Senator Dupuis: Could you table disaggregated data on research funds allocated by federal programs and organizations: the list of sampling required for each funding application in the last five years; the list of sampling provided in support of each application that was funded in the past five years; and the list of sampling provided in reports on each grant obtained in the last five years?

Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, I rise today to raise an issue of concern for rural and agricultural communities in Canada.

[English]

Canada’s fairs and exhibitions are the backbone of many rural communities. They provide a great opportunity to learn about the hard work of farmers, processors, community members, organizations and entrepreneurs alike, and to celebrate them and the ingenuity of Canadians.

These vital events, however, are under threat again. Newly proposed regulations with regard to livestock traceability requirements expand far beyond a reasonable level and will inevitably challenge farmers, ranchers and the volunteers who work hard to participate in and host fairs and exhibitions across the country.

The proposed policy change from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires farmers to ensure a valid premises identification number as well as to register livestock accordingly.

Now, colleagues, this is not the problem because farmers are happy to follow industry standards and protect their assets with identification and have been doing so for years.

However, the problem is that agricultural societies and the fairs they organize would be burdened with the responsibility of collecting, tagging and reporting animal movement information during their fair dates.

Training and programming for fair and exhibition operators is insufficient, according to key organizations like the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions as well as the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies.

It would require each agricultural society to train volunteers on the process, which would include checking the identification and ear tag on each individual animal and then inputting the data for each farm animal at the fair or event into the responsible administrators’ online database. This is not only an expense that fairs cannot bear but it is also not feasible for the shrinking number of volunteers all organizations are facing these days.

Further, the proposed regulations will apply to any event that involves the listed animals that are held on an agricultural society fairground, not just their fair. If an ag society rents or loans their premises for a 4-H show, calf rally or livestock show, the ag society will be responsible for collecting and reporting the animal movement, as explained above. Losing the opportunities and facilities to host 4-H livestock programs and achievement days could have a significant negative effect on the 4-H program and the youth who participate in 4-H programs in Ontario and across Canada.

As you know, colleagues, 4-H is near and dear to my heart, and I would not be here today if it were not for that program.

[Translation]

Honourable senators, it is important to note that farmers are not opposed to these measures.

[English]

The concern lies with the extensive burden this would place on fair volunteers, already strained by labour shortages and regulatory hurdles.

I hope the Canadian government will fix the problem that may unintentionally cause an end to many fairs and exhibitions, and I hope that we can find a way to fix this. Thank you, meegwetch.

Senator Carignan: Speaking of making decisions to meet the needs of the Armed Forces, we learned this week that our troops deployed in Latvia are so under-equipped that they have to procure essential protective equipment themselves, using their own money.

This is despite the fact that the government doesn’t spend its entire procurement budget. In 2021, it left $1 billion on the table without spending it.

How can you explain to Canadian military personnel that they have to pay for protective equipment out of their own pockets, when their colleagues, especially the Danes, are better equipped, not to mention that the Danish government buys its equipment from Canada?

Senator Gold: The context of all of this, of course, is the Government of Canada’s ongoing efforts — along with other nations — to combat climate change and, in that regard, relying upon science and collaboration with our partners.

On Arctic issues specifically, Canada meets regularly with our circumpolar partners to deal with issues like the ones you mentioned, and others, surrounding climate change, security and the like.

Some years ago, as you know, the government released its Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, providing overarching priorities to the government and investments in the Arctic that will take us to 2030 and beyond. This was co-developed with Northerners, territorial and provincial governments, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

To repeat: Canada is working with other partners in the Arctic region to address this issue of common concern.

Senator Plett: Well, of course, I said “uncensored documents,” leader.

Leader, in a Question Period almost two years ago, I asked you for basic information about the firing of two scientists from the Winnipeg lab and the links between the lab and Beijing military scientists. I have yet to receive an answer, but that’s no surprise. If the Trudeau government is willing to defy orders from the House and take the Speaker to court to hide the truth, it obviously wouldn’t lift a finger to answer my questions.

The panel of three former judges I mentioned will ultimately decide what information is disclosed to MPs and the public. According to the memorandum of understanding, decisions of the judges are “final and unreviewable.”

Leader, why is the Trudeau government passing off its responsibility to others yet again? They are either too incompetent or too compromised to tell Canadians the truth about what happened at the Winnipeg lab.

Leader, either too incompetent or too compromised — which is it?

Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, today I rise to pay tribute to the town of Riverview, New Brunswick, celebrating 50 years.

On July 18, 1973, the three villages of Bridgedale, Gunningsville and Riverview Heights became one town. A resolution to name the new municipality of Riverview was passed and, voilà, a great town was born with the motto “A Great Place to Grow.”

