Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
1st Session, 45th Parliament
Volume 154, Issue 46
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The Honourable Raymonde Gagné, Speaker
- SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
- ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
- Commissioner of Official Languages
- Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner
- Justice
- Study on Housing Crisis and Challenges Currently Facing Home Buyers
- Budget 2025 Implementation Bill, No. 1
- Audit and Oversight
- National Flag of Canada Day and Extra Relevance of Flag Given Current Geopolitical Situation
- One Hundred Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Desjardins Group
- QUESTION PERIOD
THE SENATE
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The Senate met at 2 p.m., the Speaker in the chair.
Prayers.
SENATORS’ STATEMENTS
Southern Alberta Mustangs—Victims of Tragedy
Hon. Leo Housakos (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, today our hearts are heavy with the loss of three young hockey players — Caden Fine, JJ Wright and Cameron Casorso of the Southern Alberta Mustangs junior hockey team — whose lives were tragically cut short while travelling to practice near Calgary.
They were doing what so many young boys and girls do across our country every day: heading to the rink to be with their teammates and play the game they loved. For a parent, there is no phone call more feared and no pain more profound.
At only 17 to 18 years of age, these young men had their whole lives ahead of them. Caden had travelled from Alabama, while JJ and Cameron came from Kamloops, all to be part of a team and a community in Alberta that now mourn them. The void left in their homes and in the Mustangs’ locker room is unfathomable.
Only eight years ago, the province of Saskatchewan saw a similar tragedy when many young players from the Humboldt Broncos hockey team lost their lives. All of us with children, sons and daughters, who play this great sport — and who sometimes travel to faraway places — dread at night during winters and harsh conditions what the outcome might be. I remember many sleepless nights with my wife. My older son played college hockey and my younger son played junior hockey, and they travelled in those wee hours of the night.
On behalf of the Conservative caucus in the Senate — and, I’m sure, on behalf of all senators — I want to extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the entire community of Stavely. Our hearts are with them as they begin to process this unimaginable heartbreak.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
Permanent Residence Pathways
Hon. Stan Kutcher: Honourable senators, let me introduce you to Gala. She is a single mother of two and a displaced Ukrainian living here in Ottawa. She is very grateful that Canada provided them sanctuary through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, or CUAET. Gala and her children arrived in Canada in 2022.
In Ukraine, Gala managed a large hotel and spa complex with over 400 employees situated near Irpin and Bucha. She also worked as a professional interpreter for internationally renowned artists, including Britney Spears, Depeche Mode and Bryan Adams.
In her home, she endured Russian bombardment, huddling in an improvised shelter while death and destruction surrounded her. She escaped and avoided the brutal torture and random killing of civilians when Russian troops entered the place where she worked.
In Canada, she rebuilt her life. She is fluent in English and is learning French. She works as a manager of a coffee shop, pays taxes and contributes to her community.
However, she lives with uncertainty and bureaucratic confusion. She needs to continually reapply for a visa and work permit and keep passports updated for herself and her children. If her work permit is expiring, her employer may not renew her contract, and then her children would not be able to continue their education or receive medical services.
Gala applied through the humanitarian and compassionate pathway for permanent residency, or PR, yet according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada estimates, she could face a wait of 50 years.
The Family Reunification Public Policy pathway, established in October 2023 and closed a year later, is not available to her.
Of those who have applied through this pathway, about 15,000, only about 1,000 have had their applications processed to date.
This is not a pathway. It’s a roadblock.
However, the government can open up a temporary pathway to PR should it choose to do so.
The question that Gala asked me was this:
Why, as someone who has lived here for so many years, who is employed and paying taxes, whose children have fully integrated into Canadian society, who is providing a net value to Canada, can I not apply for PR status?
It is an excellent question indeed.
Why can’t we turn this lose-lose situation into a win-win situation? What are we waiting for? Canada can do much better. It can open up a pathway to permanent residency should it choose to do so.
Colleagues, for Gala and many others in her situation, we must do much better.
