Senator Gold: I’m sorry, senator — and thank you for your question — but I don’t accept the premise. Mr. Barton appeared before a committee in the other house. I know the focus of much of the questioning from members of the opposition was to try to depict his relationship with the Prime Minister in terms that, as it turns out, are not at all correct. It’s unfortunate, as there are more important questions about how we can improve and what the right balance to be struck between our professional public service and consultants is going forward as the world changes, and as human resources are challenged.

I spent a fair bit of time yesterday providing answers to a large number of questions, both written and oral. I’ll continue to make my best efforts to get answers in a timely fashion.

Senator Gold: I’ll certainly look into it. I’m tempted to speculate, and that’s not my job to do. I will make some inquiries and be happy to report back.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. It’s an important one. Clearly, I don’t have the answer. Part of the reason is that the government is going to be working with Indigenous leadership and communities to make sure that the money — and this is a historic and first-time initiative, which the government is proud of — is allocated in the right way that meets the needs.

In fact, a number of us today had lunch with, at his invitation, the Minister of Health and also Minister Bennett, and this subject was discussed. One of our colleagues — who is not in the chamber so I should not mention her name — raised this directly, and there was a clear commitment and understanding on the part — I’m looking for colleagues who were there to verify what I’m saying.

Senator Plett: We weren’t invited.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question.

If I understood one aspect of the question, allow me to correct the record. The contract to which you refer, Senator Plett, which is going to be “sunsetting,” as you said, in 77 years, or something like that, is not a contract at all; it’s a supply arrangement. It doesn’t guarantee any monetary arrangement. It is simply a pre‑selection of supply. Hundreds of suppliers have arrangements of that kind. It’s a long-standing government practice that aims to expedite the procurement process.

I could go on, but I’ll turn to the other aspects of your question.

Indeed, lots of contracts with McKinsey and others have been undertaken by this government. Such services are used to complement the services of our very able and professional public service. They meet unexpected fluctuations in human resources and workload or, as is often the case, where special expertise is required, and it would be imprudent to bring on new full-time employees for work that has a more fixed timeline.

As we know, colleagues, the Prime Minister has asked Minister Jaczek and Minister Fortier to review the matter, take a closer look into the numbers and look into the circumstances of all those contracts. The government is looking at this matter to make sure that everything was done in the right way.

I understand that the focus of the Treasury Board rests on the policy underlying the granting of such consultancy contracts, while PSPC — Public Services and Procurement Canada — will focus on the circumstances surrounding those contracts. The government looks forward to the results of those inquiries and to sharing that with the public.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The answer is no, senator.

First, I do not want to engage in partisanship, but it is important to point out that your leader, Mr. Poilievre, did not say anything while waiting for the meeting to begin. He very quickly said, “We are going to honour it”, which is what Mr. Harper also did the last time. That is a good political move and I commend him for that.

However, as you well know, the fact that the provinces asked for a certain amount of money, while completely ignoring the tax points transfer, does not necessarily mean that the amount they requested was appropriate. It also does not mean that the provinces expected to get everything they asked for. As you said, there are ways of negotiating, and that is true on both sides.

The federal government’s response is meaningful and responsible. More money will be transferred to the provinces. As I mentioned before, for the first time, $2 billion will be allocated to address challenges uniquely faced by Indigenous peoples. Given the context in Canada and around the world and given that we have an economy that has just come through a pandemic, this is also a very fiscally responsible decision.

The Government of Canada showed that it has been accountable to Canadians in regard to health care. It has been equally accountable to the provinces, which have exclusive jurisdiction over the management of the health care system, meaning that they ensure that the reforms work for their citizens. For the first time, thanks to the data sharing approved by Premier Legault, Premier Ford and others, we will be able to exchange information and know where the money given to the provinces is going. If we give $1 billion to the provinces, it doesn’t mean they’re going to spend it on health care. That game has been played for a long time by the provinces, and the money with no strings attached often ends up in the general revenues.

For the first time, through data sharing and bilateral agreements, we will have the means to follow the money to see if it’s actually having an impact. This is a step in the right direction.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you. What is happening for the individuals in these countries is a tragedy. Whatever one thinks of the actions of governments or groups that are in control of territory, people are suffering. I’m glad our country has responded. Thank you for acknowledging that, and I’ll pass that on.

