Senator Plett: Keep in mind, I can regale you all for another hour and a half here because I am unlimited even in speaking to this subamendment. I would rather choose to ask Senator Gold two questions.

Senator Gold, what is your definition of consensus? That is my first question; I do have a second.

Senator Gold: I think I have answered the question. I really have nothing else to add to the answer I have provided.

Senator Gold: I agree with every point. Thank you for putting it more elegantly than I could.

Senator Gold: Thank you, colleague. I certainly will pass that on and make inquiries to satisfy myself that I know as much as I can know about this file.

Senator Gold: Again, I thank you for your question. But I think the premise is incomplete if not incorrect.

It is up to the parties, including the party of which you are a member, to decide whether it wants to participate so that Canadians can have the benefit of a fair, transparent and appropriate process or to continue to posture around the issue.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for bringing this back to the chamber’s attention. Regrettably, I don’t have a response, but you do have my assurance that I will follow up and try to get one as quickly as I can.

Senator Gold: Of course.

Senator Gold: I understood the question.

As the government representative, we are always open to working with other senators — leadership and senators — to advance the ability of the Senate to do its work in an effective way, and in a way that is mindful of the challenges that people face when unable, for health reasons, to be here. So we would be open to participating in that. It is not ours to lead. But we would work happily with those individuals at the appropriate time, if that’s the will of the Senate.

My door is open. My mind is open. But my mind is convinced that this subamendment is not necessary and, in fact, I’m going to vote against it.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator, thank you for your question and for raising this very troubling situation for the families and for those currently still in the Dominican Republic.

Of course, the Canadian government is aware of this situation, is concerned and is in fact acting. I’ve been advised that consular officials are providing assistance. They’re in contact with the families of the Canadian citizens. I’m also advised that the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs is directly engaged on this file.

Colleagues, because of the importance and considerations of privacy, I’m not able to provide any further information on the details of those initiatives, but they are ongoing.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. It’s an important one. The government knows that improved connectivity will ensure that Indigenous communities have access to online learning, job training, health care, social and cultural services as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Federally funded projects are supporting the connection of nearly 1 million households, including those across 190 Indigenous communities. To support all applicants, but particularly smaller and Indigenous applicants, under the Universal Broadband Fund, the government created a pathfinder service that assists in building partnerships, points to potential sources of funding and helps to navigate the application process. In addition, the Universal Broadband Fund has allocated $50 million for mobile projects that primarily benefit Indigenous communities, and the Universal Broadband Fund’s Rapid Response Stream has already announced broadband projects that aim to connect 15,000 Indigenous households by the end of this year.

I’m advised that the government’s plan was developed to respond to its goal, to which you made reference, of connecting all Canadians to high-speed internet by 2030. That’s why the government is working with its partners, including all levels of government, the private sector and, of course, Indigenous communities.

With regard to the second part of your question, the government recognizes that Canada historically has not armed under-represented groups with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the innovation economy, and that’s why the government is bringing new or improved high-speed internet to 190 Indigenous communities that face unique connectivity challenges. A cornerstone of the federal government’s Intellectual Property Strategy was the promotion and protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expression. The government is committed to continuing to deliver simpler, more targeted and effective support for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of April 27, 2022, moved:

That, notwithstanding any provisions of the Rules, previous order or usual practice, the provisions of the order of November 25, 2021, concerning hybrid sittings of the Senate and committees, and other matters, extended on March 31, 2022, have effect until the end of the day on June 30, 2022, subject to the following adjustments:

1.subparagraph 7(a) to (e) of the order of November 25, 2021, be replaced by the following:

“(a)when the Senate sits on a Monday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or midnight;

(b)when the Senate sits on a Tuesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the later of the end of Government Business or 6 p.m.;

(c)when the Senate sits on a Wednesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;

(d)when the Senate sits on a Thursday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of business for the day or midnight; and

(e)when the Senate sits on a Friday, the sitting:

(i)start at 9 a.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;” and

2.the provisions of paragraphs 12 and 13 of the order of November 25, 2021, cease to have effect, so that the evening suspension be as provided for in rule 3-3(1), including on Mondays, and, consequently, if the Rules require that something take place at 8 p.m., it take place at the time provided for in the Rules; and

That the Senate recognize the need to work towards a return to a schedule of committee meetings reflecting Ottawa-based operations, and call upon the Committee of Selection to continue to work with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups to advance this objective.

He said: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to Motion No. 35, which will extend hybrid sittings for both the Senate Chamber and our committees until the end of day June 30, 2022.

