Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for raising this important question. The Port of Vancouver is a critically important port and has been badly affected by both the worldwide supply chain disruptions due to the pandemic and, of course, the catastrophic flooding that has hit your province, senator. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with its provincial counterparts and others to respond in a responsible and timely fashion to the requests that are being made of it.

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

The Government of Canada understands very well the importance of delivering levels of service to Canadians that they expect in this digital age. It is of note that there are currently 33 federal departments managing over 270 government online programs and services where identity verification is required. The Digital Identity project, which aims to improve the security and ease of use of existing federal Digital Identity services, as well as supporting provincial services, is under way and advancing. It is ongoing. I have been assured it will continue.

With regard to a specific implementation timeline, I will be pleased to make inquiries and report back to the chamber.

Senator C. Deacon: Thank you for your response, Senator Gold.

It is interesting to note that according to a survey in 2020, 9 out of 10 Canadians want to have access to Digital Identity once they understand how it increases their personal security and control. Could you ask the government to explain why they have not prioritized this foundational legislation in the last five years? Please bring back to us a date by which they intend to cause this to occur — simply acting on their own five-year-old strategy. Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and your comments. Thank you to all in the private sector who have facilitated or helped with the arrival of this first plane.

I also appreciate having been given some notice of this question, which allowed me to make inquiries. Alas, I have not yet received an answer. When I do hear back, I will be happy to report.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for the question. The government takes very seriously all issues that are raised, regardless of the region and by whom. It is here to serve Canadians.

I want to note, for example, the important initiatives undertaken by both the federal government and the Province of Saskatchewan — notwithstanding being in the midst of a worldwide pandemic — on making life more affordable with the agreement on reduced child care fees. I also know that the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and several senior ministers continue to exercise good bilateral relationships with their provincial counterparts in Saskatchewan on a considerable range of public policy initiatives.

The recently announced Cabinet Committees on Economy, Inclusion and Climate mandated to look at issues including the environment, the post-pandemic recovery and economic development, also include several ministers from Western Canada.

I should also state the obvious that there are five Saskatchewan senators across four distinct Senate groups. We just welcomed a new senator from that province. These provincial voices in our chamber can contribute in a significant manner, individually and through committee studies, on government legislation.

Finally, as a representative of the government, I offer my services as a conduit for these concerns to ensure that the views of Saskatchewan are transmitted through my office to the government.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the questions. There were many.

The government is aware that there are some challenges with the technology designed to keep Canadians safe. I have been informed that, over the weekend, Minister Mendicino spoke with the CBSA on these and related issues to ensure that proper and additional guidance is provided to front line officers.

With regard to your other questions, I will have to make inquires and report back.

[Translation]