I know the government is looking at ways in which to continue to assist. The challenge, as you properly mentioned, in Syria, as it is in Afghanistan, has to do with the natures of the regimes and the odious things that they do to their citizens and, indeed, beyond. The government will continue to do what it can to assist those who want to assist the people of Syria and Turkey.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, I have nothing to add to my reply, because it is sort of Legislation 101 or Constitutional Law 101 that the Charter has pre-eminent force over all pieces of legislation.

But, Senator Housakos, this bill, which, respectfully, you have continued to mischaracterize as a censorship bill, is nothing of the sort, no matter how many times it’s repeated. History teaches us, alas, that one can continue to repeat things that are not true, and people may come to believe them, but it doesn’t make them any more true.

The fact is that there is a great deal of disinformation, misinformation and misleading information being circulated for purposes that have nothing to do with the bill, but only with political and partisan considerations.

The Charter of Rights governs all of our actions in this chamber and the interpretation and application of the law by all public officials, as it should.

Senator Gold: You were not invited. It wasn’t me who extended the invitation, Senator Plett.

But what I’m saying is that those who were there I think can attest to the fact that the government is committed to working in a serious partnership way with the communities, and it’s going to take some time to develop those plans and make sure that the assistance the money can provide meets the needs of the individual communities.

I’ll make some inquiries. I don’t think I’ll have an answer quickly. Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with mixed feelings, I rise today to pay tribute to our cherished colleague Senator Dennis Dawson and to welcome his family here to share this day.

As you know, Senator Dawson first arrived on Parliament Hill at the young age of 27. He was one of the youngest MPs to ever sit in the other place. For nearly half a century now, he has been making the trip from Quebec City to Ottawa. That’s a lot of mileage to have put in.

[Translation]

Senator Dawson arrived in the Senate after a successful political career. For a time, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and to the Minister of Employment and Immigration. He also chaired the Quebec Liberal Caucus. After becoming a senator, he continued his hard work by serving as a long-standing member of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He also served as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and chaired the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.

[English]

As you all know, Senator Dawson also sponsored many important pieces of legislation, indeed quite recently, but I want to underline the role he played in Bill C-76, which modernized the Canada Elections Act. Several measures of that act were taken from a Senate public bill that he had previously tabled.

This was important work for Canadian democracy. The 2018 changes to the Elections Act not only made future elections more secure and transparent, but also made elections more accessible. To cite just one example, it reintroduced the voter information card as a valid piece of identification, and this is a form of ID that Canadians count on.

As you know, Senator Dawson has been a strong advocate of francophone linguistic and cultural rights, and an abiding champion of LGBTQ2 rights and women’s rights. But, again, as we all know, his legacy as a senator extends beyond lawmaking and beyond advocacy.

Senator Dawson has been a mentor to many staffers who have gone on to make their own unique contributions to public service. Recently, when the Senate introduced legislation to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, in Bill S-5, I had the opportunity of working with a former student of the “School of Dawson,” who now works in Minister Guilbeault’s office.

Dennis, she did a fantastic job. It’s to your credit — and hers, of course — but thank you.

[Translation]

Perhaps you envisioned a Senate reform that was different from the one the Prime Minister presented in 2015. You were very frank and open in that regard, but I admire the way you set aside your personal vision and did everything you could to support the new system. That shows your generosity of spirit and commitment to the common good.

Once again, that is to your credit.

[English]

Your devotion to Parliament has been longstanding, your contributions to Canadian political life too plentiful to list today and your friendship to me and to so many others, very valuable. The Senate is a far better place, Dennis, for your many years of service.

I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss being regaled by your stories at the Métropolitain. In your dapper ways, you’re just always fun to see and to be with.

