Senator Gold: Thank you. I do not know, and I am not in a position to predict what the government’s plan is. As you point out, provinces acting within their jurisdiction have taken that step, and I think the evidence that will accrue over time with that experience would, and certainly should, inform decisions made at the national level.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: I was at that conference. Sadly, it was not the first time that I had to be escorted out of a public event for fear of the violence of protesters. It occurred in Hamilton when convoy protesters barricaded us within a meeting, and we had to be escorted for our lives.

This is a deplorable situation, and the Prime Minister did the right thing by condemning the damage and harm that was done.

Senator Gold: Let me ask senators whether they support the following directive — I’m answering the God — the question. Well, I used a religious term, “God,” and I hope I did not offend those who do not believe.

The directive says that:

. . . chaplains must “endeavour to ensure that all feel included and able to participate in the reflection . . . no matter their beliefs . . . .”

I would be astounded if anyone here objected to that respectful and inclusive directive, given the diversity in this country that we all celebrate.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. It would be my great pleasure to communicate your suggestions to the minister.

Senator Gold: I’m not sure I know fully what the question is. It is true that the P-8A Poseidon is the only readily available military with off-the-shelf capability; however, there has not been a final decision yet. The issuance of a letter of request itself does not commit Canada.

The decision to accept or decline the offer detailed in the letter of acceptance will be based on the capability offered in the matter, availability, pricing and the benefits.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I will reiterate that in the weeks and months to come, we expect to receive an interim report from the government. I am sure it will be prudent, responsible and balanced.

[English]

Senator Gold: As you properly should. Of course, I’m always gentle and polite with ministers, especially those with whom I’ve had the privilege of working for many years. The current Minister of Health — a former House leader — and I have a good relationship. I would be pleased to mention this to him at the next suitable occasion.

Senator Gold: I’m not denying that the problem you described exists in penitentiaries. I would like to emphasize the importance of Bill C-21, which seeks to ensure that weapons used solely to kill people are better controlled.

[English]

Senator Gold: As my late father wisely taught me, we don’t negotiate in public.

That said, the government is certain it can address these issues through regulatory processes and ongoing discussions with tech giants. It remains in contact with stakeholders. Updates will be provided in due course.

[English]

Senator Gold: In a free and democratic society, there are serious limits to what the government can or should even attempt to do to guarantee so-called truth information. We rely upon citizens and others. The Government of Canada works with its international partners, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, the Media Freedom Coalition and the Freedom Online Coalition to share accurate information. That is on the supply side. It is working with its international partners and partners here to detect, correct and call out disinformation, whatever its source.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) introduced Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, the Rouge National Urban Park Act and the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The decisions you highlighted are unfortunate; however, I have received assurances that the Government of Canada will continue to work with these organizations through the regulatory process.

Essentially, the Online News Act is a bargaining system that encourages news organizations and tech giants to come to the table and negotiate fair agreements.

Canada needs a strong, free and independent press, which is a fundamental part of our democracy. Canadians also expect tech giants to abide by our country’s laws. We will not be intimidated. I would also point out that many countries are facing the same challenge as they implement and consider legislation designed to protect freedom of the press.

The government will examine all proposals received. I have been given assurances that we will continue to work in that direction.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, thank you. Once again, I would ask that when senators ask questions, they make sure their factual assumptions are correct. It does dishonour to this chamber and to the veterans.

The answer is simply that there was no banning of prayers. The answer is that it is misrepresenting to say there is no banning of prayers. The directive simply said that, whether it’s prayers or symbols, they be inclusive of diversity, religious and otherwise, in this country. I would ask honourable members, who can hold me to account, as is your right — and it is my duty and privilege to respond — to at least not be misleading in the factual assumptions.

I have one minute to answer, and I am answering you now clearly. I would also like to not be heckled when I am answering previous questions. Thank you, colleagues.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, thank you for your question. Regardless of who launched an attack on a hospital, we would all agree that the bombing of a hospital is a deplorable and shameful crime against humanity, and an act to be condemned. Even if the bomb was accidental, it is still one that tears our hearts out, and our hearts and compassion go out to all of the victims and their families.

