My question is for Senator Moncion, Chair of the Internal Economy Committee. On October 22, I asked you in Question Period about the status of the phase 3 report commissioned by the Advisory Working Group on Environment and Sustainability to provide recommendations for the Senate to fulfill its internal commitment to achieving net zero by 2030. While the phase 1 report was released in September 2023, senators have not seen the phase 3 report, which was completed this March. Understanding that the report may contain some sensitive information not suitable for public release, the Internal Economy Committee clerk asked members of the committee, on my behalf, to release a redacted version to me personally. This request was denied.

Senator Moncion, what justification is there for withholding even the redacted report from senators? Why all the secrecy?

Thank you, Senator Coyle, for the question and your interest in the file. Your question relates to in camera proceedings and therefore I am not at liberty to provide answers.

Thank you, Senator Moncion. Transparency and accountability are crucial to achieving our net-zero commitments. Without access to the report and its content, how can we as senators assess and, where appropriate, implement any useful recommendations? What assurances can you provide that the Senate remains genuinely committed to achieving its net-zero goals by 2030?

As I have said before in this chamber, the administration is actively working on potential initiatives inspired by the report and updates pertaining to the Senate as a whole, and those will be shared Senate-wide when any of them are approved for implementation.

Aside from the administration’s work, “Green Teams” can continue to implement green initiatives within their directorates and caucus groups and can forward their initiatives to the advocacy working group. Updates are compiled and shared internally on the environment and sustainability —