Honourable senators, it is now 4 p.m. Before proceeding to Question Period with the minister, I would like to remind you of the time limits the Senate established for questions and answers in the order of October 3, 2023. During Question Period without a minister, a main question and response are each limited to one minute, while the supplementary question and answer are each limited to 30 seconds.

When the Senate receives a minister for Question Period, as is the case today, the length of a main question is limited to one minute, and the answer to one minute and 30 seconds. The supplementary question and answer are each limited to 45 seconds. In all these cases, the reading clerk stands 10 seconds before the time expires.

I would also remind the Senate that rule 2-7(2) requires that when the Speaker stands, the senator who has the floor must sit, which means that they must cease speaking until recognized again. To help ensure respect for this provision, I have given a direction that microphones be closed when the Speaker stands. This does not apply when a new senator is taking the chair.

I will now ask the minister to enter and take his seat.