Senator Wells: Thank you for that, Senator Gold. I have a follow-up question.

I know you don’t know what next year’s budget will be, but would you please endeavour to request that the departments with typical infrastructure-funding programs — like the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has small-craft harbours, and Transport Canada and others have other infrastructure budgets — ensure that the infrastructure is not just rebuilt but rebuilt better for the livelihoods of the people who depend upon it?

Senator Gold: I certainly will. This is going to be a priority for the country as a whole as we face what appears to be, clearly, the consequences of changing weather patterns and climate change. Our infrastructure has to become more resilient.

I will certainly make those inquiries with regard to your specific question.

Hon. Mary Coyle: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, over these past few months we have seen many catastrophic, climate-related extreme weather events in Canada and abroad: our recent devastating experience with Hurricane Fiona in my home region of Atlantic Canada; the heat waves across Europe, Asia and Africa; the highly destructive flooding in Pakistan — all while Canadians await the release of our national climate adaptation strategy this fall.

Climate Proof Canada, a coalition led by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and includes members such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Business Council of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, has called upon the government to ensure that the national adaptation strategy provides an immediate, five-year implementation plan for safeguarding homes and other buildings protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening public infrastructure. The coalition is concerned that the government may be getting bogged down in long-term aspirations rather than dealing with the immediate threats of flooding, wildfires, high winds and extreme heat.

Senator Gold, could you tell us if the anticipated national adaptation plan will heed these concerns about Canada’s immediate climate adaptation need?

Hon. Éric Forest: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. First, I want to thank my colleague, Senator Amina Gerba, for her generosity in allowing us to meaningfully commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Over the weekend, the temporary EI measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic came to an end. For seasonal workers in the lower St. Lawrence and north shore regions, this change means that they will have to work 700 hours instead of 400 hours to qualify for the same 14 weeks of benefits. What this really means is that some families will soon be without income for several weeks, in what’s referred to as the black hole, the period between the time EI benefits run out and the active season starts again in sectors such as tourism and fisheries. We’ve known for decades that the EI system does not reflect the needs of seasonal workers. The government acknowledged this fact when it announced it would reform the system, but it has yet to take action.

Why doesn’t the government extend the temporary EI measures for workers in the lower St. Lawrence and north shore regions until the system is reformed?

Senator Forest: Despite the low unemployment rate and the labour shortage in some sectors, the fact remains that certain regions and industries are known for the seasonal nature of their activities. For example, according to Action-Chômage Côte-Nord, 50% of jobs available on the upper and lower north shores are seasonal because of the nature of local economic activity. Does the government understand that by returning to the old EI rules, some seasonal workers, many of whom are mothers and fathers with children, will have no income for two months? What is it going to do to save these families from the EI black hole?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question, and thank you for noting how important this program is for the well-being of workers and their families. The government is aware of the issue. As I just said, it is working on modernizing the EI system to ensure that it is not only available to those who need it, but equitable for all sectors of our economy.

[English]

Hon. Patricia Bovey: Honourable senators, this question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, approaching the September 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians are increasingly aware of the many actions needed to reach a state of reconciliation. Today I ask about the funding and policies to assist in repatriation of Indigenous artifacts and spiritual pieces from Canada and other nations to their home Indigenous communities.

Some museums have done this for several years. Some have transparent policies, and others have removed their policies from their websites. Years ago, the federal government provided funding to Alert Bay’s U’mista Cultural Centre and repatriated many magnificent large coppers that had been taken by the federal government during potlatches. That centre opened in 1980 and is amazing.

What programs does the Department of Canadian Heritage and/or the various Indigenous portfolios currently have to assist in ensuring policies and funding for temperature-controlled and secure facilities for repatriating Indigenous cultural treasures?

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is not a time for celebration but rather a solemn occasion to remember, honour and mourn the lives lost and forever changed by residential schools and other forms of state violence that harmed and continue to harm Indigenous people.

The day also serves as an opportunity to meaningfully listen, learn and support survivors, as well as our families and communities.