I am very proud to be a long-time resident of over 50 years, though I’m not the first senator to hail from Riverview; I am following in the footsteps of the Honourable Brenda Robertson.

Let me tell you more about our town. It’s located on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people, in the heart of Atlantic Canada. The Acadian forest is in our backyard, the city of Moncton across the river, and the Roméo LeBlanc International Airport just 15 minutes away.

There are many special attractions which are close, like the Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, the beautiful beaches in Shediac, and we are just 70 minutes to P.E.I. and 40 minutes to Nova Scotia.

We don’t know many couch potatoes living in our town with so many opportunities to be active, including the Mill Creek Nature Park, for walking, biking and skiing, and the Dobson Trail, which goes all the way to Fundy Park, which is just a 58‑kilometre hike.

There is also — along the beautiful Petitcodiac River, which connects us to Moncton — a nice trail. In fact, folks come from around the world to surf on the tidal bore that makes its way up the river twice a day.

The Petitcodiac River is part of a unique ecosystem that, for years, was the lifeblood of the surrounding area and home to many marine species. Recently, a new bridge was built — to replace the causeway — that now allows the tidal waters to flow naturally in order to restore the marine ecology. It’s the gateway to the Upper Bay of Fundy region — home of the Hopewell Rocks and the Fundy National Park.

Originally, the Mi’kmaq people lived along the Petitcodiac River, and then the Acadians and the Dutch settlers arrived later. Today, our population is about 22,000 with a mixture of young families and seniors, and an increase in multicultural families. We have all of the amenities: schools, libraries, parks, rinks, state-of-the-art fire stations, seniors’ facilities, shopping and restaurants.

Riverview has one of the lowest tax rates in the region which makes it very attractive. Recently, funding was secured for a long-awaited recreational complex located at Mill Creek Nature Park that will include two pools and an indoor field house for sports and community functions, along with a cafe and a restaurant.

Many celebrations are taking place to mark the fiftieth anniversary, including festivals, art shows, concerts and pancake breakfasts. Every weekend, our town offers a variety of activities. A special congratulations to our Mayor Andrew LeBlanc and the council for all of the great things that are happening in Riverview, and for providing us with a well-designed website with important up-to-date information.

Home is where you feel most comfortable and a part of something. I have enjoyed raising my family here. I am looking forward to going home this summer to join in the fiftieth anniversary celebrations. If any of you, dear colleagues, would like to visit New Brunswick and especially Riverview, I would be pleased to welcome you.

Thanks to all those who have worked hard to make Riverview great. Congratulations.

Hon. Fabian Manning: Honourable senators, today I am pleased to present Chapter 77 of “Telling Our Story.”

The territorial limit between Quebec and the Labrador portion of our province is the longest interprovincial boundary in Canada at over 3,500 kilometres long. A dispute over that boundary and who rightfully owned Labrador, Quebec or Newfoundland began in 1902, when the Newfoundland government granted a lumber company a licence to harvest trees on both sides of the Hamilton River, now called the Churchill River.

The Quebec government considered the southern part of the river to be part of Quebec and complained to Canada’s Secretary of State. Newfoundland refused to cancel the licence.

Two years later, Quebec asked Ottawa to submit the controversy to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London. This reference to an outside impartial body was appropriate, since Canada and Newfoundland were separate members of the British Empire, and neither could have settled the issue through its own courts.

In March of 1927, the Privy Council settled the boundary in its present location and ruled in Newfoundland’s favour.

In the course of our history, Newfoundland has made at least four separate attempts to sell Labrador to Canada. The only reason that there was no deal was that Canada would not pay the price that Newfoundland was asking.

The first offer was made in 1922, during Sir Richard Squires’ first term as prime minister. A year later, in 1923, William Warren, the newly elected prime minister of Newfoundland, made another approach to Canada.

On December 27, 1923, The Daily News reported that the selling price of Labrador was rumoured to be around $60 million.

Another prime minister, Walter S. Monroe, saw little potential in Labrador. He told the House of Assembly, “This country will never be able to develop it.”

Sir Richard Squires became prime minister of Newfoundland again in 1928. Newfoundland’s financial situation was deteriorating rapidly. Squires and his colleagues, once again, turned to Ottawa in the fall of 1931. Newfoundland’s finance minister at the time, Peter Cashin, met with Canada’s then-prime minister, The Right Honourable R.B. Bennett, and made him a formal offer to sell Labrador for $110 million.

While interested and sympathetic to Newfoundland’s plight, Prime Minister Bennett advised the Newfoundland government in a letter later that week that due to financial problems brought on by the Great Depression, it was impossible for Canada to do a deal at that time.

