Things got underway early for a marathon day of debate on Bill C-5, but before that could start, Routine Proceedings and Senate Question Period had to take place, which promises to be the last sitting day of the spring, and also Senator Marc Gold’s last sitting day as Government Leader in the Senate. Some of the statements made were farewells to Senators whose terms are expiring in the coming months, another statement was about the two people who lost their lives in the recent landslide near Banff.

Back in the Senate for #SenQP, early today ahead of marathon hearings on Bill C-5.

— Dale Smith (@journodale.bsky.social) 2025-06-26T13:07:16.620Z

Senators Housakos led off, asking about the opioid crisis, calling the government’s response flawed and reactive and wondered why there wasn’t a national strategy to deal with it. Senator Gold noted the tragedy of these deaths, and that the government is setting up a plan to tighten the border, and noted recent statistics that use has fallen. Housakos decried the failure of the government, and wanted a more effective response that would achieve results. Gold noted that the government is working with provinces to protect people.

Senator Manning asked about the cod fishery and its use in trade negotiations over the years, and wanted assurances that it would not happen again in the search for new trade partners in the wake of Trump tariffs. Gold offered some bland assurances that the government will protect all sectors of the Canadian economy, before offering congratulations that Manning was once again named chair of the Fisheries committee. Manning assured him that flattery would get him everywhere, and asked for assurances that Newfoundland and Labrador would be included in the discussions where fisheries would be up for negotiation. Gold assured him that he would relay to the government, and would even request a travel allowance to the province to ensure it would be upheld.

Senator Mégie asked about the recent heatwave, and the health effects on people in Montreal. Gold read a script about climate resilience and adaptation, and that seniors remain in their thoughts.

Senator Forest noted that businesses are feeling the effects of the restrictions on temporary foreign workers, which is impacting local business investment. Gold said that the government understands the challenges faced by businesses because of the labour shortage, and that it is important to find the right balance between newcomer integration and labour shortages. Forest again cited local surveys, and Gold repeated his bland assurances.

Senator Patterson asked about the defence spending announcement and the confusion over the promised pay increases. Gold said they had made an commitment and the increased spending, and plans to increase recruitment and retention, but he didn’t actually provide the clarity that had been asked for.

Senator Cardozo asked a cheeky question about which musician Gold would be channeling next week as he reaches retirement, naming several artists and songs. Gold laughed that he wouldn’t have any one theme song, and mentioned seeing Mavis Staples recently, and would take a page from her song about “Respect Yourself.” He led another song quote that other senators joined in singing the chorus, and Gold thanked them all.

Housakos got back up to return to yesterday’s question on Samidoun, and the lack of action on their status as a not-for-profit. Gold said he didn’t know the answer, but did know it had been raised and is under consideration. Housakos wondered about the lack of enforcement, and Gold repeated that the issue had been “communicated.”

Senator Martin asked about Evan Solomon acting more of a cheerleader for AI over safeguarding risks and providing reasonable regulation. Gold said that the government was “proud” to have Solomon in the role, and that there was a need to find the right balance between regulation and promotion, and that Solomon was “seized” in the issue, and said the government would do its job. Martin wanted a timeline for rules around privacy or environmental concerns around AI, and Gold gave another round or bland assurances.

Props to Senator Martin for calling out Evan fucking Solomon for being a cheerleader for AI over doing the job of safeguarding Canadians from its problems. #SenQP

— Dale Smith (@journodale.bsky.social) 2025-06-26T13:53:40.013Z

Senator Youance asked about the promise to double housing construction and the creation of Canada Homes, and wondered when the first government-built affordable housing would go on sale. Gold said that he could not give a date, but that the government is hard at work on making housing more affordable, including the GST cut. Youance wondered if some of this housing money could be used for military members and veterans, and count toward our NATO goals, and Gold said that work was already underway to increase housing for the Canadian Forces.

Senator Loffreda asked about the upcoming Canada Day celebrations and asked about plans to support the music industry to help Canadian content flourish. Gold listed bills from the government that included changes to the Broadcasting Act and the Online Streaming Act. Loffreda asked if it was the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, and Gold said this was an unfair question, and he waffled and didn’t really give an answer.

Senator Aucoin asked about funding for Acadian National Day, and wanted stable, long-term support. Senator Gold read some bland support for Acadian culture. Aucoin listed issues with CBC broadcasts and one-time funding, but Gold didn’t have any actual answer.

Housakos got back up to ask about the steel and aluminium tariffs, and governor support for the sector. Gold assured him that the government was fully engaged on the file. Housakos warned enforcement of repeat offenders for steel dumping into our market, and Gold assured him that the intention of the major projects focus was to use Canadian steel and aluminium.

Overall, there was a preponderance of questions today that were not really questions, but lighthearted ways of using the format to wish Gold well before his retirement, and to reference his love of music. That said, there were still some important questions to be asked, such as looking for clarity on the announcements about pay increases for the military, or about the temporary foreign worker issue. Senator Martin in particular deserves props for sticking it to Evan Solomon, the new minister of digital asbestos AI for the fact that he’s not doing the actual hard work of the file when it comes to regulation and safety, or dealing with the environmental considerations of the technology and its data centres. There is not enough accountability to be had in the whole country for that particular appointment. Honestly.

Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to Senator David Wells for a tailored black suit with a light blue shirt with a navy spotted tie, and to Senator Amina Gerba for a maroon jacket with large black buttons over a black dress. Style citations go out to Senator Salma Ataullahjan for a navy dress with bright pink florals under a matching jacket, and to Senator Peter Harder for a dark pink jacket over a white shirt, off-white slacks, and a yellow spotted tie.