Hon. Renée Dupuis: Senator Harder, in your speech, you spoke about the future of the institution, and I agree with you that it is an important issue. I want to come back to those elements you spoke about, that is, a toxic climate, a toxic culture and sexual harassment in the institution. Saying that we want to look to the future often implies forgetting about the past. My question is the following: When considering the future of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, should we clearly state the need to remedy the effects of discrimination against women at this institution and take this into account?

[English]

Senator Harder: I thank the honourable senator for her question. I totally share the implied position of the senator with respect to the issues raised by Justice Bastarache and others. My point is that we don’t need an inquiry that goes into those issues. We need an inquiry that talks about the future organization and mandate of the organization, and to ensure that its training and its management focus is designed to achieve the objectives of what a modern policing organization that serves the country and the federal policing mandate ought to be.

There will be problems in this because it will have to be a transition of provincial policing and municipal policing where it is in effect, and we’ll have to think through what it means for the Indigenous and Aboriginal policing in this country. But I do think we have the capacity in this chamber to address those issues and make recommendations.

Hon. Frances Lankin: Thank you, Senator Omidvar, for your work on the charity committees report that Senator Mercer chaired. I think that it is some very important work and this recommendation is one piece of that. I am entirely supportive of what you’re trying to accomplish.

The question I wanted to ask you, because I believe it’s important to put it on the record — you spoke a number of times about resource accountability. I think you said that in the States they use different terminology, but the intent here is not at all to diminish the accountability that charities have for the proper stewardship of donor dollars. I am wondering if you would speak to the term “resource accountability” and what is envisioned in terms of how that would work. And with the CRA, how do you envision that we will be able to really ensure accountability to donors? Thank you very much.

Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Honourable senators, December 2 is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. It occurs during the days of action on violence against women. On this occasion, I would like to point out that 70% of the 40 million victims of modern slavery are women. We should all be outraged that 12 million girls are sold and married off despite being too young to consent and may die in childbirth.

We have to act on that outrage and devote resources to implementing solutions. Education is key to making sure girls around the world are aware of their rights so they can resist, get help or flee.

We have to take action, but where do we start? The experts don’t even agree on what modern slavery actually is.

According to UN definitions, for forced labour to exist, there must be an element of constraint, such as debt bondage or threats. Others believe that the notion of modern slavery applies more broadly to exploitation, including in unsafe workplaces or captive labour scenarios. One thing we know for sure is that situations resembling modern slavery exist right here in Canada.

The number of temporary foreign workers in Quebec has exploded. According to a Radio-Canada investigation, the desire to start a new life all too often turns into a nightmare because of exorbitant fees exacted by multiple intermediaries or unscrupulous bosses.

Take Mamadou Hane’s story. This Senegalese man arrived in Quebec in 2019 with his wife and four children. He had a model employment contract from Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration where all the working conditions were set out by his new employer. However, when he got here, his boss demanded that Mamadou Hane sign a new contract that included a promise to pay back $5,000 on a pro-rated basis if he were to leave his job before three years were up. This constitutes a completely illegal practice that amounts to debt bondage. This mechanic was threatened with deportation if he did not comply. He was laid off a year later, and he still received a notice of default and a $3,300 bill from his former employer. Mamadou Hane said that he remained strong and resisted, but many people were heartbroken, and it was terrible.

How many others dare not complain, despite the horrible situations they are going through? Eva Lopez, who advocates for these temporary foreign workers, summarized the situation as follows, and I quote:

Many are silent because they want another life for their families. There is no question: There are unscrupulous individuals out there who are treating these people like livestock.

We must never forget that modern slavery is not just another trivial concern; it is a crime.

Hon. Chantal Petitclerc: Honourable colleagues, December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

I would first like to highlight the exceptional quality of the last games held in Tokyo. These games are historic, not only for being held during a pandemic and for the athletes’ performances, but also for the unprecedented campaign launched to draw attention to the challenges and injustices faced by persons with disabilities, who represent 15% of the world’s population.

[English]

This campaign, WeThe15, aims to become the biggest human rights movement to end discrimination. Its goal is to transform the lives of the world’s 1.2 billion people with disabilities who represent 15% of the global population.

[Translation]

WeThe15 unites the International Paralympic Committee with many organizations working in the areas of human rights, sports, the arts, communications and business. Its aim is to meet the 2030 UN goals for sustainable development.

