Senator Gold: And the simple answer is no.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): We do agree, of course, that seniors are an important and valuable part of our community. We owe them the respect that they deserve and that they have afforded us who have come after them.

This is not a punitive measure. The carbon tax that is coming into effect in the provinces that you mentioned, first of all, is a function of the fact that those provinces have chosen in the exercise of their own jurisdiction to not put into place an adequate carbon pricing or equivalent regime.

Second, as I’ve mentioned on many occasions, the measures that will be put in place in those provinces are also accompanied by rebates to individuals and families of a significant amount of money. At the end of the day, the carbon pricing that is put into place in those provinces that do not have their own plan is one that is necessary to address climate change, and it is one that protects Canadians from the full impacts of that on their daily lives.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. We do want the same things, and this government disagrees with the opposition on the best way to get there. The government believes that the price on pollution — the carbon tax — is, in fact, the best way to go forward, and the government is also of the view that the subsidies that are going directly to families in those jurisdictions in which the tax is imposed is also a fair way to mitigate the impact of it.

The government is always considering and reconsidering the policy instruments that it uses. That’s what a responsible government does.

Senator Gold: I don’t have the number of other countries that are using this particular method and approach.

I will underline — as I have done on many other occasions, and as all senators know — that, of all the different measures to address climate change, carbon tax is the one most supported by most economists around the world because it uses market forces and is, in that regard, the most likely to succeed and the least disruptive, as compared to others.

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

Any product or technology that will assist producers to do their part to reduce emissions is welcome. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I will make inquiries and report back as quickly as I can.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): No, I do not agree, Senator Plett. I guess it remains my duty to remind the Senate yet again of the shared jurisdiction on housing between provinces and municipalities, to say nothing of the role of the private sector. I may also remind this chamber of the many measures that the government is doing through its spending power and in collaboration with the provinces and territories to support the creation of new housing and to support those who are seeking to enter the housing market or to pay their rent.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Respectfully, it’s the position of the government that the assertion and assumption is incorrect.

Canada and this government has put into place a serious, responsible climate action plan that includes many features, one of which is the price on pollution. It is a market-driven mechanism that works to create incentives and disincentives for companies to do their part. It takes time for these things to take effect.

The government remains convinced that the measures that it has put in place — of which this is one of a large suite of measures — is the right thing to do for Canada, for our economy and, indeed, for the planet.

Senator Gold: The government has full confidence in Minister Lametti, who is a lawyer, a dedicated minister and a man of integrity. As Attorney General of Canada, it is essential that Minister Lametti be informed of the media coverage of a case like this. Given their interdependent responsibilities, it is crucial that the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions maintain an effective relationship.

It is perfectly normal, senator, and indeed essential that they communicate and work together, so that they can both make fully informed decisions.

Although this relationship is part of their public duties, it does not change the fact that the public organization is independent, apolitical and responsible for its own affairs.

Of course, their communications are covered by protection similar to attorney-client confidentiality.

[English]

Senator Gold: The government is not comfortable at all knowing that Canadians are facing challenges with the rising cost of living, including access to affordable housing.

The government is confident that the measures it put in place are not Band-Aid solutions. They are targeted, focused and serious. They work in partnership with the provinces and territories, Indigenous communities and municipalities. They provide real, tangible assistance to Canadians in a time of need, and the government will never apologize for continuing to act responsibly in the best interest of Canadians.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, the inflation rates then and now are matters of public record. There is no doubt, Senator Housakos, as we know and experience, that the inflation rate has risen significantly over the last number of years and, of course, although it is the talking point of the opposition of which you are a member to blame all aspects of inflation and all ills, whether it’s drug policy or gun violence, on the federal government, those who reflect seriously on these matters know very well the multifaceted explanations for these. The government’s Fall Economic Statement is a targeted and appropriate one to address the rising cost of living and inflation, and the government has confidence that it will bear fruit.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I think the government is grateful and acknowledges the work that the agricultural sector — beef producers and others — are doing to do their part.

The answer to your question is no. The government remains committed to the equitable application of the price on pollution in those jurisdictions that have chosen not to have a comparable program, and it will continue to do so in the best interests of this and future generations.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The short answer is “as soon as possible” on both counts.

Both of these commissions are part of the government’s ongoing effort to modernize and improve Canada’s laws and legal institutions, and that includes Bill C-5 — an important step that we in the Senate took last week.

