Honourable senators, I wanted to rise during this debate to speak briefly to the motion moved by Senator Gold regarding the message about Bill C-11.

During the debate yesterday, Senator Tannas made a very constructive suggestion which was to bolster some of the language in the motion proposing the Senate’s response to the other place — specifically the paragraph of the motion in which the Senate would make it clear to the other place that it has taken note of the government’s frequently communicated assurances around user-generated digital content. Following discussions that have taken place, I am proposing to replace the words “stated intent” with “public assurance.”

On behalf of the Government Representative Office, or GRO, I would like to thank Senator Tannas for the suggestion and his support. As this is a message to the other place, it is only fitting that the original language proposed by Senator Gold be strengthened in a way that is consistent with the broadly shared perspective of this distinguished chamber. I believe this is a testament to the spirit of collaboration, openness and the solutions-oriented approach that we so often see in this chamber on matters of public interest.