[English]

At a time when we are having these global conversations on diversity and inclusion, we cannot leave the 15% who have a disability behind and out of that conversation. Like race, gender and sexual orientation, it’s time to have such a movement — a global movement that is raising awareness for disability, visibility, inclusion and accessibility.

[Translation]

The truth is that WeThe15 have unique realities, challenges and experiences. Canada’s fantastic paralympic team brought home a remarkable 21 medals. However, let’s not forget that the barriers for Canadians living with a disability are real. For example, less than 60% of Canadians living with a disability have a job. What Statistics Canada data tells us is that the more severe the disability, the greater the impact and the more likely it is that these people will live in poverty. Canada can and must do much better.

[English]

This movement, WeThe15, will shine a light on 15% of the world’s population. It’s all about knowledge of the barriers and discrimination that persons with disabilities face every day. How do we break down these barriers so that all persons with disabilities can fulfill their potential? Because really, where are the 15%? Where are they when we turn on the TV, in businesses and on boards, or even here in the Senate and our legislative assemblies?

[Translation]

Much more needs to be done and we, esteemed colleagues, also have a role to play.

Thank you, meegwetch.

[English]

Hon. Brent Cotter: Honourable senators, in June of this year the remains of hundreds of people, including children, were discovered in unmarked graves on or near residential schools in Kamloops, British Columbia, and on the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan — 751 alone at Cowessess. For anyone who has a loved one, and most particularly a child, to imagine their departure from this earth in such a tragic, anonymous way is heart breaking.

Many of us attended ceremonial remembrance ceremonies to pay our respects, but that can’t make up for the pain and loss suffered by the families of those who were buried without acknowledgment. This discovery touched the hearts and minds of every Canadian, and I fervently hope that we do not forget, and that we commit to never let this be repeated. It’s a small commitment to the reconciliation we all need.

But I also want to talk about the grace, courage and leadership of the good people of Cowessess, led by their visionary chief, Cadmus Delorme. In the weeks that followed the discovery of unmarked graves, while First Nations people — and particularly those at Cowessess — were grieving, Chief Delorme proceeded with two marvellous, healthy self-determination initiatives overlooked by many. One was social and the other economic.

On July 6 of this year, on behalf of Cowessess First Nation, Chief Cadmus Delorme, Prime Minister Trudeau and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signed an historic agreement to return jurisdiction of child welfare to Cowessess, which restores meaningful, on-the-ground self-determination on matters of critical importance to a First Nations community.

A week later on July 14, Cowessess First Nation unveiled a major solar energy project in partnership with Elemental Energy, an energy company founded by Joe Houssian, a native Saskatchewanian and entrepreneur who has turned his vision to green energy.

Cowessess leaders described this project as a step on the road to becoming the greenest First Nation in Canada, as well as an economic and employment opportunity for the good people of Cowessess. Chief Delorme also said that the project will help the community heal.

In the shadow of the discovery of the unmarked graves, a First Nation endures the darkness of tragedy but moves toward the light. It’s a story of heartbreak, but also a story of hope. Thank you.

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 or usual practice:

1.the Senate invite any minister of the Crown who is not a member of the Senate to attend the Senate at least once every second week that the Senate sits, during Question Period at a time and on a date to be determined by the Government Representative in the Senate, after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups, and take part in proceedings by responding to questions relating to their ministerial responsibilities, subject to the rules and orders then in force, including those relating to hybrid sittings, if the Senate is then holding such sittings, except that neither senators when asking questions nor the minister when answering need stand;

2.the Government Representative in the Senate, in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, and the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and recognized parliamentary groups, determine the minister to appear during such Question Period;

3.at the beginning of Orders of the Day, the Government Representative in the Senate or the Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate inform the Senate, as soon as possible in advance, of the time and date for Question Period with a minister, and the designated minister, but no later than the sitting day that would precede the day on which the minister would appear;

4.senators only have up to one minute to ask a question, and ministers have up to one minute and thirty seconds to respond, with this process continuing until the time for Question Period expires; and

5.the Question Period last a maximum of 60 minutes.

[Translation]

The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that a message had been received from the House of Commons with Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy).

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Percy E. Downe: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association concerning the Third Part of the 2021 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held by video conference from June 21 to June 24, 2021.

Hon. Percy E. Downe: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association concerning the Fourth Part of the 2021 Ordinary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held by video conference from September 27 to 30, 2021.