Thank you, d’akuju.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
Distinguished Visitors in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of our former colleagues the Honourable Donald Neil Plett, the Honourable Percy Mockler, the Honourable David Tkachuk and the Honourable Paul E. McIntyre.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you back to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
Canada’s Food System
Hon. Mary Robinson: Honourable senators, I rise today to bring attention to a national effort underway across Canada called Canada’s Food System.
This is a collaborative initiative involving partners from every part of our food system. Farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, researchers and transportation and logistics partners are all contributing to this work.
Our food system is one of Canada’s most significant economic contributors. It supports millions of jobs and anchors communities in every region of our country. It is also a vital part of our national infrastructure and an essential source of economic strength and resilience, particularly in a period marked by global uncertainty. Our food system employs 2.3 million people and supports one in nine Canadian jobs. Canada is one of the largest food exporters in the world, backed by trade agreements that reach more than 1.5 billion consumers.
Yet many Canadians still feel distant from the system that sustains them. They are looking for clear, reliable information about how food is grown, raised, processed and delivered. They also want to better understand the innovations that support sustainability, affordability and food security, as well as the practical solutions the sector is developing every day.
Canada’s Food System is one effort working to address that gap. It brings forward real stories from across the value chain and encourages fact-based conversations at a time when misinformation can overshadow what is truly happening. It also highlights the modern, forward-looking nature of a sector that is too often seen only through a nostalgic lens, despite being one of Canada’s most innovative and future-oriented industries.
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This work reflects a broad commitment across the food system to strengthen public understanding and build familiarity, trust and national pride in a sector that is essential to our daily lives.
Continued engagement from Canadians and from the many partners involved helps ensure this important part of our national life remains well understood, well supported and visible for the role it plays in our country’s future.
It is time to raise the profile of the complex, high-performing and often invisible network that delivers food to our tables. I thank the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity for helping establish this initiative.
I encourage you all to visit their website, canadasfoodsystem.ca, which provides perspectives and information from people throughout the value chain.
Thank you.
Visitors in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of participants from the 2026 edition of the Parliamentary Officers’ Study Program.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
The Late Kathleen Bigsby
Hon. Duncan Wilson: Honourable senators, I rise today to honour a British Columbian who selflessly devoted much of her life to civic duty through lifelong volunteerism: Kathleen Bigsby.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Kathleen’s passing over the holiday season.
I had the privilege of getting to know and work with her during my three terms as an elected Vancouver Park Board commissioner in the 1990s.
At that time, Kathleen was in the midst of 30 years of service as a volunteer and president of the Kerrisdale Community Centre, a space that has offered wide-ranging programming in recreation, sport and the arts for all ages since 1955. The community centre was jointly operated by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, so our paths crossed often, as she was then serving as president of Kerrisdale.
Kathleen had a fiery personality that I quickly came to realize was the embodiment of passion for the community that she called home. Though we aligned on many issues, there were times when we had differing takes. Whether standing shoulder to shoulder or toe to toe, I was always struck by how respectfully she engaged with everyone. I also deeply admired her staunchness in advocating for what she thought was best for her community. I admit that, even when you were on the other side of an issue, you had to respect her, because, more often than not, she was right.
Kathleen was a community leader in the city of Vancouver, advocating for communities beyond her own. She understood the power of the parks and recreation network in Vancouver and how, when they acted together, they could really make a difference.
In addition to her volunteer work, she also found time to be a mom and to have a career. She was committed to education, teaching English at Vancouver’s King Edward College before shifting to institutional evaluation in B.C.’s post-secondary system, serving as director of institutional planning and analysis at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Several years ago, word got out that she enjoyed a good gin and tonic, particularly while sitting on the porch looking at her garden. Rumour has it that there were dozens of gin-based drinks at her retirement party.
Kathleen’s community volunteerism continued, though. Facing recent attempts to disband Canada’s only elected park board, she helped create the coalition Save Our Park Board, tapping into the passion we Vancouverites have for our parks and recreation system.
