Senator Cormier: Thank you for this question. What is planned, actually, is public, so I can say who the witnesses are for the next meeting, which is next Monday.

[Translation]

We will welcome the following witnesses: Michel Doucet, Professor Emeritus at the Université de Moncton’s Faculty of Law, Érik Labelle Eastaugh, Associate Professor at the International Observatory on Language Rights, Janice Naymark, Counsel, and Benoît Pelletier, Distinguished Professor at the Civil Law Section of the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.

These witnesses are scheduled to attend the meeting on Monday, after which we will proceed to clause‑by‑clause consideration. That is the answer I can give you, Senator Patterson, at this point.

[English]

Senator Cardozo: I would press you further on the matter of climate change that you mentioned, senator. What is the government doing to address these fires from a longer-term perspective — the environmental perspective — given that this could go on all summer, or maybe become the norm every summer or even every spring, summer and fall? How much more do we need to be doing about the environment and climate change?

Senator Plett: In fact, you didn’t explain it, and although Senator Omidvar usually sits on our side of the chamber, the last time I looked, she wasn’t a member of the opposition.

Leader, in October at a protest here in Ottawa following the murder of Mahsa Amini by Iran’s morality police, the Prime Minister said:

We will stand with you. I march with you. I will hold hands with you. We will continue to stand with this beautiful community —

— but we won’t support them in a vote.

This Sunday, another large rally is scheduled to take place on Parliament Hill. Canadians will once again take to the streets in the hopes that the Trudeau government — and maybe Senator Gold — will hear them and list the IRGC as a terrorist entity.

Leader, doesn’t the vote last night sum up the Trudeau government in a nutshell? Offer to hold hands during a protest, vote against a motion in the Senate and then do absolutely nothing?

Senator Simons: Sorry, I blame Senator LaBoucane-Benson. It’s become contagious across the floor.

In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, conducts regular tests where disguised agents attempt to sneak contraband items, including drugs, guns and fake bombs, through airport security. In 2017, America’s Department of Transportation Inspector General reported that about 70% of such contraband items went undetected by TSA inspectors. Two years before, in 2015, 95% of contraband went undetected. I have to say that under the Trump administration, however, the government in the United States stopped reporting those numbers.

My office got curious, and we contacted the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority — CATSA — and were told that similar tests are indeed run in Canada as well. But when we asked whether there was any data on how much contraband gets past our airport screeners in this country, we were told that information was classified as secret and could not be released.

My question is: Does the government see any value in making generalized information about the efficacy of CATSA screening public on an annual basis?

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. David M. Arnot: Honourable senators, I rise today to welcome and celebrate this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders participants. It has been an incredible honour to participate in this event as the Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples.

I have had the opportunity to meet with this dynamic group during a beautiful reception last evening and again this morning for the opening ceremonies. What strikes me most is their passion. It is clear that they care deeply about their communities and the work that they do. Honourable colleagues, I hope that you will take the time today to listen to their stories and ideas. May we all work together to create a better country for First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth.

I would like to introduce two more of the participants to you today, both with Saskatchewan connections.

Chante Speidel travelled here from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she studies at the University of Saskatchewan. She is Swampy Cree from the Treaty 4 territory in Manitoba, the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. She’s also Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. She’s a Lakota speaker. In 2017, when she was 15 years old, she became a national leader as the youth ambassador for the Manito Ahbee Festival to raise awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. She is also the youth adviser for the Oyateki Partnership, and she manages her own youth-led organization named Techa Oaye.

Also from Saskatchewan is Paula MacDonald. She’s a Saulteaux-Cree deaf woman and a member of the Pasqua First Nation, from Treaty 4 territory. She now lives here in Ottawa, where she advocates for the Indigenous deaf youth community throughout Canada. She attends talking circles to share the voices of Indigenous deaf youth. Her long-term goal is to continue working with Indigenous deaf communities to improve accessibility and provide expanded resources for the home, school, community and health care sectors.

