Senator Gold: Thank you. I will add that to the questions and inquiries that I will make.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question, senator. I’ll have to make inquiries and report back.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question, senator.

My office, the Office of the Government Representative in the Senate, endeavours to keep parliamentarians, senators briefed on all relevant activities. I don’t have the answer to your question, but if there are specific questions that you or other senators might have that I’m able to answer, I would certainly bring them to the government’s attention.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: I’ll certainly make inquiries. Again, I do encourage senators who are truly interested in knowing the important work that’s being done in many sectors, whether in public transit, green infrastructure, broadband, clean power, trade and transportation or with respect to Indigenous communities across the country, please contact my office. I would be happy to give you a full briefing.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): This government has imposed serious sanctions under the Sergei Magnitsky Law. This is the government that passed the act, and it continues to take measures against all foreign nationals who are undermining our national security.

I’m not familiar with the details that you mentioned with regard to these three nationals. If they indeed are committing fraud or are wanted elsewhere, these are matters that the government will deal with in the appropriate way.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I don’t have the specific answer. I’ll have to make inquiries and report back. Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your questions and kind wishes. I appreciate it.

Senator, I don’t know what the current status is regarding the government’s plans around that bill. I’ll make inquiries and report back as quickly as I can.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. It’s one that has been raised in the chamber several times in relation to various industries, beer and now wine. I understand the concerns. The government understands the concerns of producers.

All aspects of our economy are challenged by issues of price and supply chain availability. However, the excise tax, which is a regular feature of the industry, does not amount to an unsupportable addition to, ultimately, the price at which a bottle of wine may be sold. I have every confidence that the excellence of B.C. wines — and, indeed, the wines in other provinces — will continue to attract customers, even if the excise tax is maintained, as it will be.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. Bill C-11 has the support of the vast majority of people and cultural industries, especially in Quebec. It is a well-known fact to those who follow the news in Quebec and read the papers in Quebec, as I am sure you do, honourable colleague.

Bill C-11, which passed the Senate with several amendments, is now at the other place. We look forward to the message from the House of Commons. At that time, the debate will continue, I’m sure.

[English]

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

As we all know, the federal government announced the funding of $198.6 billion over 10 years, which includes $48.7 billion in new funding. The federal government also recognizes not only the primacy of provincial jurisdiction in health care but the fact that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances and their own ways of doing things.

As such, the bilateral agreements — discussions around which are ongoing, as we know — are intended to be flexible and tailored so that provinces and territories can address the unique circumstances and needs of their populations and of their geography. As part of those bilateral agreements that are being discussed and negotiated, provincial and territorial governments are being asked to develop action plans that will describe how the funds will be spent and how progress will be measured. Action plans with targeted results and indicators will be made available publicly by both federal and provincial/territorial governments, and provinces and territories would and will publicly report those results to their own residents.

That is a first important step, and I think all Canadians hope and expect that the governments will work together to actually deliver the results that this new funding promises to secure.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. Regarding the imposition of sanctions, as I have said on many occasions, honourable colleague, the decisions to list additional entities under the Criminal Code are all decisions that are taken by the government upon due deliberation, reflection and input from national security or law enforcement, as the case may be.

I will not comment on what investigations are being done with regard to any of these matters as it would be inappropriate in this chamber. I understand the importance of the issues as does the government. I understand your interest in continuing to raise them as it is your privilege. The government is doing everything that it can do to protect Canadians, but not everything that the government does in the area of national security or law enforcement is something that will be disclosed publicly in Senate Question Period.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and for giving me the opportunity to respond — and I assume you were quoting my exact words.

It was never my intention to comment on what advice might have been given to the government. That would have been inappropriate and if I did, my apologies to this chamber. I simply said and will repeat that decision is based upon — must be based upon and should be based upon — input from the national security agencies. The fact that the government has not yet listed that does not mean that it is not a subject of concern or consideration by this government.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. Again, you are asking questions that are inappropriate to be answered notwithstanding the importance of the issues that underlie the question.

This gives me the opportunity to remind senators, because memories fade, that Canada has very robust measures in place to hold Iran accountable. Indeed, it has some of the toughest and most comprehensive sanctions in the world against Iran. The IRGC Quds Force is listed as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, as are three Iranian-backed regional militias. In addition, the government has designated the Islamic Republic of Iran — the Republic of Iran, including many senior officials and the IRGC — as a regime that is engaged in terrorism and gross human rights violations and has made them inadmissible to Canada. That is not to exclude other measures that the government may take upon due consideration.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question.

