Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of April 27, 2022, moved:

That, notwithstanding any provisions of the Rules, previous order or usual practice, the provisions of the order of November 25, 2021, concerning hybrid sittings of the Senate and committees, and other matters, extended on March 31, 2022, have effect until the end of the day on June 30, 2022, subject to the following adjustments:

1.subparagraph 7(a) to (e) of the order of November 25, 2021, be replaced by the following:

“(a)when the Senate sits on a Monday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or midnight;

(b)when the Senate sits on a Tuesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the later of the end of Government Business or 6 p.m.;

(c)when the Senate sits on a Wednesday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;

(d)when the Senate sits on a Thursday, the sitting:

(i)start at 2 p.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of business for the day or midnight; and

(e)when the Senate sits on a Friday, the sitting:

(i)start at 9 a.m.; and

(ii)adjourn at the earlier of the end of Government Business or 4 p.m.;” and

2.the provisions of paragraphs 12 and 13 of the order of November 25, 2021, cease to have effect, so that the evening suspension be as provided for in rule 3-3(1), including on Mondays, and, consequently, if the Rules require that something take place at 8 p.m., it take place at the time provided for in the Rules; and

That the Senate recognize the need to work towards a return to a schedule of committee meetings reflecting Ottawa-based operations, and call upon the Committee of Selection to continue to work with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups to advance this objective.

He said: Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to Motion No. 35, which will extend hybrid sittings for both the Senate Chamber and our committees until the end of day June 30, 2022.

I will not reiterate all the reasons and public health rationales for the need for continuing our deliberations in a hybrid fashion. In my humble opinion, they are self-evident. However, for anyone who may not be up to date on the continuing severity of the COVID-19 spread and its ramifications, permit me to take a few moments to put a few pertinent numbers into the record.

[Translation]

As Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, made clear on April 12, Canada is now in the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial and territorial data and reports show a significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as a rising trend in serious illness because of the BA.2 sub‑lineage of Omicron, which is more contagious.

[English]

These past weeks, beginning March 15, there have been 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Parliamentary Precinct alone, including 5 in the Parliamentary Protective Service; 12 from Public Services and Procurement Canada; 26 in the Senate of Canada, which unfortunately included staff from my office; 3 in the House of Commons; and 3 in the Library of Parliament.

In the city of Ottawa, as of April 27, the average number of confirmed daily COVID-19 cases is approximately 178. There were 1,719 confirmed active cases on that date. There were also 74 ongoing outbreaks in institutional settings, there were 49 COVID-19 patients being treated in acute or ICU hospital beds and another 69 COVID-19 patients were in hospital but not in ICU.

Colleagues, we must also realize that the 1,719 number of confirmed active cases is definitely a gross underestimate since testing and tracking is no longer being carried out. Those using rapid antigen tests and testing positive are staying home and are not being factored into the numbers published by Ottawa Public Health. Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table estimates that, province-wide, there are at least 100,000 daily active cases or an estimated 2,852 COVID-19 infections each day based on a number of data trends, including waste water levels. Again, this number is very likely an underestimate.

Colleagues, let me be clear that the motion before us would extend the hybrid model to the end of June in order that we might continue to manage the threat we face as a result of COVID-19. This motion is not an opening for a discussion about continuing the hybrid model indefinitely. Some may wish to have that conversation, but Motion No. 35 is not the forum for it.

The intent of the motion before you is self-explanatory. I think we can all agree that the restrictions on the business of the chamber because of COVID-19 have been challenging. We can also agree that, based upon the aforementioned data, we are not in a position to return to normal. What this motion does achieve, however, is reflected in the final paragraph.

[Translation]

That the Senate recognize the need to work towards a return to a schedule of committee meetings reflecting Ottawa-based operations, and call upon the Committee of Selection to continue to work with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups to advance this objective.

[English]

Honourable senators, this motion maintains the still-necessary hybrid model while reflecting a transition toward a more normal sitting schedule. It will also, simultaneously, open up more Senate committee time slots by adjusting our sitting times. These steps are modest, but they are prudent. They will go a long way toward allowing for greater flexibility at this time of year when committee studies are so crucial.

Honourable senators, like most of you, I wish we could turn back the clock, or at least turn the clock so far forward that we could meet daily, that we could have committees sit as per their normal schedule and that we could socialize with each other in greater numbers and in greater contexts. I wish we could greet each other properly and not from across the room. Perhaps there are those of us who are living with someone who should not be put at risk.

Finally, and most importantly, no senator should be prevented from performing his or her constitutional duties because health concerns, whether their own or those of a loved one with whom they live or are close to, preclude them from attending in person.

From the outset, the Senate’s hybrid model has permitted all senators to take part in chamber proceedings and in all-important committee work, which are truly, in my estimation, the most significant aspect of our responsibilities to provide sober second thought to legislation and public policy issues with which we are seized. Overall, I believe that the hybrid model that Parliament instituted nearly two years ago has served us all well. Extending it until at least the summer break with the modifications included in Government Motion No. 35, which was based on the input and views of all of the leadership in this place, will ensure inclusivity and the ability for all senators to debate, review and study legislation sent to us from the other place or initiated here.

In conclusion, I ask all honourable senators to approve this motion and extend hybrid sittings for both the chamber and committees until the end of June. Thank you.