Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 40, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding seizures of fentanyl — Health Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 124, dated February 8, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding oil transport — Transport Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 168, dated June 2, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding N95 masks — follow-up to written question 70.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 145, dated March 30, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Housakos, regarding the Canada’s Tobacco Strategy — Public Safety Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 27, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding breakthrough cases of COVID-19.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 26, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding COVID-19 testing of essential workers and truck drivers at the Canada-U.S. border.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 29, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding flights in Canada with COVID-positive passengers.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 30, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding virtual care and mental health tools for Canadians.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 40, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding seizures of fentanyl — Public Safety Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 103, dated November 25, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Downe, regarding overseas tax evasion.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 124, dated February 8, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding oil transport — Innovation, Science and Industry Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 133, dated February 8, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 141, dated March 30, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Housakos, regarding interprovincial trucking.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 145, dated March 30, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Housakos, regarding the Canada’s Tobacco Strategy — Canada Revenue Agency.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 145, dated March 30, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Housakos, regarding the Canada’s Tobacco Strategy — Health Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 156, dated April 26, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 171, dated June 23, 2022, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., regarding the proportion of federal employees teleworking.

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 14, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Wells, concerning pandemic-related travel restrictions.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 8, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., concerning the Special Olympics.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 10, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Cormier, concerning the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 24, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Petitclerc, concerning support for Paralympic athletes.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 1, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Cotter, concerning the Special Economic Measures Act.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 4, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, concerning the fight against online sexual exploitation of youth.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 24, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 29, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Cordy, concerning proof of vaccination for international travel.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on April 6, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Loffreda, concerning Budget 2022.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on April 6, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning unspent funding.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on April 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning federal incorporation fees.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on April 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning transfer of small business.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 4, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Seidman, concerning the Global Public Health Intelligence Network.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 4, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Cotter, concerning the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 10, 2022, by the Honourable Senator McPhedran, concerning the Afghanistan crisis.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 12, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Wells, concerning assistance for victims of flooding.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 12, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, concerning support for veterans — Infrastructure Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 12, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, concerning support for veterans — Veterans Affairs Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 17, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Plett, concerning the rehabilitation of 24 Sussex Drive.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Coyle, concerning the Glasgow Climate Pact.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance and processing times.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Galvez, concerning the anti-racism strategy.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 31, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Omidvar, concerning the Afghanistan crisis.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 1, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning funding for primary healthcare.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Patterson, concerning the Canada Infrastructure Bank.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 8, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning suicide prevention.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 9, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Wells, concerning the detention of Canadians in the Dominican Republic.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 15, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Ataullahjan, concerning airport screening employees — security background checks.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 16, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., concerning passport services.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 20, 2022, by the Honourable Senator MacDonald, concerning access to information.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Deacon (Ontario), concerning the Phoenix pay system.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 21, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Seidman, concerning the Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 23, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the 2 Billion Trees Program.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable David M. Wells on December 14, 2021)

The use of ArriveCan is mandatory for all travellers entering Canada.

To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers entering Canada are required to:

1.Follow pre-entry testing and entry requirements;

2.Declare vaccination status of an accepted vaccine by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel to Canada. To qualify as fully vaccinated, travellers must have received the second dose (or one dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine) at least 14 calendar days before they enter Canada;

3.Submit information via the ArriveCan application or website.

Travellers who do not meet these requirements must quarantine for 14 days and undergo two COVID-19 tests, one on the day they arrive in Canada and one on day 8.

