The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Mayor Corrie DiManno, Town of Banff and Mr. Kelly Gibson, Town Manager. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Sorensen.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Ms. Kerline Joseph. She is the guest of the Honourable Senator Mégie.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Michel Wong and Suzanne Wong. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Gerba.

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

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-13(2), I move:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

Hon. Claude Carignan: Honourable senators, the first ministers’ meeting on health care took place yesterday. Prime Minister Trudeau had announced that he would make a substantial offer to premiers with respect to increasing health transfers in light of current needs. He offered $4.6 billion a year over 10 years. That’s only 16% of what the provinces and territories were asking for. That falls far short of being a substantial offer and is nowhere near the type of funding that would help support health systems and address the issues they’ve been having.

Leader, I understand that in a negotiation some strategists may decide to start off with a low or ridiculous offer, but that is rarely met with success. Don’t you believe that the federal government, by offering 16% of the funding requested, is sending a message to the provinces and territories that 84% of what they requested isn’t needed to maintain and improve health care?

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Anne Laberge, Senator Dawson’s wife; Cindy Dawson, his daughter; Julian Dawson, his son; Don Dawson, his brother; and Doris Dawson, his sister. They are accompanied by other family and friends.

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

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Government leader, I want to return to a topic I raised briefly yesterday, which is the McKinsey consulting firm issue. McKinsey has long-standing and extensive ties to the Liberal Party of Canada.

Leader, McKinsey has received contracts worth at least $120 million from the Trudeau government. At least 18 contracts were sole-sourced, and one of the contracts given to McKinsey for IT services doesn’t sunset until the year 2100 — 77 years from now.

All of that has occurred at the same time that this government has greatly increased the size and the cost of public service.

Leader, the Prime Minister said his government would look into those contracts — he has had several weeks now to look into them. Why will he not tell Canadians the total amount his government gave his friends at McKinsey? Will McKinsey keep raking in taxpayer dollars for work of lesser quality than the work Canada’s public service could do?

Hon. Robert Black: On Wednesdays, the Canadian Senators Group directs questions to committee chairs. Therefore, my question today is for my honourable colleague Senator Omidvar, the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.

Senator Omidvar, I and many Canadians are interested in your committee’s study on suicide prevention and how it might benefit rural areas and the first responders that continue to serve and protect our smaller communities. As we know, mental health challenges affect people of all ages, education, income levels and cultures. In any given year, one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

We also know that rural communities often have issues accessing many services, including the health sector. Witnesses have come forward in your committee study that continue to drive this narrative. In many cases, mental health-related services and supports in rural communities are less comprehensive, available and accessible than in urban areas.

What is your committee hearing from witnesses that will help address the difficulties rural first responders face in mental health resource access Canada-wide, and how will your committee continue to support rural first responders for the benefit of all Canadians? Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules or usual practice, for today’s sitting, tributes to our colleague the Honourable Senator Dawson be of 40 minutes, not including the time for his response, followed by an additional statement.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The answer is no, senator.

First, I do not want to engage in partisanship, but it is important to point out that your leader, Mr. Poilievre, did not say anything while waiting for the meeting to begin. He very quickly said, “We are going to honour it”, which is what Mr. Harper also did the last time. That is a good political move and I commend him for that.

However, as you well know, the fact that the provinces asked for a certain amount of money, while completely ignoring the tax points transfer, does not necessarily mean that the amount they requested was appropriate. It also does not mean that the provinces expected to get everything they asked for. As you said, there are ways of negotiating, and that is true on both sides.

The federal government’s response is meaningful and responsible. More money will be transferred to the provinces. As I mentioned before, for the first time, $2 billion will be allocated to address challenges uniquely faced by Indigenous peoples. Given the context in Canada and around the world and given that we have an economy that has just come through a pandemic, this is also a very fiscally responsible decision.

The Government of Canada showed that it has been accountable to Canadians in regard to health care. It has been equally accountable to the provinces, which have exclusive jurisdiction over the management of the health care system, meaning that they ensure that the reforms work for their citizens. For the first time, thanks to the data sharing approved by Premier Legault, Premier Ford and others, we will be able to exchange information and know where the money given to the provinces is going. If we give $1 billion to the provinces, it doesn’t mean they’re going to spend it on health care. That game has been played for a long time by the provinces, and the money with no strings attached often ends up in the general revenues.

For the first time, through data sharing and bilateral agreements, we will have the means to follow the money to see if it’s actually having an impact. This is a step in the right direction.

