Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, I am proud to share a musical initiative from my home community in Greater Moncton, New Brunswick, called “The Gathering Chant.” It honours National Indigenous History Month in Canada, as well as the Mi’kmaq people who have lived in New Brunswick and the Atlantic region since time immemorial.

I learned about “The Gathering Chant” from a friend of mine, singer-songwriter Michel Goguen, who performs under the name Open Strum. Michel supports various causes by writing and performing music that he gives freely to charities, who then distribute the songs to donors and volunteers. This time, he teamed up with Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, a non-profit organization based in Nova Scotia that unites traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge with science and applies this lens to conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives. The funds raised for the institute will go toward supporting their summer youth program called Nikani Awtiken.

“The Gathering Chant” is actually a traditional song in Mi’kmaq culture about getting together as a community. In the spirit of the song, Michel teamed up with Hubert Francis from the Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick, who is a well‑known singer-song writer. In 2019, Hubert received the prestigious East Coast Music Awards’ lifetime achievement award.

In the spirit of community, Michel and Hubert gathered a truly international choir of 73 people from 22 different countries across the world to perform for the recording. Colleagues, I was delighted to be one of those 73 singers who contributed to “The Gathering Chant.” We sang in the Mi’kmaq language, which was a new challenge for most of us.

We all learned so much, and so, too, will the youth who participate in the Nikani Awtiken program. This annual eight-day summer camp is an opportunity for Mi’kmaq youth to learn about their relationship with and responsibility toward the natural world and to develop skills based on traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge that will foster a closer relationship with their culture and the land. They will grow into a generation of Mi’kmaq youth empowered with leadership and environmental stewardship skills deeply informed by Indigenous knowledge.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Indigenous History Month than through the sharing of music, culture and language. “The Gathering Chant” brought so many people together, and I hope that it will inspire those who listen to it. It was released on June 21, on National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. Thanks to those who made it possible, especially Michel and Hubert. Wela’lioq.

Senator Plett: Of course, leader, we are all aware of the denials that are coming fast and furious over there, and people are being thrown under the bus as fast as they can.

Senator Gold, you might not like our questions, but there is no excuse for the lack of information you are providing, and this is no information on this important issue. The types of answers the government gives makes a mockery of accountability.

This is the testimony, leader, of Lia Scanlan, communications director for the Nova Scotia RCMP:

The commissioner releases a body count that we (Communications) don’t even have. She went out and did that. It was all political pressure.

Leader, she continues, “That is 100% Minister Blair and the Prime Minister.”

Again, these are not my words but Lia Scanlan’s, “And we have a Commissioner that does not push back.”

Leader, why did the Prime Minister and Minister Blair talk to the commissioner about releasing information on the number of victims during an active police investigation?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question.

The government has been very clear from the outset that it does not support Bill 21, notwithstanding that Bill 21 appears to be within the jurisdiction of the province. It does not support it because of its infringement on fundamental rights. The government has been clear about that. The Prime Minister has been clear about that from the outset.

Indeed, the Prime Minister was the first to even discuss the possibility of intervening in court cases when leaders in all other parties were reluctant to say a word.

More recently, the Prime Minister has made it clear that he will intervene. In that regard, Senator Loffreda, I think the government can stand proudly on its record for defending minority rights in this country and doing its part within its jurisdiction and within the division of labour between our institutions to stand up for Canadians’ rights.

Hon. René Cormier: Honourable colleagues, as we prepare to return to our home regions to be with our families and friends, I want to share a few thoughts with you on our national celebrations, which bring us together and give us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our Canadian culture.

Yesterday, we celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day. In a few days, we will be celebrating the national holiday of Quebec and the Canadian francophonie, and then we will have Canada Day on July 1.

I would like to add an important holiday to that list, National Acadian Day, which is August 15. It is a day to recognize, affirm and celebrate the place that the Acadian people occupy in our country, while reminding everyone of the role this francophone nation has played in shaping Canada and its international diplomacy.

The president of the Société nationale de l’Acadie, an organization that represents the Acadian people on the national and international stages, noted the following in a brief submitted to the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, and I quote:

The international success of the Acadian people shows the way forward for the renewal of cultural diplomacy policy in Canada. . . .

Cultural diplomacy has been central to the Acadian national project for a century and a half. It is by forging links with the francophonie, including Quebec, France and the international Francophonie, that we have asserted ourselves as a people within the Canadian federation. . . .

In fact, with its Acadian World Congresses, its partnerships with Louisiana, Quebec, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, and Belgium, its membership in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, or OIF, the creation of SPAASI, the strategy for the promotion of Acadian artists on the international stage, and the creation of OMIA, the office for international mobility in Acadia, the Société nationale de l’Acadie is an active and effective leader in Canada’s civil and cultural diplomacy.

According to her December 2021 mandate letter, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has the following responsibility, and I quote:

Celebrate Canada’s unique francophone cultures through the promotion of the French language across our diplomatic missions and in our work to transform the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

The Acadian people and the Société nationale de l’Acadie are essential partners in this important mission. I fervently hope that the Government of Canada will fully recognize the monumental work being done in this regard by the Acadian people.

