Senator Cormier: Thank you, colleagues.

During my visit to Nunavut, Ms. Aariak also told me that the federal Indigenous Languages Act lacks “teeth,” especially when it comes to the role of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.

The act was passed in June 2019, and it includes a five-year review of its provisions. Does the federal government intend to comply with its obligations relating to Indigenous peoples’ right to governance and self-determination in this country?

Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, I rise today in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is the direct outcome of the courage, determination and advocacy of survivors.

On this solemn day, Turtle Island is called upon to honour the Indigenous children who needlessly and senselessly suffered and died at Indian residential schools, Indian day schools and associated sites.

The government, churches and broader society told generations of us that we were less valuable, less worthy and less human. To them, we were savages who would amount to nothing. These, of course, are unfounded, racist and discriminatory beliefs. However, when forced to be ashamed of who we are and where we come from, it can be a lifelong journey to believe otherwise, especially when some still do not see us as equals.

Colleagues, I am proud to say that despite the atrocious ways Indigenous Peoples have been — and continue to be — treated, we have endured, persisted and survived. We have been here since time immemorial and are not going anywhere. While there is still progress to be made, I am hopeful for our future. I look up to my daughter, Kateri, and my granddaughter Kiara — who are here today — and I cannot think of a better legacy.

I know our children and grandchildren will help ensure that the true history of our shared country is never forgotten. It is they who will lead the work to help our people and communities recover, rebuild and prosper.

At the same time, colleagues, my heart is heavy, because after decades of fighting to be heard, believed and supported, survivors — along with our families and communities — continue to be subjected to the violence of indifference and denial. There are those, for example, who seek to reject, minimize and even ridicule what happened to Indigenous children while in the care of the state and churches, including their burials in unmarked sites. In addition, barriers — such as a lack of access to records and sites — continue to prevent families and communities from finding answers. These are some of the pressing issues that are undermining the ongoing search for truth, justice and healing.

Honourable senators, on and around September 30, I sincerely hope you will all take time to learn, reflect and participate in educational and commemorative activities. As an institution, we must take responsibility for our role in the past and ongoing harm inflicted on Indigenous people, and work every day to meaningfully address it.

Wela’lin. Thank you.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, September 30 has been set aside to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — a day of deep significance for our nation.

The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada is a story of resilience, strength and profound injustice. For generations, Indigenous communities faced colonization, dispossession of land, forced assimilation and the horrors of the residential school system. These dark chapters in our history have left indelible scars that continue to affect Indigenous individuals, families and communities today.

For too long, the experiences and suffering of Indigenous peoples in Canada have been marginalized, ignored and even denied. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds us that it is time to confront this painful history, listen to the stories of survivors, learn from their wisdom and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a mandate for change, a call for us to collectively acknowledge the truth of our past and work towards a better future.

It’s a day to reflect upon the devastating legacy of cultural assimilation policies that separated Indigenous children from their families, languages and cultures.

It’s a day to remember the thousands of children who never returned home from those schools, and to honour the survivors who have carried the weight of their trauma for generations.

This day is a testament to our commitment to acknowledging the painful truths of our past and working together to build a more just and inclusive future.

It is also a day of hope that reminds us of our collective responsibility to seek reconciliation. It requires us to confront the systemic injustices that persist today, such as inadequate access to clean water, housing and education in Indigenous communities.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of reflection, reckoning with our history and committing to a more just and equitable future.

Together, let us build a Canada where the wounds of the past are healed, the truth is known and reconciliation is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.

Senator Cormier: First of all, I’d like to thank you for that background information and for the concern you have shown regarding this important legislation for official language minority communities. I’d also like to thank you for making the connection with the government’s obligations under the Official Languages Act.