[Translation]

My friend, I wish you happiness in this next chapter of your life. Thank you so much.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table the answers to the following oral questions:

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 1, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 2, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the funding for equitable library access.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Canada Revenue Agency.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Employment and Social Development Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bovey, concerning the Canada Disability Benefit.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on September 28, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning Canada-China relations.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning support for victims of Hurricane Fiona.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 20, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Loffreda, concerning the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 17, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Deacon (Nova Scotia), concerning the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 22, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Duncan, concerning employment insurance regional boundaries.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 29, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Seidman, concerning drug shortages.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 13, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 1, 2021)

The Government recognizes that the Employment Insurance (EI) program needs to keep pace with labour market shifts and the changing nature of work. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted program gaps. To address these and better understand the needs of employers and workers, the Government undertook consultations with Canadians and stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed in Budget 2021. These consultations are now complete.

They were held over two phases (August 2021-February 2022; April 2022-July 2022), and included stakeholder roundtables, written submissions and an online survey. Topics included EI access and simplification, benefit adequacy, supports for workers experiencing life events, workers in seasonal industries, supports for self-employed workers, the Premium Reduction Program, and EI program financing. “What We Heard” reports from both phases were published online (Phase 1 report – April 2022; Phase 2 report — September 2022).

Based on consultation feedback and lessons learned from the pandemic, including the EI temporary measures, the development of a long-term plan on EI modernization is being finalized. The Government will release its overall EI modernization plan once the work is complete. At this stage, it would be premature to speculate on the timing of EI modernization and its content.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on December 2, 2021)

Since 2015–2016, the Government of Canada has provided funding to initiatives that support access to reading and published works for Canadians with print disabilities. In support of this objective, Budget 2022 announced $25 million over five years to support the following measures:

•the production of alternate-format materials by the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS);

•research and a survey of persons with print disabilities;

•a new Equitable Access to Reading Program to boost the production of accessible format reading materials through innovative partnerships.

To support development of the new program, the government is taking steps to determine the current and future needs of persons with print disabilities in a meaningful way that is effective and responsive. In addition to the survey, the government will also include stakeholders, persons with print disabilities and industry leaders in accessible technology in these critical conversations.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many Canadians. The CRA remains committed to being compassionate, flexible, and supportive during this challenging time. While there will not be any penalties for those who applied for these benefits in good faith, individuals will have to repay benefits payments they received that they were not entitled to receive.

Starting on May 10, 2022, the CRA began sending Notices of Redetermination to individuals who received a payment but were later determined to be ineligible for one or more benefit periods received. The CRA will work with all impacted individuals to ensure that any questions they may have about these letters are answered using a compassionate approach.

Individuals may find it challenging to meet their financial obligations. To help impacted individuals, CRA agents will work with them on a case-by-case basis to resolve any issues. Expanded provisions are available to help individuals meet their tax obligations, including flexible payment arrangements. Detailed information is available on the Canada.ca website for those who want to resolve their debt or explore payment options. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the CRA by phone to discuss their options with an agent.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

We recognize that this is a difficult time for many individuals. That is why the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for collecting these debts owed to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has designed expanded payment terms to provide Canadians with more flexibility for repayment. No penalties or interest will be charged on the emergency benefit overpayment. Canadians will not be put into financial hardship by having to repay emergency benefits they received.

ESDC and CRA have worked together to streamline the financial hardship process to make it less onerous to individuals that have been impacted. Flexible repayment options are available. Clients are encouraged to contact the CRA to establish repayment schedules based on their ability to pay and their financial situation. This will take into account the personal and financial circumstances of the person, in order to determine the best approach.

Each case will be reviewed on its own merit. Depending on the debtor’s ability to pay, appropriate recovery action may include renegotiation of a payment arrangement, suspension of collection activity, and/or other suitable measures.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Patricia Bovey on June 7, 2022)

On June 2, 2022, the government tabled Bill C-22, Canada Disability Benefit Act, to establish the Canada Disability Benefit. The intent of the proposed benefit is to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age Canadians with disabilities by supplementing existing income support measures, such as provincial and territorial social assistance. The bill received unanimous support at second reading, and was reported back to the House of Commons on December 14, 2022, after being studied and amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Given the critical role provincial and territorial governments play in providing benefits and supports to many Canadians with disabilities, the government will continue to engage jurisdictions on the design of the benefit, including through the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services and through bilateral meetings. Through these discussions, the government will work with provinces and territories as they determine how to treat the proposed Canada Disability Benefit and will seek to ensure persons with disabilities are better off as a result.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on September 28, 2022)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is aware of and is investigating allegations of unauthorized police presence in Canada. Since the investigation is ongoing, there will be no further comment on the matter at this time.

