon. the Speaker: If you are opposed to the motion, please say “no.”

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of earlier this day, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 2 p.m.

Hon. Senators: Question.

The Hon. the Speaker: In my opinion the nays have it. I see two senators rising.

And two honourable senators having risen:

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

Senator Gold: It would be my pleasure to pass that on.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I’m not sure I have much to add to my previous response. Canada does have the will to defend the North, and is taking all measures within its capacity to do so.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I have enormous admiration for Churchill and the situation he and the leadership faced. This is a terribly dire situation, but the actions of NATO, and Canada in concert with NATO, is not analogous at all to Munich. The immigration tragedy and the potential refugee tragedy is one with which we are all seized. Canada has taken steps to facilitate and make it easier for Ukrainians fleeing their country to be in Canada, and for Ukrainian visitors to remain.

With regard to the no-fly zone, NATO has been clear in two respects. First, it is not yet prepared to take that step, and we have to be mindful of the geopolitical consequences, especially to Europe. Second, as we have seen from Canada and NATO’s response, nothing is off the table and things are being adjusted and responses are being hardened on a daily basis.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question, senator.

It is not a question of manipulation. I will make inquiries — for the fact-based questions — and I will get back to you soon as possible.

[English]

Hon. Rose-May Poirier: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Leader in the Senate. On Monday an Angus Reid survey revealed that over half of Canadians feel they cannot keep up with the cost of living. According to Statistics Canada, in January inflation grew by 5.1 year over year — the highest level since 1991.

This year it has become harder for Canadian families to feed themselves. The cost of fresh fruit has gone up 8.2%, margarine is up 0.5% over the past year, chicken is up 9% in just one month and beef is up 13%, again in just one month.

Senator Gold, you recently stated that the Trudeau government is seized with the issue of inflation. When you look at these grocery prices for families going higher and higher, how do you show a government seized with the high cost of living?

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

I must answer your questions the same way I did just a few days ago: I will add them to the questions already received. I have put these questions to the government, and will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Hon. the Speaker: On debate on the amendment, Senator Gold.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Downe, I know we have broad leeway when asking questions, and I will continue to adhere to that, but I’m sure your supplementary will have some nexus to the debate on the amendment.

Hon. Stan Kutcher: Senator Gold, will you take yet another question?