Kathleen led a rich and full life, making an immeasurable difference within her community. In recognition, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal last year.
As I come up on the one-year anniversary of my appointment here, I am grateful for the opportunity to offer a moment of reflection, and of thanks, for what Kathleen instilled in me and in so many others: to be principled, to advocate relentlessly for those whom I serve and to lead with respect always.
Thank you.
Visitors in the Gallery
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Latoya Nugent, Chief Communications and Advocacy Officer, Rainbow Railroad. She is the guest of the Honourable Senators Coyle, Wells (Alberta) and Pate.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Wendy Wacko. She is the guest of the Honourable Senator Sorensen.
On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
[Translation]
Black History Month
Hon. Suze Youance: Honourable senators, this year, the theme of Black History Month in Canada is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
Black History Month is a time for us all to remember and recognize the contributions of Black people to the development of our country. It is a way to pay tribute to our Afro-descendant heritage, a duty to remember while looking toward the future.
Today, I would like to remind senators of the Haitian community’s contribution to the socio-economic and cultural growth of Canada, and especially Quebec, where this community has mainly settled since the 1960s. The Haitian community, which is predominantly French-speaking, has helped build our modern Quebec.
In the 1960s and 1970s, we witnessed an influx of doctors, lawyers and other highly educated professionals who were fleeing François Duvalier’s dictatorship. Later on, less skilled and less educated workers settled here to fill labour needs in the manufacturing and service industries. Since then, Haitian immigration has never stopped. It peaked in 2010 after the earthquake in Haiti. Today, Haitians mainly come to Canada to flee insecurity.
Very humbly, I would like to share how I’m contributing. As a student at the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal, I studied the seismic resistance of churches and hospitals in Quebec. My research created a connection between my awareness of natural disasters as a Haitian and Quebec’s rich religious and architectural heritage.
As a senator, I feel privileged to be involved in creating and shaping Canada’s future while also acknowledging my own heritage.
All Canadians are encouraged to participate in Black History Month activities. As Canadians, this affects all of us, as many people told me at last week’s traditional soup joumou event, which I co-hosted for parliamentary employees. Black History Month is also a celebration of a collective, engaging and inclusive approach. In particular, I want to thank protection officer Sébastien Raphaël from the Parliamentary Protective Service for his help.
Despite all of these activities and the excitement we feel during the month of February, we must not forget that this call for solidarity, for a more harmonious society and for social justice and equity must continue all year long. It is up to us, honourable colleagues, to make sure of that.
Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
[English]
International Day of Peaceful Coexistence
Hon. Tony Loffreda: Honourable senators, January 28 marked the very first International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to building societies grounded in mutual respect, understanding and dignity.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2025, this day reminds us that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the active, ongoing work of learning to live together amid differences of culture, faith, language and world view.
Peaceful coexistence is something Canadians rightly take pride in, but it is also a choice and a responsibility — one that demands constant vigilance and collective effort at every level of society.
As the world grows more complex and polarized, we must remain steadfast in promoting peace, tolerance and dialogue.
Here in Canada, we are fortunate to have community leaders who are translating this global vision into meaningful grassroots action.
In Montreal, the Peace Network for Social Harmony, which is presided over by Brian Bronfman, has been a beacon for peace, diversity and inclusion for more than a decade. By bringing people together across cultural and faith divides, the network fosters dialogue, strengthens relationships and promotes the prevention of violence in everyday community life. I had the privilege of participating in several of its Peace Days events last fall and witnessed first-hand its remarkable ability to mobilize citizens as peace-builders.
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Similarly, the International Forum for Peace, Security & Prosperity, led by Montreal’s Steve Gregory and an exceptional team of volunteers, engages young people, academics and civic leaders in critical conversations about the intersection of peace, security, justice and prosperity. By encouraging thoughtful dialogue and diverse perspectives, the forum exemplifies collaboration and inclusive leadership. Its next edition will take place in Palermo, Italy, this March.
