Senator Martin: The delayed answer I received indicates that $208 million will not be the final amount that Canadian taxpayers will provide Accenture to administer the CEBA program. The answer states:

Given Accenture’s role in CEBA to provide ongoing technology services, EDC expects a Maintenance and Support contract to be negotiated to support ongoing collection activities.

Leader, how much more money does the Trudeau government estimate Accenture will receive for the CEBA loans collection? Do you commit to being transparent with Parliament and taxpayers about these future costs? As well, could you tell us why Export Development Canada chose Accenture in the first place, and why the contracts were sole sourced?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): My question is also for the government leader in the Senate. I recently received a delayed answer to a question I posed in March regarding the contracts given to Accenture to develop and run the Canada Emergency Business Account, or CEBA, loans program for small businesses. While The Globe and Mail reported the cost had been $143 million, the delayed answer confirmed the cost was actually over $208 million. This was never proactively disclosed to taxpayers. The answer states that Export Development Canada, or EDC, made the decision to contract out this program and to negotiate with Accenture.

Leader, how did members of the Trudeau cabinet learn that Accenture was administering the CEBA program? Did they know the truth from the start, or did they learn it through the media? Could you make inquiries and tell us what date the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Finance, as well as their offices, became aware of Accenture’s involvement?

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) moved second reading of Bill S-260, An Act respecting National Diffuse Midline Glioma Awareness Day.

She said: Honourable senators, I’m honoured to rise today as the sponsor of Bill S-260, An Act respecting National Diffuse Midline Glioma Awareness Day. This enactment designates May 17 in each and every year as national diffuse midline glioma awareness day. It is also known formerly as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, or DIPG.

I would like to acknowledge my colleague in the other house, member of Parliament Joël Godin, a true champion, for his tireless work on behalf of the families in his riding of Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier and all families across Canada who are affected by this terrible disease.

Diffuse midline glioma is an aggressive brain tumour that attacks the brain stem and slowly destroys all vital functions, even as cognitive function remains intact, rendering the affected person a prisoner in his or her own body. DIPG is the leading cause of brain tumour death in children in Canada, affecting children who are five to seven years of age. DIPGs are most common in children and are fast-growing, likely to spread and difficult to remove surgically.

The most common DIPG symptoms a child may experience are problems with walking, coordination or balance; weakness in the arms and legs; difficulty controlling facial expressions; speech impairment; problems with swallowing and chewing; and double vision or difficulty controlling eye movements. These brave children are fighting for their lives, and their families are helpless to save them.

Diffuse midline glioma is inoperable, incurable and fatal, with a 0% survival rate. Bill S-260 will bring hope to these families who have lost a child, who even in their own grief continue to fight for awareness and support for other families who are facing the same unthinkable situation and loss that they felt. They are united in their fight to find answers, research and resources to combat this terrible disease.

For over 40 years, the prognosis and treatment for diffuse midline glioma have remained unchanged. These families continue to fight despite all odds, and they need more support. With the passage of Bill S-260, increased awareness will be given to this disease, encouraging public and private investment in research, which in turn will improve prognosis and treatment, not only in Canada but around the world.

May 17 is already recognized in other countries as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day. Bill S-260 would bring Canada to the same level as these other countries, designating May 17 as national diffuse midline glioma awareness day or DIPG awareness day.

Honourable senators, as I conclude, I would like to read into the record the names of the beautiful angels who have inspired this bill: Adaura Cayford, 9 years old; Alexandra Brodeur, 8 years old; Alicia Jolicœur Vella, 8 years old; Claire Sommer, 13 years old; Ellie Bonnett, 4 years old; Florence Gagné, 5 years old; Gabriel Rey, 12 years old; Gordie White, 4 years old; Isaac Dupré, 5 years old; Isabelle Borkowski, 4 years old; James Lavoie, 5 years old; Jordana Fiorini, 10 years old; Jordyn Chan, 6 years old; Julia De Luca, 5 years old; Justin Brouwer, 9 years old; Kara MacLellan, 4 years old; Karter Bourgeault, 5 years old; Kayge Fowler, 6 years old; Maika Lefebvre, 5 years old; Marie‑Ange Forest, 11 years old; Matthew Isaak, 10 years old; Mia Bordeleau, 4 months old; Myah Windrim, 8 years old; Naomi Nevesely, 7 years old; Nathan Froese, 8 years old; Neil Ashamock, 17 years old; Nelina MacPherson, 6 years old; Noah Mercier, 7 years old; Olivia Hirsch, 5 years old; Ronan Smyth, 13 years old; Ronny Betterley, 7 years old; Sarah Kim-Bouchard, 10 years old; Théo Daigle, 6 years old; Trinity Ellsworth, 6 years old; Tyler Palmowski, 13 years old; Victoria-Rose Bilodeau, 11 years old; and Willow Lanto, 3 years old.

Honourable senators, today I ask your support for Bill S-260 to designate May 17 as diffuse midline glioma awareness day, DIPG awareness day, in honour of these beautiful angels and in the hopes of finding new treatments and better prognosis for future children and families. Thank you.

(On motion of Senator Clement, debate adjourned.)

Leave having been given to revert to Other Business, Senate Public Bills, Reports of Committees, Order No. 1:

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Black, seconded by the Honourable Senator Patterson (Nunavut), for the adoption of the tenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry (Bill S-236, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and the Employment Insurance Regulations (Prince Edward Island), with a recommendation), presented in the Senate on May 17, 2023.