Hon. Jane Cordy: Senator Gold, in July the 2021 national employment equity survey of women employees at Correctional Service Canada was released. The survey gathered feedback from women about their experiences at Corrections Canada, and this information should help to inform and build a representative and inclusive workforce. Over 2,500 employees responded to the survey: 79% reported that they felt comfortable disclosing incidents that compromised physical well-being to supervisors, and 76% agreed that they felt physically safe on the job.

However, only 61% of respondents agreed that their work environment represented a culture of zero tolerance to gender-based harassment and violence; 29% said that they were the victims of on-the-job, gender-based harassment or violence in the last five years. Senator Gold, unfortunately, the predominant source of this harassment was co-workers.

The Human Rights Committee visited many prisons across the country. In at least three prisons, we heard from employees who were sexually harassed by colleagues, and action taken by their superiors in many cases was little or none. We also heard from employees who were subjected to racism and, again, little was done. So they questioned whether they should quit their job or continue to fight for a safer working environment.

Senator Gold, has the government responded to the survey? I understand that the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada committed to holding town hall discussions with Corrections Canada employees this fall. Do you know whether these discussions have taken place? If so, are you able to share with this chamber the results of these discussions? If not, could you perhaps share the results if and when you receive them?