Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, which highlights not only the importance of the issue, but also everyone’s right to be treated properly and fairly, which also applies to people who are incarcerated.

I don’t have the answer to your question at the moment. This is a concern for me too, and I assure you I will contact the minister and come back with a response as soon as possible.

Senator Gold: I will add that to my list of questions to ask the government. Thank you.

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you. That is a very good set of questions. I will certainly make inquiries and be pleased to report back when I get an answer.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your very important question, senator.

The government is aware of the studies done by the professors you mentioned. I am friends with Professor Gold. We are not related, by the way.

As I’ve said many times, the government is working with its partners and with international organizations to ensure that everyone in the world can get vaccinated quickly. There are several possible ways to get there, and looking at intellectual property rights is one of them. The government is in talks with its partners to, quote, unquote, “change the rules” on intellectual property, in particular with respect to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which was signed under the auspices of the World Trade Organization.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. That gives me the opportunity to answer briefly. Since you asked three questions, the answer is no, it is not; no, it is not; and no, it is not.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I will speak to government officials and get back to you as soon as possible.

[English]

Senator Gold: Will the senator take a question?

Senator Gold: Of course. It would be my pleasure to do so.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator, thank you for your question and for raising her case, which is unfortunately emblematic of far too many.

Yes, indeed, the mandate letter reaffirms or concretizes a commitment that this government has already made, about which I’ve spoken, to welcome at least 40,000 Afghan refugees. There have been close to 10,000 already processed, and over 5,000 are here. Much more needs to be done, and as quickly as it can be done it will be done. I will be pleased to communicate your questions and concerns to the appropriate ministers.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and for quoting what I said in this chamber.

The government’s position that I shared with you remains the same. The government’s priorities for this period were well established and properly communicated. Fortunately, we are doing our part to ensure that the government’s legislative priorities are implemented.

[English]

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?

Hon. Jim Quinn: Yes, I have a question for Senator Gold.

Senator Gold: Thank you, Senator Downe. My question is an attempt to return us to the actual bill or the amendment to the bill that we’re referring to.

When the Government Representative in the Senate stands before this chamber and says that it is the view of the Government of Canada that the amendment is covered by the current language in Bill C-3, being mindful of our former colleague Senator Baker’s remarks of how the court takes our pronouncements in the chamber and committee seriously, would you not agree that the government position, as stated by the Government Representative, will be and should be considered, not only by courts but by senators, relating to this amendment?

Senator Downe: Thank you for that. The problem, of course, is that we’ve heard various things from various governments over the years in various bills. We’ve heard, Senator Gold, as I outlined in my speech, various promises and commitments about legislation that has come forward from the House of Commons about what the purpose was.

Let me talk briefly about the veterans charter. We were assured that that New Veterans Charter would improve the benefits for veterans and their families. Not only did all the opposition parties in the government support it 100%, but many of the then-veterans groups supported it. The opposition came from individual veterans, many of whom claimed and were suspicious that it was a cost-saving measure, and we found out they were right. Veterans were denied benefits — people who lost limbs in the service of Canada overseas. Millions of dollars were lost, as the Parliamentary Budget Officer documented, because we asked him. The government said it wasn’t a cost saving; veterans said he checked it out, and sure enough it was.

Back to your point about the bill, what is said and what the interpretation may be is not up for discussion if Senator White’s amendment goes through. It brings greater certainty to an area I’m particularly concerned about, and that is the protest at the residence of the chief health official of Prince Edward Island that happened last Saturday. Dr. Morrison, her family and her children had protesters out in front of her house. Senator White’s amendment will fix that without a doubt, and that’s why I’m supporting it.