Senator Kutcher: Thank you for that, Senator Gold. Given the rampant disinformation being shared widely on social media during this Israel-Hamas war — and indeed during other wars such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — Canadians need to have access to valid and fully fact-checked information in a timely and trusted way.

What plans does Canada have to ensure that Canadians can have this kind of access? When will that happen?

Senator Housakos: Absolutely.

Senator R. Patterson: This is specifically related to the “prohibiting cluster munitions” element of the act. I think this act is very supportable, but I am struck by our last speaker, who talked about our Ukrainian heritage and our support for Ukraine. While we understand that Canada will not use cluster munitions as part of how we move forward in defence, we are also supporting nations who are using cluster munitions, such as Ukraine.

How prescriptive is the act in terms of accountability provisions for those countries that do use cluster munitions? Right now, we have a bit of a balancing act to do. Thank you.

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 Housakos: As I mentioned, Senator Gold, of course, the legislation is non-prescriptive. We don’t want to handcuff the government, but there are measures needed in terms of putting the framework together. I really want to ask, on behalf of this chamber, that a gentle and polite reminder be sent to the minister that there is a timeline; the time is ticking. The bill was unanimously supported in this chamber and in the House. We will follow this closely and make sure that they follow the guidelines of the bill.

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

Senator Plett: The implication was very clear, Senator Gold. It wasn’t just Prime Minister Trudeau that did it; Minister Joly did it as well. They both are not worth the cost.

Tuesday night, just down the street, people leaving an anti‑Semitism conference were told to exit through the back door for their safety due to angry protesters outside. That’s the context in which the Prime Minister used such poor judgment.

After eight long years, he has no common sense and provides no serious leadership. Isn’t this a time that requires both?

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 Loffreda: Thank you, Senator Gold, for that answer.

Fiscal responsibility is key, but I continue to believe that the government needs to give serious consideration to including tax incentives for business owners to embrace employee ownership trusts. Senator Gold, can you commit to sharing my views with the government and encourage them to make tax incentives part of their upcoming legislative proposal? Otherwise, I’m afraid the take-up rate will be minimal and the policy won’t achieve its intended objective.

Senator Woo: If I may? On the motion.

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

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

Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: Colleagues, her castanets and heels are forever silenced. Nicknamed Quebec’s flamenco ambassador, Sonia del Rio made an international name for herself in classical Spanish dance.

Last Friday, surrounded by her loved ones, my cousin Sonia Boisvenu, better known by her stage name, Sonia del Rio, left us at the age of 83.

Sonia was born in Rouyn-Noranda on January 29, 1940. That’s the same part of the province I was born in. She was very proud of her Abitibi roots. As the magnificent ambassador of flamenco to Quebec, Sonia led a remarkable career both here and abroad, living and working for many years in Europe and collaborating with the greatest masters of the vibrant Iberian dance. She became an international star of classical Spanish dance and flamenco, an art she also taught, in addition to performing castanet concerts.

In the 1950s, she studied classical ballet and Spanish dance. Her career took off in that same decade with numerous performances in Montreal cabarets. She shared the stage with Michel Louvain, Muriel Millard, les Jérolas, Monique Gaube and Jean Grimaldi, as well as actors such as Olivier Guimond, Manda Parent and Claude Blanchard. All were charmed by her grace and talent.

In 1960, my cousin Sonia went off to Europe to perfect her art and pursue her career there. She settled in Paris, where she performed at the Théâtre de L’Étoile, before moving to Spain, where she studied classical dance, folk dance and flamenco.

In 1974, she become the first and only Canadian to graduate from the Advanced School of Dramatic Arts and Dance in Madrid. Upon her return to Quebec in the 1990s, she taught ballet at Les Grands Ballets canadiens, a dance that was part of every fibre of her being.

I have very fond memories of my cousin Sonia, who was very proud of her Boisvenu family, her home in Abitibi, her province of Quebec and her country, Canada, which she put on the map overseas. I am very proud of her unique career, but I am especially proud of the woman and cousin she was.

She made every family gathering an emotional, caring and happy time, even though it was rare for her to attend such gatherings when she was living in Europe. The whole family was overjoyed when she returned to Canada in the 1990s. She had so many stories to tell about her career in the “old countries,” as our parents liked to say.

Sonia was laid to rest yesterday in Sainte-Adèle, and I want to once again express my condolences to her husband Claude, her son Sébastien, and all her loved ones who are with us or who are watching right now.

Rest in peace, my dear cousin, and go dance with the many members of the Boisvenu family who have already passed on to the other side. I am sure that you are already surrounded by loved ones.

[English]

Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today to celebrate the achievement of a colleague and a friend. This weekend, Mount Saint Vincent University, or MSVU, will bestow an honorary degree on one of our own, Senator Jane Cordy. She joins another colleague, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, who was also recognized by the university in the spring.

As Senator Cordy told us last month when congratulating her alma mater on its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, Mount Saint Vincent University is dedicated to the advancement of women and girls. Their Doctor of Humane Letters:

. . . honours worthy recipients who have contributed to the betterment of society and humanity in any field, but in particular, improvement of the status of women, contribution to higher education, humanitarian and social service, involvement with and fostering of culture and the arts, or leadership in a field of endeavour. . . .

In announcing this distinction, MSVU highlighted some of the past work of Senator Cordy, including her teaching career before she was appointed to this chamber. Her work on various landmark Senate reports was noted, particularly the report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology titled Out of the Shadows at Last, and her commitment to seniors, like her role on the Special Senate Committee on Aging.

As the current dean of the Senate, it’s no surprise that Senator Cordy, the third woman to represent Nova Scotia in this place, has made a sizable contribution here, and she is not done yet.

She has been a mentor to me since I joined the Progressive Senate Group. You have truly shown what it means to be a leader. I hope you know how much I appreciate your guidance and your friendship.

Jane, we are all so proud of you and will be thinking of you on October 22. I invite all honourable senators to join me in congratulating Senator Cordy on this honour. Wela’lin. Thank you.

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.)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Her Excellency Lindita Nikolla, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania; His Excellency Ermal Muça, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Canada; and Agron Gjekmarkaj, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania. They are accompanied by other members of a delegation from Albania.

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 the Braun and Strand families from Manitoba. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator McPhedran.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the 2023 Fall Reports of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada, pursuant to the Auditor General Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. A-17, sbs. 7(3).

[English]

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of participants in the Parliamentary Officers’ Study Program.

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

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

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