First of all, the government has done and will continue to do everything it can to support farmers and the related industries that support us, feed us and that are important components of our economy. I spoke to that aspect of it in a recent response to our honourable colleague Senator Black.

With regard to the carbon tax, as has been said many times in this chamber and far more eloquently and directly by Minister Seamus O’Regan recently here, the carbon tax is a necessary tool in this government’s effort to reduce emissions and to put a price on pollution.

The way the government has designed it puts money back into Canadian hands. That includes all Canadians across the country, as well as industries. The government is committed to continuing to assist Canadians as we make the transition to a more sustainable and greener economy.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The answer is no.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the resilience of our critical minerals supply chain and all aspects of our supply chains. Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, but the government will take decisive action when investments threaten our national security and our critical minerals and materials supply chains.

As you noted, senator, last year our government announced that large transactions involving foreign state-owned enterprises in this sector will only be approved on an exceptional basis. All foreign investments will be subject to a national security review under the Investment Canada Act. Every investment is examined on a case-by-case basis.

In regard to procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada is primarily responsible for these contract procurements within the federal government. The procurement process includes national security and public safety mechanisms. I would add that Minister Champagne made an announcement in the media today concerning additional measures to provide assurances to Canadians that national security in all areas, whether research or contracts, is fully protected.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. Frankly, it’s the position of this government that the Canada Infrastructure Bank is an important and, indeed, innovative approach to help get more infrastructure built. Though it is disappointing that the private sector has not responded to the degree that was initially hoped, it is not the role of the government to direct how private capital and private enterprise direct its funds. I’m sure that you will appreciate that position of principle, Senator Plett.

The fact is, the bank has attracted billions of dollars of private investment and is funding dozens of important projects. I would be happy to provide a full list to senators if they are interested. Please contact my office. I don’t want to take the time from Question Period to list them all.

There are a considerable number of important projects benefiting Canadians across this country, and it’ll continue to do that in the hope that private industry will step up to an even greater degree as partners.

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 November 24, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, concerning import prohibition on goods produced by forced labour.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 10, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Lankin, P.C., concerning the Port of Montreal.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator McPhedran, concerning the International Labour Organization.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, concerning illegal immigration.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 2, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Mockler, concerning the Atlantic Loop.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 13, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning Arctic patrol ships.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 15, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., concerning spreading of municipal sewage sludge.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Julie Miville-Dechêne on November 24, 2021)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces the prohibition included in the Customs Tariff regarding the importation of goods mined, manufactured or produced wholly or in part by forced labour. This came into effect July 1, 2020. The standard of proof is linked to the underlying legislative authority. Employment and Social Development Canada provides support to CBSA by conducting research and analysis on the risk of forced labour for specific complaints or allegations received by CBSA pertaining to the import ban.

CBSA’s decisions on imported goods are made on a case-by-case basis, informed by an analysis of supporting evidence from a range of sources. Unlike most other inadmissible goods, there is no visual indicator for a border services officer to validate the labour standards by which a particular good was produced. Collecting the necessary evidence base is admittedly challenging given the complexity of supply chains. CBSA collaborates with other enforcement agencies, including the United States Customs and Border Protection, which enacted its prohibition in the 1930s. The Government of Canada will continue working with other countries and stakeholders to advance the effective operationalisation of the ban and examining best practices around the world to address forced labour in supply chains.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Frances Lankin on May 10, 2022)

The Government is committed to free collective bargaining as the basis for sound industrial relations; however, back-to-work legislation is sometimes necessary.

When the Port of Montreal Operations Act, 2021 (the Act) was introduced, the parties were at an impasse. Despite negotiating for over 30 months, engaging in over 100 mediated bargaining sessions and holding six separate work stoppages, they had failed to make meaningful progress towards a new collective agreement. Meanwhile, the unlimited general strike at the Port of Montreal was halting the flow of $270 million in cargo weekly and endangering the livelihoods of approximately 19,000 Canadians. Economic modelling suggested that the strike was causing permanent damage to the Canadian economy of between $40 million and $100 million weekly.

As of April 26, 2021, 15 containers with critical cargo were sitting at the Port, five containing priority COVID-related equipment and the rest containing pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. A further 67 containers with critical cargo were aboard four ships waiting for the Port to re-open.

