Senator Gold: What the government cares about is assisting Canadians who are going through very challenging times, as are citizens around the world. In fact, that’s what the government has done.

The government cares about Canadians; that’s why it is supporting Canadians, and that’s why it is investing in Canadians. This government cares about prudent fiscal management of the country, and I repeat, because the evidence demonstrates that: Of all the G7 countries, we are doing better than all by many indicators. In that regard, this government will continue to stay the course.

Yes, the government has invested in our future. Yes, that is necessary for our children and grandchildren to have careers and jobs in a sustainable economy and on a livable planet.

Senator Boisvenu: What I asked, Senator Gold, was why the Prime Minister, who was in the room, did not meet with the families of the victims of this terrible tragedy. When will he help those families, given that three years ago he said that he would be there for them?

Senator Gold: I am not in a position to tell you why the events unfolded as you have described, but I can assure you that the federal government will do what it can, in conjunction with the Government of Nova Scotia, to assist those in the communities affected by the tragedy.

[English]

Senator Gold: I’m not in a position to know exactly. I don’t know how these discussions are unfolding and therefore I really don’t know what the timetable may be. I’ll make some efforts to find out where things stand and report back when I get an answer.

Senator Bernard: I’ll just say, Senator Gold, that we would appreciate if you would make inquiries and report back to the chamber. Thank you.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table the answers to the following oral questions:

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 8, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning health care transfers.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on February 15, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the fertilizer tariff.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on March 9, 2023, by the Honourable Senator Dalphond, concerning live horse exports.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on February 8, 2023)

Indigenous Peoples have the right to fair and equal access to quality and culturally safe health services free from racism and discrimination. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced $2 billion over 10 years to address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to culturally safe health services.

This new Indigenous health equity fund is intended to be distributed on a distinctions basis. While it is still early days, the government will work with national and regional Indigenous partners to prioritize investments and define the implementation plan. The government will be able to provide further details on the list of Indigenous partners as the engagement takes shape.

Additional information on when and how the funding will be distributed will be shared as soon as these details have been finalized.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on February 15, 2023)

The Government of Canada’s response to the illegal invasion was to revoke the Most-Favoured-Nation status for imports from Russia and Belarus, resulting in tariffs of 35 per cent on all goods entering Canada from these two countries. Approximately $34.1 million represents the value of duties collected on Russian fertilizer, historically a key source for imports of fertilizer in Eastern Canada.

Since 2020, fertilizer and lime expenses almost doubled, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine further impacted the global fertilizer market.

Canada recognizes the effect of increased prices of fertilizer on farmers. To help farmers manage cash flow challenges, the Government amended the Advance Payments Program in 2022 to increase the interest-free portion of cash advances from $100,000 to $250,000. Through Budget 2023, this limit was further increased to $350,000 for the 2023 growing season.

Furthermore, Budget 2023 allocated $34.1 million to the On-Farm Climate Action Fund to support adoption of nitrogen management practices by Eastern Canadian farmers, to optimize the use of fertilizer.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pierre J. Dalphond on March 9, 2023)

The Government takes animal welfare seriously and is working to advance the mandate letter commitment to ban the live export of horses for slaughter. Under the Health of Animals Regulations, strengthened requirements on the humane transport of animals came into effect in February 2020. In Canada, humane treatment of livestock is protected by provincial and federal laws and regulations. Horses exported must meet all Canadian and international standards.

The Government is exploring legal and policy frameworks for a ban, including legal obligations, international trade commitments and relations, acts and regulations involving animals, and mechanisms for implementation and enforcement. The Government is performing its due diligence to minimize potential unintended consequences, taking into account international trade commitments, impacts on producers’ livelihoods, and interaction with existing laws or regulations.

The Government is consulting with relevant stakeholders. Stakeholder engagements include, but are not limited to, animal rights advocacy groups, provincial governments, industry representatives, and Indigenous business owners and organizations.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 187, dated January 31, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Treasury Board Secretariat.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 187, dated January 31, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding the Treasury Board Secretariat — Public Services and Procurement Canada.