Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, two days hence:

I will call the attention of the Senate to the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021, tabled in the House of Commons on December 14, 2021, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., and in the Senate on December 15, 2021.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question.

The Government of Canada is very concerned and mindful of the rise of the cost of living to all Canadians and is focused on measures to soften the impact of those increased costs. It remains focused on issues of affordability and the cost of living.

Canada was fortunate that we entered the pandemic in a strong fiscal position. It allowed the government to take the measures necessary to help us through that. The government has put forward a prudent plan that sets out a new fiscal anchor, and it is committed to reducing the federal debt as a share of the economy over the medium term and to unwinding the deficits from combatting COVID-19.

In addition, the programs and plans around early childhood learning and child-care policies are important policies that will help Canadians weather the economic storm as they are implemented and rolled out.

Senator McPhedran: I wish to thank Senator Gold for his assurances and wish everybody the best of the season.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I will make inquiries and be happy to report back when I get an answer.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question.

It is not the case that the government is not doing anything; it is quite the contrary. For example, the renewal of the Bank of Canada’s mandate of 2%, with additional criteria that the bank can consider, is one, but only one, indicator of the seriousness with which the government approaches the issue of inflation.

Again, it is important to remind us all, as most of us know, that the inflation we are experiencing and the cost of living is not exclusively or even largely a function of monetary policy, and it might not even be largely — certainly not exclusively — be a function of the investments that this government made with the support of all parties and members in this chamber to combat the pandemic.

It is a global phenomenon that Canada is grappling with, as are other countries.

Canada remains on track. The government is confident that its plan will help us through this period, mindful as it is of the burden and increased costs on Canadians, as you have quite properly mentioned.

Senator Gold: I will certainly be pleased to pass on your recommendations when I make the inquiries.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. Following the economic statement, the government is committing $1.7 billion to continue supporting provinces and territories in securing rapid testing supplies that they need to keep our citizens safe and healthy.

I’ve also been advised that the government has already authorized 24 of these tests, and we can expect more to be authorized as the technology develops. I have been further advised that the government has ordered over 35 million tests for all provinces and territories. I’m also told that the government has deployed a large number of tests to provinces and territories and has shared guidance as to how they can be used effectively. This will increase our ability to detect, track and address outbreaks of COVID-19 variants in Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator, thank you for raising this question.

The government understands, empathizes and sympathizes with those Canadians who may find themselves unsure of what rules they will be subject to when they seek to travel to the United States or elsewhere. The Canadian government will continue to use its best efforts to provide as clear information as it can to Canadians, and that will continue notwithstanding that the rules are changing rather quickly, not only here in Canada — and Canadians have to be mindful and attentive to those changes as they are announced — but also in many other countries. Each country, like Canada, has the sovereign right to define for itself the rules of entry. It is a complicated and frustrating situation for those who are contemplating travel.

I do want to remind the chamber and those who are watching that I believe the Canadian travel advisory will be — if it has not been already — resurrected, advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel. That may be cold comfort for those who have already made plans. The fact is, we all have to do our part. The Canadian government will do its part to provide as clear information as it can under the circumstances.

Senator Gold: Thank you. I will answer as accurately as I can.

I know that our government is in constant contact with many of its partners internationally and many international organizations from whom we receive information and to whom we impart information. I assume there is a degree of sharing of information, certainly, between Canada and its partners to the south and other allies. I do not know the particulars, however, of how deep or broad those consultations and collaborations are.

I may make inquiries to that effect, but, again, I would caution all of us to try to keep an eye on Canadian government websites and information that comes from our government. That is probably going to be a quicker way to understand what rules we are subject to than waiting for my answer and for the response to my inquiries, which I will happily make.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. With regard to all of the trade issues that Canada and the United States have to deal with, I do understand that the potato issue is of special importance to Prince Edward Island and its farmers, processors and the community.

The measure was taken by Canada as a short-term measure to ensure that Canada and Prince Edward Island potato farmers were not exposed to more severe and potentially pernicious actions. Canada remains committed to defending the interests of the Canadian agriculture industry, whether it be in Prince Edward Island or elsewhere, whether it is softwood lumber or other issues and will take necessary measures when it is appropriate to take them.

Senator Downe: Senator Gold, we appreciate the support. Prince Edward Islanders appreciate all the kind words we hear about the concern being expressed, but we wonder why there is no action.

We’re hearing about a potential issue that may become a trade irritant — which is important to Ontario and important to Canada — but that has not happened yet, while we are currently suffering under a trade irritant that is already in place and the Government of Canada has not sent similar letters or indications of what trade response it will take to that action. You talk about potato farmers and potato workers. We also send 5,000 transport trucks a year with potatoes to the United States. This has a significant impact across our economy in Prince Edward Island, similar to the impact any ban on electric cars would have in Ontario. Why the different standard? Rather than reassuring words, Prince Edward Islanders would like some action — and we would like it now — from the Government of Canada.

Senator Batters: Thank you. Senator Gold, I just wanted to know what the reasoning was for the withdrawal of this particular bill.

I was the critic for the Judges Act in the spring when it was first brought in, and I raised the concern at the time that it did not have a Royal Recommendation and was being brought forward and introduced in the Senate. Is that the reason it’s being withdrawn at this point?