No. 336
:
Mr. Speaker, the following questions will be answered today: Nos. 2701, 2703 to 2705, 2712, 2716, 2718, 2724, 2726, 2739, 2742, 2744, 2747, 2753, 2756, 2757, 2760, 2762, 2765, 2766, 2770, 2771, 2773, 2774, 2776 to 2780, 2782, 2783, 2788, 2791, 2792, 2794, 2795, 2799, 2800, 2803, 2805, 2808, 2811, 2812, 2814, 2815, 2817, 2819 to 2821, 2827, 2828, 2830, 2832, 2833, 2836, 2838, 2843, 2849, 2851, 2853, 2854, 2859, 2861, 2862, 2872, 2876, 2887 to 2890, 2895, 2897 to 2899, 2901 and 2903.
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Question No. 2701—Mr. Andrew Scheer:
With regard to government hospitality expenditures related to the government’s supply and confidence agreement with the NDP, including any expenses related to all meetings, negotiations, or other events attended by those involved in the agreement: what are the details of such expenditures since the beginning of the 44th Parliament, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) vendor, (iv) event description, (v) amount, (vi) number of attendees, (vii) names of the attendees?
Mr. Terry Duguid (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Privy Council Office searched the departmental financial system and has not identified any information regarding government hospitality expenditures related to the government’s supply and confidence agreement with the NDP, or any expenses related to all meetings, negotiations, or other events attended by those involved in the agreement.
Question No. 2703—Ms. Lori Idlout:
With regard to requests submitted through Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative, broken down by fiscal year since the program's inception: (a) what is the total number of requests received from (i) parents or guardians of Indigenous children, (ii) Indigenous children at the age of consent in their province or territory, (iii) an individual authorized to represent an Indigenous child, parent, or guardian, (iv) businesses where the requester has authorized the business to represent them; (b) what is the total amount of funding requested through these programs by (i) 511825 Ontario Inc., (ii) Maryhomes Inc., (iii) Enterphase Child & Family Services, (iv) Hatts Off Inc., (v) Unison Treatment Homes for Youth Inc., (vi) Kom’s Kid Kare Agency, (vii) Kushions Inc., (viii) Hand in Hand Children’s Services; and (c) what measures does the government have in place to ensure that funding applied for by for-profit corporations is delivered in full to the children who need care?
Mrs. Jenica Atwin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question,the Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiatives collect a range of information on all requests, whether approved or denied, however data on the requestor is not collected in a standardized format that allows for a breakdown by those eligible to send requests. Due to the extremely high volume of requests received by Jordan’s Principle by email, fax or phone by either the National Call Centre or regional focal points, reporting on data collected in a non-standardized format is complex. For example, in 2023-24, a total of 145,769 requests were approved through Jordan’s Principle for 2.17 million products, services and supports for First Nations children. Specific to the Inuit Child First Initiative, in 2023-24 a total of 12,822 requests were approved for 92,800 products, services and supports for Inuit children.
Indigenous Services Canada, or ISC, is continuing to increase funding for products, services and supports to First Nations children. Since 2016, the department has invested more than $8.1 billion to support meeting the needs of First Nations children through Jordan’s Principle, working collaboratively with the First Nations Parties, and enhancing operations to meet the growing volume of requests.
In previous years, typical requests through Jordan’s Principle included supports for mental health, special education, dental, physical therapy, speech therapy, medical equipment and physiotherapy. The initiative has evolved to address requests for services that are very different in type than previously submitted to ISC. Jordan’s Principle is seeing an increase in socioeconomic supports such as rent, groceries and utilities which has contributed to the increase in requests, complexity and processing times. However, while the types of requests have evolved over time, the goal of ensuring that First Nations children have an equal chance to thrive as other children in Canada remains.
The department is working towards improving operational and technological efficiencies to streamline workloads and reduce manual processes to improve service timelines. For example, ISC developed measures in 2023 to help address backlogs, such as measures to manage call volumes; the use of surge teams to address backlogs; hiring additional staff; measures to manage staff retention; and use of technology.
The Jordan's Principle National Call Centre has seen a steadily increasing volume of calls, in addition to the usual peaks in calls at different times of the year, such as in August, when there is an influx of school-related requests. For example, from March 2022 to March 2023, the call volume increased by approximately 300%.
As for part (b) of the question, ISC provides funding to First Nations child and family services agencies, which are established, managed and controlled by First Nations and delegated by provincial authorities to provide prevention and protection services. In areas where these agencies do not exist, ISC funds services provided by the provinces and Yukon but does not deliver child and family services. These services are provided in accordance with the legislation and standards of the province or territory of residence. As of January 1, 2020, service providers delivering child and family services to Indigenous children must comply with the national principles and minimum standards set in An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
ISC uses a prevention-based funding model to support early intervention and alternatives to traditional institutional care and foster care, such as the placement of children with family members in a community setting. The program provides 3 streams of funding:operations, namely, core and operational funding for protection services (such as salaries and overhead); prevention, namely, resources for enhanced prevention services; and maintenance, including the direct costs of placing First Nations children into temporary or permanent care out of the parental home, such as foster care rates and group home rates.
Questions relating to child and family services and funding provided for Inuit and Métis children and First Nations children living off reserve should be directed to the appropriate provincial or territorial ministry.
As for part (c) of the question, ISC has measures in place to ensure that the funds expended through the Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiatives to requestors for approved products, services and supports reach the child/children for whom the request was approved.
ISC investigates complaints and concerns such as: invoicing irregularities; concerns regarding the appropriate delivery of products, services, and supports; potential and/or suspected misuse of approved funds; and complaints related to child safety. Findings can result in a range of actions, including supporting the requestor to become compliant with ISC financial requirements, denial of future requests, consultations with the Department of Justice, and engaging with Assessment and Investigation Services Branch of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to support investigations when there are allegations of fraud.
Question No. 2704—Ms. Lori Idlout:
With regard to the Greenland Halibut in Nunavut, since 2017: (a) what are the details of all assessments of Greenland Halibut stocks, including the (i) date, (ii) location, (iii) conclusions; (b) what are the details of all Greenland Halibut fisheries management decisions, including the (i) date, (ii) scientific assessment used to justify the decision, (iii) decision on total allowable catch and sharing arrangements; (c) what investments has the government made to improve data collection on Greenland Halibut to make more informed decisions on Greenland Halibut fisheries; and (d) what efforts has the government made to incorporate Inuit traditional knowledge and Inuit science in Greenland Halibut data collection and fisheries decisions?
Hon. Diane Lebouthiller (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Greenland Halibut in Nunavut, since 2017, in response to part (a) of the questionthe offshore Greenland Halibut stock is shared between Canada and Greenland. It is assessed jointly by both countries through the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, or NAFO, Scientific Council every 2 years, which is reviewed by subject matter experts from both countries.
Since 2017, NAFO Scientific Council has conducted stock assessments in 2018, 2020 and 2022. The details and results of these stock assessments can be found on the NAFO website.
As for part (b) of the question, each year, TAC decisions are based on the most recent advice of the NAFO Scientific Council.
The total allowable catch (TAC) for 2017 and 2018 was set at 16,150 tonnes by Canada. Distribution of the TAC between Divisions 0A and 0B were set at 8,575 tonnes and 7,575 tonnes, respectively, and included the allocation of 100 tonnes from Division A to be fished by Nunavut-based harvesters to help develop inshore fisheries inside the Nunavut Settlement Area.
The TAC for 2019 and 2020 was set at 18,185 tonnes by Canada. Distribution of the TAC between Divisions 0A and 0B were set at 9,592.5 tonnes and 8,592.5 tonnes, respectively, and included the allocation of 100 tonnes from Division A to be fished by Nunavut-based harvesters.
For 2021 and 2022, Canada maintained the 2020 TAC and distributions between Divisions 0A and 0B.
In 2023, Canada and Greenland lowered their TACs by 9.25% to 16,502.5 tonnes in consideration of NAFO Scientific Council advice, taking a precautionary approach that balances the overall sustainability of the fishery with the economic needs of Indigenous communities and Canadian fish harvesters. Distribution of the TAC between Divisions 0A and 0B were set at 8,704.99 tonnes and 7,797.51 tonnes, respectively. Allocations to fleets in Division 0A remained the same, including the allocation of 100 tonnes to be fished by Nunavut-based harvesters. Division 0B enterprise and special allocations were reduced proportionally.
In 2024, Canada maintained the 2023 TAC and distributions between Divisions 0A and 0B.
As for part (d) of the question, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or DFO, supports surveys in NAFO Divisions 0A and 0B through a Collaborative Agreement with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources using the R/V Tarajoq research vessel. DFO's financial contributions to the surveys were $1,239,300 in 2022-23 and $1,534,263 in 2023-024.
Following a change in the research vessel, DFO invested in new research to develop a model-based calibration approach to align survey data from the new time series with the previous time series. Please refer to Science Advisory Report 2023/020.
DFO has contributed to collaborative research through the Ocean Tracking Network to quantify Greenland Halibut habitat use and movement patterns, and movement of fish among fishing areas.
Lastly, in response to part (d) of the question, DFO seeks advice on Greenland Halibut from the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, or NWMB, in accordance with the Nunavut Agreement. The NWMB provides advice and recommendations on the Canadian TAC, distribution, and allocation for Subarea 0. This decision considers both the immediate and long-term health of Canada’s Greenland Halibut fishery to grow a stronger, more sustainable fishery.
In collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, DFO has conducted surveys at Scott Inlet, Pond Inlet, and Broughton Island documenting Greenland Halibut distribution, fish size, and catch rates to support emerging fishery development by the communities of Clyde River, Pond Inlet, and Qikiqtarjuaq.
Question No. 2705—Mr. Brian Masse:
With regard to members of the Border Services (FB) group who work at the Canada Border Services Agency and the commitment made by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat during the 2021 round of bargaining to resubmit the Border Services (FB) group’s proposal to introduce legislative amendments providing enhanced early retirement benefits under the public service pension plan, to facilitate an expedited opportunity to bring forward its related business case to the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee (PSPAC), and to facilitate a streamlined process to have these issues reviewed and ensure that related recommendations are brought forward in a timely manner: (a) who has the government consulted with through this process, including, but not limited to, members of the Border Services (FB) group, through their bargaining agent; (b) what information, advice, and recommendations have the (i) PSPAC, (ii) Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), (iii) Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), presented to the Treasury Board; (c) what information, statements, advice, and recommendations has the Treasury Board presented to the (i) PSPAC, (ii) PSAC, (iii) PSPIB; (d) what is the timeline to implement the promised changes; and (e) what steps still need to be taken to ensure these changes take place?
Mr. Anthony Housefather (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, as per the 2021 agreement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the proposal to extend eligibility for early retirement benefits to the Border Services (FB) group was brought forward for consultations held through the Public Service Pension Advisory Committee, or PSPAC. The PSPAC was established pursuant to the Public Service Superannuation Act. It is composed of six employer representatives, six employee representatives, and one retiree representative. Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada are represented on this committee.