On behalf of the Senate, thank you both for being here.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I have been told that the federal government is working closely with the provinces and territories that have a say about this in the system. I have also been told that conditions remain with respect to shared responsibilities between the two levels in this regard.

[English]

Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today during National Indigenous History Month to pay tribute to the participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders — an event hosted by the Indigenous Peoples Committee, with support from the Senate Communications Directorate.

Each year, Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders provides participants — who represent the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples — with a unique opportunity to learn more about the role of the Senate. More importantly, the event provides us with a chance to learn from them.

In line with the theme of this year’s event, which is education in all of its forms, Indigenous people aged 18 to 35 were invited to share their knowledge, experiences and perspectives a few months ago. Out of the more than 100 written submissions received, eight young people were invited to travel from their communities across Turtle Island to meet face to face with senators in Ottawa this week.

Yesterday morning, participants had the honour of meeting Governor General Mary Simon and her husband, Whit Fraser, at Rideau Hall, and in the evening attended a welcome reception in the Senate.

Earlier today, four participants testified at the Committee on Indigenous Peoples. The remaining four participants will appear later tonight. I hope all senators take the time to listen, learn and support these remarkable young leaders.

I want to now introduce you to two of the participants in more detail.

Audrey-Lise Rock-Hervieux hails from the Innu community of Pessamit, Quebec. She is the creator of the blog “Maman Autochtone.” She also works for Puamun Meshkenu, a non-profit organization that supports Indigenous youth, and for Terre Innue, a film production company. Audrey-Lise hopes to use her voice to empower Indigenous youth to make their dreams come true.

Muin Ji’j, or Bertram Bernard, is a Mi’kmaq business researcher and professional from Eskasoni First Nation. He completed a Master of Business Administration at Cape Breton University, where he focused his research thesis on improving the socio-economic well-being of Indigenous people in Canada. More recently, Muin Ji’j was accepted into the Harvard Business School’s Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities certificate program.

Honourable senators, please join me in giving Audrey-Lise, Muin Ji’j and the rest of this group a warm welcome. Let’s make their visit a memorable one. Wela’lin, thank you, tshinashkumitin.

Senator Gold: Again, the short answer is “no.” The Government of Canada stands with the victims of oppression in Iran, and it has taken serious measures, appropriate measures — thank you.

It has banned IRGC officials from Canada. It has created a new sanctions regime, increased sanctions on Iran and imposed sanctions on senior officials, prominent regime supporters, senior members of the judiciary, senior members of the prison system and law enforcement officers as well as political leaders. It sanctions against two entities linked to the IRGC, Iran’s national police force and the Iranian International University, as well as, previously, 17 individuals and 3 entities that have participated in or enabled gross human rights violations. The government has also expanded its ability to seize and freeze assets.

Canada has some of the toughest measures of any country in the world against the Iranian regime. Impunity is not a policy of this government, nor is it an option for Canadians. Canada will continue to defend human rights in Iran and elsewhere and will continue to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Once again, it’s very easy to blame the federal government for all the problems in every city, in every big city suburb and across the country. This is a very real and serious issue for the generation you’ve just described. The government has stepped up to support young people who want to buy property for their families by investing in our economy to create jobs, good jobs, for the generation entering the workforce.

The federal government is doing its part with the provinces, territories and municipalities, as well as with entrepreneurs, to try to increase the supply of affordable homes for young families.

[English]

Senator Gold: As I said, esteemed colleague, the minister clearly told the commissioner that the decision was unacceptable; he then took the appropriate steps to ensure that the decision was reviewed.

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question and for raising the important issue of the security of our borders. I will certainly bring your question to the attention of the relevant minister and officials in the hope of receiving an answer.

[Translation]

Hon. Dennis Glen Patterson: Honourable senators, it is my pleasure to stand today to welcome the participants of this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders. These eight young people are joining us as we celebrate National Indigenous History Month in June. It’s a time to honour the resilience, contributions and storied history of the Inuit, First Nations and Métis peoples across the country. It is also a time to reflect on the legacy of colonialism and the many ways in which our country has failed Indigenous peoples.

