Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): According to your mandate letter from the Prime Minister, you must contribute to the development of infrastructure, “in line with the Government’s broader infrastructure strategy.” One goal of your government’s infrastructure strategy is:

Support major nation-building projects that will benefit people across various regions, connect our country and improve quality of life, including the Newfoundland-Labrador fixed transportation link.

Minister, could you tell Canadians and, in particular, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, where this project is? Do you have any idea of the level of expenses involved in this project and how much the federal government will be called upon to finance it?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, there have been consultations and there is an agreement to allow a photographer in the Senate Chamber to photograph the introduction of a new senator.

Is it agreed, honourable senators?

Hon. Gudie Hutchings, P.C., M.P., Minister of Rural Economic Development: Senator Wallin, thank you for that. Many in this Senate house probably don’t realize that I own a firearm acquisition licence. I started to hunt when I was a young gal with my dad, and I continue to do so, but I don’t have as much time now.

I can tell you that when you get into the details of Bill C-21, yes, there are some firearms found there. But there are many that do not impact hunters and farmers and those who use firearms for sustenance hunting.

We need to get this in place once and for all so that the topic is dealt with. We have invested billions of dollars at the border, and that’s having great success. The other fact that we don’t talk about enough is that a lot of firearms are used for suicides. So we need to make sure that the regulations are in place for safe storage and making sure that trigger locks are imposed.

I live in rural Canada, and we all can do a better job of making sure we have safe storage. I will fully support Bill C-21. This is not against fishers, farmers or hunters — this is to make our country safer. We all have to do our part, so I will be supporting that bill.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Marcia Kran, newly invested Officer of the Order of Canada, and her spouse, Luis Molina. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator McPhedran.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Senator Plett, did you want to ask a question? There are 40 seconds left. In order to have time to answer, Senator Kutcher would have to ask for five minutes.

Are you asking for five minutes to answer questions, Senator Kutcher?

Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Welcome to the Senate, minister.

[English]

In your mandate letter, you were invited to support the Minister of Public Services in ensuring that Canada Post better reach Canadians in rural and remote areas. As you may know, it is reported that, for fentanyl sellers, Canada Post is the shipping method of choice, and often the only one available to ship these illegal products into rural and remote communities.

Minister, are you ready to consider proposals such as Bill S-256 to remove from the Canada Post Corporation Act restrictions that impede the police from seizing illegal drugs and other illegal items shipped through mailed envelopes?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill, as amended, be read the third time?

(On motion of Senator Miville-Dechêne, bill, as amended, placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.)

(1610)

[Translation]

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Carignan, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Plett, for the second reading of Bill S-221, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act (retiring annuity and other benefits).

Hon. Colin Deacon: Welcome to the Senate, minister. You know that 40% of Canadians live in places with fewer than 100,000 people, and rural communities are too often underserved by our financial system. I will build on Senator Moncion’s question.

This is an especially alarming problem because banks continue to close branches in small and remote communities, restricting the ability of people to continue to live and operate their businesses. Finance Canada is in the process of designing and implementing an open banking regime. I have to believe that this can provide hope to our underserved rural communities. To what extent is open banking being considered as a complimentary tool to help address this worrying problem that is undermining livelihoods and economic potential in rural Canada?

Hon. Gudie Hutchings, P.C., M.P., Minister of Rural Economic Development: Senator, that’s a wonderful question. I don’t have that number, but I will get it for you.

I have had conversations with my counterparts as we explore how we do the rural hubs better. I just had a conversation this week in an area where the local bank had pulled out. Sadly, we have seen some of the big-name banks — the major four or five — pull out of rural communities.

Their concept was, in the Canada Post hub, to put in a credit union. So they’re working with the credit union on how to make this a bigger service centre.

I think we will see Canada Post come up with a variety of these different hub models. It can’t be one-size-fits-all, and it has to be from the ground up. Maybe in some communities it is a bank. Maybe in other communities they need a little business centre. Maybe in other communities they need a service centre for Service Canada to deliver things.

I think we will look at the model of what we can do and how that can serve rural, remote and Indigenous communities better. I promise you that I’ll get a number on that. I’ll be curious to see that number too. I’ll report back to you, sir.

Hon. Paula Simons: As you know, minister, Canada has set ambitious immigration goals for the coming years — an immigration target of 500,000 people by 2025. But rural communities that are often keen to attract immigrants find it difficult to recruit and retain them because of a lack of support services for new Canadians in rural Canada.

I am wondering what you can tell us, beyond the rural and northern immigration pilot program, what your department is doing to assist with the challenge of settling newcomers to Canada in rural communities that are desperate for that infusion.

Hon. Gudie Hutchings, P.C., M.P., Minister of Rural Economic Development: Senator Simons, I have my colleague and friend Minister Fraser on speed dial. He and I chat regularly about this. It is in how we address immigration in rural areas. You will hear me talk about the round tables that I have done because they have certainly given me the information that I need to help my colleagues develop better policy. One thing that we have heard loud and clear is that if immigration is going to be successful in rural Canada, you have to bring in the family unit.