As we know, before it was abolished in 2006, the law commission helped advance critically important policy ideas, including in the areas of family law, the legalization of same-sex marriage, to name but two. We’re hopeful that it will help address some of today’s most pressing needs, such as systemic discrimination in the justice system.

The government has already allocated funds for the law commission’s re-establishment through Budget 2021, with $18 million over five years and $4 million ongoing. The process of finding commission members is under way.

The new criminal case review commission will strengthen our justice system by providing for the expeditious review of potential wrongful convictions by an independent body. The structure of the new review commission will be informed by the consultations led by former judges Harry LaForme and Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, who published their final report earlier this year.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your questions. The government deliberately selected these two individuals, both for their legal expertise and for their familiarity with the issues and realities that are facing marginalized people in our justice system.

As we know, Justice LaForme was the first Indigenous appellate court judge in Canada, and Justice Westmoreland-Traoré was the first Black judge in Quebec and the first Black dean of a Canadian law school.

During their consultations, they met with and received written briefs from hundreds of people, including victims of miscarriages of justice, victims of crime, criminal justice professionals and representatives of commissions that do similar work in other countries. Their final report makes numerous recommendations about the commission’s mandate and design, and the government is relying upon its report as it works to establish the criminal cases review commission as soon as possible.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I don’t have the answer. I’ll certainly make inquiries and will be happy to report back as soon as I can.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, and thank you for underlining the important relationship between the federal government and provincial and territorial governments in the shared challenge of both addressing climate change and also maintaining and securing a prosperous economic future for all Canadians.

I don’t know the specific answer to your question, and I will make efforts to find out. I do know that the Government of Canada is in regular discussions on a variety of issues surrounding climate change initiatives, resource development, environmental assessments and the like. Some provinces are more keen to engage than others, but it’s an ongoing process. I’ll certainly make inquiries with regard to more formal consultations that may be taking place.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The open court principle is a cornerstone of our justice system. The government is quite concerned about media reports on the court proceeding in Quebec and is keeping a close eye on developments. As you know, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada is an independent entity. As this case is still before the courts and was in fact the subject of an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, it would be inappropriate for the government to comment further.

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 16, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Patterson, concerning consultation with interested organizations.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Plett, concerning passport services.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Dennis Glen Patterson on December 16, 2021)

Justice Canada is consulting and cooperating with Indigenous peoples on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act (UNDA). The process focuses primarily on First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders, including modern treaty signatories, self-governing nations and historic treaty partners, and national/regional Indigenous representative organizations. It also includes engagement with Indigenous women, youth, elders, persons with disabilities, Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Plus (2SLGBTQI+) as well as urban Indigenous and other organizations.

There was also a call for proposals to support Indigenous participation in the engagement process, including support for Indigenous-led consultations. An online form is also available to help ensure that the voices of individuals and community-based organizations are heard.

The next phase of engagement will follow the release of a draft action plan in February 2023. This phase will focus on validating the priorities identified by First Nations, Inuit and Metis and on addressing any gaps, leading to the completion of the action plan by June 2023.

In June 2022, the Government tabled its inaugural annual progress report as required by Section 7 of the Act, outlining work undertaken in 2021-22 to implement the UNDA. Planning is already under way to consult and cooperate with Indigenous partners on the 2023 progress report.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Donald Neil Plett on June 21, 2022)

Service Canada (SC) has streamlined the in-person application process by implementing triage measures to provide a more client-specific approach. Before offices open at busier locations, managers and executives are speaking with clients to assess urgency/situation. Triage measures have been implemented in Richmond, Quebec City, Gatineau, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Laval, Vancouver, Surrey, and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Triage methods vary by location and are based on local circumstances. As a result, in-person services are more reflective of a pre-COVID experience where lineups are manageable and passports are delivered within our service standards.

SC took a number of additional actions to help stabilize the passport program. In July, we saw significant gains, but intake still outstripped production. Throughout August and September application intake levelled off. As of mid‑August, we are consistently entitling more passports on a weekly basis than we are receiving.

The Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration was suspended as of June 20, 2022. Passport employees on administrative leave due to non-compliance with the Policy were contacted by managers to arrange their return to work as early as June 20. As of October 17, there are more than 2,200 employees processing and supporting the program.