I also wish to recognize the global impact of Million Peacemakers, an organization dedicated to empowering youth with practical tools for everyday peacemaking. Through its innovative “Nonflict” methodology, young people are learning how to transform conflict into cooperation. Montreal’s own Jon Moyal leads this important initiative, which will partner with the YMCA later this summer in Toronto and host more than 1,200 delegates at the upcoming YMCA World Council.
Honourable senators, in the spirit of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, let us honour these organizations and Canadian leaders who embody our values of inclusion, compassion and human dignity. Let us recommit to fostering a culture of peace here at home and around the world.
Thank you. Meegwetch.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS
Commissioner of Official Languages
Certificate of Nomination and Biographical Notes Tabled
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the certificate of nomination and biographical notes for the proposed appointment of Kelly Burke to the position of Commissioner of Official Languages.
Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner
Certificate of Nomination and Biographical Notes Tabled
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the certificate of nomination and biographical notes for the proposed appointment of Anton Boegman to the position of Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner.
Justice
Charter Statement in Relation to Bill S-4—Document Tabled
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill S-4, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).
Charter Statement in Relation to Bill C-12—Document Tabled
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice in relation to Bill C-12, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures, pursuant to the Department of Justice Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. J-2, sbs. 4.2(1).
[Translation]
Study on Housing Crisis and Challenges Currently Facing Home Buyers
Second Report of Banking, Commerce and the Economy Committee Deposited with Clerk During Adjournment of the Senate
Hon. Clément Gignac: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that pursuant to the order adopted by the Senate on October 7, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy deposited with the Clerk of the Senate on January 20, 2026, its second report, entitled Out of Reach: Unlocking Canada’s housing affordability crisis, and I move that the report be placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.
(On motion of Senator Gignac, report placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.)
[English]
Budget 2025 Implementation Bill, No. 1
Fourth Report of Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee on Subject Matter Tabled
Hon. Rosemary Moodie: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, which deals with the subject matter of those elements contained in Divisions 25, 36 and 44 of Part 5 of Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on November 4, 2025.
(Pursuant to the order adopted November 26, 2025, the report was deemed referred to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and placed on the Orders of the Day for consideration at the next sitting of the Senate.)
Audit and Oversight
Fourth Report of Committee Tabled
Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the fourth report (interim) of the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight, entitled Report to the Senate on Internal Audit: Contracting Data Analytics Review.
National Flag of Canada Day and Extra Relevance of Flag Given Current Geopolitical Situation
Notice of Inquiry
Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, I give notice that, two days hence:
I will call the attention of the Senate to National Flag of Canada Day and the extra relevance of our flag given the current geopolitical situation.
I invite all senators to participate in the debate.
[Translation]
One Hundred Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Desjardins Group
Notice of Inquiry
Hon. Lucie Moncion: Honourable senators, I give notice that, two days hence:
I will call the attention of the Senate to the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the Desjardins Group.
[English]
QUESTION PERIOD
International Trade
Canada-U.S. Trade
Hon. Leo Housakos (Leader of the Opposition): Government leader, it’s good to see you and to be back working on behalf of Canadian taxpayers.
Despite Prime Minister Carney living in a fantasy of a new global world order, I think all of us will agree that in reality, the United States of America remains our greatest trading partner by miles. We must recognize that Canada has a very fragile economy right now. We also have a global market that is weakening on a week-to-week basis, and, fundamentally, we have a Canadian dollar that is at the weakest level it’s been in the history of this country.
Can you give this institution a brief understanding of where we are regarding the Carney government’s negotiations with our most important trading partner, the United States?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, and it is good to see you as well, Senator Housakos.
