Moved the adoption of the report.

She said: Honourable senators, I feel that I’m stepping into sensitive territory here. The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has put a request before the chamber that was approved by the steering committee of the Social Affairs Committee, by the Subcommittee on Senate Estimates and then by the Internal Economy Committee.

We need your approval to undertake a trip — a study trip, not a full committee meeting — as part of our study that we began on November 3, 2022, under our general order of reference, on the topic of Canada’s temporary and migrant labour force.

Why did we start this study, colleagues? The labour market in Canada is facing severe challenges. The number may have changed, but as of two weeks ago, 327,000 jobs in Canada are going vacant, with a significant number being in low-wage sectors, such as agriculture, seafood processing, fishing, caregiving, health support, retail, transportation, et cetera.

Both workers and employers are heavily impacted by this labour shortage. Regions and industries are at the forefront of asking for more supply of labour or, as workers would say, more assured working conditions.

We have had seven meetings so far, and most have been extremely informative. Most of the participants have appeared via Zoom. I’m happy that we are able to question our witnesses on Zoom. However, colleagues, we believe it is important to see people — both workers and employers — where they are in their local and regional contexts. We believe it is important to bring the Senate’s interests to these stakeholders in person, and to be informed by them.

Therefore, we are seeking approval of one fact-finding activity to support our study. The activity is a fact-finding mission to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, with stops in Fredericton, Moncton, Summerside and Charlottetown.

You may ask why it’s these regions. It is for a very good reason: The labour market shortage in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island presents us with an opportunity to see and hear from many sectors — not just a few.

There is a concentration here that we can take advantage of. Demographics in these regions — retirement, aging, et cetera — present both a special challenge and an opportunity for the labour market and for the industries in these regions.

In addition, we have been told migration presents an opportunity for these regions to stabilize their fading populations.

Who will go? We have limited our request to eight senators. We will be accompanied by analysts, the clerk, interpreters and, strategically, a communications person because there is lots of content that we can animate and put out.

I wish to remind everybody that the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has not asked for approval of a travel budget since 2009. It is not why we are asking. We are asking because this is an incredibly important study that will help the Senate of Canada — and senators — fulfill one of its most important roles, which is to shine the light on a pressing problem, talk to the people of Canada and present solutions.

We, too, are under some pressure because — I didn’t know this — in Charlottetown, it is incredibly difficult to confirm hotels, even now, for September. By the way, we are going on a non-sitting week.

We will likely have to locate ourselves in Summerside, rent a bus and go to town. We are looking forward to being informed and educated by the people of New Brunswick. We have many senators here who I know I will reach out to for help in connections, and to P.E.I., so I urge you, colleagues, please approve this budget.

Yes, of course.

Of course.

If the senator would take one more, although Senator Black basically asked it, but if you would?

I will. I don’t mean to be facetious. I am taken aback by the question of ensuring that we spend money wisely.

I want to tell you that we are asking for $110,000 for a five‑day trip with more than 15 people. We are renting a bus. We are travelling across regions to save money. Was that your question, Senator Plett?

I haven’t quite asked the question yet.

Okay, go ahead. I would happily go with Senator Black to Rome as well, if he would make room.

I did have a question, although between Senator Black and Senator Omidvar, they took care of it.

I wanted to say, for the record, that when we were the government a few years ago in the good old days, former senator Joan Fraser was in opposition. Senator Fraser never let one of these committee trips happen without her asking a question. Her question was usually very similar to what Senator Black’s was. Since you have already answered it, I will just leave it at that, Your Honour. I certainly encourage you and wish you well.

Thank you.

Are honourable senators ready for the question?

Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to and report adopted.)