At the first Transport and Communications’ meeting of the Senate’s Fall session, I acknowledged the passing of our friend and colleague, the Late Senator Todd Lewis. Senator Lewis will be missed, as will his contributions to the work and studies of the committee and the Senate as a whole. I and the committee extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #trcm

Twenty-five years after the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, I stood alongside many others in Gander NL, to honour the memory of those who lost their lives and the courage of Canadians who selflessly stepped up to help the United States in its darkest hour. At the same time we recognize and thank the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who opened their doors and extended hospitality to the stranded passengers. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, with US airspace closed, planes were diverted and landed in Gander, St. John’s, Goose Bay, Deer Lake and elsewhere. Communities across central Newfoundland and the province opened their hearts and doors to help thousands of stranded travellers. When called upon by our neighbour and closest ally in their moment of need, Canada unwaveringly answered. Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost (including 24 Canadians) and honour all those who responded. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #gander #DeerLake

Pleased to join Newfoundland and Labrador Deputy Premier and Transport & Infrastructure Minister Barry Petten, as well as the Lewisporte Town Council in Lewisporte NL. I was invited to join them in a major marine port infrastructure announcement related to access to the north, defence readiness and offshore supply. Provincial money, private sector investment and solid business opportunities. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @TownLewisporte @BarryPetten #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Facing danger is a part of their job to keep our communities safe. A special thanks to MP Rob Morrison, who joined me to meet again with some of metro St. John’s firefighters, along with association representative Chad Walsh and the members of @IAFFofficial Local 1075 at Mount Pearl Fire Station, working under Chief Craig Smith. Key issues that we’ll continue to advocate for include survivor benefits for firefighters killed as a result of their job and a reasonable income for those injured on the job while they recover. Thank you for your continued heroic service. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @STJFD @robmorrisonmp @csmithL1075 #cdnpoli #nlpoli #firefighters

Today we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Acadians to our culture, history, and economy. Happy Acadian Day! @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #acadian

Oars in the water! On the shores of Quidi Vidi, this tradition has brought generations of people together from across Newfoundland and Labrador - and around the world. Regatta Day is a reminder of the community spirit, resilience, and friendly competition that make our province so special. Whether you're cheering from the shoreline, or rowing to the finish line, Happy Regatta Day! @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #regatta

A dark day in our history. Today marks the one hundred thirty fourth anniversary of The Great Fire of St. John’s, which devastated the city on July 8, 1892. The flames, which began in a stable on Freshwater Road, soon engulfed the entire east end of St. John's, leaving many displaced including 11,000 people homeless. The Great Fire also marked the start of important reforms including the formation of the St. John's Regional Fire Department as we know it today. While we remember this chapter in St. John's history, we remain grateful for the men and women who stand ready to protect our communities from such disasters. I'll always support our first responders in the incredible work they do to keep us safe. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @IAFFofficial @STJFD #nlpoli #cdnpoli

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I mark the passing of Dr. Noel Browne, a friend and teammate, a physician, community leader and role model. Noel was known by many in Newfoundland and Labrador as the founder of the Swilers Rugby Club and a pioneer of rugby in our province, instilled the values of discipline, hard work, and integrity to all on the field and off. The influence of Noel is immeasurable. He put Newfoundland and Labrador on the national and international rugby map and his impact will live on. Noel was Irish to the core and Newfoundland and Labrador was lucky to adopt him as one of our own. My most sincere condolences go to Christina, Greg, Noel Jr. and Nancy and to their extended family and Noel’s legion of teammates, friends and all who knew him. @swilersrugby @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #Cdnpoli #nlpoli

I’m saddened at the news of the passing of The Honourable Ethel Cochrane, who was my predecessor in the Senate of Canada. She contributed greatly to her community as an educator and school principal before being appointed to the Senate on the advice of Prime Minister Mulroney. She was the first female senator for Newfoundland and Labrador. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. I am grateful for her service. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

At English Harbour and at Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, I honoured those who fought and those who died in defence of our country and our way of life. While we celebrate the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Canadians, we remain grateful to all of those who have served. We Will Remember Them @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @RNFLDRFamily #cdnpoli #nlpoli #RoyalNewfoundlandRegiment #BluePuttees #BeaumontHamel #MemorialDayNL #LestWeForget

Happy Canada Day!! Today we celebrate our culture, heritage, history and all that make our country great. In Newfoundland and Labrador we also commemorate Memorial Day and remember all those who paid the ultimate price for our country. As you gather with loved ones and enjoy the day, remember those who gave and give and what we have because of that. Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #CanadaDay #NLMemorialDay

CBC must do better for Canadians. I, along with my colleagues Senators @DonnaDasko and @SenCormier, held a press conference upon release of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communication’s report, Local News Matters: Rethinking CBC/Radio-Canada's Role in a Changing Media Landscape. This report examined CBC’s local and regional services and found that is severely lacking. Read the report: sencanada.ca/en/info-page/pa… @SenateCA #cdnpoli #nlpoli

It was an honour to stand with Korean War Veterans to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, along with my colleagues Senators Yonah Martin, @BaltejSDhillon, Pat Duncan, and @SenRPatterson. This memorial is a stark reminder of the cost of war, and the Canadians that fought and those who were lost on the battlefield. Lest we forget @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Earlier today, along with my colleagues Senator Senator Duncan Wilson and Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne, the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications held a press conference marking the release of the latest report by the committee. The report is entitled Keep Canada Moving: Labour, Management and the Supply Chain in the Rail and Maritime Sectors. The committee found that the current approach to resolving labour disputes in Canada’s federally regulated rail and marine sectors is no longer viable. Recent work stoppages have disrupted the movement of critical goods, affecting industries across the country and undermining Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner. With more collective agreements set to expire, the risk of further disputes is increasing. The committee is calling on the federal government to take action, including establishing a new alternative dispute resolution process for when work stoppages threaten the national interest and clarifying the use of existing intervention powers. The committee emphasizes the importance of balancing respect for the right to strike with the need to ensure the continued movement of essential goods and services across Canada. Read the report: sencanada.ca/en/info-page/pa… @SenateCA @mivillej #cdnpoli #nlpoli

I spoke in the Senate at third reading on Bill S-4 - An Act to Amend the Energy Efficiency Act. I acknowledged the important work done at committee, including the adoption of two of my amendments: the first related to the “commercial entity” provisions to prevent regulatory overreach and increased red tape for small and medium-sized Canadian businesses; and the second focused on enhanced parliamentary oversight to ensure accountability. Despite these accepted amendments, problems remain, with regard to Bill S-4. Too much is dependent on future discretion, too many safeguards were rejected and too many legitimate concerns remain unresolved. Modernization as proposed in this legislation must come with clarity and accountability. I am concerned the Bill does not strike the right balance. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #S4 #cdnpoli #nlpoli