Regarding the fantasyland that you were describing in your question, let me remind you that over the last nine months, the new prime minister has been acting swiftly on many issues that concern Canadians. We have adopted a law on projects of national interest, and 13 projects are being accelerated across the country. We lowered capital gains taxes and taxes for individuals, lowering taxes for 22 million Canadians. We abolished the carbon tax for individuals. We strengthened the fight against crime with Bill C-8, regarding cybersecurity; Bill C-9, regarding hate crime; Bill C-12, regarding borders; and Bill C-16, regarding violence against women. We have invested in the construction of new housing units in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Ontario, the Prairies, Quebec and the North. We increased the military budget with $81 billion over five years. We reduced trade barriers between provinces —
The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Senator Housakos: It is nice that you are starting to do some of the things we’ve been asking for over the last 10 years. Hopefully, it won’t take 10 years for me to get an answer to the question about where trade negotiations are.
The facts are clear, and they remain: The U.S. is far and away our most significant trading partner, with $3 billion a day of trade. The Prime Minister can go to Qatar, China, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates — or U.A.E. The reality is that if you combine our trade with all these nations he has travelled to, it is a fraction of what we do with the U.S.
Please let us know the state of negotiations regarding Canada‑U.S. free trade.
Senator Moreau: In travelling throughout the world, the Prime Minister is opening up 2.2 billion new customers for Canadian industry; creating new strategic partnerships with the European Union, China and Qatar; creating new free trade deals with Ecuador and Indonesia; and negotiating a free trade pact with India, Southeast Asia, Thailand, the Philippines and Mercosur.
For a dreamland, that is not so bad.
Senator Housakos: I will try another question, because you have no report on Canada-U.S. free trade.
A recent International Monetary Fund, or IMF, study shows that Canada’s internal trade barriers are equivalent to an average 9% tariff on our economy. That is higher than the estimated average tariff rate of 5.9% that the U.S. applies to Canadian goods.
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Senator Moreau, this is not the “one Canadian economy” we were promised by Prime Minister Carney. His governing-by-rhetoric approach is clearly not working. Why is it taking so long for your Liberal government to deliver on its promises and finally remove internal trade barriers in order to unleash the full potential of our economy? Our trade barriers are sometimes higher between the provinces of this country than they are right now with what we are facing with these Trump tariffs. When will you get rid of them?
Senator Moreau: Your question was awaited by at least your caucus, sir.
As the Prime Minister said, the government recognizes that the U.S. has fundamentally changed its trading relationship. Officials have been engaged in detailed and constructive discussions toward an agreement that will benefit both countries. A lot of progress has been made, and the government stands ready to continue that work.
But it takes two to tango, and we are at the table. We are currently having discussions with the U.S. in order to have those matters settled.
Industry
Interprovincial Trade
Hon. Leo Housakos (Leader of the Opposition): Today, the government leader is on about a minute-and-a-half delay. Regardless, thank you for answering my first question; now, I will go back to my second question.
It is a simple one. The IMF estimates that removing internal trade barriers in Canada would add $210 billion, or a 7% boost, to our real GDP. Yet, instead of prioritizing economic unity at home, the Prime Minister would rather fuel tensions within the federation and travel around the world, signing piecemeal agreements.
Would you not agree that real federal unity begins with truly uniting a national economy that works for every province and getting rid of internal trade barriers?
Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): The Prime Minister is regularly meeting with the premiers of all of the provinces. As recently as last week, that’s what he did. They are working together in order to make sure that our Canadian economy is responding to the needs of Canada.
Many things have been done over the past nine months, sir. You always repeat “over the last 10 years.” I remind you again that over the last 10 years we have had Liberal governments, and you are still on the same side.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Permanent Residence Pathways
Hon. Stan Kutcher: Senator Moreau, Canada currently has two programs for displaced Ukrainians living and working here to apply to be a permanent resident, or a PR. According to the estimates of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, for both pathways, applicants face a 50-year-plus wait time before their applications are processed. These are not pathways to PR; they are roadblocks.
Can you provide us with a solution to this situation?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Kutcher, I listened very carefully to your introductory declaration minutes ago and to your question. Those are heartbreaking situations, and I understand that. I just want to remind you that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada has welcomed more than 220,000 Ukrainians. The government is helping Ukrainian families find safe temporary homes and has put in place support services for their survival.
