Senator Plett: Thank you.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize the tremendous work that the police and security personnel have done in resolving the protest in our nation’s capital.

Senator Plett: Police and protection officers came together from different locations and backgrounds to enforce public order in as restrained a manner as they could while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians and of emergency service personnel.

To each officer, I say that your professionalism, vigilance and demeanour set the tone in ensuring a successful and peaceful outcome to this operation. On behalf of the official opposition in the Senate, and I believe on behalf of all the Senate, I wish to say, “Thank you.” Thank you for ensuring the safety of all Canadians, thank you for enforcing law and order in our country and thank you for the essential role you played in de-escalating the situation.

As you stood shoulder to shoulder with your colleagues in uniform on the front lines of this crisis, please know that we stood behind you with pride and gratefulness.

I am humbled and saddened by the events that have taken place in our nation’s capital and around the country. It is sad how frustrated and disillusioned so many people in our country have become. At the same time, I am reassured by the way each and every officer acted in order to resolve this political impasse.

Eventually, there will come a time when we can analyze and review what took place on the streets of Ottawa, but for now we must show our deep appreciation. We must also be thankful for a peaceful outcome.

Colleagues, may this situation be a reminder to all of us of the essential role police and protection officers play in our communities. I have the feeling that we are living through momentous times, and I believe it will be a long time before we fully realize all the implications of what is happening in our country.

But today, I simply wish to tip my hat to all police and protection officers in this city and around the country. You have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, and for that we are all very grateful. Thank you, God bless all of you and God bless Canada.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Is this a notice of motion that we are adopting now or we are adopting tomorrow? I was doing something here; obviously, I should have been paying closer attention. I didn’t hear the motion. Could you please repeat what you said at the start, senator?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader.

Leader, on February 10 I asked you a couple of questions. I suggested you needed to start answering the questions that we asked. At 7:40 that night, one of my granddaughters messaged me through WhatsApp.

Leader, I’m going to read this to you, and then I will ask my question. My granddaughter said:

Grandpa, I think your questions are too complex in the Senate. No one seems be able to give you an answer, let alone say anything close to what you asked.

She went on to say:

You sound tired. I would be too if I had to sit and listen to all that BS. Love you.

I love her as well.

Leader, I’m going to ask you a question. I want you to imagine you are answering Emily and give her an answer that she will understand.

Last Thursday night, a violent attack took place at the Coastal GasLink worksite near Houston, British Columbia. About 20 people, some armed with axes, attacked security guards, smashed vehicles and heavy machinery, set fires on roadways, injured an RCMP officer and traumatized workers. A statement from the B.C. RCMP said, “This is a very troubling escalation in violent criminal activity that could have resulted in serious injury or death.” And it continues:

This was a calculated and organized violent attack that left its victims shaken and a multimillion dollar path of destruction.

Leader, why does the Trudeau government believe the trucker convoy rises to the level of national emergency when this incredibly vicious and dangerous attack in B.C. hardly drew even a mention from the Prime Minister? Does the Prime Minister think it’s okay to demonize other groups of Canadians simply because he doesn’t agree with them?

Senator Plett: Hardly a mention from the Prime Minister, though.

Leader, this is a sad moment for our country. We have been led to this point by a divisive and vindictive Prime Minister who preferred to bring forward an unprecedented power grab rather than have dialogue with fellow Canadians.

Leader, the premiers of both my province of Manitoba and your province of Quebec do not want the Emergencies Act enacted in their jurisdictions. Five other provinces say the same, including one that is suing the government.

When the Prime Minister invoked the Emergencies Act, he claimed it would be geographically targeted. In the other place on Saturday, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice confirmed that the legislation applies to all of Canada.

Leader, what guidelines did the Trudeau government use before making the call to declare an historic national emergency throughout our entire country?