Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: Like my colleague, Senator Gold, I rise to speak to the motion of Senator Moncion, which recognizes the importance of citizens who, often anonymously, play a key role in the Canadian justice system.

I thank the senator for supporting my Bill S-206. I also want to thank Senator Dalphond for his involvement, as he ensured that this bill was adopted without study in committee. That was an excellent decision, and I thank all my Senate colleagues for supporting this initiative. As you know, Bill S-206 is now at the other place, and it could be that members of the House have a surprise for us this afternoon and that they too are passing it without referring it to committee for study.

Bill S-206 is on its third attempt at being passed. Personally, I think we needed to protect these witnesses and not make them come back yet again to the Senate to talk about events that some may want to bury deep in their memory or that some have managed to deal with. It is a very humane decision to not refer the bill to a committee.

We must recognize the work that jurors do. We recognize that jurors need support, but now we must recognize the work that they do. I commend Senator Moncion’s initiative to designate one week a year to recognize the essential role that these people play. They are often called upon to make decisions that will have a major impact on other people’s lives. I believe that designating one week to tell them how important they are to our country and to our justice system is the least we can do.

I had limited knowledge of what jurors do. I was an observer in courtrooms when I accompanied families who had lost a loved one to murder. I observed this role at a distance and would see jurors on TV shows such as Perry Mason. Senator Moncion’s testimony was so moving and really taught me a lot about this role. She shared her own experience, as did Mr. Farrant, who testified in committee.

We heard from other witnesses, including some who served as jurors in the Bernardo trial. I couldn’t imagine being in that position, leaving every night, seeing the photos in my head, listening to . . . Basically, I think that this role is very important and very demanding. We are sending regular Canadians into the thick of the action, often without any professional or psychological training. They are being asked to deal with the worst things in the world. I think it is a big step forward that we are now telling them they can ask for help without being labelled a criminal.

The other step that needs to be taken, and that Senator Moncion is asking us to take today, is to pass her motion to have the country recognize juries every year. There is indeed a Jury Appreciation Week, and that week is recognized by the association, but not by the government. I think this motion will go a long way in getting proper recognition for that week.

I will close by saying that this motion should be passed today. To me, that is the heart of the issue, and I see nothing inconsistent about it. People who have served on juries in the past and who are serving on juries now, and those who will serve in the future, will know that the Senate has helped advance this role in the justice system. There is finally recognition that what they do is important and that they need support.

Once again, my congratulations to Senator Moncion. It has been a pleasure to speak to this motion and I urge you, colleagues, to pass it today.

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

The government is monitoring the situation of flooding in Manitoba, and elsewhere, very carefully. The government has been advised that Minister Blair has been in touch with his provincial counterpart. The government stands ready to provide federal support if required and is committed to supporting Manitobans.

The issue affects many communities, as you know — First Nations and others — and the government is working with its partners to provide as much help as is needed.

Senator Gold: I will certainly add those questions to my inquiry and I will get back to you as soon as I get an answer.

[Translation]

Senator Wallin: Perhaps you could ask members of the government who are participating in the committee to ensure that these joint committees don’t treat senators as second-class citizens. Schedules are determined by members of Parliament, and their behaviour tends to be more partisan. We even have different speaking times for senators.

Moving forward, can you assure us that, on these kinds of joint committees dealing with such profound matters, senators are treated more equitably?

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of May 11, 2022, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 2 p.m.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Martin, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

[Translation]

Hon. Éric Forest: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie concerning the Conference of Branch Chairs of the Americas Region, held by videoconference on April 4, 2022.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Mark Farrant, CEO and founder of the Canadian Juries Commission. He is the guest of the Honourable Senator Moncion.

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

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) introduced Bill S-245, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (granting citizenship to certain Canadians).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Professor Gregory Tardi, Executive Editor of the Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law. He is the guest of the Honourable Senator McPhedran.

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

Senator Gold: I will certainly pass that on to the government.

Senator Gold: Good work it is, indeed. Thank you for the question.

I am advised there is no cap on the CUAET. The government has provided new funding of $111 million over five years, with $6 million in future years, to implement these new immigration measures. This funding will help to set up the new immigration pathways, expedite the processing of applications and provide support to Ukrainians once they arrive in Canada.

The government continues to engage with our partners in the settlement sector on how to best support Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s war.

Hon. Marilou McPhedran: Honourable senators, it is Manitoba Day. It has been mentioned already, and I have a question to Senator Gold.

Could you explain to us, please, the significance of Chief Peguis for Manitoba?

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Diane Bellemare: Honourable senators, I have already spoken about this report, but I would simply like to conclude debate so that people will know about it. It is not a bill requiring formal passage. It is a report that was tabled.

Hon. Senators: Question.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Are honourable senators ready for the question?

Hon. Diane Bellemare: I move adoption of the report.