[Translation]

Hon. Rosa Galvez: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the ParlAmericas concerning the Seventeenth ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly, held as virtual sessions on November 16 and 27, 2020.

Hon. Rosa Galvez: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the ParlAmericas concerning the Fifth Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change, held as virtual sessions on June 4, 15 and 25, 2021.

[English]

Hon. Marilou McPhedran: Honourable senators, I give notice that, two days hence:

I will call the attention of the Senate to parliamentary privilege, the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators and options for increasing accountability, transparency and fairness in the context of the Senate’s unique self-governance, including guidelines on public disclosure.

Hon. Leo Housakos (Acting Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate, Senator Gold. I would like to ask you a question about the crown jewel of your government, which is, of course, Senate reform and, more specifically, in regard to the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments.

It’s not the first time we asked this question in regard to this board, which has an obligation to be accountable and transparent and to file annual reports in terms of its activities and its financing of the board. Senator Plett, on May 5 of this year, asked the exact same question. You committed to inquire and get back to him. Later in the month of May, Senator Plett in writing tabled the same question on the Order Paper.

As you can appreciate, Senator Gold, in this institution, in order for us to be able to do one of our main responsibilities, which is holding the executive branch of government to account, we rely on the representative of the government to provide timely information. We will not relent on behalf of taxpayers until we get the answer.

Government leader, have you inquired at the Privy Council of Canada? Have you inquired at the Prime Minister’s Office? Have you asked Minister LeBlanc why it is that the Senate advisory board has not made public the information and expenses in a transparent and accountable fashion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, seconded by the Honourable Senator McCallum, for the second reading of Bill S-210, An Act to restrict young persons’ online access to sexually explicit material.

Senator Housakos: Senator Gold, I acknowledge your job is to be the government leader and the representative here, and I think it’s also acknowledged publicly that you’re a member of the Privy Council for a reason. It’s not just to have the title for fun; it’s to provide information in a timely fashion to this institution.

Senator Gold, I find it very curious that you don’t seem to be very interested in this matter because it’s been months that you haven’t taken the time to come back to us. I would think you’d be just as interested as we are, simply as an honourable senator, appointed under this very process. Furthermore, as government leader with a responsibility for getting answers here, as I said earlier, you have an obligation to the chamber and to taxpayers across this country.

Senator Gold, do you commit to finally getting us an answer on this missing report before we rise for the break? More specifically, will you also give us a precise date when you will get us that answer? After seven months of repeated questioning, I don’t think it’s much to ask of the government leader on what particular date this chamber can expect to get an answer.

Senator Gold: Look, it’s a serious question. I cannot resist repeating what I’ve been told many times by you and others that this is called Question Period, not answer period. I have asked the question. When I get an answer, I will be happy to report it to this chamber.

[Translation]

Hon. Larry W. Smith: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Senator Gold, last week, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development released his fourth report entitled Emissions Reduction Fund. The Onshore Program was designed to provide financial support to energy companies because of the drop in the price of oil during the pandemic.

The commissioner’s report stated the following:

Overall, Natural Resources Canada did not design the Onshore Program of the Emissions Reduction Fund to ensure credible and sustainable reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector or value for the money spent.

The Onshore Program was so ill-conceived and poorly executed that it is having the opposite of the intended effect. Senator Gold, can you please explain why your government allowed such a flawed program to be implemented?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The government is aware of this report and it greatly appreciates all the work that went into it. The government has planned many initiatives to reduce impacts on the environment, for example the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, so that we can continue to fight climate change.

[English]

Senator Smith: I’ll do this in English, so hopefully we can get a more complete answer. According to data from the Angus Reid Institute, climate change was the number-one issue for Canadians this past election as well as during the 2019 election.

The commissioner’s recently tabled Report 5: Lessons Learned from Canada’s Record on Climate Change provides a historical review of Canada’s commitments and actions with respect to reducing emissions and fighting climate change.

In the report, the commissioner quite bluntly, states:

Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions have increased since the Paris Agreement was signed, making it the worst performing of all G7 nations since the 2015 Conference of the Parties in Paris, France.

We’re not talking about a year or two: we’re talking 2015 to today. Senator Gold, given the importance of this issue for Canadians, and given the fact that Canadians expect action and results on this file, can you explain why this government is failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and why Canada is falling behind all G7 nations with respect to fighting climate change?