In closing, dear colleagues, I want to wish each and every one of you a peaceful and relaxing summer. I hope that, when the bells ring out for the Grand Tintamarre on August 15 and Acadians peacefully take to the streets to celebrate their existence and their contribution to the world, when men, women and children from all walks of life, all genders and all identities merrily bang on pots and pans and play improvised instruments to show that they belong to this proud people, the whole country will vibrate with joy. I hope you will all take part and that your hearts will be filled with gratitude for this people, who have been helping to build our magnificent country since 1604, a country where, despite what some may say, we are free to be ourselves, no matter our identity, background or origins. Thank you.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, until the end of the current session, any return, report or other paper deposited with the Clerk of the Senate pursuant to rule 14-1(6), may be deposited electronically.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice:

1.if the Senate receives a message from the House of Commons with Bill C-28, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (self-induced extreme intoxication), the bill be placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading on June 23, 2022;

2.if, before this order is adopted, the message on the bill had been received and the bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading at a date later than June 23, 2022, it be brought forward to June 23, 2022, and dealt with on that day;

3.all proceedings on the bill be completed on June 23, 2022, and, for greater certainty:

(i)if the bill is adopted at second reading on that day it be taken up at third reading forthwith;

(ii)the Senate not adjourn until the bill has been disposed of; and

(iii)no debate on the bill be adjourned;

4.a senator may only speak once to the bill, whether this is at second or third reading, or on another proceeding, and during this speech all senators have a maximum of 10 minutes to speak, except for the leaders and facilitators, who have a maximum of 30 minutes each, and the sponsor and critic, who have a maximum of 45 minutes each;

5.at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022, if the bill has not been disposed of at third reading, the Speaker interrupt any proceedings then before the Senate to put all questions necessary to dispose of the bill at all remaining stages, without further debate or amendment, only recognizing, if necessary, the sponsor to move the motion for second or third reading, as the case may be; and

6.if a standing vote is requested in relation to any question necessary to dispose of the bill under this order, the vote not be deferred, and the bells ring for only 15 minutes; and

That:

1.the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be authorized to examine and report on the matter of self-induced intoxication, including self-induced extreme intoxication, in the context of criminal law, including in relation to section 33.1 of the Criminal Code;

2.the committee be authorized to take into consideration any report relating to this matter and to the subject matter of Bill C-28 made by the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights;

3.the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than March 10, 2023; and

4.when the final report is submitted to the Senate, the Senate request that the government provide a complete and detailed response within 120 calendar days, with the response, or failure to provide a response, being dealt with pursuant to the provisions of rules 12-24(3) to (5).

[Translation]

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

The independence of our law enforcement operations is a key principle of our democracy and one that the government deeply respects. I have been assured that at no point did the government pressure or interfere in the operational decisions of the RCMP. I direct all senators to the commissioner’s statement from yesterday in which she makes very clear that there was no interference.

Canadians, including those directly impacted by the tragedy, have expressed concern about when and how the RCMP shared information with the public, and that is why the government specified in the order of reference that the Mass Casualty Commission examine the communications approach taken both during and after the event.

Finally, senators, the former Minister of Public Safety, Minister Blair, both during Question Period in the House and today to reporters, was unequivocal. I know Minister Blair is a man of integrity, and I quote him from Question Period:

I can confirm for the House, as the commissioner has also confirmed, that no such direction or pressure was exerted by any member of this government to influence the commissioner’s exercise of her authorities over her police service.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, my question today is again for the Leader of the Government in the Senate. This is a follow-up to yesterday’s question, leader, about pressure put on the RCMP commissioner by the Prime Minister and Minister Blair to release information on the investigation into the horrific April 2020 shootings in Nova Scotia.

Leader, these are the notes of Superintendent Darren Campbell of the Nova Scotia RCMP:

The Commissioner said she had promised the Minister of Public Safety and the Prime Minister’s Office that the RCMP (we) would release this information. I tried to explain there was no intent to disrespect anyone however we could not release this information at this time. The Commissioner then said that we didn’t understand, that this was tied to pending gun control legislation. . . .

Leader, I know your government isn’t good at providing answers, but, now that you have had time to get a response, did Commissioner Lucki promise to use the mass murders in Nova Scotia to advance the Liberal government policy? Who in the Prime Minister’s Office or in the minister’s office talked to Commissioner Lucki about releasing this information?

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, my question is for the leader of the Liberal-NDP government.

Senator Gold, I need to get back to the question asked of you by Senator Plett. At the end of the day, with your talking points, you are essentially asking us to believe the word of this Trudeau government over the RCMP.

Senator Gold, it has been a few years now since we found out that your government wasn’t above interfering in criminal court proceedings for political expediency, and more recently we found out that you are not above illegally suspending the rights of Canadians with an unjustified invocation of the Emergencies Act.

It should come as no surprise to any of us that your government thinks nothing of interfering in the police investigation of one of this country’s most brutal mass murders and taking advantage of that tragedy in order to advance the Trudeau political agenda.