[English]

Hon. Brian Francis: Senator Gold, yesterday, it was announced that the federal government will provide $2 billion over 10 years to:

. . . address the unique challenges Indigenous Peoples face when it comes to fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe health care services.

In light of the criticisms from Indigenous leaders, who were excluded from discussions on health care funding, could you please provide us with a detailed list of all the “Indigenous partners” your government plans to work with to prioritize investments, as well as with a detailed breakdown of how — and how much of — this funding will be disbursed directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis across all provinces and territories?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you. What is happening for the individuals in these countries is a tragedy. Whatever one thinks of the actions of governments or groups that are in control of territory, people are suffering. I’m glad our country has responded. Thank you for acknowledging that, and I’ll pass that on.

I know the government is looking at ways in which to continue to assist. The challenge, as you properly mentioned, in Syria, as it is in Afghanistan, has to do with the natures of the regimes and the odious things that they do to their citizens and, indeed, beyond. The government will continue to do what it can to assist those who want to assist the people of Syria and Turkey.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Well, I have nothing to add to my reply, because it is sort of Legislation 101 or Constitutional Law 101 that the Charter has pre-eminent force over all pieces of legislation.

But, Senator Housakos, this bill, which, respectfully, you have continued to mischaracterize as a censorship bill, is nothing of the sort, no matter how many times it’s repeated. History teaches us, alas, that one can continue to repeat things that are not true, and people may come to believe them, but it doesn’t make them any more true.

The fact is that there is a great deal of disinformation, misinformation and misleading information being circulated for purposes that have nothing to do with the bill, but only with political and partisan considerations.

The Charter of Rights governs all of our actions in this chamber and the interpretation and application of the law by all public officials, as it should.

Senator Gold: You were not invited. It wasn’t me who extended the invitation, Senator Plett.

But what I’m saying is that those who were there I think can attest to the fact that the government is committed to working in a serious partnership way with the communities, and it’s going to take some time to develop those plans and make sure that the assistance the money can provide meets the needs of the individual communities.

I’ll make some inquiries. I don’t think I’ll have an answer quickly. Thank you.

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, it is with mixed feelings that I stand here today as we say goodbye to our colleague and my friend and our friend Senator Dennis Dawson.

Although your time with us in this chamber is coming to an end, this is not the end of the road, just simply a turn in it. I will miss your presence here on the Hill, and especially in the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, but I am happy that you will now be able to spend more time with your family, particularly your new granddaughter.

Dennis, it was great to be at your retirement event last evening at the Métropolitain, with hundreds of your closest friends celebrating your political life as an MP, a political organizer and, of course, a senator. Now, I’m not saying that you spent a lot of time at the Métropolitain, but last night, the owners did present you with a bar stool with a plaque that had your name on it.

Colleagues, Senator Dawson began his career in public life when he was elected as a trustee on the Commission des écoles catholiques de Québec in the early 1970s, a position he held for five years, until he was inspired to take a run at the vacant federal seat which was open in his riding. In a by-election in 1977 — a few years ago — Senator Dawson was elected to the House of Commons to represent the riding of Louis-Hébert under the leadership of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and he is now retiring under another Prime Minister Trudeau. He was subsequently re-elected in the following two general elections.

This was all before Dennis even turned 30 years old — quite an achievement and commitment to serving the people of Canada at such a young age. I imagine it all must feel like a lifetime ago to you, Dennis.

Honourable senators, Dennis and I have been caucus colleagues for the last 17 years. We have seen and experienced quite a bit of change in the Senate over those years. When we started here, we were part of the government caucus with a significant majority. We then became the official opposition and then the official opposition but with a minority government.

The biggest change came in 2014, with a parting of the ways from our colleagues on the other side, which ultimately led to the formation of the Progressive Senate Group. Well, “parting of the ways” is a nice way to put it. We were actually kicked out of the Liberal Party. I guess that makes us part of an exclusive club, Dennis.

Through all the changes, Dennis has been instrumental in our restructuring, and without him, the Progressive Senate Group may not be as it is today. While Dennis and I both joined an already well-established system when we first started in the Senate, it has been exciting to be part of building a new group from the ground up with our wonderful PSG colleagues.

When I agreed to take on the leadership role of the PSG after Senator Day’s departure, I could do so comfortably, knowing that Dennis would be a solid teammate and part of the leadership team.