When Newfoundland joined Confederation in 1949, its boundary in Labrador was confirmed in the Terms of Union — now the Newfoundland Act — enshrined in the Constitution Act, 1982.

It is not difficult to imagine the consequences if Canada had accepted any of the offers from Newfoundland and had bought Labrador.

The immense natural resources of Labrador, including the hydroelectric energy at Churchill Falls and on the lower Churchill River, the vast mineral deposits in western Labrador and the enormous nickel, copper and cobalt discovery at Voisey’s Bay would all have become the property of Canada and the Province of Quebec. Some may consider the idea unthinkable, but the historical truth is that this nearly happened.

Canada’s refusal to pay Newfoundland’s asking price on at least four different attempts is the reason that, today, I — along with my colleagues Senators Marshall, Petten, Rivalia and Wells — can proudly say that we are from Newfoundland and Labrador. We want to say a sincere “thank you” to Canada for that.

Hon. Bev Busson: Honourable senators, I rise today during National Indigenous History Month to celebrate, honour and reflect on the rich history, traditions and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people from across Canada.

Since 2009, Canadians from coast to coast to coast have used the month of June to celebrate the vibrant and thriving cultures that Indigenous communities contribute to this country. Part of that recognition is honouring how Indigenous knowledge, creativity and wisdom serve as invaluable assets to the nation’s wealth and heritage.

Indigenous contributions in the field of art, science, education, politics and even policing have helped shape our country for the better and add to the effort to bring the intent of truth and reconciliation from a political promise to a reality.

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the raising of an Indigenous totem pole and a Haida flag at the Queen Charlotte RCMP detachment in my province of British Columbia. Incidentally, or maybe not, in July of 2022 Queen Charlotte had its historical and ancestral Haida name restored and is now formally recognized in British Columbia and across Canada as Daajing Giids.

This guardian totem pole is adorned with the various pieces of symbolism describing the traditional crests of the village, their mutual respect for two-spirited people, a recognition that the territory is the ancestral home of the Haida and that the Haida regard the RCMP as the watchmen and guardians of their people. As part of this ceremony, a traditional potlatch was held, complete with gifts and a salmon feast for over 400 guests, bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from the entire community. At the time of colonization, until 1951, holding a potlatch to mark a historic event was punishable by imprisonment.

The notorious Kamloops Indian Residential School is, sadly, also in my province, a stark reminder that this month is not only about celebrating Indigenous culture; it is also an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to the real meaning of reconciliation and to build a future relationship that respects and protects the rights and dignity of all Indigenous peoples.

From the Inuit in the northern territories to the Mi’kmaq of Atlantic Canada, to the Haida in British Columbia and every nation in between, the abundance and diversity of Indigenous communities in Canada are some of the things that make this country so great.

During National Indigenous History Month and throughout the year, we should recognize and support their contribution to the richness of this land we now call Canada.

Thank you, meegwetch, háw’aa.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Dara OhUiginn. He is the guest of the Honourable Senator Hartling.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of His Excellency Bořek Lizec, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Canada; the Honourable Olga Richterová, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic; and the Honourable Martina Ochodnická, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Social Policy. They are accompanied by a delegation of Czech deputies. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Omidvar.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that a message had been received from the House of Commons with Bill C-281, An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Broadcasting Act and the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, in accordance with subsection 39(1) of the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act (S.C. 2005, c. 46), the Senate approve the appointment of Ms. Harriet Solloway as Public Sector Integrity Commissioner.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the third time?

(On motion of Senator Martin, bill referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Clement, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan, for the second reading of Bill S-1001, An Act to amalgamate The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Ottawa and The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, in Ontario, Canada.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Ratna Omidvar, Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, presented the following report:

Thursday, June 8, 2023

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the honour to present its

SIXTEENTH REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents), has, in obedience to the order of reference of Wednesday, December 14, 2022, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

RATNA OMIDVAR

Chair

(For text of observations, see today’s Journals of the Senate, p. 1795.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the third time?

(On motion of Senator Martin, bill referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Clement, seconded by the Honourable Senator Duncan, for the second reading of Bill S-1001, An Act to amalgamate The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Ottawa and The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, in Ontario, Canada.

Hon. Ratna Omidvar: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the orders adopted by the Senate on April 28, 2022, and May 18, 2023, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on June 8, 2023, its fifteenth report entitled Doing What Works: Rethinking the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.

(On motion of Senator Omidvar, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Gold, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) introduced Bill S-13, An Act to amend the Interpretation Act and to make related amendments to other Acts.

(Bill read first time.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Gold, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)