On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Downe, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black, for the third reading of Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts.

Senator Plett: You, in fact, have been very clear, minister. Thank you.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs still hasn’t taken down her statement about the bombing of the hospital in Gaza, which she posted when the media was reporting that Hamas claimed that Israel was responsible. I would hope that Minister Joly is aware of her government’s findings and your statement by now.

Minister, why do you think she has not retracted this statement? She has had 12 days to do so. Failing to delete this post is a deliberate choice on her part, minister — is it not?

Senator Housakos: With all the questions being asked, and with the RCMP’s investigation and the Auditor General’s investigation being launched on this issue, you’re telling me that you’ll look for the information. How many outsourcing firms run programs for the Department of National Defence? For example, who runs the medical services for the Department of National Defence? Is that done in-house, or is that contracted out? If it’s contracted out, can you please tell us to whom, minister? When you do contract out our services at National Defence, how many are awarded without tender or through selective tendering? These are questions that should be easily answered by a minister of the Crown. How many contracts have been awarded to Dalian by the Department of National Defence either without tender or through some kind of selective tender?

If you have questions about any particular contract that National Defence may be involved in, I’ll make sure that you receive that information. I didn’t bring with me today and do not have direct knowledge of the contracts that you speak of, so I don’t want to speculate. I certainly wouldn’t give you any information of which I was uncertain.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, for the third reading of Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), as amended.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, for the third reading of Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), as amended.

Senator Martin: Additionally, a briefing note from military chaplains made public last month said the high cost of living, staff shortages and changes to the Post-Living Differential have resulted in “. . . many CAF leaders and members feeling more undervalued and underappreciated than at any point in recent memory.”

Minister, this is happening on the Trudeau government’s watch. What is your plan to improve such low morale?

I honestly believe that the real answer for this is more housing. That’s the work that we’re undertaking now to identify those opportunities that do exist for our bases right across the country, to create more housing that will be affordable and accessible to more members of the service.

[Translation]

Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, November is Diabetes Awareness Month. As many of you know, this disease holds a special importance for me because my grandson has Type 1 diabetes. Some of you met my grandson, Max, when he came to visit me in the Senate this year with his parents, Marc and Jody, from British Columbia.

[English]

Max is an enthusiastic 11-year-old who, along with his parents, has learned how to manage his condition. Mentors are especially important for kids with Type 1 diabetes, so it was a real pleasure for Max to meet with Tareq Winski, one of our former Senate pages, who also has Type 1. They had a very in-depth conversation about many aspects of living with Type 1 diabetes.

Tareq encouraged Max to attend D-Camps, a summer camp program specifically for kids with Type 1 diabetes. This motivated Max to attend D-Camps in Alberta this summer. There are many of these camps across our country. Max told me that it was the best experience since all the kids have Type 1 diabetes. He said, “Nannie, it was so much fun, and I didn’t think of my diabetes once!”

Diabetes doesn’t go away when you stop thinking about it. Although Max has learned to manage his condition, like for all his peers with diabetes, doing so can be a full-time job with no vacations, and a cure would be the greatest gift for kids like Max.

Colleagues, I’m so proud to say that Canada has always been a leader in diabetes research. From the development of insulin 100 years ago to stem cell treatments today, Canada has remained at the cutting edge of the search for a cure. We benefit from a robust health care system and world-class research institutions that attract the most talented scientists. In addition, organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, have worked tirelessly to ensure that finding a cure remains a priority in Canada.

[Translation]

I would like to invite you to a special event on Tuesday, November 7 at the National Arts Centre. It’s a screening of The Human Trial, a documentary produced by Ottawa filmmakers Lisa Hepner and Guy Mossman.

[English]

The film explores a radical stem cell-based treatment for diabetics with the potential to completely transform the lives of people dependent on insulin. It’s a celebration of breakthrough science and the potential of public-private collaboration for health science research when consistent funding is made available.

The event is hosted by broadcaster Catherine Clark and will feature a panel of leading diabetes researchers. It will be moderated by André Picard, the health reporter and columnist from The Globe and Mail. I hope to see you there on November 7 at 6 p.m. During Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s work to make Type 1 type none. Thank you.

(Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2021, to receive a Minister of the Crown, the Honourable Bill Blair, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence, appeared before honourable senators during Question Period.)

