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. 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?

Senator Gold: The fight against climate change involves a concerted effort not only by the federal government but also by the provinces and territories, especially those that have exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources and the rates of production therefrom. It also involves the concerted effort of Canadians and political parties of all stripes.

The Government of Canada is very pleased that other political parties and Canadians recognize the importance of the fight against climate change. This government has taken steps and will continue to take steps, unprecedented in history — a suite of measures — to reduce the impact on our climate of human activity associated with industrial activity. It will continue to pursue that in the best interests of Canadians across the country.

Hon. Brent Cotter: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. In light of the statements by Senators Bernard and Petitclerc earlier today, this seems an appropriate question to ask today. Bill C-35, the Canada disability benefit act, was tabled in the other place on June 22, 2021. Admittedly, this was far too late for it to be considered and passed before the election arrived, but it was certainly a signal to the disability community of our government’s commitment. The bill states, “. . . to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit . . . .”

The preamble sets out all the very good reasons why this is a critically important piece of legislation for people with disabilities and their families. Even some Government of Canada websites note the fact that as many as 6 million Canadians over the age of 15 suffer from a disability and that they are far more likely to live in poverty due to social and economic exclusion. Yet there was no reference in the Throne Speech to our government’s intentions in relation to this legislation and, with ministers’ mandates not yet public, there is no assurance that this continues to be a government priority.

Can you confirm that, having raised the expectations of 6 million Canadians and their families, a commitment to this legislation remains a government priority?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The short answer is “yes,” senator. Thank you for the question. Since 2015 the government has taken major steps toward building a disability-inclusive Canada. Budget 2021 built upon this by putting “Nothing Without Us” into action, investing in accessible communities, training and job creation, investing in students with disabilities and providing funds for inclusive child care. Moving forward, the government is committed to reintroducing the Canada disability benefit bill which will create a direct monthly payment for low-income Canadians with disabilities.

The government is committed to continuing to engage with Canadians with disabilities as it moves forward with the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including modernizing its approach to disability across government and delivering an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities.

Hon. Marie-Françoise Mégie: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Experts agree that all viruses mutate over time. Most mutations have little to no impact on the properties of the virus.

Concerning the Omicron variant, the WHO noted in its November 30 statement that global travel bans do not prevent the international spread of the virus and they place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods.

Closing the borders can have an adverse effect on global health efforts during a pandemic, by dissuading countries from reporting and sharing epidemiological and sequencing data.

To date, the Omicron variant is the fifth variant “of concern” on the WHO list. It has been detected in several Canadian provinces.

Senator Gold, can you tell us what scientific evidence and which recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada led the government to impose entry restrictions on citizens from 10 African countries?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The emergence of the Omicron variant is worrisome, but the government is intervening swiftly by strengthening border controls. For example, the government is imposing stricter screening and entry requirements at the border, increasing monitoring of new variants and working with public health to better understand the epidemiological situation in Canada.

These public health measures are based on science and evidence provided to the government. I don’t have a detailed answer to your question about the scientific basis and specific Health Canada recommendations that led to the decision to block international flights. I’ll let you know as soon as possible once I get more information from the government.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question, Senator Mégie. As I have said recently in this place, the Government of Canada is committed to doing its part in the global fight against COVID-19 by providing not only financial support but also vaccines to countries that need help.

With respect to your specific question, I’ve made inquiries, but I don’t have any answers yet. Once again, I will give the Senate an answer as soon as I get one.

[English]

Hon. Jane Cordy: Senator Gold, in July the 2021 national employment equity survey of women employees at Correctional Service Canada was released. The survey gathered feedback from women about their experiences at Corrections Canada, and this information should help to inform and build a representative and inclusive workforce. Over 2,500 employees responded to the survey: 79% reported that they felt comfortable disclosing incidents that compromised physical well-being to supervisors, and 76% agreed that they felt physically safe on the job.

However, only 61% of respondents agreed that their work environment represented a culture of zero tolerance to gender-based harassment and violence; 29% said that they were the victims of on-the-job, gender-based harassment or violence in the last five years. Senator Gold, unfortunately, the predominant source of this harassment was co-workers.

The Human Rights Committee visited many prisons across the country. In at least three prisons, we heard from employees who were sexually harassed by colleagues, and action taken by their superiors in many cases was little or none. We also heard from employees who were subjected to racism and, again, little was done. So they questioned whether they should quit their job or continue to fight for a safer working environment.

Senator Gold, has the government responded to the survey? I understand that the Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada committed to holding town hall discussions with Corrections Canada employees this fall. Do you know whether these discussions have taken place? If so, are you able to share with this chamber the results of these discussions? If not, could you perhaps share the results if and when you receive them?

