Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Gold, the environment minister’s mandate letter includes creating a Canada water agency, or CWA. We’ve seen many issues facing Canadians around fresh water, including drought, floods and water advisories affecting thousands. According to the ministry’s discussion paper, the CWA would provide Canadians with:

. . . a central point of contact for federal freshwater-related questions and an integrated picture of federal freshwater programs and services.

This initiative is an important response to the clear need to manage our freshwater resources, including around climate change and food security.

Senator Gold, can you please update us on the status of this file?

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator Gold, this question actually comes from Justin in Ottawa. His question is specifically about Employment Insurance, or EI, premiums, which Justin from Ottawa describes as a direct payroll tax, a tax that your government will be raising in a few months at a time when Canadians can ill afford another tax increase. He asks: “Why the Prime Minister chose to raise EI premiums — a direct payroll tax — for him and every other Canadian?”

Of course, government leader, that was Justin Trudeau in 2013 in the House of Commons. In 2022, Mr. Trudeau is trying to claim this isn’t a tax increase, but I digress.

My question, Senator Gold, is why is the Prime Minister raising taxes for Canadians who are already struggling to make ends meet as a result of his fiscal mismanagement?

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: My question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.

Senator Gold, after seven years in power, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have shown the depths of the incompetence in managing services to the public. Let me elaborate.

The issuing of passports has been a complete failure. When someone wants to renew their Nexus card, your government has been recommending for the past two years that they go to the Americans, because the Canadian offices are closed. Welcoming immigrants has been nothing but empty rhetoric. Meanwhile, smugglers continue to enter without a problem at Roxham Road. Now, police chiefs believe that organized crime groups have taken over the production of medical cannabis and that Health Canada has lost control of the licences granted. That’s another well-documented failure. When and how will your government sort out the mess of licences issued without background checks?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your comments and question. I’ll try to answer your last question as I’ve already addressed the other issues several times.

As I explained in the chamber a few days ago, problems with the cultivation of cannabis, the revelations about who has obtained licences and the involvement of organized crime are concerns for the government. It is working with its provincial partners and police to address this serious and real problem. Thank you for the question.

Senator Dagenais: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police believes that the criminal production of cannabis is the same or greater than it was before cannabis was legalized in 2017. Do you acknowledge that Prime Minister Trudeau was mistaken to believe that he would put a stop to organized crime by legalizing cannabis?

Senator Gold: I disagree. The data clearly show a movement among cannabis consumers from legal and illegal sources. It will take some time before this crucial change in consumption habits is fully realized. That said, the Government of Canada is proud of its legislation to decriminalize cannabis for those who consume it for personal reasons.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The program included in Bill C-31, which is still in the other place, is, as everyone knows, a first step to allocating money in the short term to families who are suffering in the current economic climate. It is not a dental plan. It is very clear that the federal government is working directly with its provincial counterparts in health care. There is an ongoing conversation about the amount of money they give to the provinces. That conversation will likely continue for the rest of our lives.

That being said, during the next steps, this chamber can rest assured that the federal government will work closely with its provincial counterparts to ensure that the program respects the needs of Canadians as well as constitutional jurisdictions.

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, I’m pleased to join the other leaders in welcoming Senator Shugart as the newest member of the Red Chamber.

As others have already mentioned, Senator Shugart, you have dedicated your career to public service, demonstrating your commitment to Canadians, as well as to the institutions of government.

Most recently, your work as Clerk of the Privy Council tested your abilities to face new challenges. Specifically, you led the public service’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, while also addressing heightened calls to tackle systemic racism in our institutions. In your 28th Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada, you wrote, “Our country needs deep reflection on who we are and who we want to be.” On this — the eve of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — it feels particularly meaningful.

Though some of us joined the Senate as complete novices, you do have the advantage of already intimately understanding the mechanisms of government. Indeed, you have even appeared as a witness in committee, both in the other place and here in the Senate. I’m sure that those senators who once had the opportunity to question you will now join me in welcoming you to the other side of the table.

As a former teacher, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that you earned another title this month, in addition to that of senator, and that is professor or teacher. I am certain that students at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy will be well served by your wisdom and your expertise.

Senator Shugart, through your lifelong devotion to public service, you are already well aware of some of the challenges you will face in this chamber. Though we are all here to make this country a better place for everyone, we may not always agree on how best to achieve that. Similarly, as we continue to modernize this institution, the same concept holds true. I believe that our work will always be enhanced by this need to balance those often-competing voices. It is clear that your commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as your decades of knowledge and experience, will certainly serve you well in your new role as a senator.

It is always exciting to see what one’s next chapter in life will be, and I am pleased that yours will allow you to continue your service to Canadians. I look forward to working with you and, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, I would like to officially welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

(At 4:03 p.m., the Senate was continued until Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at 2 p.m.)

Hon. Ian Shugart, P.C., of Ottawa, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Tony Dean.

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 Ian Douglas Shugart has been summoned to the Senate.