No changes have been made to requirements related to ArriveCan. However, there are exemptions in place from the use of ArriveCan for persons with a disability, service disruptions, inadequate infrastructure, and natural disasters. To accommodate persons who do not have access to, or are not comfortable using technology, information can be submitted in ArriveCan by someone on their behalf, up to 72 hours before entering Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable V. Peter Harder on February 8, 2022)

Budget 2018 announced funding to Special Olympics Canada totalling $16 million over five years, with ongoing funding of $2 million starting in 2022-23. The incremental amount for fiscal years 2018-19 to 2021‑22 supported the organization’s capacity to develop and refine high quality programs for athletes, volunteer coaches and officials, which were intended to be delivered using existing operational funding and the additional $2 million per year once developed.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the sport sector. Many organizations had to assess their programs and, in many instances, redesign their delivery mechanisms. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, organizations will need to determine if the delivery of their programs and services requires any additional adaptations.

Sport Canada is working to assess the level of support required for Special Olympics Canada to continue to deliver the quality sport programs and services they have provided to athletes with an intellectual disability over the past four years. Ensuring that athletes with an intellectual disability continue to experience full and active participation in Canadian sport at all levels, in a safe and welcoming environment, remains an important consideration.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable René Cormier on February 10, 2022)

As part of its commitment to sustaining historic funding commitments to LGBTQ2 community organizations, Minister Ien announced the one-year extension for the Community Capacity Fund, enabling currently funded LGBTQ2 organizations to build on their initial successes in strengthening their organizations. The Government is committed to continue this capacity funding and is working closely with LGBTQ2 organizations to better understand their needs and ensure they have the support for their vital work to continue.

In addition to the LGBTQ2 Community Capacity Fund extension, the Government of Canada intends to launch a call for proposals this spring for additional project funding opportunities, as part of the $15 million LGBTQ2 Project Fund announced in Budget 2021. Currently funded LGBTQ2 organizations, and those that have not yet received federal support can look for announcements on this in the coming months.

Further, the Government of Canada has committed to launching the first Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan and has been consulting LGBTQ2 organizations and stakeholders extensively on their priorities for this plan. This input will guide the Government’s work to improve the social, health, and economic outcomes of diverse LGBTQ2 communities throughout Canada. Budget 2022 proposes to provide $100 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to support the implementation of the forthcoming Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan, which will support a fairer and more equal Canada for LGBTQ2 Canadians.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Chantal Petitclerc on February 24, 2022)

The Government of Canada, like all Canadians, is extremely proud of our Paralympians.

We acknowledge that, while the Canadian Olympic Committee provides Olympic athletes with a financial reward for winning medals, the Canadian Paralympic Committee does not offer this same recognition to Paralympians.

The Government of Canada is committed to building a sport system that treats all Canadians equally.

The Government of Canada will work with the Canadian Paralympic Committee to explore ways to ensure that our Paralympians and Olympians receive equitable support and recognition.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brent Cotter on March 1, 2022)

In response to the U.S. Section 232 tariffs on imports of Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018, the Government announced up to $2 billion in federal support, including $250 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to better integrate the Canadian steel and aluminum supply chain and bolster competitiveness. The $40 million investment for Evraz was provided to protect Canadian workers and industry.

The SIF contribution was awarded to support a project to modernize steel production facilities, enabling Evraz to increase steel rolling capabilities and productivity. The project received a $40 million contribution from SIF, which is repayable. No further payments are being made to Evraz until SIF assesses the situation.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Julie Miville‑Dechêne on March 4, 2022)

Mindgeek is not a business incorporated under federal legislation. The Senator may wish to consult provincial databases which are publicly available.

We must ensure that Canadian children and youth are safe online. In the last election, our government promised to build upon our work to implement Canada’s first Digital Charter and reform our laws to protect the personal information and data of individuals. That is exactly what we will do.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on March 24, 2022)

The Government of Canada is aware of five Canadian firms having signed contracts as part of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)’s corporate procurement since Canada officially joined the AIIB in March 2018:

·In 2018, the LEA Consulting Group provided consulting services on an AIIB-financed project.

·In 2018, the Hatch consultancy firm provided services on an AIIB-financed project.

·In 2019, the Edmonton-based Insignia Software Corporation provided library management system services to the AIIB.

