QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
December 17, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate.
Senator Gold, we have all heard of Fatemeh Anvari, a Grade 3 teacher who was removed from her classroom because she wore a hijab. Sadly, that is only one story of many. I would love to share with you the exact number of Canadians Bill 21 has impacted since its inception in 2019, but no such data exists.
Senator Gold, when will the government commit to investigate and collect data on the ramifications of Bill 21?
Thank you for your question. As I have mentioned on a number of occasions in this chamber, the government is watching the legal proceedings attentively with regard to Bill 21. With regard to the collection of data and the impact, this data would be largely, if not exclusively, within the jurisdiction of the province to both gather and to protect for reasons of provincial and federal privacy laws.
I don’t have an answer for you, but I suspect that the answer is that this is not an area that the federal government would likely have jurisdiction over, but I will certainly make inquiries and report back.
Senator Gold, we have been informed by NGOs and through various university studies that Bill 21 has negatively impacted hundreds of Canadians. For example, families had to relocate after making the impossible choice between their career and their faith. Some were forced to go back to school to change their field of expertise. Many, because of their faith, struggle to find meaningful employment and now suffer from poor mental health.
Senator Gold, what are the government’s plans to implement services and financial support for Canadians whose lives have been upended because of Bill 21?
Thank you for your questions about the federal government’s position on this bill. The position of this government is clear: It is not removing from consideration measures to intervene in the court proceedings, unlike some other leaders of national parties.
The Government of Canada provides support to Canadians through a myriad suite of programs. To my knowledge, there is no specific program contemplated for those who choose to relocate or whose lives are disrupted because of Bill 21.
Again, members of this chamber know my personal position on the bill. They also know the government’s position on Bill 21, which is that it is an unacceptable interference with the freedom of individuals to believe what they want and to exhibit those beliefs through their dress. It is also the position of the government that it regrets the rather broad invocation of the “notwithstanding” clause. Beyond that, senator, I’m afraid I have nothing more to contribute to your question.