Honourable colleagues, the youth here today remind us that we can do better. They are working hard to support their respective communities, and they are true role models for Indigenous youth across the country.

Their presentations to our committee this morning were heartwarming and inspirational. It is with my deepest respect, awe and gratitude that I stand before you to introduce two of these young leaders.

I would first like to welcome Dina Koonoo who has come all the way from Pond Inlet to be with us. She is the manager of the Early Years program for Pirurvik Preschool in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. As part of her role, Ms. Koonoo facilitates the support of mothers, fathers, infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families. She especially loves working with women and children in her community.

I would also like to introduce Katherine Merrell-Anderson who is from Elizabeth Métis Settlement. She’s joining us from Treaty 6 territory, also known as Edmonton, Alberta. She is a social worker in a school district where she works to ensure that her students have a safe environment to connect to their culture.

Honourable senators, please join me in welcoming Ms. Koonoo, Ms. Merrell-Anderson and the rest of this amazing group of young Indigenous leaders.

Senator Petitclerc: Senator Gold, I would like to get a clear and precise answer, especially about the flavours. You will recall that during study of Bill S-5, we were assured that this bill would provide Health Canada with the necessary flexibility to respond very quickly and make adjustments based on the most recent data available. We have that data now.

We can see that several provinces are taking the initiative and taking action. Quebec recently banned all vaping flavours other than tobacco. Don’t you think that it is the federal government’s responsibility to take action and use regulatory mechanisms to restrict or outright ban, nationwide, flavours that are appealing to young people?

Leave having been given to proceed to Motions, Order No. 126:

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of the eight youth participants of Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders 2023 as well as Elders Simon Brascoupé, Ruth Kadlutsiak and Reta Gordon. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Francis.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I rise today to give a warm welcome to the participants of this year’s Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders. These eight inspiring youth are here to share their perspectives on this year’s theme: Indigenous education.

Honourable colleagues, this issue is very close to my heart. As a former teacher, I know that quality education can uplift and empower our youth to succeed. I have seen first-hand the power of education in a classroom setting, but I have so much to learn from these youth who are here today. These young Indigenous leaders are here to share their experiences on education with us, and it is in our very best interest to listen.

It is now my pleasure to introduce two of these wonderful Voices of Youth Indigenous Leaders participants.

Dylan Adam is Métis from Princeton, which is in my home province of British Columbia. For the past five years, he has served as the youth representative for the Vermillion Forks Métis Association. In this role, he has helped organize community events and worked to promote Métis culture. Mr. Adam is currently a full-time student at the University of British Columbia — Okanagan where he is pursuing a degree in political science.

I would also like to welcome Helaina Moses. She is a 27‑year‑old member of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation in Mayo, Yukon. She grew up learning how to hunt, trap and fish with her grandfather. He learned those skills at a young age because he did not have access to grocery stores or highways. Ms. Moses credits both her grandparents for teaching her to become an environmentalist. She also ran for her local band council because she believes her government needs young, strong voices advocating for change.

Honourable senators, please join me in welcoming this incredible group.

Senator Carignan: Leader, let me show you the other side of the coin: young people who want to buy property.

After eight years of the Trudeau government, the average down payment for a house has more than doubled. In fact, the gross salary required to buy a home on the island of Montreal is $251,000 a year, which means that young people and immigrants can’t afford to buy property.

Will you admit that the Trudeau government has failed and is changing the property market so that these young people will forever be tenants?

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Senator Gold: It’s a very large question. I’ll answer it briefly. The government has made it clear ever since it ran for office and was elected in 2015 that addressing climate change is a serious priority of this government, as it should be, for the country as a whole. It’s put into place a panoply of measures, all designed to work towards reducing climate change, helping create a more resilient infrastructure and economy and help us transition away from a carbon-reliant power grid and other measures so that our economy can continue to grow, but also mitigate and ultimately, we hope, reverse the impact of climate change.

[Translation]