Senator Patterson: Thank you for that answer, Senator Gold.

Would you agree that removing this relic of colonialism could not only be called decolonization, which we all aspire to, but that it would also mark a progressive step on the path to reconciliation?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The security and sovereignty of the North are of great concern to all Canadians and this government. The government has made landmark investments to increase our ability to operate in and defend the Arctic.

I have given much of this information during previous questions, but I will remind honourable senators that there is a $38.6-billion plan to modernize continental defences and a $122‑million contract to strengthen CFS Alert, and the government is conducting joint exercises in the Arctic, purchasing six Arctic and offshore patrol ships and is enhancing our surveillance and intelligence capacities with 88 fighter jets.

The government also welcomes the recent trip of senators to the North to further assess the security and other needs in that important part of our country.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I will have to make inquiries about the specific involvement of Canada in this regard, and I will report back when I can.

Senator Gold: I will do that. Thank you for the question.

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Senator Gold: Again, thank you for the additional information in your question. I will add that to the inquiries that I plan to make.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for your question. The government values the contribution of temporary foreign workers to Canada’s economy.

As you know, colleagues, Budget 2022 invests $29.3 million that will introduce a trusted employer model in order to reduce red tape for employers who meet the highest standards for living and working conditions, as well as the protection of wages in high-demand jobs. These changes aim to help streamline application processes for Canadian companies hiring temporary foreign workers. This, in fact, builds upon the measures that were announced in the government’s Workforce Solutions Road Map, which introduces further changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in order to address the labour shortages across Canada.

I am advised that the government’s work to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is ongoing. I will make inquiries with the government with regard to the trusted employer system, and I will provide details as soon as they become available.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. It is an important one, as is the issue you raise.

Proper reporting and measurement are critical tools that governments and others need to ensure are in place in order to measure achievements and progress toward those objectives. In that regard, I am convinced the government will continue to work and take into account the recommendations and analysis presented in the reports that were just tabled.

As for the particular steps that may be taken, I will have to make inquiries and report back.

Senator Loffreda: Thank you for the answer, Senator Gold.

That is fine, but I’m told that the development of the program has, more or less, come to a halt at the bureaucratic level and that little progress has been made. Beyond helping address labour shortages in Canada, the trusted employer system could have the added benefits of reducing the overall number of applications and allowing the IRCC to redirect its resources to other streams.

Of businesses surveyed, 55% are experiencing revenue loss as a consequence of the delays at the IRCC. This is important. Canada is competing with other countries for high-skilled workers, including the U.K. and Australia.

I will pose my question: Senator Gold, as the government develops the trusted employer system, can you assure us that they are considering a dedicated stream for highly skilled foreign nationals? We need to attract the brightest minds and most skilled workers in order to remain globally competitive.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of October 19, 2022, moved:

That, in accordance with rule 10-11(1), the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance be authorized to examine the subject matter of Bill C-31, An Act respecting cost of living relief measures related to dental care and rental housing, introduced in the House of Commons on September 20, 2022, in advance of the said bill coming before the Senate; and

That, for the purposes of this study, the committee be authorized to meet even though the Senate may then be sitting, with the application of rule 12-18(1) being suspended in relation thereto.

Senator Gold: I wish it were in my power — or anyone’s power — to ensure the realization of those objectives.

I can tell you that I met with Minister Miller today. I know that he and his colleagues — Minister Dan Vandal and many others — are taking a whole-of-government approach to try to work on all aspects of this, especially for communities like yours, and others, that are more remote from decision-making centres and, unfortunately, too infrequently in those centres’ minds.

The government is committed to doing what it can. It is slow and laborious, and it is never enough. Minister Miller, to his credit, is quite open about that. I am convinced that this government will continue to work as hard as it can, with the communities, to address the social causes and the horrible consequences that you described so well.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, senator, and for underlining this tragedy — for individuals, families and communities — that this scourge represents.

The government has provided significant funding in an attempt to address the causes and to help prevent this tragedy from continuing. In 2021-22, the government provided the Northwest Territories with $730,000 for mental health and addiction services, which builds upon the targeted funding in 2017 for home and community care, and mental health and addictions.

You mentioned the $11 million that Indigenous Services Canada and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami have announced for the National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy. There is a commitment of a lot of money — $70 million — to this strategy to help the communities.

There is no dollar amount that can compensate for the lives that are lost to this tragedy. The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work with the communities and their organizations to address this tragedy.

Senator Anderson: Thank you, Senator Gold. I want to point out that, if I am correct, the funding that was provided to ITK is under a funding formula whereby 13% of the funds will reach Inuvialuit in the Northwest Territories.

I understand that it is not just money. I know that right now the N.W.T. and specific interest groups are struggling in terms of economic prospects. They are running into red tape with legislation, regulations and rules that we set here. In addition to being part of the problem, we are the solution.

Moving forward, how will we — or you, as the Government Representative — ensure that funding is provided, as well as steps taken to ensure there is economic opportunity, working within the Indigenous communities, to advance and improve lives in the Northwest Territories?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, Senator Patterson, for the question.

Northern governance and the devolution of responsibilities are longstanding objectives of the Government of Canada. As you know, on April 1, 2014, the Northwest Territories became the second territory to take over land and resource responsibilities. Devolution places more control over the land and resources in the hands of northerners and ensures that the residents in Indigenous communities directly benefit from the great resource potential that the land provides. The regulatory regime governing resource development has been modernized to ensure that the Northwest Territories will be poised to benefit fully from increased resource development and local management of lands and resources resulting from devolution.

With regard to your specific question, I will make inquiries with Minister Vandal to this effect. As well, my office would be very pleased to arrange a meeting with you and him to discuss those matters further.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question.

The progress that our country and the government have made toward devolution will continue. I have confidence that the government will work with partners and communities in the North to continue to make progress in that regard.

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