My question to you is simple: Is there any length to which the Trudeau government will not go for political expediency?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The Government of Canada has always been clear that it is on the side of Quebecers who are shocked and disappointed that a young teacher can no longer practise her profession because of how she chooses to observe her religion.

This government is committed to defending the rights and freedoms that are protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to equality, as this matter touches upon those fundamental freedoms and the interpretation of the Charter which underscore our liberal democracy.

This government fully expects that this case will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada. If that happens, the government is committed to contributing to the debate, giving the broad implications for all Canadians and the need to defend the Charter, including the way in which the “notwithstanding” clause was invoked. The government has stated clearly that it will intervene in this matter at the Supreme Court level.

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

I appreciate the government may not want to take a position on the bill until the Court of Appeal of Quebec renders a decision. But sometimes governments need to lead and protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, whether they were born here or not. Like the rest of Canada, Quebec’s economic prosperity will rely heavily on immigrants.

This bill makes our province increasingly less attractive to diverse communities from around the world. When will the Prime Minister start advocating for these minorities who are such an important part of our national fabric? When will the government denounce Premier Legault’s use of the “notwithstanding” clause as a means to override individual Charter rights?

Hon. Rosa Galvez: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, central to the control and management of chemical substances is the need to determine their toxicity and classify them according to their potential harm.

In most developed countries, and to avoid conflict of interest, arm’s length or scientific institutions, such as the Centre d’expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec, do this work.

Several times during study of Bill S-5, I asked government officials who undertake the testing and assessment of substances for their toxicity. Are they actual tests or are they literature reviews conducted by the government or industry?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, Senator Galvez. I participated in many of those hearings, so I’m aware of the questions that you asked. I do believe that you received answers and they would be reflected in Hansard.

I don’t have Hansard at hand. I can refer you back to those answers. I hope that they are satisfactory. On the assumption that they are not, thank you for raising the issue in the chamber. We look forward to the third reading debate on the bill later today.

Senator Cordy: Thank you very much for that. I’m really pleased to hear about the interim steps that are taking place. I have never met Minister Anand, but, based on the things she has done, I have tremendous respect for her and am quite certain she will try to get things done.

The minister previously stated that she was acting on a recommendation from the previous External Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces report from 2015 to allow victims of sexual assault to request, with the support of what was then to be called the center for accountability for sexual assault and harassment — now the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, SMRC — transfer of the complaint to civilian authorities. According to the Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal last November, roughly 145 cases of sexual misconduct allegations involving Canadian Armed Forces members could be transferred to civilian police to investigate.

To date, do you know how many cases of these have been tried or brought to civilian court? Are civilian police obligated to investigate cases of sexual misconduct allegations if requested by the Canadian military, or are they able to refuse such cases?

Senator Patterson: Senator Gold, let me get a little more particular on my concern. We have heard that groups such as the National Association of Women and the Law felt they were not meaningfully consulted on Bill C-28. In fact, the national association’s meeting with justice officials occurred on a Tuesday and the bill was tabled that Friday. The association has now asked all senators for the opportunity to state their case. They complain that the process is rushed. However, it is possible, according to the motion you have given notice of today, that we will receive the bill either later tonight or tomorrow and be pushed into considering the bill at all stages in a single day without hearing — in this place or in the other place — from any women’s organizations, not to mention the wider legal community.

Senator Gold — and I ask this as, I suppose, yet another man speaking on this issue — is your government content to entirely exclude the voices of women’s organizations to provide their considered comments now that we know what’s proposed in the text of the bill? Is your government, which prides itself on being feminist, really content to exclude women and women’s organizations from commenting on this bill when they are telling us they have identified significant flaws in the legislation?

Senator Gold: I have not finished my answer, sir. I will take a cue from a colleague more experienced than I. To your question, “is the government content to ignore,” the government is not ignoring, so the answer is no.

[Translation]

Senator Plett: Reportedly, Minister Sajjan requested this exemption because, as you say, he carries classified information.

I find it strange that the minister would request this exemption now, as prior to his demotion last year, Minister Sajjan had been the Minister of National Defence. In his old cabinet post, he would have carried much more sensitive documents than he does in his current position as Minister of International Development.

The press also reported that former finance minister Bill Morneau once sought an exemption and was denied. Clearly, that policy has changed.

Leader, your government has created chaos in our airports. Instead of dealing with this issue, it looks like ministers are giving themselves additional privileges so they don’t have to suffer through security screenings like all other Canadians.

Is every Trudeau cabinet minister now entitled to bypass airport screening every time they travel with sensitive documents?

Senator Gold: The answer is no. To the best of my knowledge, this was the only request. I repeat that the exemption that was granted was partial only. The minister still has to go through regular security screening, save and except for the equipment and documents that are classified and not appropriate for review by the officials.

(For text of Delayed Answers, see Appendix.)

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, pursuant to rule 4-13(3), I would like to inform the Senate that as we proceed with Government Business, the Senate will address the items in the following order: third reading of Bill C-19, followed by third reading of Bill S-5, followed by second reading of Bill C-5, followed by all remaining items in the order that they appear on the Order Paper.

[English]