Hon. Éric Forest: Honourable senators, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by our former colleague Murray Sinclair, has had a decisive impact on our understanding of the historical wrongs committed against First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Elected municipal officials recognize the importance of the process and want to participate too. We can only achieve our potential as a country, as a city or even as individuals by charting a new course with Indigenous peoples based on empathy, respect and an honest understanding of history.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action by posting a tool designed to guide cities along the path to reconciliation and support the federal government in rebuilding nation-to-nation relationships.

A number of initiatives have started since then. The City of Montreal is one example that comes to mind. It offers its employees training on Indigenous culture, it has a commissioner for relations with Indigenous peoples, and it provides funding to community organizations working to improve the quality of life of Indigenous persons.

I would also call attention to the third Great Gathering of Indigenous peoples and Quebec municipalities held this year in Gatineau to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding.

Smaller communities are also taking action in accordance with their resources. This year, for example, the North Shore region hosted the fourth Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous Peoples and Quebec. The aim was to encourage networking between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses in order to promote the region’s economic development.

Some people talk about economic reconciliation. There is probably a way for the federal government to support municipalities that are seeking to go one step further on the road to reconciliation. The federal government recently set up a fund to reward municipalities that relax their regulations to encourage soft densification.

In a similar vein, why not provide technical and financial support to municipalities that want to take action and create a framework for truth and reconciliation? Cities, towns and municipalities are willing to work towards reconciliation. The federal government would do well to establish genuine partnerships with them, since it is often at the local level that broader issues are resolved.

Thank you.

Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, on Saturday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Black Pearls Gala 2023, an annual event that celebrates the achievements of 100 Black women who have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and community impact.

I rise today to pay tribute to the woman behind this initiative, a trailblazer with a very inspiring story: Rose Cathy Handy.

Born in Cameroon, she came to Canada in 1993. She took on the challenge of integration head-on by volunteering for several organizations. However, her life would soon be turned upside down. In 1997, after giving birth to her first child, Rose Cathy became homeless and had to take refuge in a shelter with her baby.

She did not give up. Rose Cathy became an entrepreneur and got her first contract with Glendon College to organize a conference on women. That is how she got her autonomy back and could afford an apartment again.

She went on to found a business called BilingualLink, which helps newcomers understand the Canadian labour market and improve their employability. In 1999, BilingualLink organized the first bilingual job fair in Toronto.

Finally, Rose Cathy created Canada International Black Women Excellence, whose signature event, the Black Pearls Gala, celebrates 100 outstanding Black women and the progress they have achieved in Canada and beyond.

From homeless immigrant to unifying business leader, Rose Cathy Handy is a shining example of integration for newcomers and a model of resilience for women with diverse ethnocultural backgrounds.

Thank you.

[English]

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Downe, seconded by the Honourable Senator Black, for the third reading of Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts.

(Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2021, to receive a Minister of the Crown, the Honourable Bill Blair, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Defence, appeared before honourable senators during Question Period.)

Senator Carignan: Minister, the situation is even more embarrassing because a Wall Street Journal editorial referred to Canada as a “military free-rider in NATO” owing to its pathetic investments in defence.

Minister, you are the minister of the armed forces, but some wags are even referring to you as the “minister of the unarmed forces” because of the pathetic investments in our national defence. In addition to improving the efficiency of the procurement system, will you increase the defence budget?

[English]

We have, for example, made a commitment of $38.6 billion to NORAD modernization. That’s a lot of money, senator. It’s important that it be spent well, but we’ve made that commitment. We’ve also made contracts for the fighter jets —

Senator Batters: Minister Blair, the commitment by the Government of Canada to the Snowbirds is imperative. The Snowbirds are the excellent public face of the Canadian military and serve as a major recruitment tool at this time of declining membership in the Canadian Forces. Current Snowbird 2 Captain Caitlyn Clapp started dreaming of becoming a Snowbird pilot at age 12, when she saw this magnificent team perform, led by Commanding Officer Maryse Carmichael, the Snowbirds’ first female pilot. With media reports stating that your government intends to cut the National Defence budget by $1 billion, will you commit today that Canada’s beloved Snowbirds will never be sacrificed on the chopping block?