·In 2020, EQ Consulting Inc. was awarded two separate contracts by the AIIB for the implementation of market risk tools and order management systems support.

·In 2021, a joint venture company, involving the Canadian company ISW Consulting Limited, provided consultancy services on an AIIB-financed project.

The AIIB’s Treasury Department has also procured the services of Canadian financial institutions, such as TD, BMO, RBC and Scotiabank, as part of its funding program.

As these are private contracts with private companies, the Canadian Government cannot estimate how many jobs have been created.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Jane Cordy on March 29, 2022)

The Government of Canada’s international engagement strategy focuses on national health and scientific decision-making authorities with whom Canada has close, trusted relationships. This included the U.S. and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the European Centres for Disease Control, and the Caribbean Public Health Agency. The Government of Canada also engaged with the World Health Organization (WHO), given its global influence, and successfully added supportive commitments to recognizing mixed dose recipients in recent G7 and G20 Health Declarations.

Following the Government of Canada’s engagement, it was confirmed that at least 40 countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and the vast majority of Caribbean countries, consider individuals who have received mixed doses as fully vaccinated. Canada continues to address any emerging issues, as needed. As COVID-19 vaccination campaigns progress globally, there has been widespread and growing acceptance of mixed vaccines.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s web team works closely with Health Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Transport Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat to review, update and optimize content posted to Canada.ca. This review process includes vaccine requirements related to travel.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Tony Loffreda on April 6, 2022)

Since 2015, the government has made investments to bolster Canada’s productivity and competitiveness. Through the Innovation and Skills Plan, the government invested in programs like business-led innovation clusters, while investing in Life-Long Learning to help Canadians obtain skills of the future. To provide a more competitive marketplace and attractive destination for foreign investors, the government has modernized regulations and established Invest in Canada – Canada’s global investment attraction and promotion agency. Budget 2022 continues to set a framework for boosting growth, with proposals to create a new innovation and investment agency, launch the Canada Growth Fund, invest in green technology and invest to implement Canada’s first Critical Minerals Strategy.

In terms of monitoring, Statistics Canada measures productivity and other economic performance metrics. The overview of these data is periodically published to inform the public on the performance of Canada’s economy. Further, in 2017, the government launched a horizontal review of innovation and clean-technology programming, and since April 2018, all government organizations have been required to report publicly on the results of their programs through the Departmental Results Framework. Treasury Board Secretariat has a mandate to continue to monitor the effects of government actions, including the strategic review announced in Budget 2022.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on April 6, 2022)

Veterans Affairs Canada

Unspent funds are a normal and expected part of a department’s budgetary process. The budgets voted in Parliament are “up to” amounts and legally cannot be exceeded. Veterans Affairs Canada ensures that there are sufficient budgets available in a given fiscal year to support all the eligible Veterans who may come forward requesting benefits and services.

Of the $634M in fiscal year 2020-21 unspent:

-Approximately 95% is quasi-statutory in nature and was approved by Parliament to cover the costs of Veterans’ benefits and services. Veterans Affairs Canada has no authority to spend these funds for any other purpose, ensuring they remain available to Veterans in future years.

-Approximately 5% was approved by Parliament to cover departmental operating costs and these unspent funds were made available in fiscal year 2021-22 through standard and common mechanisms/processes available to all departments.

As a result, 100% of the $634M unspent budgets were available beyond fiscal year 2020-21. The 5% from the operating budget was made available in 2021-22 and the remaining 95% from the quasi-statutory budgets was or will be made available in the future to cover the costs of serving and supporting Veterans, based on when they come forward and are eligible.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on April 7, 2022)

Corporations Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada continue to explore ways of making it easier and more affordable to start and grow a business in order to support small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Corporations Canada conducts a fee review every 5 years and these have led to beneficial fee reductions in the past. For example, the last fee review process in 2019 led to a reduction of 40% in Annual Returns fees in 2020. As part of the next fee review process, Corporations Canada will assess the impact of an incorporation fee reduction with stakeholders and partners and seeking new ways to reduce business start-up costs, particularly for entrepreneurs where the cost of incorporation represents a systemic barrier.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on April 7, 2022)