It is not enough to wear an orange shirt. Canadians must gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and how they can contribute to a better future.

Yesterday, in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Committee on Indigenous Peoples heard from five remarkable Indigenous youth: Dr. Meghan Beals, Gabrielle Fayant, Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, Jama Maxie and Tyrone Sock. If you were unable to participate in this meeting, I strongly encourage you to watch the recording later this week.

The testimony we heard was profoundly moving and inspiring. If we want to make progress towards truth and reconciliation, Indigenous youth must remain at the forefront. As the fastest growing population in Canada, it is our responsibility and obligation to help them not just survive, but be healthy, safe and thriving. We have a lot of work to make this vision a reality and no more time to waste.

Honourable colleagues, before I conclude I want to take a moment to ask that you keep Epekwitnewaq, Islanders as well as the rest of Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec in your thoughts and prayers. The devastation in the region due to Hurricane Fiona is simply indescribable. It will take weeks, if not months, to get back to a sense of normalcy. Wela’lin, thank you.

Hon. Robert Black, pursuant to notice of September 22, 2022, moved:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit with the Clerk of the Senate, no later than November 10, 2022, an interim report relating to its study on issues relating to agriculture and forestry generally, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the report be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for your question and for your continued advocacy on this important issue. I’m advised that programs within the department that can financially support the repatriation of Indigenous cultural property include the Movable Cultural Property Grants program and the Museums Assistance Program.

For example, in 2019, a Movable Cultural Property Grant was awarded to the Royal Ontario Museum to assist with the purchase of a Bond Head pipe, circa 1836, and related objects and documents on behalf of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

I also understand that the Museums Assistance Program provided funding for a national review of museum policies and practices, which was one of the Calls to Action resulting from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

A national repatriation framework for Indigenous cultural property and ancestral remains has the potential, in the government’s opinion, to advance reconciliation and build a new relationship with Indigenous peoples while contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, or UNDRIP.

Hon. Gwen Boniface: Honourable senators, I rise today to commemorate the life of Constable Andrew Hong who was tragically killed in the line of duty on September 12. Constable Hong was 48 years old and a 22-year veteran of the Toronto Police Service. He was the victim of a senseless and targeted attack. Andrew had been taking a lunch break after spending the morning instructing a motorcycle operations course — a job that he loved and excelled at. He leaves behind a devastated family: his wife, Jenny, and his children, Mia and Alex.

Constable Hong’s fellow officers in the Motor Squad described him as a beloved colleague who was passionate about his work. Friends say Hong lived life to the fullest and loved helping others. Many have remarked that his towering physical stature did not match his gentle, kind and fun-loving nature.

The funeral service for Constable Hong was held last Wednesday and was attended by thousands of police officers from 89 police services across North America. Andrew’s widow, Jenny, and daughter, Mia, spoke about his love for his job, the Toronto Police Service and how devoted he was to their family.

This past Sunday, I attended the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day held on Parliament Hill. The memorial day provides an opportunity for Canadians to express their appreciation for the dedication of our peace and police officers who have paid the ultimate price for their service. This year, the names of six fallen officers were added to the Wall of Remembrance. We honour their service; their loss will not be forgotten.

Honourable senators, please join me in sending deepest condolences to Constable Hong’s family. I also invite you to reflect on the officers who have selflessly served our country, the loved ones who they have left behind and those who continue to serve and protect us.

Thank you, meegwetch.

Senator Bovey: Thank you, Senator Gold. I really appreciate that response. We all know that Senator Sinclair often said, in words I have quoted many times, that art validates culture.

Does the government support this view, and will these actions taken thus far be increased in order to bring culture to this core aspect of reconciliation?

Senator Gold: Thank you again for the question. The government understands that we all have a responsibility in this journey toward reconciliation, and that includes repatriation by Indigenous peoples of their culture, history, languages and artifacts. These artifacts belong in Indigenous communities. The government fully supports Indigenous partners in this process. For example, I understand that Beothuk remains were successfully returned to Newfoundland after 191 years in Scotland.