You mentioned three additions that have been made. I’m referring to the paragraph that deals with commitments and the Official Languages Act. Under the heading “Funding commitments,” as you mentioned, the bill states:

early learning and child care programs and services subject to an agreement entered into with a province must be guided by the commitments set out in the Official Languages Act

Obviously, you mentioned the challenges in bilateral relations between the federal government and the provinces. I’m from New Brunswick, and there’s a major challenge in New Brunswick in terms of non-compliance with the Official Languages Act. You’ve given some very clear figures on the almost discriminatory situation that exists between anglophone and francophone communities. I would really love to hear from New Brunswick’s decision makers, who can shed some light on their obligations and on how Bill C-13 will be respected, taking into account the obligations under the federal Official Languages Act.

Senator Plett: Obviously, you’ve gone to the same school of economics as Justin Trudeau. The budget doesn’t balance itself, even if you and he believe that it does.

Leader, I will put this on the record because it is important. Liberal MP Ken MacDonald said that a constituent called him and said that she could no longer afford home heating oil. She said:

I go around my house with a blanket wrapped around me. The only time I get to have beef or chicken is if my niece or nephew invites me out to Sunday dinner.

Senator Gold, this is as a result of your regressive carbon tax. The MP tells this story to everyone he meets in the Trudeau government. He said:

At first, some people said to me, like, there’s nobody living like that . . . And I said, “If you don’t think people are living like that, you’re not living in the real world.”

I would suggest that to you and to the Prime Minister as well, Senator Gold: If you don’t believe that people are living like that because of this, you are not living in the real world.

Leader, I agree; the Prime Minister is not living in the real world. A year ago, 39 members of his cabinet spent over $46,000 on catering for a three-day trip to discuss affordability — $46,000 to discuss affordability. Is that an example of living in the real world, Senator Gold; yes or no?

Senator Moncion: Thank you, colleagues.

The group that deals with that sent us the dollar amounts and number of child care spaces, and, yes, we’ll give you that information. We’re going to ask the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to invite those people because they really have a lot of information gathered from coast to coast to coast. These people, who are with the FCFA, will be able to provide guidance as we revise the act to ensure that it recognizes and enforces the rights of francophones outside Quebec and anglophones in Quebec.

I don’t think I answered your question fully, but I believe that, as we study this matter, we’ll monitor things carefully and some people will keep an eagle eye on the bill and its potential impact on francophone families outside Quebec and anglophone families in Quebec.

[English]

Senator Plett: Senator Boehm, many of us fondly remember Senator Fraser in this chamber — a good Liberal senator. I struggle with the “good Liberal,” but, nevertheless, I fondly remember her and miss her. She was always concerned about the finances. Again, it’s surprising, given her Liberal leanings. She always asked, “What is the financial impact? Is there travel involved in this?”

If you could, please give us an idea of what the committee is planning, whether there’s an African trip involved in this, or the kind of money involved. Thank you.

Senator Boehm: Thank you, senator. The committee will meet and determine what it should do. The plan is as sketched out in the language of the motion — to look at all aspects — and I imagine that as we discuss the aspects, we would look at all options, including whether travel might be required or not.

I would only add that this committee has not travelled very much. It’s undertaken the recent travel to Washington in the pursuit of a study last December, and more recently to Europe. Before that, the last time the committee travelled was before I joined the Senate, so it was in 2017. I don’t think ruling out travel is the way to go. Perhaps looking at it in the context of whether and how it makes sense, we will be looking at that. But there is no decision. If I could only add that, on our last travel — as you will recall, senator, with the guidance of the Subcommittee on Senate Estimates and Committee Budgets and the Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration Committee — we reduced the number of senators and we all flew economy class on that trip. We are mindful of costs, and we are mindful of whether this would be a necessity or not. Thank you for the question.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Senate take note of:

(a)the deteriorating humanitarian crisis occurring in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of the Lachin corridor and increased military aggression against indigenous Armenian civilians in the region; and

(b)the actions of the Aliyev regime as being dictatorial, and in violation of international law; and

That the Senate call on the Government of Canada:

(a)to support the liberty of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to self-determination;

(b)to immediately impose sanctions against the Azeri regime;

(c)to demand the immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor and the release of Armenian Prisoners of War;

(d)to provide a significant aid package through NGOs to those Armenian people forcefully displaced from their indigenous land; and

(e)to protect the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh through the presence of international peacekeeping forces.