With respect to part (b) of the question, in December 2023, the PSPAC completed a comprehensive assessment of the proposal to extend eligibility for early retirement benefits to the Border Services (FB) group and provided a recommendation to the President of the Treasury Board. The advice of the Public Service Alliance of Canada is reflected in the PSPAC recommendation to the President of the Treasury Board. The Public Sector Pension Investment Board was not involved in the development of this proposal.
With respect to part (c) of the question, after receiving the PSPAC’s recommendation in December 2023, the President of the Treasury Board responded to the PSPAC to acknowledge its recommendation and communicate that she had taken it under advisement.
With respect to part (d) of the question, on June 13, 2024, the President of the Treasury Board announced the Government of Canada’s intention to expand early pension eligibility for certain public safety and security workers, including frontline members of the Border Services (FB) group. Per the President’s announcement, legislative amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act are expected to be introduced in Parliament in the fall of 2024.
Lastly, with respect to part (e) of the question, in order to implement the changes to expand early pension eligibility for certain public safety and security workers, including frontline members of the Border Services (FB) group, legislative amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act will need to be passed by Parliament and amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Regulations will need to be approved by the Governor in Council. Considerable pay and pension system changes will also need to be completed before the changes can be operationalized.
Question No. 2712—Mr. Ron Liepert:
With regard to the statement from the Minister of Health on March 20, 2024, indicating that Health Canada is pursuing legislative and regulatory mechanisms to place restrictions on the flavors of nicotine replacement therapies: (a) what specific studies have been conducted by Health Canada related to the impact of such a restriction; and (b) what are the details of all studies in (a), including, for each, the (i) date the study was completed, (ii) names and titles of who conducted the study, (iii) methodology, (iv) findings, (v) website location where the study can be found online?
Hon. Mark Holland (Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as outlined in the notice of intent, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/notice-intent-address-risks-youth-appeal-access-nicotine-replacement-therapies.html and published by the department on March 20, 2024, Health Canada is considering legislative and regulatory mechanisms to address access and potential youth appeal of nicotine replacement therapies, or NRTs. New requirements, such as but not limited to specific requirements for labelling and packaging, as well as restrictions related to colours, flavours, advertising and place of sale, are being considered.
Health Canada is considering many sources of input as it continues to develop a proposed path forward, such as, for example, the publicly available information below. Please note that information on sources of input related to regulatory mechanisms will be published as part of a regulatory impact analysis statement along with any regulatory measures in the Canada Gazette, where appropriate.
Here are some examples of publicly available information: “Canada Gazette, Part 1, Volume 155, Number 25: Order Amending Schedules 2 and 3 to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (Flavours)”, at https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2021/2021-06-19/html/reg2-eng.html; and the “Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey (CTNS): summary of results for 2022”, at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canadian-tobacco-nicotine-survey/2022-summary.html.
Question No. 2716—Mr. Brad Redekopp:
With regard to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as of March 31, 2024: (a) how many employees or full-time equivalents (FTEs) are currently employed by IRCC; (b) how many of these employees or FTEs are classified as EX or above; (c) how many of these employees or FTEs are classified below the EX level; (d) of the employees or FTEs that are classified as EX or above and below EX, how many work (i) physically full-time in a government office, (ii) completely remotely, (iii) in a hybrid situation, where they work certain days in the office and certain days remotely; (e) for hybrid workers, how many days per week are they required to come to an office location; (f) what monitoring is done by IRCC to ensure that remote and hybrid employees are putting in the equivalent to a full day while working remotely; (g) what remedial action is undertaken when a supervisor has discovered that an employee is not putting in the equivalent to a full day while working remotely, and what thresholds or limits have been established by IRCC before formal action is taken, such as loss of pay or termination; (h) how many instances of remedial and formal action were taken in the 2023-24 fiscal year; and (i) if remedial or formal action is not taken when the situation outlined in (g) occurs, why not?
Mr. Paul Chiang (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, is concerned, in response to part (a) of the question, according to IRCC’s Departmental Human Resources System, PeopleSoft, IRCC counts 14,034 employees who are currently employed by IRCC.
In response to part (b) of the question, of the employees in (a), IRCC counts 272 employees as EX or above.
In response to part (c) of the question, of the employees in (a), IRCC counts 13,762 employees below the EX level.
With respect to part (d) of the question, of the employees that are classified as EX or above and below EX, based on departmental records, approximately 2.6% of IRCC employees work from a government office every day, approximately 47.4% of IRCC employees work completely remotely, and approximately 50% of IRCC employees are in a hybrid situation, working certain days in the office and certain days remotely.
In response to part (e) of the question, IRCC employees following a hybrid work schedule are required to come into the office a minimum of 40% of their regular schedule on a weekly or monthly basis.
In response to part (f) of the question, managers are responsible for ensuring the employees adhere to the conditions set out in their telework agreement, including those governing their hours of work.
With respect to part (g) of the question, a range of corrective administrative or disciplinary measures may be imposed should an employee not abide by the conditions set out in their telework agreements, including those governing their hours of work. The appropriate remedial action is established on a case-by-case basis and can include, without being limited to, a letter of expectations, a revocation of the telework agreement, administrative recovery of salary owed, rejection on probation, term non-renewal, oral or written reprimand, suspension or termination of employment.
With respect to part (h) of the question, 21 instances of remedial and formal action were taken in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Lastly, with respect to part (i) of the question, remedial action will always be taken to ensure the situation is rectified and does not reoccur.
Question No. 2718—Mr. Bob Zimmer:
With regard to the RCMP's Canadian Firearms Program in British Columbia (BC): (a) how many full-time individuals are currently employed by the program in BC; (b) how many staff members in BC work exclusively remote or from home; (c) how many BC staff members work exclusively in person; (d) what percentage of all BC work hours are spent (i) in person, (ii) remotely or at home; and (e) what is the (i) average salary, (ii) total annual expenditures on salaries, for BC employees of the Canadian Firearms Program?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, a) As of May 23, 2024, there are 22 full-time individuals employed by the Chief Firearms Office, the CFO, in British Columbia.
In terms of part (b) of the question, there are no employees with the British Columbia CFO working exclusively remote or from home.
(c)With regard to part (c) of the question, all employees with the British Columbia CFO work exclusively in person.
With regard to part (d)(i) of the question, 100% of the employees are working in person.
With regard to part (d)(ii) of the question, there are no employees with the British Columbia CFO working remote or from home.
With regard to part (e)(i) of the question, based on fiscal year 2023-24, the average salary is $73,924.
Lastly, concerning part (e)(ii) of the question, based on fiscal year 2023-24, the total expenditures on salaries for the British Columbia CFO is $1,922,013.
Question No. 2724—Ms. Leah Gazan:
With regard to the residence located in Winnipeg previously known as Lions Place: (a) did the City of Winnipeg or the Government of Manitoba contact the federal government to request assistance in maintaining non-profit ownership of Lions Place; (b) what measures did the federal government undertake to assist, prevent or otherwise shape the sale of Lions Place to its purchaser, Mainstreet Equity; (c) what financing or support did the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provide to the previous owner of Lions Place, Lions Housing Centres Inc., prior to its sale to Mainstreet Equity, broken down by year and dollar amount; (d) what financing or support did the CMHC provide to Mainstreet Equity to assist with its purchase of Lions Place, broken down by year and dollar amount; (e) did any CMHC board members recuse themselves from participating in votes or decisions surrounding the sale of Lions Place; and (f) since January 1, 2015, has any CMHC board member recused themselves from decisions surrounding the sale or purchase of a residential property?
Mr. Chris Bittle (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), as of October 1, 1998, under the Social Housing Agreement, or SHA, found at https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/about-us/social-housing-information/administration-of-social-housing, CMHC transferred Lions Place, a 287-unit building located at 610 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg to the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, the MHRC. Under the terms of the SHA, MHRC, was given the responsibility, rights for the management and administration for the social housing programs and projects listed under the SHA.
With regard to part (b), the federal government does not intervene in private sale transactions.
With regard to part (c), CMHC provided a direct loan of $12.5 million to Lions Club of Winnipeg. Seniors, Lions Place, a 287-unit building at 610 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, which was paid in full by August 1, 2018.
With regard to part (d), further information can’t be provided as disclosing any detail would compromise client privacy and CMHC is unable to confirm or deny specifics.
With regard to part (e), Operational matters are outside of the scope of the CMHC board of directors.
With regard to part (f), Operational matters are outside of the scope of the CMHC board of directors.
Question No. 2726—Mr. Dan Albas:
With regard to the testimony from the Information Commissioner on May 16, 2024, at the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in which she said that "We are now looking at a total funding shortfall of $700,000 which represents a reduction in my budget of approximately 5%": why did the government make this reduction to the Information Commissioner's budget?
Mr. Anthony Housefather (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker,Tthe 2024-25 Main Estimates included funding of $15,344,268 in program expenditures funding for the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada. This is an increase of approximately 8% relative to $14,212,216 in program expenditures funding presented in the estimates in 2023-24.
This additional funding for the office reflects salary increases due to new collective agreements. Similar funding top-ups are allocated to 90 organizations across government. Amounts are calculated using a longstanding process based on the number and classifications of employees at a specific point in time.
TBS will continue to work with the Information Commissioner to address financial pressures faced by her office.
Question No. 2739—Mr. Arnold Viersen:
With regard to Possession and Acquisition Licenses (PAL) and Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licenses (RPAL) applications for renewal or first licensing, as of December 31, for each year from 2016 to 2023, inclusively, broken down by type of application (New PAL, Renewal, Minor PAL, or Transfer), and province or territory of application: (a) how many applications have been in processing for over (i) one month, (ii) three months, (iii) six months, (iv) one year, (v) 18 months; (b) how many of the applications required secondary and tertiary reviews; (c) how many applications were delayed due to administrative issues; (d) how many employees or full time equivalents were employed at the Canadian Firearms Program office to process applications; and (e) how many PAL or RPAL renewal applications remained in processing six months after the listed expiry date on the license?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity) (Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The RCMP is a decentralized organization comprised of over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. The RCMP concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted, and this could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Question No. 2742—Mr. Mark Strahl:
With regard to the High Frequency Rail project and the options analyzed by CPCS Transcom Limited (CPCS) and WSP Global Inc. (WSP), to enhance passenger rail service in Southwestern Ontario: (a) on what date was the analysis provided to the Minister of Transport; (b) what are the details of the findings of the analysis; (c) on what date will the findings be made available on the government’s website; and (d) how much did the government pay CPCS and WSP for these analyses?
Hon. Pablo Rodriguez (Minister of Transport, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, my office was provided the analysis in May 2024.
Transport Canada is currently in the process of reviewing the analysis and determining next steps. The findings will be included in a summary report that is scheduled for publication on Transport’s Canada website in the coming months.
