Senator Gold: Far from it. It means that a caucus as broad and diverse as the caucus of this government includes diverging interests and an openness to discussion aimed at reaching an appropriate solution under the circumstances.

Senator Gold: Of course, there are norms of international law and norms of humanitarian law. There are also norms that prohibit human shields or hidden weapons factories in schools and hospitals.

The Israeli army is facing an enemy that does not respect any norms of humanitarian or international law. This is a tragedy for all those who are victims of this war. However, we must be realistic and well informed before drawing conclusions.

[English]

Senator Gold: Again, I am not really able to answer that question except to underline, as we all know, how challenging this particular circumstance is, given the position that the government and those in control of Afghanistan have taken — not only toward the outside world, but also with their citizens.

Senator Gold: The temporary exemption for heating with oil applies across the country, wherever people find themselves forced to do that without the alternatives some of us enjoy. By helping people switch through the rebates to heat pumps, the government is making sure that families across the country have an affordable and sustainable way to keep their houses warm.

Senator Gold: Thank you, senator. The Online News Act is designed to build on and strengthen existing supports for journalism — including the Canadian journalism labour tax credit — and increase funding to the Canada Periodical Fund that many local media rely upon, along with other local journalism initiatives. These are all important steps the government is taking in its commitment to continue to support local journalism in its role in keeping Canadians informed and safe.

Senator Gold: This government believes that the Senate ought to be a place somewhat different than the hyperpartisan —

[Translation]

Senator Gold: I cannot comment on what the government’s plans may be if the Government of Alberta continues to resist participating in the process that brought so many of us to this chamber. The government continues to believe in collaboration and cooperation with provincial counterparts to establish the process to bring people to this chamber.

Senator Gold: The government’s programs, whether to deal with climate change or to assist Canadians in other respects, are designed to be fair to all Canadians.

Canadians in this diverse country live in different circumstances. Programs affect people differently. That is just the reality of living in a federal system, but, no, this is not a question of politics. It’s a question of proper administration of public policy.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. Again, it’s not the government’s intention to axe the carbon tax, nor am I aware of any plans to extend the temporary suspension of it to other forms of heating.

I am aware of Premier Moe’s pronouncements. However, it remains the case that putting a price on pollution remains the most effective market-oriented tool to address climate change. The government is making adjustments in consideration of those who live in certain circumstances, and that is simply a reminder that the government cares about Canadians, as it does about fighting climate change.

Senator Gold: The government has no intention of doing what you suggested. My 15 seconds have expired, so I’ll leave it at that.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The government is committed to working collaboratively to address Six Nations’ historical claims and their land rights in a way that respects the unique history and circumstances of the Six Nations.

It is my understanding that the government has sent a letter — and I apologize for the pronunciation — to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council and the Six Nations elected chief and council, seeking to design a process to work together on mutual priorities. Any lasting approach to address these matters requires a collaborative effort from all parties. Again, the government is committed to working with the Six Nations Elected Council, the Confederacy Chiefs Council and the Province of Ontario to discuss how best to support Six Nations in advancing their interests.

Senator M. Deacon: Thank you. I’m looking forward to hearing that the letter has been received. It’s not something the chief is aware of at this moment, so I’m hopeful that, as you said, it is in motion and that it is a true collaboration as we work through this.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, thank you for your question. It is not the intention of the government to axe the tax, as I’ve said on many occasions.

As many of us know, there are many challenges facing Canadians, and one of them is the cost of heating with oil. The cost is higher to heat with oil than other sources. Prices are more volatile, and folks don’t have the ability to switch to a heat pump. It’s a reality for many Canadians across the country, including Atlantic Canada. As you know if you live in the east, the percentage of folks in Atlantic Canada who heat with oil, as opposed to other sources, is much higher. That’s why the government is providing a 20% rural top-up to the Climate Action Incentive payments, giving people time and financial support to transition to more sustainable choices, such as heat pumps.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you. I don’t have the answer as to why all the seats are vacant, but I do know, as senators, of course, would know, that each province’s committee is made up of seats both nominated by or brought forward by the federal government and by the provincial government. In that regard, we all regret the delay in filling all vacant seats, and, indeed, I personally regret the fact that seats in certain provinces, those to which you have made reference, have not been fulfilled.

As colleagues would know, it is part of my regular representations to government to encourage that those seats be filled, and I’ll continue to make those representations.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for raising and championing the issue, as you have done admirably in this chamber and beyond. I do not know what the timeline is nor do I have an explanation for why legislation has not yet been introduced. I will certainly take your concerns back to the minister and communicate those concerns.

Modernizing our approach is an important objective, and one that I know is being considered and pursued. I will certainly make every effort to understand further and communicate those concerns to the minister.

Senator C. Deacon: Thank you, Senator Gold. I hope you do communicate as well that there is risk in inaction that goes well beyond risk in action at this point in time. Consultations have been extensive. The government should be proud of the work they have done, so I would ask that you do communicate that as well.

Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): It’s the position of this government that the measures they have taken, are taking and will be taking are balanced, proportionate and prudent to guide this economy forward.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. You cannot fight climate change — an existential threat to our planet, community, children and well-being — without a suite of measures, which includes putting a price on pollution.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. This government has been there to help them through the pandemic. There’s still help available in terms of the deferral of repayment of the benefits that kept them afloat during the pandemic, and the government will continue to consider measures to assist those whose economic entrepreneurial wherewithal provides jobs, security and a future for all Canadians.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. We all know that in an emergency, every second counts. Canadians rightly expect that they be informed as quickly as possible when there is an imminent threat to their safety. We’ve seen too many tragic examples of lives lost when that is not the case. It’s not only in northern and rural environments, regrettably.

Public alerting to risk is a shared responsibility across all levels of government. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners through the National Public Alerting System, or NPAS. I have been assured that the work is ongoing to further strengthen this alerting system. The work is active and ongoing, and it is designed to ensure that it continues to meet regional needs and keep Canadians informed and therefore safe.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and for the analysis of Supreme Court jurisprudence. What the government announced applies across Canada, and therefore does not concern the test as you described it, although this is not the main thrust of my response.

The main thrust of my response is that the adjustments made to the plan to fight climate change are still being reviewed, in light of the circumstances, including their impact on the people who are required to pay costs that are not necessarily the same as in other areas. That’s my response.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Canada’s position is the same on the ground, under the circumstances, as the United States and the European Union. Neither the United States, nor Canada, nor anyone who understands the history or even the charter of Hamas are calling for a ceasefire because, as the Prime Minister explained, there is no point—not for those in the Gaza Strip and not for the innocent civilians, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.

As I have mentioned in this chamber, Canada is in favour of the establishment of an air bridge to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to the citizens and residents of Gaza. This position is consistent with that of our democratic allies.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I’m not going to comment on the branding and taglines that are clearly — I’ve got one minute to answer your question, and you asked a whole bunch of questions.

The government has no intentions of axing the tax. It will continue to take into consideration measures that are appropriate to address the significant and important issues of combatting climate change, while also providing relief to Canadians and supporting our economy going forward.