Hon. Marie-Françoise Mégie: Honourable senators, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to highlight the 19th annual Montreal International Black Film Festival, being held in person and online from September 27 to October 1, 2023.

It is an audacious festival that seeks to promote the development of the independent film industry and showcase films on the realities of Black people around the world. It is a new look on Black film that offers bursaries and awards of excellence.

The MIBFF, formerly the Montreal Haitian Film Festival, has become not only the most important festival of its kind in the country, but also a key player in cultural diversity in Quebec.

Congratulations to Fabienne Colas and her entire organizing team on this 19th annual festival. Thank you.

Hon. Michèle Audette: Hello everyone, tshinashkumitin.

Colleagues, I rise today to honour the memory of the late Joyce Echaquan, who left us three years ago. This Atikamekw woman, a mother, died under inhumane, abject conditions amid a barrage of racist, discriminatory and unacceptable slurs. Even the horrific video that made its way around the world in seconds proves it.

On September 28, 2020, the fate of our gentle warrior, Joyce Echaquan, could have taken a different turn. Had we done things differently, she might still be with us today.

In her report, coroner Géhane Kamel wrote that racism or discrimination may have played a part in her death. The coroner is calling on the Government of Quebec to go a step further. She wants it to acknowledge the presence of systemic racism in its institutions, and work hard to eliminate the kinds of things that women like Joyce Echaquan experience.

In response, the Government of Quebec recently tabled Bill 32 on cultural safety. I have to say, we are fortunate to have Joyce’s Principle in its entirety.

Canada is also committed to advancing the fight against racism and discrimination. I also understand that a bill on Indigenous health is being developed to fight racism and discrimination.

In my heart, I tell myself that when someone arrives at the hospital, they have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and without discrimination or racism. I’m eagerly anticipating the day that this bill is introduced in the other place and arrives here in the Senate, so that we can all honour Joyce’s memory together, hers and the thousands of others who left without being heard.

I made a promise to her spouse, Carol, her mother, Diane, and an entire community. I promised to walk beside Joyce Echaquan, and I know many people here in this chamber will as well.

Thank you. I want to tell the family that I love them. Today is a difficult day, but we have a collective responsibility to ensure that all women, regardless of culture or background, are treated with dignity when they arrive at the hospital.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Salma Ataullahjan: Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit with the Clerk of the Senate its reports on issues relating to human rights generally, if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate.

[Translation]

Hon. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: Senator Gold, yesterday, in answer to a question from Senator Batters, I was surprised to hear you state that your government was in no way responsible for the current housing crisis that is having a major impact on Canadian families, particularly single-parent families.

In an article published in the August 25 edition of the Financial Post, Jack Mintz, a tax and urban infrastructure expert, said that the Liberals brought in more than a million newcomers in 2022 and are preparing to welcome over 1.2 million in 2023.

The combined total for these two years represents an increase of over 5.4% in the Canadian population, which is triple the average of the past 40 years. That makes Canada the country with the highest population growth in the G20.

As an August National Bank of Canada study shows, housing starts are currently only a quarter of population growth, compared to the historical average of 61%.

Senator Gold, with such an out-of-control immigration policy, do you still think that your government isn’t responsible for the housing crisis?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The short answer is no. The longer answer is that the Prime Minister — and, indeed, this government — has shown considerable understanding and, more importantly, taken action to address the difficult circumstances that Canadians have been facing and continue to face across this country.

In that regard, as I have said on many occasions in this chamber and which bears repeating, the tax on carbon, on pollution, is one of a suite of measures — and the most efficient market-driven measure — to ensure that we can make the transition from our current economy to a cleaner and more sustainable economy, for the benefit of our generation and future generations to come.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. The Government of Canada has never denied that it has a role to play with respect to housing issues facing Canadians. I’ve always stressed that the Government of Canada is working and must work in partnership with the provinces and territories, as well as with private companies, to build more housing.

