Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate.

Senator Gold, we have all heard of Fatemeh Anvari, a Grade 3 teacher who was removed from her classroom because she wore a hijab. Sadly, that is only one story of many. I would love to share with you the exact number of Canadians Bill 21 has impacted since its inception in 2019, but no such data exists.

Senator Gold, when will the government commit to investigate and collect data on the ramifications of Bill 21?

Senator Ataullahjan: Senator Gold, we have been informed by NGOs and through various university studies that Bill 21 has negatively impacted hundreds of Canadians. For example, families had to relocate after making the impossible choice between their career and their faith. Some were forced to go back to school to change their field of expertise. Many, because of their faith, struggle to find meaningful employment and now suffer from poor mental health.

Senator Gold, what are the government’s plans to implement services and financial support for Canadians whose lives have been upended because of Bill 21?