Hon. Diane F. Griffin: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(j), I move:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice, today’s sitting continue until 4 p.m., unless earlier adjourned by motion.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, Senator Cormier. I’m told that the government is strongly committed to putting an end to the AIDS endemic by 2030 and to supporting Canadians living with AIDS. The government is investing $87 million a year to combat the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. I’m also told that the government is investing $30 million through the Harm Reduction Fund to prevent and control HIV and hepatitis C. The government continues to work closely with community groups and people with lived experience.

Senator Cormier: Thank you for your answer, Senator Gold. What role does Canada intend to play and what concrete measures will it take at the international level to eradicate this disease by 2030?

Senator Gold: Thank you for this second question, dear colleague. Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer at present concerning the government’s objectives for this issue at the international level. However, I do want to thank the honourable senator for his ongoing commitment to this issue. I will follow up with the government and provide an answer as soon as possible.

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the suggestion. In spite of differing opinions on the matter, we agree that the Senate is increasingly independent from the government. That said, I’d be happy to discuss this more with you, dear colleague, to see what role the Senate can play in getting this important issue on the political radar.

[English]

Senator Gold: The Government of Canada knows well what tools and levers it has. It will use them judiciously but with determination at the moment of opportunity. We’re not there yet. The minister and the representatives — members of Parliament, members of the House — are hoping to reach an agreement or the beginning of an agreement. We need to give some time to the minister and our elected officials to do their work, but rest assured that no option is off the table.

The Hon. the Speaker: We have two minutes, Senator Lankin, would you like to wait until the matter is called again or venture into the two-minute territory?

Hon. Frances Lankin: I will wait. Thank you, Your Honour.

The Hon. the Speaker: Actually, Senator Mercer, if you move the adjournment right now, it will preclude Senator Lankin from asking her question to Senator Omidvar when it’s called again. May I suggest that we just leave the matter as it is and when it’s recalled, Senator Omidvar will have the balance of her time and that will give Senator Lankin an opportunity to ask her question.

Senator Mercer: I agree, Your Honour. I want to hear what Senator Lankin has to say on this subject as well.

Senator Lankin: Thank you.

Hon. Terry M. Mercer: Your Honour, it was my intention to adjourn debate, but I see that Senator Lankin has a question. I would like to make that move after Senator Lankin’s question, if I could.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I will refrain from commenting on your commentary to simply respond that I don’t have the answer to your question — or questions, I should say — and I’ll certainly make inquiries.

Senator Gold: I’m giving you the most honest and transparent answer that I can, and that is I do not have the answer, and if I did, of course I would provide it. I will make inquiries, as I’ve done in the past, and when I do get a response I will be pleased to share it with this chamber.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) introduced Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Judges Act.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Gold: I don’t know the amount, but I will do some research and get back to you once I have a answer.

[English]

Hon. Pamela Wallin: Senator Gold, in the wake of widespread public concern, the government finally set up so-called public consultations on their plan to deal with online harms, which of course included what we knew as Bill C-36 in the last session. Unfortunately, it was all carried out behind closed doors. The government has also decided not to release any of over 300 submissions or its report.

We spoke directly to many of the groups. They had no commercially sensitive information to protect, and most went ahead and made their submissions public regardless.

From open media to the internet society, there was powerful criticism of the legislation and of the consultation process itself. The criteria were too narrow, and the whole process risked being politicized by conducting it during an election campaign. This is an important issue that will impact how Canadians use the internet and just how free our speech will continue to be.

Will this report ever be made public, and will senators have access to it for committee study? If there is any commercially sensitive data, of course it could be redacted.