The Government of Canada paid CPCS Transcom Limited and WSP Global Inc. $1,068,424.36 to carry out its study of how to improve intercity passenger rail service in southwestern Ontario.
Question No. 2744—Mr. Randy Hoback:
With regard to Canada’s Heads of Mission to each G7 member state, since January 1, 2022, and broken down by year: (a) how much has been spent on lobbyists and consultants, in total and broken down by embassy or high commission; (b) what is the breakdown of (a) by type of service (lobbying or consulting); and (c) what are the details of each contract for lobbying or consulting for any embassy or high commission in a G7 country abroad, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) vendor, (iii) amount, (iv) description of the services, (v) manner in which the contract was awarded (sole-sourced or competitive bid)?
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.
Global Affairs Canada undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The department concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted and could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Information on contracts worth more than $10,000 is available on the Open Government site, under Proactive Disclosure at the following link: https://open.canada.ca/en.
Question No. 2747—Mr. Brad Redekopp:
With regard to Policy Horizons Canada and the May 2024 report entitled “The Disruptions on the Horizon”: (a) which individuals or organizations, outside of the Government of Canada, contributed to the report; (b) were any of the individuals or organizations in (a) paid to participate, and, if so, how much was each paid; (c) what kind of format was used to gather opinions from individuals or organizations; (d) what specific questions were posed to the individuals or organizations in (a); (e) did Policy Horizons Canada attempt to gather the opinions of individuals or organizations outside of those that participated, and, if so, what are the details, including (i) their names, (ii) the reason provided to Policy Horizons Canada for why these individuals or organizations chose not to participate; (f) what was the total cost to research, prepare and publish the report; (g) has a lessons-learned exercise been conducted following the release of the report, and, if so, what were the results; and (h) is there a follow-up report anticipated and, if so, what are the details, including (i) the estimated date of release, (ii) the proposed budget, (iii) the focus of that report, (iv) whether the same individuals and organizations be consulted, (v) whether the lessons learned from the current report be incorporated into the upcoming report?
Mr. Sameer Zuberi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the disruptions assessed in the report were derived from a literature review, expert interviews with individuals, conversations with policy makers within the Government of Canada, workshops with foresight practitioners, as well as Policy Horizons Canada’s ongoing foresight work aimed at analyzing what is changing in our society, what is driving that change, and what new realities could emerge.
To assess the disruptions, Policy Horizons gathered and analyzed input from around 500 stakeholders, colleagues, and foresight experts across the Government of Canada and beyond who responded to the survey. Participants did not represent an organization; they voluntarily responded to a survey as individuals.
The individuals were selected by Policy Horizons Canada for their expertise in one or several domains covered by the disruptions. Policy Horizons Canada composed the survey participant list to include a variety of background and perspectives. All participants are part of Policy Horizons Canada’s larger expert network. About 53% of the survey respondents, or 258 people, were from the Government of Canada, and 47%, or 233 people,) were from outside of the Government of Canada. The names of participants were not collected as part of the survey.
In response to part (b) of the question, no one was paid to participate in any part of the research or survey. Individuals responded on a volunteer basis.
As for part (c) of the question,the disruptions assessed in the report were derived from a literature review, expert interviews with individuals, conversations with policy makers within the Government of Canada, workshops with foresight practitioners, as well as Policy Horizons Canada’s (Policy Horizons) ongoing foresight work aimed at analyzing what is changing in our society, what is driving that change, and what new realities could emerge.
As for part (d) of the question, the following questions were asked in the survey: “Assess each of the following disruptions (35 in total) based on likelihood and impact—how likely it is to occur and how much impact it could have, if it were to occur.
Select what you think the likelihood and impact of the disruption would be on a scale of 1-5 (1 being low, 5 being high).”
“Think of each disruption as a future where a circumstance reaches a critical point and becomes the new normal, or a significant event happens.
Select the option that indicates when you think each disruption could occur, in years. Select 10 if you think the disruption could occur in 10 or more years.”
“Assess each of the following seven disruptions based on interconnections—if one disruption were to occur, which related disruptions would be more likely to occur.
Select two related disruptions for each disruption.”
As for part (e) of the question, Policy Horizons Canada sent the survey to approximately 2000 people within their expert network. Nearly 500, namely, 491, people responded. As participation was voluntary, reasons why individuals chose not to participate was not provided.
Part (f) of the question touched on the total cost to research, prepare, and publish the report. Internal resources provided: the salary for the project team, namely, two EC-06, one EC-04, for approximately 11 months. This includes the development of the report as well as the initial dissemination across the Government of Canada, including workshops, presentations and Futures Week sessions; the salary for communications work, namely, one IS-05, one IS-04, for approximately one week. In addition, executives and staff of Policy Horizons provided input and review.
External resources included the software license to undertake the survey, a cost of $2,192.00; and graphic design work and report layout, a cost of $8,463.70.
With regard to part (g) of the question, as the report was published on May 7, 2024, a lessons-learned exercise has not been conducted at this time.
Lastly, with regard to part (h) of the question, Policy Horizons Canada, as the Government of Canada’s centre of excellence in foresight, intends to continue its Disruptions on the horizon work. The content and details regarding future reports have not been determined at this time.
Question No. 2753—Mr. Tom Kmiec:
With regard to visas for international students in Canada: how many international students (i) are currently studying in Canada, (ii) are studying at institutions accredited by Universities Canada, (iii) are studying at institutions that are members of the National Association of Career Colleges, (iv) have transferred institutions within Canada during their period of study, (v) are in a K-12 program?
Mr. Paul Chiang (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, manages the international student program and is responsible for issuing study permits to foreign nationals seeking to study in Canada. While IRCC tracks the total number of study permit holders, in the absence of an exit control system, it is not guaranteed that all these study permit holders are currently residing in Canada as international students can leave the country at any point in time after arrival.
Here is the information that IRCC is able to share.
On May 3, 2024, 1,073,435 study permit holders held a valid permit to study in Canada, and 341,531 of them were studying at institutions accredited by Universities Canada. The data in part (iii) is not tracked by IRCC. The information in part (iv) is not recorded in IRCC's database, so IRCC is unable to provide the requested information based on the available data. Of the above-mentioned study permit holders, 159,055 are at the K-12 level study level.
Question No. 2756—Mr. Dan Albas:
With regard to the government's Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund applications and the statements made by the Mayor of Merritt, Michael Goetz, and the Mayor of Princeton, Spencer Coyne, both in British Columbia, that their municipalities' applications for funding under this program were denied by the government without explanation: (a) why was Merritt’s application denied; (b) why was Princeton’s application denied; and (c) how do these funding rejections align with the Prime Minister’s statement to these communities after the flooding that he and his government would “have their backs”?
Mr. Chris Bittle (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the government's applications under the disaster mitigation adaptation fund, the DMAF, and the statements made by the Mayor of Merritt, Michael Goetz, and the Mayor of Princeton, Spencer Coyne, in response to part (a) of the question, the DMAF is a national, merit-based, competitive program, and projects are assessed based on the information provided in the project application only. Officials from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, or HICC, have met with Merritt to discuss the results of the process. HICC recognizes the importance of all projects it receives but funds are limited, and there were hundreds of projects that needed to be considered in the last round.
With respect to part b), DMAF is a national, merit-based, competitive program, and projects are assessed based on the information provided in the project application only. HICC officials will meet with Princeton to discuss the results of the process towards the end of June. HICC recognizes the importance of all projects it receives but funds are limited and there were hundreds of projects that needed to be considered in the last round.
With respect to part c), DMAF has been consistently oversubscribed since its inception in 2018, and, during the latest intake, the program received applications requesting more than six times the $900 million of funding available. The department received hundreds of well-prepared applications for important projects to improve the resilience of communities from coast to coast to coast. Due to the high level of interest, the department was unable to provide funding to all projects.
Question No. 2757—Mr. Tony Baldinelli:
With regard to Destination Canada: (a) how much economic activity is generated in Canada each summer from the domestic tourism industry; (b) of the economic activity in (a), how much and what percentage of (i) passengers, (ii) economic activity, is from domestic tourists who arrived via automobiles or road trips; and (c) what is Destination Canada's position on the statement regarding car trips that was made by the Minister of Health on May 30, 2024, that “They can enjoy their 10 hours in the car and let the planet burn”?
Ms. Annie Koutrakis (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, in the third quarter of 2023, approximately $27.5 billion in economic activity was generated by Canadian residents travelling domestically, according to the Statistics Canada National Travel Survey.
With regard to part (b), Destination Canada does not have access to data on domestic travel by mode of transport. However, data specifically on domestic trips by Canadian residents can be found publicly at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=2410004501.
With regard to part (c), Destination Canada does not have a comment on the Minister of Health’s statement.
Question No. 2760—Mr. John Nater:
With regard to the change announced by the Prime Minister on May 24, 2024, that Catherine Blewett, the Secretary of the Treasury Board, was being reassigned to become a Senior Official at the Privy Council Office (PCO): (a) what will her responsibilities be as a Senior Official at the PCO; (b) why was the Senior Official position not listed in the last organizational structure chart published by the PCO in April 2024; (c) where will the Senior Official position fit in to the PCO's organizational structure chart; and (d) how many days per week will she be required to show up in person at the PCO in Ottawa?
Mr. Terry Duguid (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the change announced by the Prime Minister on May 24, 2024, that Catherine Blewett, the Secretary of the Treasury Board, was being reassigned to become a Senior Official at the Privy Council Office (PCO), the response is as follows to part (a) of the question, senior official positions at PCO are determined on a case-by-case basis in response to organizational needs and are often employed for transitions in the senior ranks of the public service.
As for part (b), senior official positions at PCO are not listed in the organizational structure chart, due to the temporary nature of the role.
With regard to part (c), senior official positions generally report to the Clerk of the Privy Council, including the position Catherine Blewett is holding.
With regard to part (d), pursuant to the Privacy Act, details of an employee’s work agreement are considered personal information and therefore cannot be disclosed.
Question No. 2762—Mr. Andrew Scheer:
With regard to the statement on page 99 of the 2023 Fall Economic Statement that "The government will begin purchasing up to an annual maximum of $30 billion of Canada Mortgage Bonds, starting as early as February 2024": (a) when did the government begin purchasing the bonds; (b) what is the amount and value of the bonds purchased to date; (c) what are the government's projections in relation to how much of the $30 billion in bonds per year the government expects to default or write-off; and (d) what specific measures, if any, are in place to ensure that the government's finances are not adversely impacted by any increase in the default rate of these bonds?
Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the government conducted its first purchase of Canada mortgage bonds, or CMBs, on February 14, 2024.
With respect to part (b), to date, the government has purchased $11 billion of Canada mortgage bonds. More details on Canada mortgage bonds purchased by the government are available at the Bank of Canada website at https://www.bankofcanada.ca/markets/canada-mortgage-bonds-government-purchases-and-holdings/.