I will not reiterate all the reasons and public health rationales for the need for continuing our deliberations in a hybrid fashion. In my humble opinion, they are self-evident. However, for anyone who may not be up to date on the continuing severity of the COVID-19 spread and its ramifications, permit me to take a few moments to put a few pertinent numbers into the record.

[Translation]

As Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, made clear on April 12, Canada is now in the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial and territorial data and reports show a significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as a rising trend in serious illness because of the BA.2 sub‑lineage of Omicron, which is more contagious.

[English]

These past weeks, beginning March 15, there have been 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Parliamentary Precinct alone, including 5 in the Parliamentary Protective Service; 12 from Public Services and Procurement Canada; 26 in the Senate of Canada, which unfortunately included staff from my office; 3 in the House of Commons; and 3 in the Library of Parliament.

In the city of Ottawa, as of April 27, the average number of confirmed daily COVID-19 cases is approximately 178. There were 1,719 confirmed active cases on that date. There were also 74 ongoing outbreaks in institutional settings, there were 49 COVID-19 patients being treated in acute or ICU hospital beds and another 69 COVID-19 patients were in hospital but not in ICU.

Colleagues, we must also realize that the 1,719 number of confirmed active cases is definitely a gross underestimate since testing and tracking is no longer being carried out. Those using rapid antigen tests and testing positive are staying home and are not being factored into the numbers published by Ottawa Public Health. Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table estimates that, province-wide, there are at least 100,000 daily active cases or an estimated 2,852 COVID-19 infections each day based on a number of data trends, including waste water levels. Again, this number is very likely an underestimate.

Colleagues, let me be clear that the motion before us would extend the hybrid model to the end of June in order that we might continue to manage the threat we face as a result of COVID-19. This motion is not an opening for a discussion about continuing the hybrid model indefinitely. Some may wish to have that conversation, but Motion No. 35 is not the forum for it.

The intent of the motion before you is self-explanatory. I think we can all agree that the restrictions on the business of the chamber because of COVID-19 have been challenging. We can also agree that, based upon the aforementioned data, we are not in a position to return to normal. What this motion does achieve, however, is reflected in the final paragraph.

[Translation]

That the Senate recognize the need to work towards a return to a schedule of committee meetings reflecting Ottawa-based operations, and call upon the Committee of Selection to continue to work with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups to advance this objective.

[English]

Honourable senators, this motion maintains the still-necessary hybrid model while reflecting a transition toward a more normal sitting schedule. It will also, simultaneously, open up more Senate committee time slots by adjusting our sitting times. These steps are modest, but they are prudent. They will go a long way toward allowing for greater flexibility at this time of year when committee studies are so crucial.

Honourable senators, like most of you, I wish we could turn back the clock, or at least turn the clock so far forward that we could meet daily, that we could have committees sit as per their normal schedule and that we could socialize with each other in greater numbers and in greater contexts. I wish we could greet each other properly and not from across the room. Perhaps there are those of us who are living with someone who should not be put at risk.

Finally, and most importantly, no senator should be prevented from performing his or her constitutional duties because health concerns, whether their own or those of a loved one with whom they live or are close to, preclude them from attending in person.

From the outset, the Senate’s hybrid model has permitted all senators to take part in chamber proceedings and in all-important committee work, which are truly, in my estimation, the most significant aspect of our responsibilities to provide sober second thought to legislation and public policy issues with which we are seized. Overall, I believe that the hybrid model that Parliament instituted nearly two years ago has served us all well. Extending it until at least the summer break with the modifications included in Government Motion No. 35, which was based on the input and views of all of the leadership in this place, will ensure inclusivity and the ability for all senators to debate, review and study legislation sent to us from the other place or initiated here.

In conclusion, I ask all honourable senators to approve this motion and extend hybrid sittings for both the chamber and committees until the end of June. Thank you.

Senator Gold: I certainly do agree. Thank you.

Hon. Leo Housakos: Will Senator Gold take a question?

Senator Gold: Yes, thank you for pointing that out. It struck me as I was reading it that that was not entirely what I intended.

There is no hidden agenda here. I made it clear — and I’m going to make it clear in response to your question — that the only thing that we are concerned about and should be concerned about is whether or not hybrid should be extended to June 30. It is not the position of the Government Representative Office nor is it the position of this government that this is a smokescreen for anything else.

The focus should be on whether or not, between now and when we expect to rise for the summer break, we can function in a safe and appropriate environment. That’s the position of the government and that’s my position. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify that.