Generally speaking, Canada has seen an increase in the frequency of foreign interference, perpetrated by hostile state actors seeking to advance their political, economic and security interests to the detriment of Canada’s. As noted in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s 2021 Annual Report, these activities are sophisticated, persistent, and pervasive. When such threats are observed, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the RCMP apply the full measures of their mandates to investigate and mitigate where appropriate.

To address emerging and persistent threats, our government is always looking for ways to enhance the measures already in place and to bolster the toolkit through new approaches to confront foreign interference. This may include, for instance, consulting with Canadians on potential solutions to ensure that legislative frameworks evolve alongside the threat, and aligning with international best practices and the approaches of our closest like-minded partners and allies.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on October 18, 2022)

Our government recognizes the significant loss and hardship that Atlantic and eastern Quebec residents have suffered due to Hurricane Fiona. That is why we stepped up to deploy the Armed Forces in the immediate aftermath, launched the $300M Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, set aside further disaster recovery funding for provinces under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), as well as agreeing to match donations to the Red Cross’s response.

Donations to the Red Cross’s appeal is supporting a range of emergency services for those in need. This support has come in many forms including interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies. The government and the Red Cross are working together to finalize accounting of all matching-eligible donations and aim to share the final amount raised soon.

At the same time, the Red Cross is working closely with provincial governments in Quebec and across Atlantic Canada to meet the needs of impacted residents. This includes delivering financial assistance on behalf of some Atlantic provinces. The Government of Canada remains committed to work closely with both the Red Cross and with the provinces to help ensure the immediate needs of residents are met effectively and their longer-term recovery is supported.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Tony Loffreda on October 20, 2022)

In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada announced its plan to implement a Trusted Employer Model that reduces the administrative burden for return employers who have demonstrated a history of Temporary Foreign Worker Program compliance.

The Government of Canada takes its role in protecting temporary foreign workers seriously; ensuring the health and safety of these workers is a key priority. The Trusted Employer Model is being developed alongside a series of other measures that will provide additional benefits for both employers and workers, including a new Agriculture and Fish Processing Program, rebuilding the inspection regime, and establishing new housing standards for employer-provided accommodations. More details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Colin Deacon on November 17, 2022)

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is working to position Canada as an innovation hub and an attractive, globally competitive investment destination. In line with the government’s first-ever Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy, SIF was allocated $250 million to support IP-rich firms. This funding is seeing high demand. Public announcements occur once a contribution agreement is signed, and thus do not reflect the totality of negotiations under way. Recent announcements include the $40 million investment to Xanadu Quantum Technology, $15.9 million to EXFO Inc., and $30 million to Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation. Announcements will continue on a range of exciting projects, and SIF expects all funds under the IP-rich stream to be fully subscribed. SIF’s standard contribution agreements include a clause retaining project IP ownership within Canada. These can be adjusted to deal with unique circumstances or to ensure Canada’s offer is competitive relative to other jurisdictions. All companies have the full ability to benefit from their IP creation, as long as they anchor their business in Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pat Duncan on November 22, 2022)

The most recent employment insurance (EI) boundary review, which commenced in the fall of 2018 and concluded in June 2021, analyzed the homogeneity of the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in all EI regions. These homogeneities were determined by comparing the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in the Statistics Canada census geographic units that comprise each EI region.

For Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), the review found that combining the province’s current two EI regions into a single EI region would result in a reduction in both the unemployment rates and labour market condition homogeneity of the regions. The province and its two regions would go from being among the most homogenous in Canada to being the least homogenous.