Regarding immigration, senator, Canada needs immigrants not only to continue enriching our culture, our society and our economy, but also, specifically, to fill a labour shortage that’s affecting all sectors of the economy.

Regarding housing, as I stated yesterday, the government’s policies are starting to bear fruit. As Michael J. Cooper, the President and CRO of a Toronto company, Dream Unlimited Corp, said his company is planning to build 5,000 additional units across Canada as a result of the elimination of the tax on rental unit construction.

Similarly, Marc Lee, a senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, emphasized the importance of this measure and this policy, which is designed to help grow our housing supply.

Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, as Prime Minister Trudeau shows no sign of understanding how his inflationary carbon tax is hurting families all across our country, it is clear that he is not interested in listening to Canadians — or even to one of his own members of Parliament.

Senator Gold, a Liberal MP from Newfoundland and Labrador, Ken McDonald, said this about the carbon tax in an interview earlier this month: “We are punishing the rural areas of our country and the most vulnerable people in our society.”

He is right, leader. Why doesn’t the Prime Minister understand this? Is it because he has never had to worry about how he will feed himself or wonder how he will pay for a roof over his own head? Is that why he won’t axe the tax?

Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, a significant portion of my time as a senator has been dedicated to “AGvocating” for the interests of farmers, processors and producers throughout the country.

Over the past several months, I have spoken with many passionate farmers, producers and advocacy groups about concerns over the ongoing negotiations regarding the U.K.’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. I share their concerns. With accession to the CPTPP, the United Kingdom will have unprecedented access to Canadian markets for pork and beef, while Canadian producers will be unable to send our high-quality products to the British markets. As a trading nation, this sets an unfair advantage for foreign markets. While the U.K. engages in some level of trade protectionism to control its domestic markets, Canada is putting its valuable food systems at risk by allowing foreign products to enter our market at an unfair disadvantage for our farmers. Equal opportunity is crucial for our producers to continue to export their products.

The Canadian Cattle Association and the Canadian Pork Council, as well as the Canadian Meat Council, have actively spoken about the implications that the U.K.’s accession without renegotiation will bring, and the falsehoods being adopted to justify non-tariff barriers to U.K. markets. Their main concern, colleagues, is the failure to accept Canada’s meat inspection system, which is widely recognized around the world as one of the finest. The U.K. does not accept Canada’s food safety and animal health systems and measures, and those non-tariff barriers limit access to the U.K. market. In addition, there is a lack of reciprocal tariff measures, which have allowed British beef and pork full access to the Canadian market without full reciprocity.

I urge my colleagues and the government to consider the implications created by the U.K.’s accession. I believe it is high time we address the non-tariff barriers that restrict global access to our high-quality food products. Canada continues to work diligently to put food on our plates — not just here at home, but around the world as well — and we must continue to protect our valuable food systems.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and your expressed interest in what are, in fact, the five clean investment tax credits in Budget 2023, all aiming to support green innovation in Canada. For the moment, the new clean technology tax credits are focused on clean energy, manufacturing, hydrogen and carbon capture.

In addition, Budget 2023 expanded the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit — originally launched in 2022 — which was the subject of the government’s wide-ranging public consultations from August to earlier this month. More generally, I’ve been advised that the government is committed to tripling the funding available for clean technology on farms — including for renewable energy, precision agriculture and energy efficiency. I will certainly bring the suggestion on biodigesters to the attention of the appropriate minister.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for underlining the harm that denialism causes to families, communities and to our prospects for moving forward with reconciliation.

This is one of the issues that was highlighted by Kim Murray, the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, who is working on this file, as you know. At her instigation, the Indigenous Peoples Committee has been dealing with this issue head-on by calling as witnesses groups she has identified as being less than forthcoming with records and information about residential schools.

Uncovering and sharing the full truth behind what happened is a critical piece of the work that needs to be done. This government will continue to support Indigenous peoples, communities, the search for the truth and the search for healing. Without truth, there can be no reconciliation, and a commitment of this government is to be standing side by side in this important work.