Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Minister, your mandate letter says that you have to work to advance amendments that entitle workers employed by digital platforms to job protections under the Canada Labour Code. I am not sure exactly what is expected from you. Could you tell us which digital platforms are under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code, and what is the job protection you think digital platform workers who are under federal jurisdiction do not have? Finally, could you tell us when those amendments will be tabled?

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Minister, in a State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Biden promised yet another round of Buy America policies, with new standards to require all construction materials used in federal infrastructure projects to be made in America. The trade group of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters said, this is “bad news” for manufacturing in our country and for “integrated North American supply chains.” They called for a “strong response” to “push back and protect Canadian access to the U.S. procurement market.”

Minister, since President Biden’s protectionist comments earlier this week, what specific actions have you or your government taken to counter this latest threat to Canadian jobs? Have you spoken to your American counterpart? Have you reached out to any of the trade unions, especially unions and construction trades that represent workers in both of our countries?

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, that is time for Question Period. I am sure that you will all want to join me in thanking Minister O’Regan for being with us here today. Thank you, minister.

Hon. David M. Wells: Thank you, Minister O’Regan. I will go to the second part of my earlier question. This is in relation to your duties as regional minister. Your cabinet colleague Associate Minister of Finance Boissonnault said the transition — the phasing out — of the oil industry will take $100 billion to $125 billion per year up to 2050, given that Canada’s carbon dioxide emissions represent only 1.5% of global emissions — 1.5. Essentially, if Canada disappeared from the map, there would be zero impact on global emissions. Where on earth does this expenditure make sense on any scale?

Hon. Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Labour: First of all, senator, with all respect, it is not my jurisdiction. I do not have a specific and ready answer for it, other than to say that nobody wants damage done to what I think is a very proud industry in this country, and one that is only increasing based upon the craft breweries that I see erupting all over my province. One of two things will happen — presumably, you see it — workers may be affected through streamlining or it is passed on to the consumer. Neither is particularly pleasant.

I do not have a ready answer for that, but I will check in with the office of the finance minister. I do know about that letter, though.

[Translation]

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of February 8, 2023, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Thank you for your presentation, senator. My question is quite general. What will happen in 10 or 20 years if this bill is not passed?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, we welcome today the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Labour, to ask questions relating to his ministerial responsibilities.

Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2021, senators do not need to stand. Questions are limited to one minute and responses to one-and-a-half minutes. The reading clerk will stand 10 seconds before the expiry of these times. Question Period will last one hour.

(Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2021, to receive a Minister of the Crown, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, P.C., M.P., Minister of Labour, appeared before honourable senators during Question Period.)

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Ian Froude, Councillor for the City of St. John’s and Rob Nolan, CEO of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Ravalia.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Welcome, minister.

A recent documentary entitled Essentiels really resonated in Quebec. It is about temporary foreign workers who work hard to harvest our fruits and vegetables, and who are essential to our farmers. It shows migrant workers to whom the Canadian government has issued closed work permits, which don’t allow them to change employers. These captive workers often find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous employers, who are in a position to abuse their workers.

As minister, you have the power to change the regulations and issue open work permits that would let workers change employers and provide a path to permanent residency. Why not do that? This is about human rights.

[English]

Hon. Percy E. Downe: My question is about the impact of the transition to a low-carbon economy, which others have raised as well. Obviously, the impacts of this transition will be felt throughout our economy.

As you know, as part of the Paris Agreement which the Government of Canada signed, we need to work toward the creation of decent work and quality jobs. Minister, how does your department — and the government in general — propose to foster the growth of these well-paying jobs as the economy changes?

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to a beloved colleague and friend. Alan Baxter Fleming, known to his friends as Al, passed away on January 7, 2023, surrounded by his adoring wife Beth and family.

I’m really pleased that Beth accepted my invitation to be here today.

For 15 years, Al was an important member of the Senate of Canada family. I first got to know Al when he worked for Senator Brazeau, who was the deputy chair when I served as the chair of the Human Rights Committee. I fondly remember engaging with Al during our regular steering committee meetings, and was always drawn to both his quick wit and gentlemanly charm.

Even though we sometimes found ourselves on opposing sides of issues, Al would always go out of his way to be warm and collaborative. He never shied away from a challenge, and was always there to lend a helping hand. I am so grateful for the kindness he extended to me and my team.

Honourable senators, most recently, Al worked as Director of Parliamentary Affairs for Senator Christmas, who retired last month. Senator Christmas wanted to share the following message with you:

Al was a one-of-a-kind person. He was always so enthusiastic, a bit over the top at times, but that was Al. He genuinely loved everyone no matter who. He was also a hard worker and a natural problem solver. He always wanted to make things better for those around him. He especially loved his family and he often spoke about them. But more than anything, Al had a very special place in his heart for Beth. We will all miss him. You’ve earned your rest, my friend. . . .

Honourable senators, for his entire adult life, Al was a devoted public servant who served in various capacities within the Government of Canada and its institutions.

Beth, Stephen, Anne, Nathan, Sarah, Rebekah and Leah — Al loved you and your families with his whole heart and would speak of you often. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

For those of you who had the pleasure of knowing Al, you may recall that whenever he was asked in passing, “How are you doing?” he would respond, “All the better for seeing you.” Whenever he said this, it always warmed my heart. The truth is, Al, that we are all the better for having known you. Rest in peace, my friend.

(1420)

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Bill Williams, Executive Director of the Nunavut Economic Developers Association and Economic Development Officers from across Nunavut. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Patterson (Nunavut).

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Beth Fleming, Vivian Fleming, Sarah Shirey, Rebekah Shirey and Nathaniel Shirey. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Jaffer.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, for the second reading of Bill C-18, An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.