Budget 2022 announced a consultation process for stakeholders to share their views as to how the existing rules could be strengthened in order to protect the integrity of the tax system while continuing to facilitate genuine intergenerational business transfers. The consultation concluded on June 17, 2022. The government is committed to bringing forward legislation, as necessary to address this specific issue, after conclusion of the consultation process.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Judith G. Seidman on May 4, 2022)

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has taken a number of actions to improve the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). These actions include:

·Clarified and streamlined decision making and operational procedures for issuing alerts and other communication products;

·Migrated the IT system to a cloud environment and resolved outstanding technical issues with the current system;

·Hired a technical advisor to lead the development of a modernized GPHIN IT system;

·Put in place a dedicated team and action plan to address recommendations and implement improvements;

·Began work to strengthen partnerships with external and internal stakeholders.

The GPHIN program expended approximately $725,000 of the $830,000 received in the Fall 2020 Economic Statement in three broad areas:

·PHAC used the International Grants Program to provide support to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources program. Expenditures were approximately $158,000.

·GPHIN Migration Project — actual expenditures for the migration project were approximately $443,000.

·Approximately $124,000 of these funds were spent on human resource surge support and other operational expenses for the GPHIN Program in response to COVID-19.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brent Cotter on May 4, 2022)

Working closely with other federal programs and agencies including PrairiesCan, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Natural Resources Canada, National Research Council-Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), and Global Innovation Clusters to support sectors and regions across Canada, the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) funds large-scale innovation projects from larger, more research and development intensive firms.

Saskatchewan accounts for 1.6% of applications to SIF to date, and applications are expected to increase. Recently, SIF announced an agreement in principle for a contribution of up to $100M for BHP Canada to create a world-leading low-emissions potash mine in Saskatchewan and launched a Call-to-Action in partnership with stakeholders in Western Canada for large emitters as part of the Net Zero Accelerator initiative, which is expected to increase the number of applications from the Prairie provinces. Additional applications for proposed projects in Saskatchewan are under consideration.

SIF also funds networks to support SMEs across Canada. Specifically, the Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) have announced five projects with Saskatchewan-based SMEs with contributions ranging from $100K to $1.5M, with additional networks ramping up activities to support SMEs from Saskatchewan moving forward.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Marilou McPhedran on May 10, 2022)

Since the Taliban takeover, Canada has announced $156 million in new humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Afghanistan. This includes the $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, and more recently the $50 million announced on March 31, 2022.

As of June 2022, $136 million of this funding, including all of the $56 million, has been allocated and disbursed. Allocation of the remaining $20 million (from the March 2022 announcement) will be forthcoming before the end of the fiscal year.

Humanitarian partners are seized with the need to provide assistance to people on the basis of assessed vulnerability. In Afghanistan, women and girls are particularly vulnerable and face additional obstacles accessing humanitarian assistance. Canada supports humanitarian partners who design programs to recognize these obstacles and refine how they deliver assistance to ensure it reaches women and girls.

Canada is delivering humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan through established United Nations humanitarian partners and the International Committee of the Red Cross and has strong counter-terrorism provisions in its contractual agreements with its partners. Canada does not give humanitarian assistance funding to governments; it provides funding exclusively through experienced humanitarian partners.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable David M. Wells on May 12, 2022)

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the Peguis First Nation to ensure its resiliency to future floods and other emergency events. The government continues to engage with Indigenous leaders to support emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from floods, in collaboration with provinces and non‑governmental organizations.