As of May 31, 2024, the market value of the government’s CMB portfolio was equivalent to $11.1 billion.
Although the government tracks the fair value of its CMB portfolio, CMBs are accounted for at amortized cost, not at their fair value. Consequently, movement in CMB value has no financial impact on the portfolio.
With respect to part (c), the government does not expect any incremental losses on these holdings due to existing federal government guarantees. It does not expect defaults or write offs.
Furthermore, for a variety of reasons, mortgage default rates in Canada have historically been low.
Given all these structures in place, there has not been a default on CMBs since the introduction of the program in 2001.
With respect to part (d), due to the existing guarantee mechanisms in place that protect CMBs against default risk and that significantly mitigate risk, the purchase of CMBs does not increase the government’s risk exposure.
Question No. 2765—Mrs. Rachael Thomas:
With regard to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) decision, announced in June 2024, that it would require online streaming services to pay five percent of their Canadian revenues to CRTC as part of implementing the measures contained in Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts: (a) how many different streaming services does the CRTC expect to receive payments from; (b) how much annual revenue does the CRTC expect to receive; (c) what assurances, if any, has the CRTC received to ensure that the 5% percent is not passed on to consumers in the form of higher subscription prices; and (d) what analysis, if any, was done on the impact of higher subscription prices as a result of the payment requirement on inflation or the cost of living?
Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates broadcasting and telecommunications in the public interest. It holds public consultations and makes decisions based on the public record.
The Online Streaming Act, which amended the Broadcasting Act, requires the CRTC to modernize the Canadian broadcasting framework and ensure that online streaming services make meaningful contributions to Canadian and Indigenous content.
Immediately after the new legislation was adopted, the CRTC published a regulatory plan and launched four public consultations, including one on what base contributions online services must make to support the Canadian broadcasting system.
During the public consultation on contributions, the CRTC received more than 360 detailed submissions and held a three-week public hearing where it heard from over 120 groups. Based on the public record, the CRTC decided online streaming services that make $25 million or more in annual revenues in Canada are required to contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues to support the Canadian broadcasting system.
The CRTC does not receive the base contributions. The contributions will be made directly to independently administrated funds. Online streaming services also have some flexibility, for example, to direct parts of their contributions to support Canadian television content directly.
The CRTC estimates that 13 audio and audiovisual services belonging to nine ownership groups will be required to make a base contribution.
With regard to part (b), the CRTC does not receive the base contributions. The contributions will be made directly to independently administrated funds.
In terms of part (c), the CRTC does not have the authority to regulate the pricing of online streaming services.
With regard to part (d), the CRTC does not have the authority to regulate the pricing of online streaming services.
Question No. 2766—Mr. Marty Morantz:
With regard to the revelation by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) at the Standing Committee on Finance on June 3, 2024, that "the government has economic analysis on the impact of the carbon tax itself and the OBPS. We've seen that, staff in my office, but we've been told explicitly not to disclose it": (a) who in the government issued this gag order on the PBO; (b) what were the findings of any economic analysis which was subject to the gag order; (c) why was the gag order issued; and (d) how does the gag order comply with the Prime Minister's commitment in 2015 to provide Canadians with the most transparent and open government in the world?
Hon. Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada has a collaborative relationship with the Parliamentary Budget Officer, or PBO. We always have and always will cooperate fully with the PBO’s requests, including by providing all the specific documents and information that respond to the parameters of his requests.
Environment and Climate Change Canada, or ECCC, like all departments in the government, routinely gives the PBO privileged access to data sets to support him in the creation of high-quality analysis.
These data sets are not analysis, they are raw data, and they can sometimes contain sensitive private data. They respond to a specific request for information from the PBO and do not represent any kind of comprehensive economic analysis.
Occasionally, data shared with the PBO may contain sensitive information that relates to specific companies. In order to protect their privacy and respect business confidentiality, such data must be managed in accordance with the Statistics Act.
ECCC recognizes the PBO’s discretion to release some or all of the information as he sees fit and trusts the PBO will manage the information he receives in accordance with his mandate and any relevant legal requirements. We have reviewed all of the data in the material that was released on June 13 and are confident that none of it is confidential and can therefore be disclosed publicly.
The PBO’s analysis of Canada’s carbon pollution pricing system confirms that the majority of households receive more in Canada Carbon Rebate payments than they face in direct costs due to pricing.
Climate change is imposing increasing costs on Canadians, and Canada has made an international commitment to tackling this global challenge.
The Government made the decision to place a price on pollution because it is widely recognized as the most cost-effective way of reducing carbon pollution that causes climate change. It reduces the pollution that drives more extreme climate impacts, and orients Canada’s economy to capture the advantages of a net zero transition.
Any comprehensive analysis of the economic benefits of carbon pricing would also need to include the financial investments that result in part from carbon pricing regimes. Putting a price on carbon pollution encourages businesses to find ways to be more efficient, invest in cleaner technologies, and shift toward cleaner energy sources.
The Government looks forward to receiving the PBO’s revised report in the fall and hopes it includes a more comprehensive analysis of carbon pricing that includes all the costs of climate change and the economic benefits of taking action to combat it.
Question No. 2770—Mr. Dane Lloyd:
With regard to cyberattacks on government servers since January 1, 2021, broken down by department or agency and by year: (a) how many attempted cyberattacks are estimated to have occurred; (b) how many cyberattacks resulted in the server or data being compromised in any way; (c) what is the breakdown of (b) by the resulting damage (data stolen, server mined, unknown, etc.); (d) for each instance where data was stolen or compromised, (i) what was the date, (ii) how many individuals' data was involved, (iii) how were the affected individuals notified, (iv) what is the incident summary; and (e) for each instance in (b) where an individual's data was not involved, (i) what was the date, (ii) what is the incident summary, (iii) what damage, if any, was caused to any government servers, networks, or equipment?
Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as part of its mandate, Communications Security Establishment Canada, CSE, protects electronic information and information infrastructures that are of importance to the Government of Canada, helping to thwart criminal or state-sponsored cyber threat activity targeting our systems. Every day, CSE uses its sophisticated cyber capabilities and technical expertise to identify and defend against threats to Canada’s information systems and networks, and to take active measures to address them.
The definition of the term “cyberattack” is highly variable. CSE uses the term “malicious cyber attempts” to capture unsuccessful attempts to identify vulnerabilities and penetrate a system. CSE does not track disaggregated statistics regarding malicious cyber attempts on government servers or websites. However, as outlined in the recently released 2023-2024 Annual Report, CSE’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, known as the cyber centre, blocked an average of 6.6 billion potentially malicious actions a day ranging from routine scans to sophisticated intrusion attempts.
When a cyber incident occurs, responding rapidly and taking the right steps can significantly reduce the potential harm and speed up the recovery process. The cyber centre’s definition of a cyber incident covers a wide range of attempted threat activity, whether successful or not. During 2023-24, the cyber centre helped respond to 2,192 cyber security incidents across the Government of Canada and Canadian critical infrastructure. This is slightly more than the previous year.
CSE and its cyber centre generally do not comment on cyber incidents. However, since January 1, 2021, CSE has publicly acknowledged its involvement in supporting government partners who have experienced cyber incidents. On January 19, 2022, a cyber incident was detected against Global Affairs Canada, or GAC. CSE and its cyber centre, in conjunction with government partners including the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Shared Services Canada, worked together to respond to the incident. In March 2022, CSE and its cyber centre worked with the National Research Council in response to a cyber incident. In October 2022, CSE and its cyber centre worked with the IT branch of the House of Commons Administration in response to a cyber incident. The cyber centre provided cyber security assistance and support to ensure that critical services for parliamentarians and House of Commons staff remain functioning. In September 2023, CSE and its cyber centre reported several distributed denial of service campaigns, also known as DDoS campaigns, targeting the Government of Canada, provinces and territories, as well as the financial and transportation sectors. The cyber centre worked with government partners and supporting organizations outside the government as well. In January and February 2024, CSE and its cyber centre worked with colleagues at GAC as they managed a cyber incident. In February 2024, CSE and its cyber centre worked with colleagues at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the RCMP, as they managed a cyber incident. In March 2024, CSE and its cyber centre worked with colleagues at the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and Global Affairs Canada as they managed a cyber incident.
Given the constantly evolving threat environment in which CSE operates, for reasons of national security, CSE is unable to provide any additional information. Releasing the requested detailed information would allow hostile actors to gain insights into our security and processes that would jeopardize CSE’s operations, thereby compromising national security.
Question No. 2771—Mrs. Laila Goodridge:
With regard to applications received by the government to run supervised consumption sites, since 2015 and broken down by province or territory: (a) what are the addresses and services offered or potentially offered for each application received; and (b) for each application in (a), broken down by address or site, is the status of the application (i) received but a decision has not yet been made, (ii) approved but not yet operational, (iii) approved and operational, (iv) rejected?
Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, comprehensive information on applications received by the government to run supervised consumption sites since 2015, including details such as province or territory, city and location, approval and expiration dates, and authorized services, is available at the Supervised consumption sites: Status of applications website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/supervised-consumption-sites/status-application.html. This resource provides insights into sites currently offering services under a valid exemption from section 56.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, authorized sites not currently offering services, open applications pending approval, and refused applications that did not receive an exemption under section 56.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Web tables are generally updated monthly and therefore may not reflect the current status as of today.
Question No. 2773—Mr. Sameer Zuberi:
With regard to Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund applications received from communities in British Columbia since 2021: (a) what are the details of all applications which were denied funding, including, for each, the (i) name of the city, town or municipality, (ii) date of the application, (iii) disaster event related to the application, (iv) reason that the funding was denied; (b) what specific criteria is used, including any scoring or grading system, to determine whether an application is approved or denied; and (c) if a scoring or grading system was used, what score or grade was given to each application in (a)?
Mr. Chris Bittle (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund applications received from communities in British Columbia since 2021, in response to parts (a) and (c), the Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund is a national, merit-based, competitive program. Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, or HICC, recognizes the importance of all projects it receives, however funds are limited, and there have been hundreds of projects considered within the specified timeframe. In processing Parliamentary Returns, the Government applies the principles set out in the Access to Information Act, and project-specific details have been withheld on the grounds that it constitutes provincial and third-party confidential information protected under the ATIA.
HICC officials extend an offer to meet with recipients individually to discuss the results of the process. It is at the discretion of applicants to communicate their application information and status publicly.
With respect to part (b), the Applicant Guide contains details regarding criteria. It can be found at https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/alt-format/pdf/dmaf-faac/dmaf-faac-applicant-guide-demandeur-en.pdf.
Question No. 2774—Mr. Ben Lobb:
With regard to meetings held between the US Ambassador, David Cohen, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry or the Deputy Minister: what are the details of all meetings in which the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act has been raised, including, the (i) date and time, (ii) names and titles of those in attendance, (iii) location, (iv) summary of the discussions?
Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, there was no meeting between the U.S. Ambassador, David Cohen, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry or the deputy minister during which the artificial intelligence and data act was raised.
