Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Honourable Senator Patricia Carney, former senator for British Columbia and trailblazer in many ways.

The Honourable Patricia Carney began her professional career first as a journalist in the 1960s. She was the first female business columnist for major papers in our home province of B.C., including the Vancouver Sun and what was then known as the Vancouver Province.

She was also an educator and a Canadian pioneer in the development of distance learning systems. She understood the profound impact that education plays in the lives of our children and youth and the important role that educators have in helping shape their future careers and education.

Former Senator Carney was awarded the British Columbia Institute of Technology award for Innovation in Education for work on the Satellite Tele-Education Program Hermes project — a true testament to her vision, dedication and knowledge.

She was also an avid volunteer, advocate and member of many organizations and boards. She was a published author and held Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from both the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

In the 1980s, she changed careers and began her life in politics. She was the first female Conservative member of Parliament ever elected in B.C., and on August 30, 1990, became the first female Conservative appointed from B.C. to the Senate.

Former Senator Carney retired in March of 2008, just before I began my work in the Senate as a senator for B.C. Although we never crossed paths during our political careers, as a proud B.C. senator and a woman, it is truly an honour to follow in her footsteps and continue to represent the good people of our province.

She led a life dedicated to service, from mentoring her students to serving her community, constituents and Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Above all, she was a devoted daughter, wife and mother of two wonderful children. On behalf of our Conservative caucus in the Senate, I would like to express my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. I hope that you can find peace in the memories you shared with her and be assured that her memory lives on in the lives of all those she has touched.

Honourable senators, please join me in saying a final farewell to an esteemed former colleague, the late Honourable Patricia Carney. May she forever rest in peace.

Senator Martin: In the previous economic downturn, Canada fared better than the G7 nations, and that’s because of how the government managed its affairs. After eight years of Justin Trudeau, more and more Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. Food banks are sounding alarm bells that their shelves are empty, especially ahead of Thanksgiving weekend where many Canadians will gather with family and friends to share meals and traditions.

Senator Gold, when will the Trudeau government stop the deficits that fuel inflation, as Minister Freeland herself has said?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): My question is for the Leader of the Government. Food Banks Canada released its poverty report last week. It shows a dismal picture of Canada after eight years of Justin Trudeau. More than 42% of the population feels financially worse off compared with last year. The report found 7 million Canadians are struggling to put food on the table, and at least 2.8 million Canadians are living in poverty.

This is your government’s legacy, senator.

Saying more coupons are coming is not a plan to fix this crisis. When will the government take this fight against inflation seriously, axe the carbon tax and stop inflationary deficits?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): I move the adjournment of the debate.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I note that this item is at Day 15. Therefore, with leave of the Senate, I ask that consideration of this item be postponed until the next sitting of the Senate.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I note that this item is also at Day 15. Therefore, with leave of the Senate, I ask that consideration of this item be postponed until the next sitting of the Senate.