The Government is defending the constitutionality of the Act before the Superior Court of Quebec. A Charter Statement prepared by the Department of Justice was tabled in the House of Commons on April 28, 2021.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Marilou McPhedran on October 18, 2022)

The Government of Canada is proud to have played a leadership role in the development of C190 at the ILO, including as Chair of the international committee that negotiated the Convention in 2018 and 2019. Since then, the government worked with the provinces and territories and recently secured their support for Canada to ratify C190. The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs tabled notice of Canada’s intention to ratify C190 in Parliament on October 6, 2022. It is anticipated that Canada will be in a position to ratify C190 with the ILO in early 2023.

Federal, provincial and territorial governments across Canada already have in place laws and policies to prevent violence and harassment at work in line with the principles of C190. At the federal level, Bill C-65 (adopted in 2018 (42^nd Parliament)) and the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations came into force on January 1, 2021. It is noteworthy that Canadian Bill C-65 was used as a model for elements of C190. The federal Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund also provides partner organizations with funding to co-develop sector-specific tools and resources to help prevent and address harassment and violence at work.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu on October 19, 2022)

The CBSA is working to reduce the inventory of individuals who are under removal order and in Canada. The majority of these individuals are not criminals, but rather unsuccessful refugee claimants. The Agency continues to effect removals based on a risk management regime. Cases involving security, organized crime, human rights violations and criminality are considered to be of the highest priority.

The discrepancy between the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) report and CBSA’s statistics is that the OAG reported on cases flagged as having evidence on file that could potentially lead to a serious inadmissibility, while the CBSA reported on cases that are found inadmissible and issued a removal order for serious inadmissibility. Not all cases reported for serious inadmissibility result in a deportation order.

The Agency reports on cases that have completed the entire process and are found inadmissible on safety and security grounds. This will result in a lower number than what was reported in the OAG report. It should be noted that the OAG explained this discrepancy under the definition section of the report.

Since the release of the OAG report in Spring 2020, the CBSA successfully removed 1,347 foreign nationals inadmissible for safety or security reasons.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Percy Mockler on November 2, 2022)

The Government of Canada is working closely with regional partners, including provinces and utilities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec, as well as with representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island, to realize the Atlantic Loop. This project has the potential to contribute significantly to federal and provincial climate change targets while also supporting energy security and enabling more renewable energy to be built across the region.

A Deputy/CEO Working Table on the Atlantic Loop has met on a regular basis since Summer 2021. Most recently, this Table has met in September 2022 and in October 2022. In addition, five work streams have been organized with the leadership of electric utilities to advance analysis on project parameters, financing, reliability impacts, environmental and impact assessment and Indigenous considerations, and the project’s development and critical path. Senior engagement has also occurred bilaterally and multilaterally between representatives with the objective of bringing certainty to the project’s path forward.

There remains a strong commitment from the Government of Canada to advance the Atlantic Loop, as a clear regional solution to federal and provincial off-coal and net-zero commitments.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on December 13, 2022)

National Defence is committed to enhancing Arctic capabilities and supporting Canadian sovereignty in the North.

That is why National Defence is procuring six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, designed to operate in previously inaccessible northern waters. Three of the Vessels are already in the water: HMCS Harry DeWolf, HMCS Margaret Brooke, and HMCS Max Bernays. The delivery of the remaining three is anticipated by 2025.

As of December 20, 2022, the cost for the non-warranty repair work on HMCS Harry DeWolf related to the main diesel generator mechanical issues is approximately $3,348,945.00, excluding taxes. The cost is subject to change as repair work is ongoing and a final investigation into the cause is being conducted. Any action to address the total costs of the repairs will be guided by the outcomes of the report.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Claude Carignan on December 15, 2022)

Municipal biosolids imported as commercial fertilizers are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), while the manufacture, use and disposal are regulated by the provinces. When treated and applied appropriately, biosolids can be a beneficial source of nutrients and organic matter in agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Biosolids can contain residues of chemicals commonly used in households or in industrial operations. This is why the CFIA requires that they are properly treated and meet standards for selected chemicals and pathogens.

To enhance risk mitigation, the CFIA could increase frequency of inspections, impose stricter border controls, or establish interim standards.

The CFIA continues to assess the level of risk posed by biosolids coming from the United States, including the State of Maine, while taking into account impacts on the waste diversion sector and farmers who use these products to offset increasing fertilizer cost. Of the 1400 food samples taken in recent years, none had levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

The CFIA is working with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and with provincial ministries to help protect the safety of Canadians and the agricultural sector.