While our focus is on responding to the current crisis, the Government of Canada is committed to mitigative solutions and will establish a working group to actively and comprehensively plan for long-term solutions that protect the members of the Peguis First Nation. The department has been working collaboratively with Peguis First Nation since the first flooding event in 2010 on both short-term and long‑term flooding preparations, in addition to the protection, repair and rebuilding of homes. As a department, we are also working with the province of Manitoba to identify long-term solutions.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu on May 12, 2022)

Through Budgets 2021 and 2022, the Government of Canada has allocated $106.8 million over five years (2022-23 to 2026-27) to launch a targeted program to provide rent supplements and wraparound supports (e.g., counselling, addiction treatment, help finding a job) to Veterans experiencing homelessness.

Infrastructure Canada, in close collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, continues to diligently work on the Veteran Homelessness Program for its launch in 2022-23. The Department is working to secure the necessary policy, financial, and implementation authorities.

While this specific program has not yet been launched, there are existing ongoing federal initiatives to support Veterans who are experiencing homelessness. For example, the Government will invest almost $4 billion in Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, which provides support and funding to communities across Canada to address homelessness, including Veteran homelessness.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu on May 12, 2022)

Veterans Affairs Canada

Unspent funds are a normal and expected part of a department’s budgetary process. The budgets voted in Parliament are “up to” amounts and legally cannot be exceeded. Veterans Affairs Canada ensures that there are sufficient budgets available in a given fiscal year to support all the eligible Veterans who may come forward requesting benefits and services.

Of the $634M in fiscal year 2020-21 unspent:

-Approximately 95% is quasi-statutory in nature and was approved by Parliament to cover the costs of Veterans’ benefits and services. Veterans Affairs Canada has no authority to spend these funds for any other purpose, ensuring they remain available to Veterans in future years.

-Approximately 5% was approved by Parliament to cover departmental operating costs and these unspent funds were made available in fiscal year 2021-22 through standard and common mechanisms/processes available to all departments.

As a result, 100% of the $634M unspent budgets were available beyond fiscal year 2020-21. The 5% from the operating budget was made available in 2021-22 and the remaining 95% from the quasi-statutory budgets was or will be made available in the future to cover the costs of serving and supporting Veterans, based on when they come forward and are eligible.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Donald Neil Plett on May 17, 2022)

Over the last decade, the NCC has completed some work at 24 Sussex including the rehabilitation of chimneys and fireplaces, fire compartmentalization, stabilization of the escarpment at the back and west sides of the property and the removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos, from the main building. However, the corporation has not been able to proceed with the extensive rehabilitation of the residence and has been limited to completing repairs that were urgently required for health and safety.

As 24 Sussex Drive has not seen significant investment in over 60 years, the additional work required would include the rehabilitation of the building envelope, replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, and construction of universally accessible entrances and washrooms. All buildings on the site would require extensive recapitalization and the NCC would need prolonged access to the residence. The NCC is working with its federal partners to develop a plan for the future of 24 Sussex Drive and is ensuring that issues related to security, functionality, environmental sustainability, universal accessibility, design excellence and heritage preservation are taken into consideration in its preparations.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Mary Coyle on May 18, 2022)

The Glasgow Climate Pact stressed the need to address the gaps in the implementation of the goals of the Paris Agreement.

At the May Ministerial meeting on Implementation in Copenhagen, Canada emphasized our efforts in implementation by pointing to the Canada Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which enshrines in legislation Canada’s enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution to cut emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030. It also legislates Canada’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As a key deliverable under the Act, the Government of Canada established the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which provides a roadmap to achieve Canada’s 2030 target and put us on a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Canada is finalizing our first National Adaptation Strategy in 2022, and delivering our five-year (2021-2026) $5.3 billion international climate finance commitment.

Canada supports the focus on implementation and, at COP27, will showcase Canadian climate efforts as well as advocate for ambitious and concrete action by all, particularly major emitters.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on May 18, 2022)

The Employment Insurance (EI) Program, including its Call Centre, remains at the forefront of the Government of Canada’s service to Canadians and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department recognizes the hardship that delays in receiving benefits can cause to claimants and their families. Service Canada continues to onboard resources to ensure that the appropriate capacity is in place to meet the demand and deliver EI benefit payments to clients in a timely manner. Claimants will not lose any benefits as a result of any delays.