I know that you are asking for more, sir. I will certainly raise the issue with the minister. However, I was told this morning that the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is aware of the issue, and she is actively participating in the conversations to find solutions to the important problems that you are raising.
Senator Kutcher: Thank you for that, Senator Moreau.
I have spoken with the minister numerous times, as have many others, and we have no action. The minister can create a temporary pathway to permanent residency if the minister should choose to do so. Do you know if the minister will choose to do so?
Senator Moreau: I cannot comment or speculate on future policy decisions, sir, but I will certainly bring your question to the minister as soon as this afternoon.
[Translation]
Employment and Social Development
Common Benefit Delivery Platform
Hon. Éric Forest: I would like to take this opportunity to say that I hope things are going splendidly for everyone now that we’re back. My question is for the Government Representative.
Government Representative, the new computerized pension management system, which will cost three times more than anticipated, is causing problems for many seniors in Canada.
Some are waiting months to receive their first pension cheque, while others are receiving a cheque despite having chosen to defer their pension. According to departmental staff, data migration, lack of training and unclear procedures are to blame. These failures are reminiscent of the unacceptable service delays we experienced with employment insurance and passports.
Can the Government Representative explain what the problem is so our seniors won’t be penalized by organizational problems at Employment and Social Development Canada?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, Senator Forest.
To explain the problems with this program, senator, I would have to be a computer expert. Basically, from what I understand, 7.4 million files were transferred from the legacy system to the new one last March. That created a huge overload. Despite this, the current data show that over 98% of all cases related to the OAS benefit were resolved and that these people promptly received the payments they were expecting.
I’m told that the department is actively working to resolve the small number of cases still pending, the remaining 2%. Like you, I’ve read the information. I know that some people have been waiting a very long time, but I also know that the department is actively working to correct the situation, which represents —
The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, senator.
Senator Forest: It’s encouraging to hear that.
When the government finds itself in a situation where Canadians owe it money, I think that a lot of diligence and haste are brought to bear. When the tables are turned, Canadians waiting for a pension cheque or financial support from the government should be able to expect the same thing.
Senator Moreau: I would remind you, Senator Forest, that the information I have is that the department is actively working to find a solution to resolve the small number of cases still pending. It is important to remember that 98% of the 7.4 million files that were transferred have been resolved. I understand that for the 2% of people whose files didn’t transfer smoothly, this is a real issue. Everyone wants to be in the 2% when the government is trying to claw money back, and everyone wants things to move more slowly when that happens, but that’s not the case here. However, the department is working on finding solutions.
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Finance
Appearance of Minister Before Committee
Hon. Percy E. Downe: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
I have been trying to keep a closer eye on any disparities between the Senate and the House of Commons ever since Prime Minister Trudeau refused to allow Senate leaders of the various groups to read the report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians regarding foreign interference, even though he let the leaders in the House of Commons read the report.
I noticed this week a notice of meeting for the House of Commons Finance Committee. They have the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Minister booked for two hours on the budget bill, Bill C-15. If asked by the Senate Finance Committee, will the minister also appear before the Senate Finance Committee for two hours rather than the normal one hour? Could you inquire about that?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): I will certainly inquire about that.
I know Minister Champagne is quite available to come here to the Senate. As a matter of fact, I believe he will be here in the next few weeks. I will raise the question with the minister directly because I am not responsible for his agenda, but I will certainly follow up on your question.
Senator Downe: Thank you. I appreciate that.
As you know, the normal appearance is one hour. The House of Commons has been able to double that. I think the same courtesy, if asked for by the Senate Finance Committee, should be extended to the Senate and senators. I look forward to hearing what you find out.
Senator Moreau: I understand that the Senate Finance Committee is willing to have a conversation with the minister for two hours. I will provide you with the answer as to whether that is possible as soon as I raise the question with him.
