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

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]

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.

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Gold.

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 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]

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Gold, your response.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, and thank you for underlining — as if the world doesn’t have enough tragedies — that which has befallen the people of Afghanistan, not only recently, but also, frankly, for much of our adult lives.

I don’t have the information to answer your question with any confidence, senator, but it is an important question. I will certainly bring those questions to the attention of the minister in the hope that I’ll understand better.

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Gold, you have the floor.

[English]