(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pamela Wallin on December 9, 2021)

The government is committed to examining advance requests for MAID as part of the parliamentary review process required by former Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). The government takes note of the Quebec Select Committee’s report and will continue to work closely with the provinces and territories as they consider potential changes to their MAID laws and policies.

The government supports the ongoing work of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying and will continue to work with parliamentarians in the Senate and the House of Commons to continue the committee’s study of these important issues.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Leo Housakos on December 9, 2021)

The 26^th Conference of the Parties in Glasgow, Scotland, was historic in galvanizing global resolve and ambition, coming on the heels of international reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the United Nations Environment Programme, which outlined the current state of the climate crisis.

The total costs (as of November 25, 2021) for the Canadian delegation is $1,067,886.85, which included travel costs for ministers, members of Parliament and federal government officials in addition to Indigenous, youth, and non-governmental organization representatives, along with accommodations, meals, room rentals, hospitality, and other associated costs.

Given limitations associated with the extent of replies to Senate Delayed Answers, please refer to the response to Parliamentary Written Question Q-103 that was tabled on January 31, 2022, and available through the Library of Parliament (library@parl.gc.ca), for a complete list of the Canadian delegation.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu on March 2, 2022)

Our government is committed to ensuring that Canada’s criminal justice system shows compassion to victims, holds offenders to account and upholds the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Budget 2021 proposes to provide $85.3 million over five years to support a national program for independent legal advice and independent legal representation for victims of sexual assault, as well as to support pilot projects for victims of intimate partner violence. Through the Victims Fund, we have made more than $28 million available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available. The work to fill the victims ombudsman position is ongoing. It is important to note that the ombudsman’s office still handles victims’ complaints and assists them in finding the right services. We will keep working collaboratively with the ombudsman’s office and across government to empower victims and survivors and ensure that their voices are heard.