There is still work to be done and progress to be made. The government is determined to be on that track with its Indigenous citizens.

Hon. Paula Simons: Honourable senators, last April, when the Edmonton Oilers were on their first real Stanley Cup run in eons, Edmonton journalist Courtney Theriault tweeted out a photo of a small boy standing on the ice of Rogers Place holding hands with a big, tall hockey player. The tweet read:

One is the most dominant force in Edmonton #Oilers history.

The other is Connor McDavid.

For a few magical months, the little boy in the photo, Ben Stelter, really was the most dominant force in Oilers history and in the hearts of Edmontonians. Ben had been diagnosed with a brain tumour called a glioblastoma shortly before his fifth birthday. When Edmonton philanthropist Ashif Mawji learned about Ben and how much he loved Connor McDavid, he arranged for the two to meet. Ben Stelter’s parents say there was an instant, special bond between the Oilers’ captain and his young fan. The whole team began inviting Ben to come to the games as their guest, and that was when the magic started. When Ben Stelter was in the house, it seemed the Oilers could not lose. Indeed, they won 10 home games in a row with Ben in attendance.

For a city desperate for a return to hockey glory, Ben’s story and his capacity to inspire the team were irresistible. We all fell in love with the giggling kid who gave a gleeful press conference alongside Oilers star Zach Hyman. How could your heart not melt at the sight of the determined joyous boy who called out, “Play ‘La Bamba,’ baby!” every time his team won. Through March, April and May, he was there to cheer as the Oilers first defeated Los Angeles then Calgary.

It wasn’t easy for the Stelters to bring him to so many games, with COVID an ever-present risk. But knowing how short his son’s life would inevitably be, his dad, Mike, told me they didn’t want him to miss out on any possible experience.

“It was a beautiful distraction for us,” his mom, Lea, told me. “It was worth it. The whole city was so sweet and so kind and so generous. It helped lift us up, on the hard days.”

And there were hard days — too many hard days. Last month, Ben Stelter died. He was 6 years old. He leaves to mourn his dad, Mike; his mom, Lea; his sisters, Dylan and Emmy; and the entire city of Edmonton. The Stelter family now hopes to establish a foundation in his name to research glioblastoma and other pediatric cancers. I already know his memory will forever be a blessing in Edmonton and whenever they play “La Bamba,” baby.

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the orders adopted by the Senate on March 3, 2022, and June 2, 2022, the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on July 14, 2022, its fourth report (Interim) entitled The Scars that We Carry: Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Persons in Canada — Part II and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.

(On motion of Senator Ataullahjan, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.)

Senator Plett: If you check the record, I think the minister said that information may be available. He didn’t promise to make it available. I’m asking that it be made available.

Those unserious answers and empty promises are putting into question the authenticity and genuineness of the Trudeau government. It’s no wonder that Canadians are losing hope.

Senator Gold, will you commit to providing a detailed list of Indigenous organizations that your government consulted with before Bill C-11 was tabled? May I remind you, Senator Gold, that this is a bill that you want passed? We need answers. The Indigenous communities have not been consulted. If they have been, before this bill becomes law and before we are asked to vote on it, will you provide us with a list of the Indigenous organizations that were consulted as per UNDRIP?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. If I recall, I think the minister did undertake to provide information to the chamber in response to that question. I do not subscribe to your characterization of his understanding of it.

I will simply follow up and provide that information when it becomes available.

Hon. David M. Wells: Honourable senators, my question is for Senator Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.

Over the weekend, the Atlantic provinces were hit by Hurricane Fiona. You heard my statement. Many homes have been washed away in Port aux Basques in Newfoundland and Labrador, and, after the storm battled through, the infrastructure in other outport towns has been devastated. Port aux Basques and other towns in the area are still under state of emergency orders.

With the storm now passed, what is the government doing to assist the rebuilding of both federal infrastructure and personal property? Senator Gold, I’m speaking specifically about farmers who have lost much of their crop and fish harvesters who have lost not just some of their gear but a lot of the infrastructure they rely upon to land their catch.