Crown-Indigenous Relations
Land Claims Negotiations
Hon. Tracy Muggli: Senator Moreau, last fall, I met with a delegation from the Cowessess First Nation led by Chief Erica Beaudin. They were in Ottawa to discuss a settlement to their claim. For context, they assert that in 1907 the Crown illegally disposed of land reserved for the Cowessess without their consent. Six years ago, in early 2020, the government agreed to negotiate a settlement. I understand that a government negotiator and the First Nation came to an agreement on a verbal offer in 2023. Yet today, in 2026, it has yet to be formalized. So what is happening?
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Senator Moreau, what shall I tell Chief Beaudin and other Cowessess First Nation members the next time I see them? How much longer should these folks wait before this informal agreement is formalized and their claim is resolved?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Senator Muggli, I’m not sure if my understanding is correct. Are we talking about the students of the former Île‑à‑la‑Crosse school and a settlement? No? Unfortunately, I don’t have the specific answer to your question, but I know you have inquired about this lately. I will raise the issue with the minister as soon as I can, and I will get back to you with information on that subject because I think that there has been a mix-up between what you asked for and what we received at the office.
Senator Muggli: Thank you. I appreciate that.
I am also wondering if it would be possible to get a detailed explanation from the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. This is the fourth Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations since these negotiations started. If you could, please also inquire with the Minister of Finance and the President of the Treasury Board of Canada on where exactly things stand with respect to resolving this claim. More broadly, what is the government’s path forward for all other First Nations in Saskatchewan that are also dealing with significant delays in resolving their claims?
Senator Moreau: As I mentioned, I will raise the question with the minister and get back to you because I know other issues concerning Indigenous situations in Saskatchewan have been resolved and we have a court settlement that will take place soon, so I want to provide you with the correct information. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Public Safety
Crime Prevention
Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Government leader, British Columbia’s Lower Mainland is facing a spiralling extortion crisis. Your government’s response has been lacklustre at best. Just yesterday, Surrey police charged three foreign nationals after an extortion-related shooting this past Sunday. This is a culmination of 10 years of failed Liberal policies on public safety and immigration. Leader, why isn’t your government committing more police resources to B.C.’s Lower Mainland to help address this growing crisis?
Senator Housakos: Hear, hear.
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Yes, I have information specifically on the Surrey situation, and I’ve been told that arrests have been made as recently as this morning in that specific case. I know that the RCMP is providing more manpower, and we have police forces that are working on tackling everything related to the Surrey situation. We are well aware of that situation. Unfortunately, I can’t find the specific answer, but I have it with me here. We are aware of that situation, and we are working on it quite seriously.
Senator Martin: It is absolutely a growing crisis, but while extortion and gun crime run rampant in British Columbia, your government’s gun confiscation program continues to waste public money by targeting law-abiding, licensed firearm owners, including my husband. Would you not agree that the $750‑million price tag on this program, opposed by more than half of the provinces, would be better spent strengthening law enforcement, border security and security vetting in our immigration system?
Senator Moreau: I will go back to the Surrey situation; I have the information now. The government has provided significant resources to specifically fight extortion on top of other criminal justice reinforcements, including $4 million in federal funding to bolster the B.C. Extortion Task Force — which is what your question was aiming at — and $1 million to support victims alongside the Government of British Columbia.
As I mentioned, I can confirm that arrests have been made as recently as this morning. I think four people have been arrested —
The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: I’m sorry, Senator Moreau.
Industry
Canadian Businesses
Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): I do hope your government stops going after our law-abiding, licensed firearm owners.
Recent data from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada show that 10% of small businesses have disappeared since the pandemic. Family-run businesses are being hit the hardest as uncertainty grows and meaningful government relief remains absent. Senator Moreau, these businesses are the largest job creators in the private sector, and they need our help. Conservatives have been and remain willing partners in sensible economic policy. Why won’t your government work with us to cut red tape, repeal job-killing laws and reward Canadians who build by supporting the Canadian sovereignty act?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): The government has a plan, and I’ve answered this question many times regarding building the strongest economy in the G7 by investing in productivity and innovation and bringing more Canadians into the workforce. This will allow us to cut red tape. We are securing Canada’s artificial intelligence advantage; unlocking pension plan investments in Canada by removing the rule about owning more than 30% of the voting shares of Canadian entities; fully reinstating the accelerated investment incentive; and delivering a major economic investment tax credit. We are working with Canadians to ensure we build the strongest economy among the G7.