Colleagues, those early months were a steep learning curve for us as our group continued to find our footing. Senator Dawson has always been there as a strong support, with sound advice and, most importantly, a sense of humour. I have to credit him with helping to foster the supportive, collaborative and collegial team that we have today.

Senator Dawson, after 46 years since first being elected to the House of Commons, you deserve to spend more time with your family.

Through it all, Dennis, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you for the last 17 years, and I have valued without measure your counsel and friendship.

Dennis, I wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement. I will miss you. Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, with mixed feelings, I rise today to pay tribute to our cherished colleague Senator Dennis Dawson and to welcome his family here to share this day.

As you know, Senator Dawson first arrived on Parliament Hill at the young age of 27. He was one of the youngest MPs to ever sit in the other place. For nearly half a century now, he has been making the trip from Quebec City to Ottawa. That’s a lot of mileage to have put in.

[Translation]

Senator Dawson arrived in the Senate after a successful political career. For a time, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and to the Minister of Employment and Immigration. He also chaired the Quebec Liberal Caucus. After becoming a senator, he continued his hard work by serving as a long-standing member of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He also served as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and chaired the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.

[English]

As you all know, Senator Dawson also sponsored many important pieces of legislation, indeed quite recently, but I want to underline the role he played in Bill C-76, which modernized the Canada Elections Act. Several measures of that act were taken from a Senate public bill that he had previously tabled.

This was important work for Canadian democracy. The 2018 changes to the Elections Act not only made future elections more secure and transparent, but also made elections more accessible. To cite just one example, it reintroduced the voter information card as a valid piece of identification, and this is a form of ID that Canadians count on.

As you know, Senator Dawson has been a strong advocate of francophone linguistic and cultural rights, and an abiding champion of LGBTQ2 rights and women’s rights. But, again, as we all know, his legacy as a senator extends beyond lawmaking and beyond advocacy.

Senator Dawson has been a mentor to many staffers who have gone on to make their own unique contributions to public service. Recently, when the Senate introduced legislation to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, in Bill S-5, I had the opportunity of working with a former student of the “School of Dawson,” who now works in Minister Guilbeault’s office.

Dennis, she did a fantastic job. It’s to your credit — and hers, of course — but thank you.

[Translation]

Perhaps you envisioned a Senate reform that was different from the one the Prime Minister presented in 2015. You were very frank and open in that regard, but I admire the way you set aside your personal vision and did everything you could to support the new system. That shows your generosity of spirit and commitment to the common good.

Once again, that is to your credit.

[English]

Your devotion to Parliament has been longstanding, your contributions to Canadian political life too plentiful to list today and your friendship to me and to so many others, very valuable. The Senate is a far better place, Dennis, for your many years of service.

I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss being regaled by your stories at the Métropolitain. In your dapper ways, you’re just always fun to see and to be with.

[Translation]

My friend, I wish you happiness in this next chapter of your life. Thank you so much.

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 December 1, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 2, 2021, by the Honourable Senator Martin, concerning the funding for equitable library access.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Canada Revenue Agency.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on May 19, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — Employment and Social Development Canada.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on June 7, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bovey, concerning the Canada Disability Benefit.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on September 28, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Housakos, concerning Canada-China relations.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 18, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Francis, concerning support for victims of Hurricane Fiona.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on October 20, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Loffreda, concerning the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 17, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Deacon (Nova Scotia), concerning the Strategic Innovation Fund.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 22, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Duncan, concerning employment insurance regional boundaries.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on November 29, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Seidman, concerning drug shortages.

Response to the oral question asked in the Senate on December 13, 2022, by the Honourable Senator Bellemare, concerning employment insurance reform.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 1, 2021)

The Government recognizes that the Employment Insurance (EI) program needs to keep pace with labour market shifts and the changing nature of work. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted program gaps. To address these and better understand the needs of employers and workers, the Government undertook consultations with Canadians and stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed in Budget 2021. These consultations are now complete.

They were held over two phases (August 2021-February 2022; April 2022-July 2022), and included stakeholder roundtables, written submissions and an online survey. Topics included EI access and simplification, benefit adequacy, supports for workers experiencing life events, workers in seasonal industries, supports for self-employed workers, the Premium Reduction Program, and EI program financing. “What We Heard” reports from both phases were published online (Phase 1 report – April 2022; Phase 2 report — September 2022).

