Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The government is taking measures to protect our borders. The government is also assuming its responsibilities. People are treated humanely when they arrive, no matter how they get here, as is appropriate in a democratic country like ours.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Canada is working with its international partners, the provinces, municipalities and organizations here in Canada not only to invite and welcome refugees, people who are in danger because of what is happening in Ukraine, but also to give them what they need, whether they want to start a new life here in Canada or just stay here for the duration of the crisis in Ukraine. Canada will continue to do this until it is no longer necessary.

(For text of Delayed Answers, see Appendix.)

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. I will have to make inquiries about the monies to which you have referred. I will be happy to report back to the chamber as soon as I can.

Senator Gold: Yes, it is. Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for the question. The government knows very well that boosting Canada’s productivity growth is an essential step toward ensuring economic prosperity.

Almost two years ago, the government put in place an economic response plan with unprecedented measures to meet the challenges to Canadians and to our economy that arose from the pandemic. As we emerge from the pandemic, the government believes that our national focus must be on economic growth and on making life more affordable for Canadians. I have been advised that these priorities will form the foundation of Budget 2022. The government looks forward to tabling Budget 2022 on April 7 and presenting its plan, moving forward, to all Canadians.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I’m not sure that the 14,000 who were assisted would characterize it as a failure, but there is no question that the challenges facing first-time homeowners and, more broadly, Canadians if they own a home and wish to change homes are real and pressing and have been for some time. The Government of Canada evaluates the efficacy of its programs and makes changes where it is appropriate and will continue to do so.

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

I will begin by noting that on March 23, the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments launched an official call for new applicants to fill Senate vacancies for British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The government makes sure that all provincial and territorial advisory boards are established efficiently and quickly to ensure that all applicants are assessed and that all provinces and regions are properly represented in this place.

As you know it is an arm’s-length process. The Government Representative does not have much say in the process. That said, I am hopeful that the process will move along efficiently and that several appointments will soon be announced. I have no further information to give you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for underlining the very challenging problem — there is no better word for it — for the younger generation seeking the same advantages we had when we were at that stage of life.

The government has put forward programs to help and will continue to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal governments to do what it can within its jurisdiction to assist young people to be able to find and acquire their homes.

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

Of course I do not believe that the Parliamentary Budget Officer is misleading senators. He is expressing his opinion based on his experience and in recognition of the challenge, which we all recognize, of coming through the pandemic and responding to the calls of industry, businesses, individuals, working Canadians and Canadians who are unable to find work for assistance through these difficult times, coupled, happily, with a strong economy — as you pointed out properly, colleague — and low unemployment.

It is an enormous challenge to balance all the competing needs, desires, aspirations and responsibilities of government. The Government of Canada, which will be presenting its budget tomorrow, believes that it is firmly on track to provide what Canadians and our economy need to move forward and to build a better future for all Canadians.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. It is an important one. As we all know, temporary foreign workers have played a very important role in ensuring our food security and the stability of it, and they deserve to be safe. As you pointed out, there were far too many examples in the last few years of employers falling short of their responsibilities. That’s why I am advised that the government is ensuring that employers are prepared to safely welcome workers through working with the provinces; ensuring that employers meet program obligations to strengthen inspections; improving the temporary foreign workers tip line to provide services in multiple languages; providing direct assistance to workers through migrant worker organizations and responding to quickly to emerging issues through coordination with its partners.

With all of that said, the government knows there is still much more work to do, and that’s why the government is committing to strengthening its integrity measures further to ensure that temporary foreign workers work in a safe and decent environment.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. As you know, colleagues, the Senate administration already provides orientation and administrative support for each new senator. That includes setting up a temporary office to welcome them.

My understanding is that recently each group and caucus has been taking care of their members’ orientation as soon as they join a group or caucus. That being said, I would be very happy to work with you, with the leaders of the Senate, to see if there are ways that we could change or improve our approach to orientation for new senators to make it more useful for both the Senate and those who are joining us and to help new senators more easily transition into their role. Thank you.

[English]

Senator Gold: With regard to your last question, I have nothing to say except that I do not believe that is the government’s position. The government values veterans, as I’ve said on many occasions, and I will say it because it is true. The service that veterans have provided to our country is to be honoured.

I will have to make inquiries, however, with regard to the earlier part of your question — namely, the status of unused funds, the reasons for them, and what the government’s plans may be to address this going forward.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Senator, thank you for your question. The government has delivered unprecedented support to help keep Canadian families and Canadian businesses solvent throughout the pandemic. It continues to implement a responsible fiscal plan to support the Canadian economy.

Last week, the government announced investments exceeding $7.5 million for nine initiatives in support of businesses in Parry Sound and the Muskoka region in Ontario. These projects are designed to create new jobs, enhance productivity and help businesses grow.

I might also add that the Economic and Fiscal Update shows that the size of the Canadian economy last year would be $2.48 trillion, almost exactly what was predicted in Budget 2018, and this was prior to grappling with the global pandemic.

With respect to detailed productivity measures and the monitoring efforts, I will seek an answer from the government and report back to the chamber.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I think what Canadians should accept — and I hope understand, as I will try to elaborate in my answer — is that Canada is working on many fronts to address this important issue. Indeed, the government has chosen to focus its efforts on ensuring that our immigration plans support our economic growth in this post-pandemic era and our economic resurgence. To ensure Canada has the workers it needs to fill crucial labour market gaps, the government’s 2022‑2024 Immigration Levels Plan aims to continue welcoming immigrants at an historic rate, including 431,645 permanent residents in 2022.

Honourable senators, last year, the government launched three new pathways for international graduates, workers in health care and workers in other essential sectors. The government has also created a new pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in health care during the pandemic. It also introduced the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot and Agri‑Food Pilot, and the government is working with provinces, territories, business groups and municipalities to develop a new municipal nominee program.

[Translation]