Senator Martin: The fact is small businesses are still suffering. We have the Canadian sovereignty act ready for us to adopt. Your government’s inaction is hurting Canada’s small‑ and medium-sized enterprises. Unlike what you have stated, the Prime Minister cannot govern by rhetoric alone. Every day, trade talks with the United States stall, internal trade barriers remain, job-killing regulations stay on the books and more small businesses struggle or shut their doors. Will you support the Canadian sovereignty act?
Senator Moreau: Specifically with regard to small businesses, as I mentioned, the government is helping them by reducing red tape; improving access to financing, notably by extending the Business Development Bank of Canada, or BDC, loans of up to $5 million to small businesses; providing $500 million to BDC so that small businesses can access resources and insight that will lead to their success; and implementing the productivity super‑deduction to help small businesses write off new equipment costs, so I think we are quite aware —
[Translation]
The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Employment and Social Development
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Hon. Julie Miville-Dechêne: Senator Moreau, I would like to again raise the issue of the crisis we’re experiencing in Quebec because of the restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Quebec’s business community is unanimously calling on the Carney government to introduce a grandfather clause allowing companies to retain these foreign workers and ensure that their work permits are renewed.
Will you agree to this request, or at least consider it?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): You attended a breakfast this morning with the Minister of Public Safety, who indicated that the government is well aware that immigration is an important issue, particularly for rural communities in Canada, and that immigration is critical to Canada’s future.
The government has a real desire to recognize the importance of immigration in Canada. The situation of temporary workers, which is particularly evident in the agricultural sector, is unique in that the federal government must strike a balance between its challenging relations with the United States and the need to guarantee jobs in Canada.
In this situation, the government is aware that it still needs to pay special attention to the issue of temporary workers, because that is what the industry and various sectors of the economy are calling for. However, Quebec also needs to take action in this area. You know that discussions must be held between the federal government and the governments of the Atlantic provinces in particular.
Senator Miville-Dechêne: As you know, this situation does not just affect the agricultural sector. It also affects manufacturing companies outside Montreal, where there is a real fear of losing workers.
This request seems reasonable, since businesses’ success depends on their access to workers. Is your 10% cap on low‑wage foreign workers justified given the labour shortage in the regions?
Senator Moreau: This cap is justified considering that the government has tightened the rules to ensure that foreign worker programs meet the demands of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors and that priority is given to local talent, that is, ultimately to Canadians.
This situation is constantly evolving, and we are well aware of that. Discussions are ongoing between the federal government and the provinces, particularly Quebec. I can’t tell you what the outcome will be at this point, but I would emphasize that this situation —
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[English]
Global Affairs
Export of Arms
Hon. Marilou McPhedran: I have a quick question for you, Senator Moreau.
Welcome back to everyone for what will be a productive session.
My question is whether the government is prepared to state more clearly that they are not sending arms to the United States, knowing that those arms will end up in Israel? Could you clarify that, please?
Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): I am not aware that the government is taking action to send arms to the United States that would end up in any part of the world. Our policy is that we don’t want to encourage that kind of situation. I have no specific answer to your question, but I have no reason to think that such a thing has happened so far.
Senator McPhedran: I would like some confirmation, Senator Moreau, that when I provide you with the evidence that is the basis of my question, you will review it and bring it up with the government.
Senator Moreau: I will certainly look at the evidence that you provide me, and I will raise the question with the minister on the basis of the facts that you submit.
Adjournment
Motion Adopted
Hon. Leo Housakos (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-13(2), I move:
That the Senate do now adjourn.
The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Is leave granted, honourable senators?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(At 2:51 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)