Based on consultation feedback and lessons learned from the pandemic, including the EI temporary measures, the development of a long-term plan on EI modernization is being finalized. The Government will release its overall EI modernization plan once the work is complete. At this stage, it would be premature to speculate on the timing of EI modernization and its content.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Yonah Martin on December 2, 2021)

Since 2015–2016, the Government of Canada has provided funding to initiatives that support access to reading and published works for Canadians with print disabilities. In support of this objective, Budget 2022 announced $25 million over five years to support the following measures:

•the production of alternate-format materials by the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and the National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS);

•research and a survey of persons with print disabilities;

•a new Equitable Access to Reading Program to boost the production of accessible format reading materials through innovative partnerships.

To support development of the new program, the government is taking steps to determine the current and future needs of persons with print disabilities in a meaningful way that is effective and responsive. In addition to the survey, the government will also include stakeholders, persons with print disabilities and industry leaders in accessible technology in these critical conversations.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many Canadians. The CRA remains committed to being compassionate, flexible, and supportive during this challenging time. While there will not be any penalties for those who applied for these benefits in good faith, individuals will have to repay benefits payments they received that they were not entitled to receive.

Starting on May 10, 2022, the CRA began sending Notices of Redetermination to individuals who received a payment but were later determined to be ineligible for one or more benefit periods received. The CRA will work with all impacted individuals to ensure that any questions they may have about these letters are answered using a compassionate approach.

Individuals may find it challenging to meet their financial obligations. To help impacted individuals, CRA agents will work with them on a case-by-case basis to resolve any issues. Expanded provisions are available to help individuals meet their tax obligations, including flexible payment arrangements. Detailed information is available on the Canada.ca website for those who want to resolve their debt or explore payment options. Individuals are also encouraged to contact the CRA by phone to discuss their options with an agent.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on May 19, 2022)

We recognize that this is a difficult time for many individuals. That is why the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for collecting these debts owed to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has designed expanded payment terms to provide Canadians with more flexibility for repayment. No penalties or interest will be charged on the emergency benefit overpayment. Canadians will not be put into financial hardship by having to repay emergency benefits they received.

ESDC and CRA have worked together to streamline the financial hardship process to make it less onerous to individuals that have been impacted. Flexible repayment options are available. Clients are encouraged to contact the CRA to establish repayment schedules based on their ability to pay and their financial situation. This will take into account the personal and financial circumstances of the person, in order to determine the best approach.

Each case will be reviewed on its own merit. Depending on the debtor’s ability to pay, appropriate recovery action may include renegotiation of a payment arrangement, suspension of collection activity, and/or other suitable measures.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Patricia Bovey on June 7, 2022)

On June 2, 2022, the government tabled Bill C-22, Canada Disability Benefit Act, to establish the Canada Disability Benefit. The intent of the proposed benefit is to reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age Canadians with disabilities by supplementing existing income support measures, such as provincial and territorial social assistance. The bill received unanimous support at second reading, and was reported back to the House of Commons on December 14, 2022, after being studied and amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. Given the critical role provincial and territorial governments play in providing benefits and supports to many Canadians with disabilities, the government will continue to engage jurisdictions on the design of the benefit, including through the Forum of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services and through bilateral meetings. Through these discussions, the government will work with provinces and territories as they determine how to treat the proposed Canada Disability Benefit and will seek to ensure persons with disabilities are better off as a result.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on September 28, 2022)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is aware of and is investigating allegations of unauthorized police presence in Canada. Since the investigation is ongoing, there will be no further comment on the matter at this time.

Generally speaking, Canada has seen an increase in the frequency of foreign interference, perpetrated by hostile state actors seeking to advance their political, economic and security interests to the detriment of Canada’s. As noted in the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s 2021 Annual Report, these activities are sophisticated, persistent, and pervasive. When such threats are observed, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the RCMP apply the full measures of their mandates to investigate and mitigate where appropriate.

To address emerging and persistent threats, our government is always looking for ways to enhance the measures already in place and to bolster the toolkit through new approaches to confront foreign interference. This may include, for instance, consulting with Canadians on potential solutions to ensure that legislative frameworks evolve alongside the threat, and aligning with international best practices and the approaches of our closest like-minded partners and allies.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Brian Francis on October 18, 2022)

Our government recognizes the significant loss and hardship that Atlantic and eastern Quebec residents have suffered due to Hurricane Fiona. That is why we stepped up to deploy the Armed Forces in the immediate aftermath, launched the $300M Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, set aside further disaster recovery funding for provinces under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), as well as agreeing to match donations to the Red Cross’s response.