Senator Cordy: Thank you for that, Senator Gold. In light of the work that the Human Rights Committee has done on human rights of prisoners, and in this case it’s human rights of prison employees, it would be very important for us, and particularly the Human Rights Committee, to know.

Senator Gold, I understand that in 2020 Corrections Canada launched their National Comprehensive Strategy on Workplace Wellness and Employee Wellbeing designed to identify risks and action plans with clear accountabilities and performance monitoring in order to track progress.

Sadly, the 2021 employee survey showed that there continues to be a perceived lack of action when it comes to Corrections Canada responding in a proactive and timely way and, unfortunately, also when it comes to disciplining the perpetrators. Almost 48% of respondents believe that support for victims is either absent or needs improvement, and only 42% believe that Corrections Canada provided a confidential and safe space to file complaints. What’s more discouraging is that less than half of respondents — 46% — were even aware of how to file a formal discrimination complaint.

So in light of the survey results, and in consideration of the national comprehensive strategy, what action will the government take to bridge these gaps? Again, you may have to bring that information to us at a later date. I would appreciate that. Thank you.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of December 1, 2021, moved:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 2 p.m.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate), pursuant to notice of December 1, 2021, moved:

That, notwithstanding any provision of the Rules, previous order or usual practice:

1.in accordance with rule 10-11(1), the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology be authorized to examine the subject matter of all of Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, introduced in the House of Commons on November 26, 2021, in advance of the said bill coming before the Senate, when and if the committee is formed;

2.in addition, the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs be separately authorized to examine the subject matter of clauses 1 to 5 contained in Bill C-3 in advance of it coming before the Senate, when and if the committee is formed;

3.for the purpose of their studies, the aforementioned committees have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, with rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) being suspended in relation thereto;

4.subject to the following paragraph, as the reports from the committees authorized to examine the subject matter of all or of particular elements of Bill C-3 are tabled in the Senate, they be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration later that day; and

5.each of the committees authorized to examine the subject matter of all or of particular elements of Bill C-3 be authorized to deposit its report with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting, with the reports thus deposited being placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting after they are tabled.

He said: Honourable senators, I would like to speak briefly to government Motion No. 5, which authorizes a Senate pre-study on the subject matter of Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code, which was introduced in the other place on November 26, 2021.

[Translation]

This motion authorizes the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to study all of Bill C-3 and the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to specifically study clauses 1 to 5 of Bill C-3 pertaining to the provisions of the Criminal Code before receiving the bill from the other place.

[English]

As colleagues are well aware, we are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Stories are being published almost daily reporting on the strain to our health care system and the burnout affecting our health care providers. Canadians, too, are growing very weary. However, impatience and weariness do not and should not extend to the harassment and threats that are being levelled at some health care providers. Bill C-3 will make it an offence to intimidate or impede a person from obtaining health services or to intimidate or impede a health professional in the performance of their duties.

Dr. Katharine Smart, President of the Canadian Medical Association, noted in relation to this issue:

Existing legislative measures to prevent and respond to this behaviour are proving insufficient. The CMA is encouraged that protecting the safety of health care workers is a top legislative priority for the federal government and we urge them to move forward quickly on consideration of this bill. Legislative action is needed to avoid potential tragedies.

Furthermore, Bill C-3 would also amend the Canada Labour Code to provide 10 days of paid sick leave per year to workers in the federally regulated private sector.

[Translation]

Esteemed colleagues, this motion makes it possible for the committees mentioned to properly examine the subject matter of Bill C-3 before it comes before the Senate. I believe that in light of their respective expertise and mandates, these two committees are best able to give careful consideration to these important issues of public interest.

[English]

As mentioned, the provisions of Bill C-3 claim a practical level of urgency for study and reporting back to this chamber. We’ve already heard from a range of major stakeholders respecting health care professionals and workers in our country, including the Canadian Labour Congress, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association and Unifor, all of whom have expressed support for the provisions contained in Bill C-3.

This motion allows both committees all the leeway necessary to begin work as soon as possible, and to hear from many of those important stakeholders, including the responsible ministers. It grants the power for the committees to meet while the Senate is sitting or when the Senate is adjourned. It also allows for the reports of these committees to be deposited with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not sitting.

[Translation]

Honourable senators, I believe that we all agree that the subject matter of Bill C-3 is important and urgent enough for the Senate, through its committees, to begin examining it. The two committees are authorized to establish their own schedule and to start their work as soon as they deem it appropriate.

[English]

The committees, once organized, would then have the authority to set meeting schedules and begin issuing witness invitations so that when we do receive Bill C-3, the important groundwork has been done.

Colleagues, this is what we do best — review, gather information, study and report. I ask that you pass this motion so that our committees might move forward as soon as feasible. Thank you.