There is a wonderful story from northern Ontario of a gentleman whom I have spoken with two or three times now because I get so excited when I speak with him. His is a Syrian family that came here. He opened up a pharmacy, and he now has five pharmacies. He has helped to bring in and sponsor over 20 pharmacists from Egypt, Syria and from friends that he had in Afghanistan. His secret is that the family unit has to come. It is the same as the story in Nova Scotia, with Peace By Chocolate. He is here with his family. The family unit will stay.

Also, what I hear, sadly, as we talk about immigration, is that the communities have to be welcoming. The communities have to be welcoming and invite immigrant families in. It’s not about you coming as an immigrant family and learning about my community. It’s how my community that I live in can learn about your traditions and culture and how we can all work together. When that happens together, it’s a success story. That’s what we need to do to promote immigrant families coming in.

Most immigrant families are coming with incredible skill sets. They want to work. They want to put down roots and build their families here. We all need to welcome them into rural Canada. That’s one of the reasons how we grow.

Hon. Marty Klyne: Minister, my question focuses on digital transformation north of the fifty-fifth parallel, in rural and remote communities, not to mention the Indigenous reserves across this country in rural Canada, too many of which have poor or no internet connectivity.

As broadband internet connectivity continues to advance in these rural and remote communities, it will be incumbent on the government to ensure that young Indigenous adults have access to digital skills and training opportunities, skills that they will need to participate and compete in the new economy. Digital transformation goes beyond just providing broadband internet access.

Minister, does this government know what level of digital skills our young Indigenous youth have in these rural and remote communities? Will they be ready to participate and compete in the new economy? What measures are being taken to ensure the gap is being closed to ensure Indigenous youth can make valuable contributions that benefit rural communities?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received a certificate from the Registrar General of Canada showing that Margo Greenwood has been summoned to the Senate.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, through my voice, all members of the Independent Senators Group are delighted to welcome today our new colleague, the Honourable Senator Margo Lainne Greenwood. Senator Greenwood, I would also like to welcome your family members and loved ones who are with you today to celebrate this unique occasion.

Our new colleague is a full professor in the University of Northern British Columbia’s education program and the academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. A recognized scholar of Cree ancestry, she has spent her career focusing on improving the health and well‑being of Indigenous children, families and communities through research and public and community services.

Senator Greenwood is far from being a novice in the study of legislation. Since 1992, she has been contributing to policy and legislation, both in her province of British Columbia and in the country as a whole. She has actively participated in the Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care Data and Research, held in 2019 by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development at the time, as well as in the 2020 Public Health Working Group on Remote and Isolated Communities, to name only a few of her contributions to improving public policy.

The Senate has already had the privilege of benefiting from her expertise when she appeared as a witness in 2008 before the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, which was followed by an informative report on early childhood and care. She has also been a strong ally of Senator Yvonne Boyer’s. They have worked together on issues related to reproductive justice and, notably, the fight against forced sterilization of Indigenous women. Now the Senate will have the opportunity to benefit from the contributions of this outstanding tandem on a regular basis.

Senator Greenwood, I could go on for hours listing the numerous and well-deserved awards and distinctions you have received throughout your career — but in three minutes, I can’t. However, I could not help but cite a passage from Places for the Good Care of Children, the doctoral thesis you successfully submitted for your PhD at the University of British Columbia. This excerpt resonates with me. Colleagues, the following words are hers:

The principles of respect, reciprocity, relevance and responsibility go beyond theory and practice to living life, to being in the world. A wise friend once told me that Indigenous ways of knowing and being in the world are not just for Indigenous peoples but are about humanity, about living with the world in a respectful and honouring way. . . .

Senator Greenwood, all members of the Independent Senators Group are looking forward to collaborating with you and benefiting from your passion and excellence in all areas of your expertise. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, I am once again delighted that we are welcoming another new senator into this chamber.

Senator Greenwood, your background, as has been well described already, is certainly impressive, and I have no doubt that your experience will be a great asset to the Senate Chamber.

Upon your appointment, the Prime Minister highlighted your “. . . academic expertise, commitment to health and education, and dedication to the well-being of Indigenous communities . . . .” Indeed, these attributes will not only serve you well in the Senate, but they will ensure that those from your home province of British Columbia are well served by your appointment.

Your arrival in this chamber at the beginning of December coincides with the start of one of our busiest times, when we often experience longer days amidst a crunch of legislation to be addressed before the year’s end. While it can be challenging, I’ve also found that it’s often a time when stronger relationships can be forged as we all work together. I know that I speak for all members of the Progressive Senate Group when I say that I look forward to working with you, even as we will be facing some hectic days.

As a former teacher, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation in particular for all the work you have done with respect to children, and especially Indigenous children. Though we cannot change the past, we can set a new course for the future by the way we treat and raise the next generation. It is an important component in the work towards reconciliation, and I am very grateful for your efforts.

On behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, it is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Tawâw, Senator Greenwood. We look forward to working with you. Thank you.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I rise today on behalf of my colleagues in the Government Representative Office to welcome Senator Margo Greenwood to the Senate of Canada.

Senator Greenwood has a lengthy record of achievement in leadership and in community service. As an Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry, she has devoted much of her long career to the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families and communities.