Donations to the Red Cross’s appeal is supporting a range of emergency services for those in need. This support has come in many forms including interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies. The government and the Red Cross are working together to finalize accounting of all matching-eligible donations and aim to share the final amount raised soon.

At the same time, the Red Cross is working closely with provincial governments in Quebec and across Atlantic Canada to meet the needs of impacted residents. This includes delivering financial assistance on behalf of some Atlantic provinces. The Government of Canada remains committed to work closely with both the Red Cross and with the provinces to help ensure the immediate needs of residents are met effectively and their longer-term recovery is supported.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Tony Loffreda on October 20, 2022)

In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada announced its plan to implement a Trusted Employer Model that reduces the administrative burden for return employers who have demonstrated a history of Temporary Foreign Worker Program compliance.

The Government of Canada takes its role in protecting temporary foreign workers seriously; ensuring the health and safety of these workers is a key priority. The Trusted Employer Model is being developed alongside a series of other measures that will provide additional benefits for both employers and workers, including a new Agriculture and Fish Processing Program, rebuilding the inspection regime, and establishing new housing standards for employer-provided accommodations. More details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Colin Deacon on November 17, 2022)

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) is working to position Canada as an innovation hub and an attractive, globally competitive investment destination. In line with the government’s first-ever Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy, SIF was allocated $250 million to support IP-rich firms. This funding is seeing high demand. Public announcements occur once a contribution agreement is signed, and thus do not reflect the totality of negotiations under way. Recent announcements include the $40 million investment to Xanadu Quantum Technology, $15.9 million to EXFO Inc., and $30 million to Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation. Announcements will continue on a range of exciting projects, and SIF expects all funds under the IP-rich stream to be fully subscribed. SIF’s standard contribution agreements include a clause retaining project IP ownership within Canada. These can be adjusted to deal with unique circumstances or to ensure Canada’s offer is competitive relative to other jurisdictions. All companies have the full ability to benefit from their IP creation, as long as they anchor their business in Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pat Duncan on November 22, 2022)

The most recent employment insurance (EI) boundary review, which commenced in the fall of 2018 and concluded in June 2021, analyzed the homogeneity of the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in all EI regions. These homogeneities were determined by comparing the unemployment rates and labour market conditions in the Statistics Canada census geographic units that comprise each EI region.

For Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), the review found that combining the province’s current two EI regions into a single EI region would result in a reduction in both the unemployment rates and labour market condition homogeneity of the regions. The province and its two regions would go from being among the most homogenous in Canada to being the least homogenous.

The report on the results of the 2018-21 boundary review was shared with the committee by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion on December 15, 2022.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Judith G. Seidman on November 29, 2022)

Drug shortages are a global problem, with countries around the world experiencing increased frequency and duration. Health Canada has dedicated drug shortage management resources in place and has implemented new regulatory tools and programs to support the management of shortages and help Canadians access the drugs they need. To help mitigate and prevent drug shortages, the government continues to support domestic manufacturing, working to develop a national strategy for drugs for rare diseases, and ensuring the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) has the tools to improve access to quality medicines. The development of an essential medicines list is one of several options the department is currently exploring. Essential medicines lists are used by other regulators as a way of defining which drugs must be available for citizens. Health Canada is considering lessons learned from other countries that have developed these frameworks and put them to use. Adapting an essential medicines list to the Canadian context involves a series of considerations. The first is determining which of the over 9,000 prescription drugs authorized for marketing in Canada should be on the list, and whether and which over-the-counter drugs should be listed. These and other questions are currently under review by Health Canada.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Diane Bellemare on December 13, 2022)

Moving forward with Employment Insurance (EI) modernization continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada (GoC). Modernizing the complex EI system that serves millions of Canadians each year is a serious undertaking that requires significant consideration. The GoC is taking the time necessary to get it right.

The government undertook comprehensive consultations with Canadians and key stakeholders on modernizing the EI program, as committed to in Budget 2021. The consultations were held over two phases (August 2021 to February 2022; April 2022 to July 2022), and included stakeholder round tables, written submissions and an online survey. The “What We Heard” reports from the first and second phases of the consultations were published online, at what-we-heard-phase1.html and what-we-heard-phase2.html

The GoC is developing and will release its long-term plan for the future of EI modernization in the near future. This plan will be informed by what we heard during the consultations, longstanding issues with the program and lessons learnt from the pandemic.

Departmental officials are aware of Bill S-244, An Act to amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and the Employment Insurance Act (Employment Insurance Council), and will be considering it further as it advances through the legislative process.

[Translation]