The Hon. the Speaker having informed the Senate that there was a senator without waiting to be introduced:

The following honourable senator was introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated:

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize the month of September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell organizations across Canada use this month to raise the profile of sickle cell disease and to improve the disease management skills of individuals, their families and their caregivers. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to roll out educational activities among care providers, to increase knowledge of the disease and to reduce stigma and systemic racism experienced by individuals when seeking medical care.

This year’s theme is “The Lesser Told Stories of siblings with Sickle Cell Disease.” Lanre Tunji-Ajayi, an active leader within the sickle cell community and president of the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario, speaks often of her experiences as the eldest of eight and having two siblings with sickle cell disease. Lanre continues to support those with sickle cell disease here in Canada and around the world.

Due to the nature of the disease, it is very difficult for those living with sickle cell disease to continue their education and to work at the same time. Because of this, the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario has established the Sunday Afolabi Scholarship Grant and the Sholape Animashaun Scholarship Grant for Canadians with sickle cell disease to inspire and to help them in their pursuit of higher education. Honourable senators, this funding is instrumental in allowing Canadians with sickle cell disease to achieve their dreams while still managing their day-to-day living with the disease.

Honourable senators, it is truly remarkable the work that is being done by Canadians affected by sickle cell disease. Their commitment to furthering awareness and effecting change is second to none. I have been so fortunate to meet many of them, and they have been so open and honest when sharing their stories.

While there is an acute focus during the month of September and for National Sickle Cell Awareness Day on June 19 of every year, it is important that we keep these Canadians in the forefront throughout the rest of the year as well. I urge you to learn more about sickle cell disease and invite you to take part in the virtual Sickle Cell Summit on November 4 and 5, whose theme for 2022 is “Delivering Equity in Sickle Cell Disease, Lessons from the Pandemic.” Those living with sickle cell disease, as well as their families and caregivers, are eager to share their stories with you.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, it is a great pleasure to welcome the Honourable Ian Shugart as our newest colleague representing the province of Ontario.

Senator Shugart has had a long and illustrious career in Canada’s civil service spanning more than four decades.

From 1980 to 1982, Senator Shugart worked as a constitutional policy adviser for the Leader of the Opposition Joe Clark. As a matter of fact, in that capacity he was hired by the leader’s Chief of Staff at the time, our colleague Senator Harder. During those years, he also worked closely with Jake Epp, a minister in the Clark government whose election campaign had been chaired by our colleague Senator Plett. As Senator Shugart’s career progressed, and he took on the position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, one of his close associates was our colleague Senator Boehm.

As a constitutional policy adviser during the period 1980-82, Senator Shugart, in all likelihood, spent time in this very building. The constitutional negotiations between federal and provincial counterparts were being held here in the rooms now designated for Senate committee hearings.

Senator Shugart, I imagine that you never anticipated a return to Ottawa’s old railway station in order to take your seat as the newest senator from Ontario.

As we all know, Senator Shugart brings a wealth of policy experience to our chamber in the areas of health, environment, employment and social development and foreign affairs. His knowledge on these matters is a welcome asset to this chamber. His time as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet capped off a successful career serving governments of both stripes.

Speaking for myself — and all of us, I am sure — I look forward to working with you, Senator Shugart, and I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, on behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber and welcome our new colleague who was sworn in just a few minutes ago.

Welcome to the Senate of Canada, Honourable Ian Shugart. Please know that we look forward to working in a collaborative way with you in this chamber.

Last night, as I was preparing my welcoming remarks, I reflected on the day I was asked to serve in the upper chamber. It is a day we all cherish — one filled with excitement and anticipation. For most of us, it is a day when we feel the weight of the responsibility that has been entrusted to us. Then it dawned on me — Senator Shugart, as the former Clerk of the Privy Council of Canada, you have been entrusted with the weight of public service for quite some time.

Somehow, I can imagine that your recent conversation with the Prime Minister must have been such a contrast to what you have been accustomed to. This must have been the most pleasant conversation of all the conversations you have ever had — and we all know you’ve had your fair share of discussions over the years as the senior civil servant of the Government of Canada, as well as in the many other roles and responsibilities you’ve had over the years.

Senator Shugart, I have no doubt that you will bring a unique and valuable perspective to our debates and discussions, and I trust that you will always keep in mind our duty to ensure the best interests of Canadians.

Canadians have gone through a lot in recent years. Many feel their voices are not being heard or represented in Ottawa. Colleagues, I encourage all of us here today to take the time to reflect on how we can individually and collectively work together to ensure the best path forward for Canadians across our beautiful country. Canadians are in need of hope that Parliament has their best interests at stake.

The Conservative caucus is determined to provide reassurance to Canadians that we are working for them and endeavouring to put them first.

Senator Shugart, Conservatives have a clear mandate in this chamber, and we are focused. Please know that we look forward to working with you. And if you are ever inclined to work on the most effective team in the Senate, you just need to move one seat over. I know Jake Epp would support that. I know there are senators who have lost their way over the years — I wouldn’t want to point to anyone — but, Senator Shugart, we would welcome you.

On behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I want to warmly welcome you as you embark on a journey with us in the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, it is a privilege for me, as someone who recognizes and appreciates the value of public service, to welcome a distinguished public servant, our new colleague, the Honourable Senator Ian Douglas Shugart, P.C.

Your appointment, Senator Shugart, is indeed the culmination of an outstanding career entirely devoted to public service. In accepting this appointment to the upper chamber, you have chosen to continue your dedication to serving Canadians.

[English]

Since 1991, you have held numerous senior leadership positions in the federal public sector, including Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Employment and Social Development, as well as Global Affairs. All three portfolios closely related to challenges faced by governments all around the world and challenges at the heart of contemporary issues we must address here at the Senate.

You have served with impartiality and dedication under six prime ministers — a great achievement, as well as testimony to your professionalism and excellence.

Your outstanding journey through the public service culminated in 2019 with your appointment as the twenty-fourth Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. As the head of Canada’s public service, you helped lead the country through the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latter, we all owe you a debt of gratitude.

With your swearing in today, you find yourself back on Parliament Hill, although on its other side. The multidisciplinary nature of your experience — your in-depth knowledge of public policy, of the subtle relationship between the legislative and executive branches, and of the complementarity between the two chambers of Parliament — makes you perfectly suited to fulfill the duties of a senator.

The Senate must serve for the benefit of Canadians. For that to happen, it is our responsibility to ensure — in this upper chamber of sober second thought — a healthy clash of ideas, while maintaining freedom of conscience and the modern governance that fits the contemporary needs of democratic institutions.

I believe in these ideals, as I know you do. Hence, I look forward to working alongside you in leaning closer toward achieving them.

Through my voice, all the members of the Independent Senators Group congratulate you and wish you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, on behalf of the Canadian Senators Group, I would like to add my voice today in welcoming Ian Shugart to the Senate of Canada.

Of course, to some senators present here today, sir, yours is already a very familiar face. My colleagues in the chamber have noted Senator Shugart’s significant contributions to the public service in Canada. I know soon he will make an equally meaningful contribution in the Senate and that his addition today to our chamber will strengthen us even more.

Senator Shugart was recently sworn into the King’s Privy Council for Canada, the first to be named under King Charles III. This is a reflection of his experience and the confidence that is placed in him by Canada.

In welcome speeches, senators usually try to dispense some wisdom to newly appointed members of this chamber. Senator Shugart, you have made this an easy task. I will actually use your own words that you once said to a group of new parliamentarians back in January. You said:

Never ever lose that sense of expectancy that brought you here. That sense of purpose that brought you here. That flame should never go out. . . . We are here for a time and a purpose, and that purpose is the institutions and the public welfare. We’re holders of an amazing privilege — to be responsible, to be representative of the public interest.

I could not have said it better, sir. We are all here with the great privilege of representing our regions and scrutinizing legislation in a responsible and sober way.

Welcome to the Senate of Canada, Senator Shugart. We in the Canadian Senators Group look forward to working with you.

Hon. Peter M. Boehm: Honourable senators, I rise today to condemn the ongoing and increasing pattern of online abuse, harassment and threats directed at women journalists and, in particular, women journalists of colour.

In a functioning democracy, all journalists need to be able to do their crucial job of reporting the news and holding governments, decision makers and others to account. And, just like the rest of us, they have the right to share their opinions when journalistically appropriate.

The universal right to freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental tenet of a free and open society. We are indeed fortunate to have that in Canada, but our country is not immune from the troubling, and worsening, global trend of online violence targeting women journalists.

The past few months have seen increasing attacks on women journalists in Canada with vile comments and threats against them on social media. These threats have been amplified by the pile-on effect, made worse by the fact that many perpetrators can remain comfortably anonymous as they spew their hatred. It has reached the point where individual journalists have had to seek police protection. It saddens and angers me that Canadian public figures, including parliamentarians, have either intentionally or unintentionally used their own social media platforms to incite, encourage or tacitly approve of such behaviour.

Sexism and misogyny in media are nothing new. The great journalists who sit as colleagues in this chamber have surely all experienced it. As two-way news platforms and social media sources continue to outperform legacy media, audience interaction has become a key metric in measuring the success of broadcast journalists. This puts added pressure on women journalists in the sense that, to succeed in their careers, they must deal with constant online harassment.

A UNESCO study last year surveyed women journalists from 125 countries. Of all attacks against women journalists, 41% were linked to orchestrated disinformation campaigns designed to smear reputations, decry so-called fake news and spread rumours about journalists’ personal lives; obscene deepfakes are also a problem. Of the journalists surveyed, 30% responded that they self-censored their social media posts, and 20% withdrew from online interaction altogether.

Colleagues, in my previous life as a G7 Sherpa, in 2018, I chaired negotiations on the G7’s Charlevoix Commitment to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Abuse and Harassment in Digital Contexts. It did not get the same attention as the antics of one particular summit participant, and I do not have time for details, but commitment number seven stands out for me:

Encourage everyone, particularly men and boys, to speak out strongly against sexual and gender-based violence, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

Honourable senators, that is what I am doing today. I encourage all of you, especially my male colleagues, to join me. Thank you.