I will tell you that what I’m not looking at with respect to the Treasury Board request for us to look at professional services, consulting and —

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator LaBoucane-Benson, for the third reading of Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), as amended.

Hon. Robert Black: Honourable senators, I rise to highlight that today marks the one hundred and tenth anniversary of 4-H in Canada and Global 4-H Day. It’s also Show Your 4-H Colours Day, their biggest annual event in this country. Every November, the 4-H community comes together to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive impact that they have had, not only in Canada, but around the world. This month-long campaign is a testament to the incredible contributions 4-H youth are making in their communities and the transformation that the 4‑H program is fostering by producing responsible, compassionate and engaged young people.

I can’t help but reflect on my own journey of more than 50 years with this incredible organization and program. I’m a proud alumnus, a former staff member at both the provincial and national levels, and even had the privilege of serving as the president of the Canadian 4-H Council. Moreover, I’m honoured to have been recognized as an honorary lifetime member of 4-H Canada. It is with profound gratitude that I declare that 4-H is the cornerstone upon which my life’s trajectory was set, ultimately leading me to the position I hold here in the Senate of Canada.

The impact of 4-H on young Canadians cannot be overstated. For over a century, it has provided youth with unique opportunities to learn essential life skills that go beyond traditional education. Through hands-on projects, leadership development and community engagement, 4-H empowers our youth to become active and responsible citizens. It instills values of hard work, dedication and the importance of giving back to the community. As we look to the future, the significance of organizations like 4-H in shaping responsible and caring leaders becomes even more evident.

Our world is facing an array of complex challenges, and the leadership and problem-solving skills instilled by 4-H are exactly what our society needs. The resilience, compassion and commitment fostered within the 4-H community are qualities that are essential to addressing issues such as environmental sustainability, social justice and economic development.

Show Your 4-H Colours Day is not merely an event; it’s a celebration of positive effects created by 4-H in our communities, an acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication of countless young Canadians who have committed themselves to making a difference — and a reminder of the potential that lies within each young mind.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to 4-H Canada for the profound influence it has had on my life and countless others. Colleagues, please join me in taking a moment to recognize and celebrate the transformative power of 4-H, and the promising potential it holds for our nation, with the 4-H pledge:

I pledge

My head to clearer thinking,

My heart to greater loyalty,

My hands to larger service,

My health to better living,

For my club, my community, my country, and my world.

Thank you.

Hon. Sharon Burey: Dear colleagues, I rise today to highlight problems that are affecting millions of Canadians and to draw your attention to the fact that October was Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, Awareness Month.

[English]

My remarks will focus on the cost to Canadian society and highlighting a few recent efforts to improve children’s literacy across Canada.

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia — which are often seen together — are highly heritable, we know that racialized and marginalized individuals and those facing social adversity experience poorer outcomes. Education is a social determinant of health and economic outcomes, so if we as a country are serious about decreasing health care costs, increasing productivity and improving lifelong health, this issue requires our full attention. In fact, according to the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada, ADHD is estimated to cost Canadian society $7 billion annually.

Frontier College, a national charitable literacy organization, reported in 2021 that:

Studies have consistently shown that improving the literacy of a country’s workforce increases both GDP and productivity. In fact, literacy scores are a better predictor of long-term growth of OECD countries than educational attainment. Increasing the literacy skills in the workforce by an average of 1% would, over time, lead to a 3% increase in GDP, or $54 billion per year, every year, and a 5% increase in productivity.

In 2019, the Ontario Human Rights Commission undertook a public inquiry entitled Right to Read. The Ministry of Education adopted most of its substantial recommendations, and science‑based, evidence-based, structured literacy is now part of the language curriculum in all Ontario schools.

A 2023 Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission report entitled Equitable Education for Students with Reading Disabilities points to provincial reading scores that indicate 25% of all students and a staggering 45% of students identifying as First Nations, Métis and Inuit were not meeting provincial standards for reading. In closing, colleagues, it is hoped that this report will lead to systemwide changes to the literacy and language curriculum in Saskatchewan schools. Our children and families are depending on us. Thank you.

[Translation]

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of participants of Take Our Kids to Work Day.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker: Pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2021, Question Period will begin at 2:30 p.m.