In fiscal year 2021-2022, Service Canada met its processing service standards. From April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, 85.4% of EI payments or notifications of non-payment were made within the 28-day timeframe (against the annual target of 80%). In fiscal year 2020-21, the result was 88.8%. These are the highest results in the last 15 years.

In fiscal year 2021-2022, fewer clients waited beyond 28 days to receive their benefits (compared to previous years) and the average days it took for clients to receive their EI payments is 18 days. In fiscal year 2020-21, the result was 16 days. These are the best results since tracking began 14 years ago.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Rosa Galvez on May 19, 2022)

Canada takes its international human rights obligations seriously and is committed to responding to the requests it receives from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) through its Early Warning and Urgent Action Procedure (EWUAP). Canada has done so consistently over the past several years.

Canadian Heritage is coordinating the preparation of a response to the latest communication Canada received from the CERD EWUAP, on the situation of the Secwepemc and Wet’suwet’en communities in British Columbia in relation to the Trans Mountain Pipeline and Coastal Gas Link Pipeline. Under the rules of procedure of the CERD EWUAP, communications between UN member states and the treaty body are to remain confidential until final views are published by the Committee.

Canadian Heritage is currently coordinating the preparation of Canada’s combined 24th and 25th reports under the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in which it will provide updates on implementation of this treaty, addressing issues raised by recent communications from the CERD EWUAP.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Ratna Omidvar on May 31, 2022)

Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:

IRCC has learned important lessons from past crises, including that each situation is unique and may require a tailored response.

A key principle is that although IRCC faces regular advocacy for special measures, the level of response should correspond to the severity of the particular crisis and be adapted to the geopolitical situation.

IRCC’s Operational Readiness function enables the department to provide an integrated response to emergency situations requiring special authorities or special program measures, particularly within the context of whole‑of‑government responses, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Afghanistan Crisis, and the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.

As the Department responds to an emergency situation where special measures are warranted, it strives to mitigate the impact on day-to-day operations.

When the situation escalated in Afghanistan and Ukraine, IRCC coordinated the departmental response by:

-Coordinating and operationalizing special immigration measures.

-Establishing an internal task force with departmental subject matter experts from affected programs and networks.

-Developing regular situation reports, briefings and decision-making support materials for senior management, including the Minister.

-Reporting on IRCC’s activities in response to emergency situations to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre, led by Global Affairs Canada, as needed.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 1, 2022)

Primary care is the backbone of high-performing health care, serving as Canadians’ first point of contact with the system and playing a critical role in the delivery of health services. We understand that Canadians still struggle to secure timely access to a regular primary care provider or team.

Health Canada, with other federal departments, is working with provincial and territorial governments and key stakeholders to identify immediate and longer-term solutions to the health human resources challenges that affect primary care.

Our response to the health human resources crisis is focused on sustainably increasing the supply of health care workers and helping create healthier workplaces to support retention and the mental health of health care workers.

The federal government remains a strong partner, supporting provinces and territories on access to care through recent Budget commitments and the long-term, predictable health care funding through the Canada Health Transfer.

Looking ahead, the federal government is focused on collaborating with provinces and territories to advance Canadians’ priorities. Budget 2022 noted the Government’s commitment to advance work on health human resources; integrated, patient-centred primary care; mental health; aging at home; and, health data and digital health.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Dennis Glen Patterson on June 7, 2022)

To date, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has conducted a small number of research projects to support CIB objectives. For example, the CIB partnered with the Conference Board to examine microgrids for Northern and remote communities. As research efforts grow, conducting research in partnership with the Indigenous community is a priority.

The CIB has established a target of $1 billion for Indigenous Infrastructure projects.

One example investment is Oneida Energy Storage, which features Indigenous participation through the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation’s equity partnership with NRStor.