The report on the results of the 2018-21 boundary review was shared with the committee by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on December 15, 2022.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Judith G. Seidman on November 29, 2022)

Drug shortages are a global problem, with countries around the world experiencing increased frequency and duration. Health Canada has dedicated drug shortage management resources in place and has implemented new regulatory tools and programs to support the management of shortages and help Canadians access the drugs they need. To help mitigate and prevent drug shortages, the government continues to support domestic manufacturing, working to develop a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, and ensuring the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) has the tools to improve access to quality medicines. The development of an essential medicines list is one of several options the department is currently exploring. Essential medicines lists are used by other regulators as a way of defining which drugs must be available for citizens. Health Canada is considering lessons learned from other countries that have developed these frameworks and put them to use. Adapting an essential medicines list to the Canadian context involves a series of considerations. The first is determining which of the over 9,000 prescription drugs authorized for marketing in Canada should be on the list, and whether and which over-the-counter drugs should be listed. These and other questions are currently under review by Health Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 13, 2022)

Moving forward with Employment Insurance (EI) modernization continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada (GoC). Modernizing the complex EI system that serves millions of Canadians each year is a serious undertaking that requires significant consideration. The GoC is taking the time necessary to get it right.

The government undertook comprehensive consultations with Canadians and key stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed to in Budget 2021. The consultations were held over two phases (August 2021 to February 2022; April 2022 to July 2022), and included stakeholder round tables, written submissions and an online survey. The “What We Heard” reports from the first and second phases of the consultations were published online, at what-we-heard-phase1.html and what-we-heard-phase2.html

The GoC is developing and will release its long-term plan for the future of EI modernization in the near future. This plan will be informed by what we heard during the consultations, longstanding issues with the program and lessons learnt from the pandemic.

Departmental officials are aware of Bill S-244, An Act to amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and the Employment Insurance Act (Employment Insurance Council), and will be considering it further as it advances through the legislative process.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: The role of the CBC is an important one in this country, despite the constant attacks, which, I gather, did not date from just yesterday from the opposition. It’s a serious role. I’m going to try to answer in a serious way.

The CBC provides an essential and important service to Canadians, has done so in the past, continues to do so in the present and, for many Canadians, will continue to do so in the future.

It is an institution that has helped bind our country together. Reasonable people can disagree about whether market forces alone should govern broadcasting in Canada. I know there is quite a difference of opinion within this chamber, and I respect that in a democracy.

But the denigration of the contribution that the CBC makes to Canada as a whole, and that Radio-Canada makes to our Province of Quebec and to francophones outside of Quebec in giving them the ability to have a voice and a vehicle and a platform for the expression of identity and culture, is what makes this country distinctive and without which this country would not be the great country that we so properly celebrate here.

I would ask colleagues to take a moment before trotting out, dare I say — I apologize if that was disrespectful — the ideologically driven talking points that have less to do with the reality of what the CBC and our public broadcasting does for the benefit of Canadians, and think about the quality of life that has been created thanks to our national institutions, a central one of which is Radio-Canada and the CBC.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Yes, the relationship that Canada has on trade with the United States is a long-standing one, a productive one and a mutually beneficial one, but it has never been without these tensions, regardless of who occupies the White House or who is in control of Congress. The fact is that there has been a strain of protectionism in the United States that is long-standing, and we have our own issues as well that we feel are important to protect the interests of our own consumers and our own producers.

Canada has been very successful historically in prosecuting its interest in relation to United States protectionism and we will continue to do so. This is not a punctual issue. It’s an ongoing regular part of Canada’s relationships with the United States, has been since before the State of the Union Address yesterday and will continue to be so afterwards. Our track record is pretty good at defending our interests in relation to trade with the United States, but it would be folly to assume that these issues will ever go away. And in this case, I think it’s fair to say the United States is in, yet again, a cycle of perpetual electioneering and politicking.

When we put all of those factors together, speeches are made, legislative initiatives are being contemplated and the Canadian government has been working on this for months, if not years, behind the scenes, as it typically does and has done with great success and will continue to do so.

Senator Gold: Senator Plett, your loyalty to your former leader and nostalgia for those days are actually quite touching.

This government, like all Canadian governments, works tirelessly with its American counterparts to pursue our interests and the interests of our workers and consumers. It has been successful. This government was remarkably successful during the period of the Trump presidency, especially when that president decided to renegotiate a free trade agreement. Canada did exceptionally well.

We have a strong team, both political and in the public service, and we will continue to benefit from the strong leadership of this government in protecting Canadian interests against those who would challenge them.

[Translation]