Question No. 2776—Mr. Mel Arnold:
With regard to international trips taken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs since November 4, 2015: what are the details of all trips where the minister has introduced and discussed topics related to fisheries and fisheries management, including, for each, (i) the names and titles of those in attendance, (ii) the date and time of the meeting, (iii) the location of the meeting, (iv) a summary of the specific topic discussed at the meeting?
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the Oceans Act and the Fisheries Act, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is responsible for the proper management and control of fisheries, and the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat. To carry out this broad mandate, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO, supports its minister through co-operation in regional fisheries management organizations such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.
Under the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Act, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the conduct of diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of Canada, which includes providing legal advice to DFO on international law questions and coordinating Canada’s treaty adoption process from the negotiating mandate to the entry into force including with respect to fisheries and fisheries management.
In response to parts (i) to (iv) of the question, Global Affairs Canada does not have a central information management system that systematically captures when and if the current and former ministers of Foreign Affairs introduced or discussed topics related to fisheries and fisheries management during meetings conducted on international trips.
After a manual search of records since November 4, 2015, Global Affairs Canada officials provided briefing materials specific to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on fish or fisheries management for 35 international trips. Further validating the specific instances during these trips in which fisheries and fisheries management were introduced or discussed is not possible within the time provided for a response without risking the disclosure of information that is inaccurate or misleading, or would be injurious to the conduct of Canada’s international affairs.
Question No. 2777—Mr. Bernard Généreux:
With regard to individual expense receipts submitted by a board of director, chair, or CEO, at Export Development Canada, since 2018: what are the details of all items expensed, including the (i) dollar value of each expense, (ii) product or service expensed, (iii) name of the venue for the product or service expensed, (iv) name of the city in which it was expensed, (v) reason for the expense, (vi) name and title of the individual it was expensed under?
Mr. Maninder Sidhu (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Lib):
Mr. Speaker, in response to parts (i) to (vi) of the question, Export Development Canada, or EDC, undertook an extensive preliminary search to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. EDC concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question is not possible in the time allotted and could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Export Development Canada is governed by a Board of Directors whose representatives are primarily from the private sector. The Board's responsibility is to supervise the direction and management of EDC and oversee its strategic direction as outlined in the Corporate Plan. Board members are appointed by the Government of Canada, and report to Parliament through the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
The Export Development Canada Board of Directors has comprised 10-12 members per calendar year since 2018, including the Board Chair. The total number of members having served on the Board since 2018 is 21. The Board and its committees meet in-person 3-4 times annually.
Export Development Canada is guided by the guidelines and regulations concerning the management and governance of Crown corporations set by the Treasury Board Secretariat. The Travel and Hospitality Expense Policy for the Boards of Directors of EDC and Development Finance Institute Canada, or FinDev, and the External Communications and Representation & Orientation, Training and Development Policy for the Board of Directors articulate the Board’s travel parameters.
Export Development Canada’s President and Chief Executive Officer works with the Executive Management Team to oversee day-to-day operations and execute the business strategy as outlined in EDC’s Corporate Plan. Although a member of the EDC and FinDev Canada Boards, the CEO is covered under the EDC Employee Travel Guideline rather than the Board Travel and Hospitality Expense Policy.
Current executive and Board of Director disclosures are publicly available online at https://www.edc.ca/en/about-us/corporate/disclosure/travel-hospitality-expenses.html.
Question No. 2778—Mr. Bernard Généreux:
With regard to the funding provided by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) to the MaRS Discovery District (MaRS): what are the details of all agreements between ISED and MaRS since November 4, 2015, including, for each, the (i) value of any funding received, (ii) form of funding received, (iii) date that the agreement was agreed to by both parties, (iv) details on the purpose of the agreement, (v) intended use of the funding by MaRS in their role as a registered charity?
Hon. François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has not provided funding to the MaRS Discovery District since November 4, 2015.
Question No. 2779—Mrs. Cheryl Gallant:
With regard to the construction and planned construction of all ships under the Canadian Surface Combatant procurement project of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, since the program was introduced: (a) for each ship, what percentage of all materials and equipment was initially planned to be of Canadian manufacturing and origin, and what was the percentage at the time of completion; and (b) what is the specific origin and manufacturer of all materials and equipment used?
Mr. Charles Sousa (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as the Canadian Surface Combatant project, the CSC project, is currently in definition phase, the design of ships is not finalized and, consequently, construction has not commenced. As such, Public Services and Procurement Canada, PSPC, is not yet able to provide the percentage of all materials and equipment planned to be of Canadian manufacturing and origin. The selection of equipment for incorporation into the ship is ongoing, and PSPC is making every effort to maximize Canadian manufacturing and content wherever feasible.
To this end, PSPC has signed or is in the process of negotiating contracts with numerous Canadian suppliers. PSPC has engaged companies from five different provinces to work on the CSC project and will continue to work to expand the list of Canadian suppliers working on the ships.
Question No. 2780—Mr. Clifford Small:
With regard to the 2017 mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to negotiate timelimited Rights Reconciliation Agreements with First Nations in Atlantic Canada and Quebec: what are the details of all agreements under this mandate, including, for each, (i) the name or title of the agreement, (ii) a detailed summary, (iii) the date that the agreement was signed, (iv) the names of the First Nations with whom DFO signed the agreement, (v) the names and titles of the individuals at DFO who signed the agreement?
Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, during the term of the 2017 Rights Reconciliation Agreement mandate, 8 agreements with 14 of the 34 Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey First Nations in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Gaspé region of Quebec, as well as the Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik in New Brunswick were reached, namely,The Interim Fisheries Implementation Agreement was signed by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including the Canadian Coast Guard, or DFO, the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, or CIR, and by the Chiefs of Elsipogtog First Nation and the Esgenoôpetitj First Nation. The agreement was signed on August 16, 2019. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize the First Nations’ Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nations’ capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear; and, establish a future negotiation process regarding the co-development of a collaborative fisheries management approach.
The Fisheries Resources Agreement was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR and by the Chief of Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation, formerly Maliseet of Viger First Nation. The agreement was signed on August 23, 2019. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize the First Nation’s Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nation’s capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear, and funding for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and, establish a new collaborative management process, implemented through an operational joint committee and an executive committee, comprised of DFO and First Nation representatives, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nation.
The Rights Reconciliation Agreement on Fisheries was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR and by the Chief of Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, or LMG. The agreement was signed on April 16, 2021. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize LMG’s Aboriginal right to fish for food, social, and ceremonial purposes, and Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nation’s capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear, and funding for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and, establish a new collaborative management process, implemented through a Co-Governance Fisheries Committee and an Executive Oversight Body, comprised of DFO and LMG’s representatives, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the LMG.
The Collaborative Fisheries Management Agreement was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR and by the Chief of Abegweit First Nation. The Agreement was signed on April 14, 2023. The purpose of this Agreement is to: recognize the First Nation’s Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; provide funding to the First Nation for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and, establish a new collaborative management process, implemented through a Joint Operational Committee and an Executive Oversight Board, comprised of DFO and First Nation representatives, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nation.
The Hybrid Fishery Agreement was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR, and by the Chief of Peskotomuhkati Nation at Skutik, or PNS, and President of the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. The agreement was signed on April 27, 2023. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize the PNS’s Aboriginal right to fish for food, social and ceremonial purposes, and Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nation’s capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear, and funding for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and, establish a new collaborative management process, implemented through a Joint Committee, comprised of DFO and First Nation representatives, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nation.
The Agreement on Fisheries was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR, and by the Chiefs of the Nation Micmac de Gespeg and the Micmacs of Gesgapegiag. The agreement was signed on June 2, 2023. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize the First Nations’ Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nations’ capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear, and funding for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and establish a new collaborative management process between DFO and Gespeg and Gesgapegiag, implemented through a Fisheries Committee and an Executive Committee established with each First Nation, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nation.
The Annex “A” Interim Collaborative Fisheries Management Agreement was signed by the Minister of DFO, and by the Chiefs of Elsipogtog First Nation and Esgenoôpetitj First Nation on June 20, 2023. The purpose of this agreement is to establish a new collaborative management process between DFO and Elsipogtog and Esgenoôpetitj First Nations, implemented through a Joint Operational Management Committee and an Executive Oversight Committee, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nations; and, provide funding to the First Nations for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities.
The Rights Implementation Agreement on Fisheries was signed by the Minister of DFO, the Minister of CIR, the Co-Chair of Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc., or MTI, and the Chiefs of the following First Nations: Amlamgog, Fort Folly; L’nu Menigug, Indian Island; Metepenagiag, Red Bank; Natoaganeg, Eel Ground; Oinpegitjoig, Pabineau: and Tjipogtotjg, Buctouche. The agreement was signed on July 5, 2023. The purpose of this agreement is to recognize the First Nations’ Treaty right to harvest and sell fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood; support the First Nations’ capacity to participate in the fisheries by providing funding to acquire fisheries’ access, such as licences and quota, as well as vessels and gear, and funding for implementation and governance related to fisheries management activities; and establish a new collaborative management process between DFO and MTI, through a Joint Technical Committee and an Oversight Board, to discuss, share information and provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of DFO on various fisheries issues of interest to the First Nation.
Question No. 2782—Mr. Rhéal Éloi Fortin:
With regard to the April 7, 2021 decision of the former Minister of Justice, Hon. David Lametti, ordering a new trial for Jacques Delisle: (a) what are the details of all legal advice received by the former minister regarding the holding of a new trial, including, for each instance, (i) the identity of the person who provided the advice, (ii) the mandate conferred by the minister, (iii) the evidence reviewed; and (b) what are the details of the 2017 Criminal Conviction Review Group (CCRG) report on former justice Delisle’s case, including the (i) evidence reviewed, (ii) conclusion, (iii) recommendation made to the minister?
Mr. James Maloney (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the April 7, 2021, decision of the former Minister of Justice ordering a new trial for Jacques Delisle, the details of all legal advice received by the former minister regarding the holding of a new trial, including the identity of the person who provided the advice, the mandate conferred by the minister and the evidence reviewed, is subject to solicitor-client privilege. However, we can advise that retired Ontario Court of Justice judge Paul Belanger provided legal advice in this matter as an outside special advisor, and the Criminal Conviction Review Group, the CCRG, provided its own legal advice to the minister as part of its briefing materials.
With respect to details of the 2017 Criminal Conviction Review Group’s report on former Justice Delisle’s case, including the evidence reviewed, conclusion, and recommendation made to the minister, the CCRG’s investigation report is, in all cases of post-conviction review where an investigation report is created, confidential and privileged. It is only ever shared with the applicant and the relevant prosecuting authority pursuant to an undertaking not to disclose further. In this case, however, the report was made public through the court process involving Mr. Delisle despite the aforementioned undertakings having been provided. As such, while privilege on the basis of sections 19 and 21 of the Access to Information Act would normally apply, a copy of the report has been made public and can be accessed through the registrar of the Quebec Superior Court.