The CIB is providing advice to projects such as the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link. The proposed project features a 1,200-kilometre, 150-megawatt transmission line with fibre-optic cabling to Nunavut from Manitoba.

Indigenous communities are often smaller and more remote. To address this dynamic, the CIB has launched the Indigenous Communities Infrastructure Initiative (ICII) for lower cost but vital infrastructure. Example projects under ICII include:

·Tshiuetin Rail investment in the first Indigenous-owned railway in Canada.

·Kahkewistahaw Landing developing an urban reserve in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

·Atlin Hydroelectric Expansion, a new hydroelectric facility and transmission line to deliver clean power to the Yukon microgrid.

To date, the CIB through ICII has made investment commitments that will benefit 29 communities.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 8, 2022)

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced that it will adopt 9-8-8 for Canadians to call or text when in need of immediate mental health crisis and suicide prevention support. This will be launched across Canada on November 30, 2023.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is preparing for implementation by:

·Selecting the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to lead coordination of 9-8-8 service delivery;

·Determining anticipated demand through a contract with PricewaterhouseCoopers;

·Learning from international counterparts, including the United States, which introduced 9-8-8 in July 2022 after four years of preparation; and,

·Engaging with partners on service delivery considerations. Meetings with representatives from provinces and territories were held in May 2022 and July 2022.

Budget 2021 highlighted the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting the three-digit number. Budget 2019 announced $25 million over five years to support Talk Suicide Canada, previously the Canada Suicide Prevention Service. Through this initiative, people across Canada have access to support in English and French by phone (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year), and text (evenings).

PHAC’s suicide prevention policy and program teams are supporting this initiative, including two managers and their respective teams.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable David M. Wells on June 9, 2022)

The Government of Canada’s first priority is always the safety and security of its citizens. Canada has thoroughly engaged in providing consular support and assistance to the individuals involved since their initial detention and will continue to do so. Global Affairs Canada officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

As the legal processes develop, Global Affairs Canada will continue to raise the case at every appropriate opportunity. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs have also directly engaged on this file.

Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Salma Ataullahjan on June 15, 2022)

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is funded to deliver a wait time service level, where on average, 85% of passengers wait less than 15 minutes to be screened at Class 1 airports, on an annual basis. There will be times when passengers wait longer as has been the case since before the pandemic.

Screening officers, employed through third-party contractors, must meet the qualifications established by Transport Canada in the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations, 2012, including possessing a Transportation Security Clearance, any exceptions must be approved by Transport Canada.

In May 2021, CATSA began planning for an increase in passenger traffic for 2022/23. As a result of the recent increase in demand for travel, CATSA has taken actions to ramp up screening capacity including obtaining a temporary security exemption from Transport Canada that permits recruits to undergo training while their transportation security clearance is being processed. They may work as fully trained screening officers under certain conditions. Even with the exemption, a criminal record check and five‑year background check are conducted for screening officers participating in the facilitation and screening of passengers.

Pre-certified screening officers are deployed at checkpoints to conduct non-screening duties, allowing fully certified screening officers to focus their efforts on key functions.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Claude Carignan on June 16, 2022)

The Government of Canada is taking steps to help streamline the in-person application process and better manage large crowds and lineups for passport services, in particular in large urban centres. Service Canada continues to work to resolve a range of issues in delivering passport service.

The end of the lease at 3 Place Laval resulted in the relocation of the site. A call for tenders was conducted, the site at 2214 Chomedey Highway, Unit 20 met the criteria stipulated in the call for tenders. The Passport office located at 3 Place Laval #500 served its last clients on Friday, May 27. The office reopened for business at 2214 Chomedey Highway, Unit 20 on Monday, May 30.