The Prime Minister did not attribute responsibility. He reacted as all human beings would in the face of this horrible circumstance. The Prime Minister is clear and states that, today, I believe, he is working with his allies to determine exactly what happened. When that becomes clear to the satisfaction of the Prime Minister, he will so announce.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Certainly, we are taking recommendations from reliable sources into consideration.

The Government of Canada’s economic plan will continue to strike a balance between the need to support Canadians today and the need to invest in our economic future. The government will continue to do so in a fiscally responsible way.

The International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development anticipate that Canada will have the strongest growth of any G7 country in 2024. The government is therefore taking a responsible and balanced approach to budget management while supporting the most vulnerable Canadians, strengthening the public health care system, investing in Canada’s future prosperity and ensuring its long-term fiscal sustainability.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, senator. You’re absolutely right, employee ownership trusts have a number of benefits. They enable employees to share in the success of their work, they support participation in business decisions and they allow workers to receive their share of the profits.

Budget 2023 announced the government’s commitment to create these trusts while consulting, as properly they should, with stakeholders to address remaining barriers. Budget 2023 proposed to introduce tax changes to facilitate the creation of these trusts. The government has consulted with stakeholders to see how best to enhance employee rights and to enhance their participation in the governance of employee ownership trusts, and will have more to say in due course.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. It’s an important one. Thank you for underlining the historic investment that the government made in 2022 to modernize NORAD capabilities.

I’m not sure that the minister that we had in Question Period would be in an even better position to answer your question, but I will do my best notwithstanding that.

It’s my understanding that the government has already released the timelines for all 19 projects proceeding under this plan. My understanding as well is that the majority of these projects will have reached initial operational capability over the next decade. I have no further information at this juncture, senator.

Senator D. Patterson: Thank you.

Senator Gold, the Auditor General’s 2022 report to Parliament on Arctic water surveillance included a recommendation to address delays in the delivery of equipment to replace and improve the key federal capabilities used for maritime surveillance in the Canadian Arctic and the risk that several types of equipment may cease operating before being replaced.

A March 2023 statement by Public Services and Procurement Canada stated that:

. . . the P-8A Poseidon is the only currently available aircraft that meets all of the CMMA operational requirements . . . .

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

Disinformation is a problem in our society. It undermines peace, prosperity and our individual freedoms. It erodes trust in democracy and reinforces polarizing viewpoints that are not used for the common good. Especially in time of crisis, this information is dangerous and harmful.

The Government of Canada works in close collaboration with its allies, and it shares pertinent intelligence to counter the global threats. It has also established the Strategic Coordination Centre on Information Sharing to help support timely, effective and responsible sharing of such information between institutions of this government.

The government is taking steps and considering steps to counter state-sponsored disinformation in Canada. It has created a dedicated team to help increase Canada’s capacity to understand, monitor and detect disinformation, and decisions will continue to be based on the best interests of Canadians.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and for pointing out the problem and the real challenge that the Correctional Service of Canada and the police are facing, with respect to contraband and trafficking in our federal and provincial penitentiaries. It is a real problem. Everyone knows that. It is a bit difficult to respond to how that connects with Bill C-21. Fortunately, the committee responsible for this bill will begin its study next week. We, as senators, will have the opportunity to follow that study with interest. We will thoroughly examine the issues surrounding this bill, as we always do in the Senate.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. It’s an important question. The truth is, we have taken some steps — both in the Senate internally and through legislation — toward a less partisan Senate that still, importantly, reflects the current reality that there are groups in the Senate not affiliated with political parties. However, we are not so far along that there is not more work to do.

We have been on record, both in the Rules Committee and in other forums, to argue that it is important that our Rules of the Senate now be brought into line with the Parliament of Canada Act that was passed and that governs our structures, deliberations and activities here. That job is not finished yet.

In addition, I would hope, whether it’s in my time or others, that more steps are taken to make this a more efficient, inclusive, family-friendly environment for all of us to work in.