Question No. 2783—Mr. Randall Garrison:
With regard to the government’s purchase of GeneXpert Systems for rapid diagnostic testing acquired to facilitate access to rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2: (a) how many GeneXpert Systems are owned by Health Canada and, of those, how many are currently being operated; (b) what kinds of testing are the machines currently being used for; (c) is the government planning on using the full range of testing capabilities of the GeneXpert Systems to test for other infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C; and (d) is there a plan for the use of the GeneXpert systems to help counter increasing rates of new HIV and Hepatitis C cases, and, if so, (i) how will new locations be chosen and will community-based organizations be prioritized, (ii) will this plan include provisions for training operators to ensure proper use and accurate results, (iii) will this plan have provisions to ensure the financial sustainability to guarantee ongoing operations?
Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, the Public Health Agency of Canada, or PHAC, has 457 GeneXpert Systems, some of which were received on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada, or ISC; 260 of these systems have been deployed by PHAC.
In terms of Part (b), the vast majority of GeneXpert Systems distributed by PHAC are currently being utilized for respiratory virus testing, in other words for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Additionally, pilots are under way for community-based testing for tuberculosis and for sexually transmitted and blood borne infections, or STBBIs, at three sites.
With regard to part (c), the GeneXpert Systems were purchased for use during the COVID-19 pandemic for respiratory virus testing. PHAC is currently investigating their capability for other pathogens.
As for part (d), PHAC is currently exploring the feasibility of using the GeneXpert Systems for HIV and Hepatitis C testing. However, neither of the HIV and Hepatitis C tests for these systems have been approved for use in Canada.
Future plans will depend on the results of the pilots currently under way.
Question No. 2788—Mr. Ryan Williams:
With regard to complaints received by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, broken down by year since January 1, 2016: (a) what is the total number of complaints (i) received, (ii) resolved; (b) what was the average resolution time, in days, for complaints regarding (i) radio, (ii) television, (iii) telecommunications, (iv) other, broken down by type; (c) what is the total number of complaint proceedings (i) started, (ii) completed; and (d) what is the average completion time, in days, for proceedings in (i) radio, (ii) television), (iii) telecommunications, (iv) other?
Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, since 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, has received over 117,000 complaints. A comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information which is not possible in the time allotted as it could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Question No. 2791—Mrs. Kelly Block:
With regard to the Next Generation Human Resources and Pay system's development, procurement and test trials: (a) how much has been spent to date on the system; (b) which companies bid on the project; (c) how many points were attributed to the bid of each company in (b); (d) which company or companies were chosen to test their systems in government departments; and (e) for each company that was chosen to test their systems, which departments, agencies, or other government entities, did each of these companies test their systems in?
Mr. Charles Sousa (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with respect to part (a) of the question, to date, $79,465,823.04, including taxes, has been spent on the new system.
With respect to part (b), seven vendors submitted bids to participate in the invitation to qualify process that closed in October 2018, including Canada Workday ULC, Ceridian Canada Ltd. (Dayforce), Freebalance Inc., Infor (Canada) Ltd, Oracle, Saba Software Inc., and SAP Canada Inc. Based on that process, SAP Canada Inc, Ceridian Canada Ltd. (Dayforce), and Canada Workday ULC were deemed eligible to bid on the resulting request for proposals in May 2019. In September 2021, following two years of functional and technical assessments of the solutions proposed by these three vendors, the Government of Canada signed a contract with Ceridian to test Dayforce.
With respect to part (c), details on the results of the evaluation, including point totals, cannot be released as it is third-party confidential information.
With respect to part (d), Ceridian Canada’s Dayforce solution was tested in departments. Information on the testing can be found in the final findings report published in February 2024 at https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/publications/2023-24/next-generation-hr-pay-final-findings-report.html.
With respect to part (e), as noted in the final findings report, the system was tested with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
Question No. 2792—Mrs. Kelly Block:
With regard to Canada Post's climate action targets: (a) how much has Canada Post spent on carbon offsets each year since 2015; and (b) how much has Canada Post spent to date on solar panels (i) in total, (ii) broken down by province or territory, (iii) broken down by location or post office?
Mr. Charles Sousa (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to Canada Post's climate action targets, Canada Post is a Crown Corporation that operates at arm’s length from the Government and has the mandate to be financially self-sustaining in a highly competitive sector that includes global companies like Amazon, FedEx and UPS. Canada Post has a unique and long-standing mandate that requires the national postal service to be funded through revenues generated from the sale of products and services, and not through taxpayer dollars. Therefore, the requested information regarding how much Canada Post has spent on carbon offsets each year since 2015 is commercially sensitive and has always been treated as confidential.
With a large and diverse building portfolio across the country, Canada Post is committed to reducing emissions from its facilities. Canada Post facilities that have solar panels include the Letter Carrier Depot, or LCD, West Depot Toronto, in Ontario; the LCD Scarborough, in Ontario; the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, in Ontario; the Halifax Regional Office & Mail Processing Plant, in Nova Scotia; and the LCD Northwest Calgary, in Alberta.
Question No. 2794—Mr. Matt Jeneroux:
With regard to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), broken down by year since January 1, 2019: (a) how many cases of (i) gender discrimination, (ii) disability discrimination, were filed against the CPPIB; (b) of the cases in (a), how many were settled without formal litigation; (c) how many nondisclosure agreements were signed by former employees related to the cases in (a); (d) what percentage of the employee disciplinary actions and terminations were handled (i) internally by employee relations, (ii) by external counsel; (e) what is the breakdown of the number of discrimination cases filed against the CPPIB in each of its offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (f) which law firms were hired to represent the CPPIB and, broken down by city, what was the total amount in legal fees paid to each firm; (g) how much was paid in legal fees for (i) employee terminations, (ii) employee-initiated legal action against the CPPIB for which the CPPIB retained legal counsel; (h) what was the total severance paid out in each of its offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (i) which laws firms were hired and retained by the CPPIB in the offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (j) what were the legal fees paid annually for each of the law firms retained by the CPPIB to defend the CPPIB; (k) how many female employees were terminated through restructuring from Senior Associate level to Managing Director level for each of its offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (I) how many female employees were terminated through voluntary resignations from Senior Associate level to Managing Director level for each of its offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (m) how many (i) female, (ii) male, employees were promoted above the Senior Associate level; (n) what is the percentage of female departures from the Executive and Senior management pool from the CPPIB in its entirety and for each of its offices located in (i) Brazil, (ii) Hong Kong, (iii) India, (iv) London, (v) New York, (vi) San Francisco, (vii) Toronto; (o) what is the number of disability accommodation cases for (i) long-term, (ii) short-term, (iii) permanent, disability that were sent through Manulife; (p) how many employees who went through a Manulife accommodation remain with the CPPIB; (q) how many of the employees who remain with the CPPIB have been promoted in the last five years; (r) how many formal complaints brought by employees went through (i) a CPPIB Clearview Connects Whistleblower process, (ii) a CPPIB Conduct Review Advisor, (iii) a Legal and Compliance CPPIB, (iv) human resources; and (s) broken down by each part of (r), how many of the complainant employees remain employed by the CPPIB?
Hon. Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, the CPPIB, is neither a department nor an agency of the Crown and is therefore not subject to the same guidelines for disclosure. The CPPIB is subject to disclosure requirements as set out in the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act and reports to federal and provincial finance ministers and Canadians.
Question No. 2795—Mr. Matt Jeneroux:
With regard to Elections Canada (EC) and Communications Security Establishment Canada's reports on "Cyber threats to Canada's democratic process - 2023 update" and "Cyber security guidance for elections authorities (ITSM.10.020)": (a) what measures has EC taken since the last general election to safeguard the integrity of elections, candidates and campaigns against cyber threats, including (i) deepfakes, (ii) artificial intelligence, (iii) bots, (iv) other attacks on telecommunication infrastructure (such as "distributed denial of service" attacks) that aim to disrupt, interfere with or sway elections as warned against in the reports; (b) for each measure in (a), (i) what was the cost, (ii) when was it implemented, (iii) how and from whom was the measure originally proposed; and (c) are there any threats which EC does not have the capacity to fully guard against, and, if so, what are they, and has EC sought assistance from the government or any other entity to guard against such a threat, and, if so, what are the details?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity), Lib.):
Mr. Speakers, Elections Canada’s mandate is to administer elections and make sure Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to register, vote and be a candidate. Regarding cyber threats and cyber security, the agency has extensive coordination with security agencies and partners, including the Communications Security Establishment, and continually evolves its security infrastructure.
Safeguarding the integrity of the election requires a robust ecosystem that is much larger than only Elections Canada. The agency works during and outside of the electoral period to coordinate with other federal organizations to share information and detect and respond to any threats to the integrity of an election. This includes Communications Security Establishment Canada, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Public Safety Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and the Commissioner of Canada Elections, all of which have distinct and important roles to play in protecting the integrity of the electoral process. Some threats to elections reach beyond the realm of electoral management and come in many different forms and target different stakeholders, including Elections Canada and election workers, as well as electors, political entities, and other organizations. As such, the security agencies and partners that Elections Canada coordinates with play a vital role in identifying, understanding, adapting, and mitigating or eliminating threats to the electoral process.
Elections Canada maintains a strong security position and abides by government-wide best practices, including: adhering to Government of Canada security standards; implementing security by design, making security a foundational part of every new IT system or process that we develop; ensuring all new technology solutions are designed to meet the stringent Government of Canada cyber security suite of policies and standards; and continually training employees and field staff on how to safeguard information and practice good cyber safety.
Elections Canada’s holistic approach to security means there are no specific costs to detail for the topics listed in sub question (a), as these costs are built into the various project and general IT costs that are undertaken by the agency as part of our overall security infrastructure. Elections Canada’s security approach also consistently evolves to match the threat landscape and advice from security agencies and partners.
With respect to the important issues detailed in sub question (a), and in particular threats arising out of the use of artificial intelligence and deep fakes, Elections Canada has been and continues to be active in engaging domestic and international partners to identify mitigation strategies. This includes the organization, in partnership with Elections Ontario, of a conference in January 2024 with Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial Chief Electoral Officers to discuss AI and its possible future impacts on the electoral environment and gain insights from invited experts from Canada and the US. The Chief Electoral Officer of Canada has also engaged with the Government and members of the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) on these matters and welcomes the opportunity to further discuss them within the context of Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act.
Lastly, it is important to note that candidates, political parties, and third parties also have a role to play in this area and can do so by understanding and adapting to the threats they face, protecting their IT infrastructure and data, ensuring the information about the electoral process that they share is accurate, and promoting digital literacy and critical thinking.
More information on Elections Canada’s work in this area, and the threats to the election that the agency has identified, can be found on our website, Election Integrity and Security – Elections Canada, at https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&dir=int&document=index&lang=e, and in Elections Canada’s Institutional Report, prepared for the Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference, at https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=rep/oth/foin&document=p1&lang=e.