Signage advising of the change in location was posted on the doors and windows at 3 Place Laval, two weeks prior to the change and the details regarding the change in location were posted on the Government of Canada Website on May 30. Furthermore, the announcement of the move was published in the local electronic media “Laval News” in the week of May 23 and June 1^st.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald on June 20, 2022)

The Government of Canada is committed to meeting its requirements under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

The Access to Information Program needs to reflect today’s digital world and Canadians’ expectations for accessible, timely, and trustworthy information. TBS has provided guidance to institutions urging them to make best efforts to process requests and proactively publish information, in accordance with operational realities.

The Government aims to provide the best services to Canadians, while having the best value for taxpayers. The use of professional services is important in ensuring the delivery of Government operations. All federal government contracts are subject to the laws, regulations, policies, directives and procedures that guide and govern contracting, including requirements that contracts are issued in a fair, open and transparent manner.

In Budget 2021, the Government allocated $12.8 million to support further improvements to the online Access to Information and Personal Information Request Service, to accelerate the proactive release of information, and to support completion of the Access to Information Act Review.

The Government remains committed to always maintaining openness and transparency, particularly during this challenging period. Through the proactive disclosure of contracts, the Government demonstrates accountability.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Marty Deacon on June 21, 2022)

Next Generation HR and Pay Initiative is underway to develop recommendations for a flexible, modern, and integrated HR and Pay solution. This work involves exploring how to transform and modernize the HR and Pay landscape with a focus on simplifying and standardizing processes.

The initiative is currently in the Design & Experimentation stage and is testing a proposed solution against the complexities of the Government of Canada’s human resources and pay requirements. This will help provide a clear understanding of how the solution can provide accurate and timely pay as well as identify what needs to change to successfully adopt such a new solution.

All testing is happening outside of the existing HR and pay systems. This means that employees continue to be paid through the current pay system while testing is taking place.

The Design & Experimentation phase will conclude in the spring of 2023 allowing for the development of recommendations later in 2023.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Judith G. Seidman on June 21, 2022)

Since June 2021, the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories (PTs) have been co-developing a Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy (PCHDS) to improve Canada’s collection, access, sharing and use of health data. This has been informed by the advice in three reports produced by the PCHDS Expert Advisory Group (EAG). In its final report published May 2022, the EAG provided ten recommendations to expedite the creation of a person‑centred, world-class health data system. All recommendations and insights provided by the EAG guide the PCHDS with an emphasis on improving interoperability standards and architecture, advancing data stewardship, and enhancing data literacy and public trust.

The Government of Canada and the PTs are working together to finalize the PCHDS, and to identify common areas for action and build consensus on how a PCHDS could be implemented to help improve health equity, respond to public health risks, and contribute to the sustainability of health systems across the country. This collaboration underscores our commitment to strengthening health data management for the benefit of all people in Canada.

(Responses to questions raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on June 23, 2022)

NRCan is working closely with provinces and territories (PTs) to establish cost-shared partnerships vital to the 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program. In 2021, NRCan signed one‑year funding agreements with Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and the Northwest Territories. The program is currently negotiating multi-year agreements with PTs to undertake activities that maximize greenhouse gas benefits while enhancing biodiversity and forest resiliency.

NRCan’s program partners succeeded in planting approximately 29 million trees from over 150 different species at over 500 sites across Canada. Planting sites are located within every province across Canada, with the majority in Quebec and British Columbia. Tree planting within the territories is anticipated in coming years, particularly as territorial agreements are put in place.

Cost estimates for the program have not been revised. The budget includes $3.16 billion in new funding and $400 million of existing departmental resources allocated to the 2BT program, for a total of $3.2 billion. The program design involves cost-sharing with planting partners, generally 50% of project costs, which was not included in the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s estimate and explains the difference.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of September 21, 2022, moved:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order, or usual practice, until end of the day on December 22, 2022, any joint committee be authorized to hold hybrid meetings, with the provisions of the order of February 10, 2022, concerning such meetings, having effect; and

That a message be sent to the House of Commons to acquaint that house accordingly.