Senator Greenwood was a professor in the education program at the University of Northern British Columbia, where her research included the historic and contemporary systemic and structural impacts on the development of early childhood programs and services in Canada and the social determinants of health, with particular emphasis on colonization and children’s rights. She also served as vice-president of Indigenous health for the Northern Health authority, where she provided executive leadership to the Indigenous Health portfolio.

[Translation]

Her accomplishments are many, and her expertise has informed legislation and government policy. She has sat on more than 75 national and provincial committees, including just recently the Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care Data created by Minister Duclos in 2019.

[English]

Senator Greenwood’s achievements have been recognized by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in Canada. When appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, it was in part for her “transformational leadership in Indigenous health policy.”

Colleagues, we are truly lucky to be welcoming Senator Greenwood in our midst today.

Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, I rise to pay tribute to the 2022 Aurora Prize Laureate, Ms. Jamila Afghani, who joins us today from the gallery. I thank Senator Housakos for highlighting the significance of this prestigious award.

Earlier this afternoon, we hosted a reception in honour of Ms. Afghani’s outstanding humanitarian achievements and commitment to her people, particularly the women and girls of her native Afghanistan.

Ms. Afghani is an educator, a former deputy minister, a human rights defender and, perhaps more importantly, a strong voice of reason and strength for the women of her country, who have been silenced, degraded and stripped of their fundamental human rights by the discriminatory and inhumane Taliban regime.

Ms. Afghani currently leads the Afghanistan section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and she is also the founder and president of the Noor Educational & Capacity Development Organization. She has helped empower and educate thousands of Afghan women and given them a sense of purpose and value by establishing libraries and home schools, arranging capacity-building training and psychosocial wellness sessions, offering support and guidance to women-led businesses and providing humanitarian and financial aid to families in need.

In a moving video tribute by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, Ms. Afghani shares her heart-wrenching story and reminds us that she has been a refugee a total of six times in her life. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of countless individuals, Jamila, her husband and children have successfully made their way to Kitchener, Ontario, where, despite being nearly 10,000 kilometres away from home, she continues her advocacy.

Ms. Afghani recently explained that she hopes to return to her country to continue her work in support of women’s rights. We all hope that day is soon, but we urge you to consider your safety and well-being above all before returning home. Until then, I know all honourable senators join me in reminding you of how lucky we are to have you here in Canada. I hope you and your family have felt welcomed, appreciated and respected.

Ms. Afghani, your service to humanity and your desire to do good for the women and girls of your country are admirable and certainly deserving of the 2022 Aurora Prize.

I stand here before you, in the Senate of Canada, a place where freedom is protected, where democracy is upheld and where peace is valued, in admiration of your many achievements and in solidarity with you, your people and your country. You are truly an inspiration.

I conclude with a quote from Randy Pausch:

In life you cannot choose the cards you are dealt but you can and do choose the way you play the hand.

Thank you for choosing Canada.

Hon. René Cormier: Esteemed colleagues:

I came into this world with the HIV virus because the health care system failed to give my mother the preventive treatment that would have kept me from being infected when she needed it.

If he could talk, that is what the baby born with HIV last October at the CHU Saint-Justine in Montreal might say.

In an interview with Le Devoir on November 3 in relation to this shameful situation, Dr. Isabelle Boucoiran said that she is concerned about the fact that a growing number of HIV-positive migrant women are being referred to the health care system too late. She believes that a significant administrative burden is to blame.

[English]

On this World AIDS Day and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, I stand up once again to say that the inequalities that persist relentlessly impede progress to end this virus, and I decry once again the devastation this epidemic is causing — more than 40 years after it first appeared.

One more time, I affirm that HIV is not a virus of the past. The fact that it continues to contaminate our youth in a troubling way is proof that it is still present, and persists in anchoring itself in our societies.

Every day, colleagues, 1,100 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are infected with HIV worldwide.

[Translation]

Most people who were diagnosed with HIV in Canada in 2020 were between the ages of 20 and 49. To be more specific, the rate of infection for the age category of 20 to 29 was 6.2 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year.

Honourable senators, what will it take for us to finally take the appropriate action to protect our youth? It is clear that the solution lies with community organizations that educate and provide local services to young people and all Canadians who are most at risk. These organizations are already working miracles with the few resources they have. It is time that they had access to the funding they have been waiting for far too long.

[English]

Colleagues, you will remember that exactly two years ago today, I tabled a motion in the Senate that was adopted the same day — thanks to all of you — urging the government to increase funding for the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada to $100 million annually — a recommendation also proposed by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health in 2019.

While applauding the recent efforts of the federal government, including the one-time funding for accessible testing and the historic increase in its contribution to The Global Fund, sustainable funding for community response here in Canada is still lacking, and inequities are growing.

[Translation]

Let me close by reminding you that UNAIDS and its member countries, including Canada, are committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Eight years to eradicate this virus is not a long time, but I am hopeful.

Colleagues, the inequities that perpetuate the AIDS epidemic are not irreversible. We all have a role to play in addressing them. Let’s act together, now.

Thank you. Meegwetch