Senator David Wells

Congratulations to Newfoundland and Labrador’s own Alex Newhook, on a great performance and scoring the Game 7 OT goal for the Montreal Canadiens! As the Canadiens head to Eastern Conference final, we know @AlexNewhook_ will make #nl proud! @NHLMedia @CanadiensMTL @GonzagaVikings @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

I spoke in the Senate chamber on Bill C-9, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places). This legislation is highly relevant especially amidst rising religion-based hatred and division including acts of anti-Christian hate, and antisemitism as seen in acts of desecration, intimidation, and destruction of places of worship. Since 2015, police-reported hate crimes in Canada have risen by 258 per cent. The Bill proposes to expand criminal law on several fronts at once: with respect to symbols, offences motivated by hatred, and access to certain religious, educational, cultural or community places. I also spoke on an amendment proposed in the House of Commons concerning section 319 of the Criminal Code, which removes, from the provisions dealing with wilful promotion of hatred and wilful promotion of antisemitism, the defence under which a person cannot be convicted if they, in good faith, expressed an opinion on a religious subject—or an opinion based on a religious text in which they believe—or attempted to establish such an opinion by argument. The removal of such defences and protections of good-faith debate is not something that should be taken lightly, nor should it be a bargaining chip. I cautioned that the Senate committee which studies this Bill must, in all its proceedings including consideration of amendments, guard against the removal of protections from the Criminal Code. The cost of protecting against hate cannot be the freedom to debate and to express oneself. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #C9

May 14th marks Moose Hide Day, a symbol proudly worn in opposition to all forms of violence against Aboriginal Women and Children. Together, we commit to spreading awareness and taking action. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @Moose_Hide #cdnpoli #nlpoli

It’s Europe Day! Celebrate the democracies of Europe with which we share the value of freedom. Canada’s connections with the EU and the rest of Europe are deep in culture, trade, defence, human rights and more. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @J_MorenoSanchez @s_yoncourtin #cdnpoli #eupoli #nlpoli

While Canada talks about removing interprovincial trade barriers, Liberal Government Bill S-4 creates new ones. At the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources and as official critic of this Bill S-4, I introduced an amendment to the Bill that would avoid the creation of extra and unnecessary barriers for Canadian companies shipping energy-using goods across provincial borders. I will continue to fight for Canadian companies and for freer trade within Canada. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #S4

Climate policy that ignores economic reality will not succeed. Instead, it jeopardizes our economy and industries including the oil and gas industry. With global oil prices skyrocketing in a world where our country must fight to keep a competitive position, net zero and other unrealistic climate policies are undermining Canada’s economy. Read full article: senatordavidwells.substack.com/p/net-zero-inf… @OilGasCanada @WeAreEnergyNL @CBCNL @vocm @StJohnsTelegram @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #energy

Saddened to hear of the passing of Eg Walters. Eg was a champion for the hungry and those that needed a hand up. His work with the Community Food Sharing Association had a significant impact on many. I was honoured to award him the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal in 2017 for his service to our community. Rest in peace. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Another important meeting with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association. While their “Day-on-the-Hill” is an annual event, my interactions with them happen regularly and throughout the year. On tap are the realities of front-line policing, which are felt across all communities: increasing violent crime, recruitment & retention and, of course, funding. Good to hear that they’re utilizing artificial intelligence to make the work more efficient and reducing their time behind the desk on paperwork versus what they are trained to do in investigations and street work. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @RNC_PoliceNL #cdnpoli #nlpoli #PublicSafety #Policing

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of James “Jim” O’Toole – a respected firefighter, a leader, and a tireless advocate for those who put their lives on the line to protect others. A husband and a father of two boys, Jim rose to the rank of Lieutenant, while also being an admirable union leader serving as @IAFFofficial Local 1075’s President. Jim leaves a remarkable legacy, not the least of which were his efforts on behalf of Bill C-224 – An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting. I was privileged to work with Jim on this. Jim’s work will remain a powerful reminder of who he was for decades to come. My condolences go to his wife, Crystal, and his sons Ryan and Gavin. @SenateCA @STJFD @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

#BBQ season is just around the corner! Visited @CanadaBeefInc in support of Canadian Cattle Producers and to learn more about the Beef Grading process. Also enjoyed trying some delicious samples! This summer - and always - #choosecanadianbeef. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

National tourism week is an opportunity to promote the best of Newfoundland and Labrador’s nature and culture. Countless places, including five(!) UNESCO cultural and natural wonders, have received visitors from around the world. From Gros Morne National Park and Red Bay, Labrador, to the Bonavista Peninsula and historic St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador has it all! Learn more about the UNESCO designated sites in #NL: newfoundlandlabrador.com/trip-ideas/tra… parksnl.ca @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @TCAR_GovNL #cdnpoli #nlpoli

I’m pleased to be elected as Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications. I wish to thank my committee colleagues for this vote of confidence. The committee is one of the oldest in the Senate, dating back to 1879, and was formally established as the Transport and Communications committee in 1945. The committee has the mandate to conduct studies and examine bills in the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting and internet regulation, transportation infrastructure, and the regulation of the transportation sector. I look forward to working with all members in fulfilling this important mandate. The committee’s work has been consequential to regulating emerging technologies as well as broadcasting telecommunications, including through its studies of Bills C-11 (Online Streaming Act) and C-18 (Online News Act). This in addition to conducting studies on Canada’s infrastructure, transport, and the effects of climate change on them. The committee also carried out studies on Canada’s pipeline infrastructure and automated driving vehicles, and is currently conducting a study on the role of Artificial Intelligence in Canada’s economy and society. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli #TRCM

My friend Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British journalist, has stood against Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime, at a great cost to himself. Despite being held in Putin’s prisons, facing immense persecution, and being poisoned in an attempted murder by the regime, he remains a steady advocate for democracy and an indomitable opposition voice against the Russian regime. We first met when he appeared as a witness at the Senate Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in March 2016 when he testified with Bill Browder on Canada’s Magnitsky Act more than ten years ago. I recently met with him at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ @Billbrowder @sergeimagnitsky @vkaramurza #cdnpoli #nlpoli

As we mark Vimy Ridge Day, we commemorate the victory of Canadian forces, a defining moment for our nation against Germany’s fortified positions. The Newfoundland Regiment (as it was then known) fought under the command of the British Third Army and was attacking eastward from Arras the day the Canadians stormed Vimy. This coordinated effort was designed to pull some defending Germans away from Vimy in a coordinated effort. We also remember and honour the sacrifices made by members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and members of the Canadian Armed Forces on all battlefields. Lest we forget. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #vimy #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Wishing all who celebrate in Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond, a joyful and Happy Easter. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Wishing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Christian community - and all those that observe - a blessed Good Friday. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

Wishing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jewish community - and all those that celebrate- a Happy Passover! @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli

On March 31, 1949, seventy-seven years ago today, Newfoundland joined Canada as the 10th province. On December 6, 2001, the province’s name was changed to Newfoundland and Labrador. Today and everyday we celebrate. We came in as a nation and that pride holds. @SenateCA @CPC_HQ #cdnpoli #nlpoli