Thank you for your question, senator. As many of you know, and certainly the leaders know, Senate leaders have been working diligently over the last period to figure out how we can best conduct our affairs responsibly and in the best interests of Canadians during this ongoing COVID pandemic.

We have regularly and frequently adapted to the circumstances to minimize the time that we’ve spent in close quarters, thereby minimizing the risks, not only to ourselves but to our staff, families and communities to whom we return.

There is no blueprint for dealing with these extraordinary times. I’m very grateful and the government is grateful for the collaboration of all leaders and senators, and their support to work together to address these issues since March. For millions of Canadians, our work has made a real difference. By supporting Canadians quickly, through your help and cooperation, I strongly believe — I’m not one to exaggerate — we saved lives.

In this respect, our work continues with the bill we received today, Bill C-4. It is urgent legislation and is critical and crucial to see Canadians through this second wave of the pandemic.

With regard to your question, we are working and will continue to work positively and constructively with Senate leadership in order to further adapt to the pandemic and plan the Senate’s future of operations.

The Government Representative Office, which I have the privilege of representing, fully supports the implementation of a hybrid approach as soon as the Senate internal administration reaches operational readiness. Much progress has already been achieved by the Senate’s administration to make hybrid sittings operational as soon as possible this fall. We are grateful for their hard work.

Discussions between Senate leaders have begun, draft motions have been circulated and these discussions are ongoing. Out of respect for the confidentiality of these discussions, I have no further comment to make at this point.