Question No. 2799—Mr. Colin Carrie:
With regard to the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its reliance on the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for their “independent, expert advice” (source: Order Paper question Q-2554): (a) in 2020 and 2021, what specific studies demonstrated that the COVID-19 vaccines would prevent (i) all, (ii) any, transmission of SARS-CoV-2; (b) what specific studies demonstrated that the COVID-19 vaccines were ineffective or would not completely prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2; (c) in 2020 and 2021, what specific data was provided by the manufacturers of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in Canada that demonstrated that the COVID-19 vaccines were effective in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2; (d) with respect to informed consent in 2021, how was the uncertainty or “unknown” evidence around “the effectiveness against virus transmission, and long-term effectiveness against infection and severe disease” communicated to the Canadian public and medical professionals administering the vaccines; (e) without certainty that the vaccine would prevent transmission, what was the rationale provided to the Office of the Prime Minister from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada or NACI in support of the following measures in relation to only unvaccinated healthy individuals presenting with no symptoms (i) PCR testing before entering the country, (ii) quarantining individuals before entering the country, (iii) showing one’s vaccine status through a vaccine passport, (iv) preventing their travelling on federally-regulated transportation; (f) who advised the Office of the Prime Minister about the uncertainty of the COVID-19 vaccines with respect to its inability to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV2 and when; (g) what was the source of the messaging used by (i) the Chief Public Health Officer, (ii) the Deputy Chief Public Health officer, (iii) the Chief Medical Officer of Health Canada, (iv) the Minister of Health, (v) the Prime Minister, (vi) other government or public health officials, to state that COVID-19 vaccination would protect others, implying it stopped viral transmission; and (h) who approved the messaging in (g)?
Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to parts (a) to (c) of the question, the health and safety of Canadians are the utmost priority for Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, or PHAC. Health Canada has a rigorous scientific review system in place to ensure vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the diseases they target. Before a vaccine can be approved for sale in Canada, it undergoes an in-depth review of evidence for safety, efficacy, and quality by Health Canada. Evidence provided to Health Canada includes data from pre-clinical studies, including toxicology studies, clinical trials as well as data demonstrating that manufacturing processes ensure the consistency and quality of the vaccine. Once vaccines are authorized, Health Canada releases information about the vaccine, including summaries of the data considered by Health Canada. This includes non-clinical, clinical and other studies, as well as how the decision was made. For coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines, this information can be found on Health Canada’s website at https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/.
COVID-19 vaccines are indicated for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. The approval of the vaccines was based on safety and efficacy data collected in non-clinical studies and clinical trials. Clinical data for these vaccines is available on the clinical information on drugs and medical devices website at https://clinical-information.canada.ca/search/ci-rc?f%5B0%5D=drug_brand_name%3A%22COMIRNATY%20OMICRON%20XBB1.5%22#tabs-0-laurier_content-1.
Clinical trials were not designed to demonstrate that vaccines were effective in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Once available on the market, the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines are continuously monitored and evaluated by Health Canada and PHAC. Vaccine manufacturers are obliged to continue to collect information about the long-term safety and effectiveness of their products. Evidence from peer-reviewed studies from domestic and international sources published in the medical literature established the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing disease transmission.
With respect to parts (d) to (f) of the question, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, or NACI, provides PHAC with ongoing and timely medical, scientific, and public health advice relating to immunization. The health and safety of Canadians has always been a priority. Leading up to and during the height of the pandemic, officials were briefed regularly on developments in relation to COVID-19.
In 2021, early NACI guidance to PHAC and stakeholders initially emphasized uncertainty surrounding the ability of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent infection and transmission and duration of protection following vaccination, and communicated the need for ongoing monitoring. As the pandemic progressed, emerging evidence suggested some degree of prevention of infection and transmission was achievable with COVID-19 vaccination and this was reflected in NACI’s advice.
The emergence of each new variant required re-assessment of how the vaccines were performing, including against infection and transmission. The emergence of the highly transmissible Omicron variant at the end of 2021 introduced new complexities, making the prevention of infection and transmission from COVID-19 vaccination, including from booster doses, less certain. All NACI advice regarding COVID-19 vaccines is published online at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci.html and is representative of the evidence available at the time each statement was written. In addition, starting in March 2021, summaries of NACI advice were also provided by PHAC to succinctly communicate the key points and implications of the NACI guidance to the public.
Informed consent occurs through discussion between health care providers and patients on the risks and benefits of a vaccine. In order to support these informed consent discussions, PHAC communicated the evolving evidence on vaccine effectiveness to healthcare providers throughout the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This began in December 2020 when PHAC launched a series of webinars that communicated what was known and not yet known about the newly authorized vaccines from clinical trial data, as well as recommendations for their use. PHAC continued to deliver webinars to update health care providers as evidence emerged throughout 2021 and 2022. Additionally, as noted, NACI statements and the Canadian Immunization Guide were updated to reflect the most recent evidence on vaccine effectiveness as it emerged. PHAC's webinars for healthcare providers on COVID-19 vaccines can be found at https://canvax.ca/public-health-agency-canada-phac-vaccine-confidence-webinar-series.
With respect to part (g), the NACI secretariat was the source of messaging for all officials, supported by PHAC, as well as Health Canada in its role regulating drugs and health products to support public safety.
With respect to part (h), these messages were approved by the president of PHAC and Health Canada’s deputy minister.
Question No. 2800—Mr. Larry Maguire:
With regard to Transport Canada and meetings concerning Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP): (a) when Patrick Juneau was the Director of Aviation Safety Policy and Intelligence at Transport Canada, did he meet with any United States officials on the subject of UAP, and, if so, what are the details of all such meetings, including, for each, (i) the date, (ii) the location, (iii) the names and titles of those in attendance, (iv) what was discussed or agreed upon; (b) have any Transport Canada officials other than Patrick Juneau met with any United States officials on the subject of UAP, and, if so, who and what are the details of all such meetings attended by any Transport Canada official, including, for each, (i) the date, (ii) the location, (iii) the names and titles of those in attendance, (iv) what was discussed or agreed upon; and (c) what are the details, including the website where the agreement can be read, of any UAP information sharing agreements that Transport Canada is aware of, between Canadian entities and American entities?
Hon. Pablo Rodriguez (Minister of Transport, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a) of the question, Transport Canada can confirm that Mr. Juneau did not have any meetings specific to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with United States officials.
With respect to part (b), Transport Canada did not locate any meeting notes or records of decisions of meetings occurring about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena with United States officials.
As for part (c), Transport Canada did not locate any records pertaining to information sharing agreements about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.
Reports filed in Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System on Transport Canada’s website are publicly available at CADORS: Query, at https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/cadors-screaq/q.aspx?lang=eng.
Question No. 2803—Mrs. Laila Goodridge:
With regard to requests received by Health Canada related to decriminalization from provinces, municipalities or Indigenous communities, since January 1, 2016: what are the details of all such requests, including, for each, the (i) date, (ii) name and title of the person who made the request, (iii) entity represented by the person making the request, (iv) summary of the request, (v) response by Health Canada?
Mrs. Élisabeth Brière (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as to the request by the City of Vancouver, the final submission was made on May 28, 2021, by the city manager. The proposed model would decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of controlled substances for adults over 18 within city limits. Specific thresholds were proposed for common drugs. Personal possession of other drugs was proposed as a three-day supply, as determined by police. Individuals in possession of drugs below thresholds for personal use would not be arrested or have their drugs seized. Instead, they would be given a voluntary referral to a health care resource. The proposed exemption would not apply where there is evidence to indicate intent to traffic. The request has been suspended at the request of the City of Vancouver since June 2022.
As to the request by the Province of British Columbia, please refer to the website of the Province of British Columbia for publicly available information on this request. Health Canada granted B.C.’s original request for an exemption on May 31, 2022. This exemption was amended in September 2023 to add additional targeted exceptions to where they would apply. The exemption was amended again in May 2024 to prohibit possession in public spaces. The exemption expires on January 31, 2026.
As to the request by Toronto Public Health, please refer to the website of the City of Toronto for publicly available information on this request. Toronto Public Health’s request was refused on May 17, 2024.
Question No. 2805—Mr. James Bezan:
With regard to the Department of National Defence's decision to move employees working out of offices at 400 Cumberland Street to the Major-General George R. Pearkes Building due to safety concerns: (a) how much is the move expected to cost, in total and broken down by type of expense; (b) how many employees are being moved; (c) did the department make any representations to the Minister of Justice that the government's catch and release justice policies were creating safety concerns for their employees, and, if so, what are the details; and (d) if the department did not make any such representations to the Minister of Justice, why were they not made?
Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as to part (a), the overall cost of moving National Defence employees from the 400 Cumberland location to the Major-General George R. Pearkes Building is estimated at approximately $1 million. This amount includes approximately $20,000 for space cleaning and building preparation, and $980,000 for moving personnel and equipment.
As to part (b), up to 995 National Defence personnel will be moved from 400 Cumberland to the Pearkes Building.
As to parts (c) and (d), National Defence did not make any representations to the Minister of Justice on this topic.
National Defence takes seriously the safety and security of its personnel. Canadian Forces Military Police respond to incidents within their jurisdiction at Department of National Defence establishments. Incidents taking place in locations where there is concurrent jurisdiction with the civilian police are deferred to the police of primary jurisdiction, which in this case was the Ottawa Police Service.
Question No. 2808—Mr. Colin Carrie:
With regard to Health Canada’s (HC) approval of the modRNA COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna and distributed throughout Canada, its mechanism of action and the elements of which they are comprised: (a) how many copies of the modRNA molecule are in a single dose, for both the Pfizer and Moderna products, (i) for adults, (ii) for children; (b) how many copies of the antigen are in a single adult dose of Novavax; (c) if there is a significant numerical difference between the answers for (a) and (b), does this affect the immunological response; (d) how many copies of dsDNA are found in a single 30 microliter adult dose of (i) Pfizer’s product, (ii) Moderna’s product; (e) was a request made to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna regarding the DNA size distribution in the vaccine and, if so, (i) what proportion of the total DNA quantity were under 200bp, (ii) what was the average, range and standard deviation; (f) what is the function of the modRNA; (g) what is the function of the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs); (h) what is the specific role(s) of N1-methyl-pseudouridine as used in the modRNA of the vaccines; (i) what safety data was available to HC at the time of approval and is currently available, regarding any and repeat exposure to the following in human cells (i.e., safety, efficacy, toxicity): (i) large amounts of N1-methyl-pseudouridine, (ii) dsRNA, (iii) cytosolic DNA, (iv) lipid nanoparticles; (j) with regard to the research underpinning (g), has a risk assessment been performed of the LNPs separately from that of the drug product for safety, toxicity; (k) does HC have any degradation data for the modRNA in the vaccines and, if so, what does the data show; (l) what is the duration of action of modRNA from the COVID-19 mRNA in the body and how was that measured; (m) in what cells and organs is spike protein most likely to be produced in the body; (n) in which cell types and tissues does the modRNA remain for the longest period of time and second longest period of time, and what are the time periods; (o) for what period of time does a person injected with modRNA produce spike protein; (p) is the production of spike protein dependent on cell type; (q) is there a known correlation between the amount of modRNA in the vaccine and the amount of spike protein produced by the cells; (r) has HC performed a risk assessment on the immunological, toxicological and carcinogenicity of the spike protein and, if so, what was the analysis, and, if not, why weren't these risk assessments considered necessary; (s) if production of spike protein antigen is prolonged for greater than three to five days, does prolonged exposure lead to ongoing production of antibodies; (t) if the answer to (s) is negative, will a study or investigation be undertaken to determine this; (u) if the answer to (s) is affirmative, and if antibodies are the indicator of immunity, why does efficacy wane with time when the antigen production is prolonged; (v) has the purity of the modRNA contained in the COVID-19 vaccines been determined; (w) if the answer to (v) is affirmative, what is the present accepted limit of fragmented and truncated modRNA; (x) if the answer to (v) is negative, why hasn’t the purity of the modRNA been established; (y) if production of spike protein expression is prolonged for more than three to five days, are there harmful sequelae to prolonged exposure; and (z) if the answer to (y) is affirmative, what are those harmful sequelae?
Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to parts (a) to (z), the health and safety of Canadians are the utmost priority for Health Canada. Health Canada has a rigorous scientific review system in place to ensure vaccines are safe and effective in preventing the diseases they target. More information on these standards and how Health Canada regulates vaccines for human use in Canada can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/biologics-radiopharmaceuticals-genetic-therapies/activities/fact-sheets/regulation-vaccines-human-canada.html. Once vaccines are authorized, Health Canada releases information about the vaccines, including summaries of the data considered by Health Canada. This includes non-clinical, clinical and other studies, as well as how the decision was made. This information can be found on Health Canada’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html.
Information requested regarding the strength of each of the COVID-19 vaccines, dosing information and information on the mechanism of action can be found in the product monographs: Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5, at https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/info/pdf/nuvaxovid-xbb-1-5-pm-en.pdf; Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5, at https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/info/pdf/comirnaty-omicron-xbb-1-5-pm-en.pdf; and Spikevax XBB.1.5, at https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/info/pdf/spikevax-xbb-1-5-pm-en.pdf.
The manufacturing data provided to Health Canada demonstrated the ability to produce a vaccine with consistent quality. Levels of impurities, including dsDNA, are strictly controlled during the manufacturing process and before the product is released on the market, to ensure product quality and safety. The sponsor provided sufficient information to support the consistency of production and quality of the product. These requirements are informed by science and are aligned with international standards, including the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use.
The mRNA in the COVID-19 vaccines uses modified nucleosides to avoid activation of the cellular immune response and destruction of the mRNA, to enhance translation and to improve stability. Various modifications to the mRNA sequence have been introduced for maintaining antigen conformation, that is, ensuring the ‘shape’ of the antigen is capable of generating the desired immune responses. Detailed characterization studies were performed to provide assurance that the drug substance consistently exhibits the desired characteristic structure and biological activity. Additional information can be found in the summary basis of decision, or SBD, documents published by Health Canada, which provide an overview of the data examined. These can be found by accessing the COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Portal, at https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/.
Studies on the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of the lipid nanoparticle-formulated modified mRNA were conducted and were submitted as part of the preclinical and early clinical trial phase data packages that companies are required to submit to regulatory agencies, including Health Canada. The preclinical data provided demonstrated that vaccine-produced spike protein is rapidly broken down and does not persist in the body. This data was analyzed by Health Canada prior to authorizations being granted for the COVID-19 vaccines. The outcomes of some of these studies can be found in the summary basis of decision for each product, available on the Drug and Health Product Portal, at https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/review-documents.
The benefits of vaccines authorized in Canada continue to outweigh the risks. Health Canada, PHAC, the provinces and territories, and manufacturers continue to closely monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Health Canada and PHAC receive reports of adverse events following immunization with COVID-19 vaccines in Canada through the Canada vigilance program, or CVP, and the Canadian adverse events following immunization surveillance system, or CAEFISS. Adverse events following immunization are routinely monitored. Information on adverse events following immunization with COVID-19 vaccines, including breakdowns of reports by vaccine name, age and sex, are published on the Government of Canada website at https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/vaccine-safety/. All signals are monitored and investigated.
Question No. 2811—Ms. Heather McPherson:
With regard to Global Affairs Canada’s obligations detailed in the Voices at Risk guidelines, since January 1, 2023: (a) what are the details of any efforts Canadian officials have made to advocate for the release of detained human rights defenders in each country where Canada has a diplomatic presence, including the number of requests for prison visits made by Canadian missions, and the response of detaining authorities; and (b) what are the details of any efforts made to attend trials of human rights defenders in each country where Canada has a diplomatic presence, including the number of requests to attend these hearings made by Canadian missions, and the response of detaining authorities?
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the promotion and protection of human rights is a long-standing foundation of Canadian foreign policy. Human rights are essential to Canada’s identity, prosperity and security, and a key component to addressing global challenges. Canada is strongly committed to taking action to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of all, both at home and abroad. This action includes constructive engagement on human rights within the United Nations system. Canada advocates through bilateral diplomacy and technical assistance, public advocacy, support for local and international human rights defenders and civil society entities, including women’s rights organizations and women human rights defenders, the imposition of sanctions and export bans, and actions in regional and global multilateral forums.
Voices at Risk: Canada’s Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders”, found at https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/human_rights-droits_homme/rights_defenders_guide_defenseurs_droits.aspx?lang=eng, provides practical advice, tools and resources to Canadian officials supporting human rights defenders, or HRDs, around the world. As section 4.1 of the guidelines indicates, when the HRD at risk is a Canadian citizen, it is considered a consular case. In these instances, Canada can seek to leverage specific mechanisms for engagement due to the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, found at https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=III-6&chapter=3. However, these efforts can be complicated when the Canadian citizen HRD has dual or multiple citizenships, given that the degree to which dual citizenship is accepted or recognized varies from country to country. In all cases, regardless of the citizenship of HRDs, Canada’s approach is tailored to local contexts and circumstances, and respond to the specific needs of the HRDs.
Section 3.9 of the guidelines provides information on attending trials and hearings, and visiting detained HRDs, recognizing that these efforts can demonstrate a clear and visible expression of Canada’s concern, enable officials to monitor legal proceedings and observe whether due process is respected, and allow networking opportunities with human rights organizations, other diplomats and local authorities working on cases of concern. It is recognized that local authorities do not always allow foreign diplomats to attend trials and may implement restrictions on visiting HRDs in detention, even in the cases of Canadian citizens.
Section 3.1 further outlines that missions are encouraged to monitor relevant situations and report regularly on developments in their countries of accreditation, with information being shared with the relevant geographic bureau at headquarters, the human rights and indigenous affairs policy division and other units as appropriate. The management of this documentation requires serious considerations with respect to the protection and safety of the HRDs. Operational safeguards must be applied to ensure respect for confidentiality, the protection of sources and the security of information, to avoid heightening the risks faced by the HRDs and diminishing Canada’s ability to provide support.
GAC does not systematically track all HRD cases on which Canada is engaged in a centralized database. Producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require manual collection and review of information held by the human rights and indigenous affairs policy division, the consular affairs bureau and the geographic bureaus at headquarters, as well as by GAC’s network of 182 missions across 112 countries. It would also require significant due diligence measures to ensure any information released does not put HRDs more at risk and is compliant with the principles of the Privacy Act and other related legislation, which includes consulting with, and obtaining consent from, HRDs or their representatives. This is not possible in the time allotted for a response without risking the disclosure of information that is incomplete, inaccurate or misleading, which could cause extremely grave injury to the HRD or other individuals or entities, or could be injurious to the conduct of Canada’s international affairs.
Finally, the government is aware of Bill C-281, an act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), the Broadcasting Act and the Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act, which is currently being studied by the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This proposed legislation would, among items, impose new reporting requirements on the government with respect to Canada’s efforts to advance human rights internationally as part of Canada’s foreign policy and Canada’s advocacy on behalf of prisoners of conscience. As outlined by GAC officials during the study of the bill by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, while the department welcomes efforts to increase transparency with respect to Canada’s work on human rights globally, such a proposal could risk impeding diplomatic actions and could endanger the safety of the individuals concerned. The government supported a version of the bill at third reading stage in the House of Commons that contained amendments to address the most significant of these concerns, and it will continue to monitor the progress of the bill as it proceeds through the legislative process.
Question No. 2812—Mr. Larry Maguire:
With regard to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD): (a) how do the CAF and NORAD determine what is a threat or worthy of a response when an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) report is made; (b) is there a specific criterion or checklist that is used related to (a), and, if so, what are the details; (c) how many reports of UAP have been made in the last two years; (d) when there is a report of a UAP, which entities are the reports shared with; and (e) have there been any interceptions since the high-altitude balloon incident, and, if so, what are the details of each, including the date and summary of the incident?
Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), the North American Aerospace Defense Command, NORAD, and the Canadian Armed Forces, CAF, have standard procedures to detect, identify and assess airborne objects. Specifically, NORAD responds to unknown radar tracks by correlating radar data with various data sources and means, including NORAD aircraft, to inspect the source. If NORAD assesses that an object does not present a threat, it will continue to monitor and be prepared to respond as appropriate, in coordination with other government departments and agencies.
With regard to part (b), both the CAF and NORAD utilize checklists to determine what may constitute a threat. National Defence applies the principles of the Access to Information Act, and protects information on the grounds that disclosing certain information could be injurious to national security and defence. Therefore, the contents of the checklists cannot be disclosed.
With regard to part (c) and (d), reporting on unidentified aerial phenomena, UAP, can be undertaken at multiple levels, including at local and national levels, through organizations internal and external to the Government of Canada. Thus, details for parts (c) and (d) are not held exclusively by National Defence and cannot be provided within the allotted time.
With regard to part (e), NORAD has used aircraft to inspect several airborne objects since March 2023, all of which were correlated to hobby balloons. The most recent of these events occurred in February 2024 over the state of Utah. NORAD has conducted no intercepts of airborne objects since February 2023.
Question No. 2814—Mr. Adam Chambers:
With regard to vessel registrations, broken down by year since January 1, 2016: (a) how many pleasure crafts, broken down by new and used, were registered in Canada that had a total sales price (i) below $250,000, (ii) between $250,000 and $500,000, (iii) above $500,000 up to $1 million, (iv) above $1 million?
Hon. Pablo Rodriguez (Minister of Transport, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Transport Canada does not collect information on purchase price or value of a registered vessel.
The total number of pleasure crafts registered from 2016 to 2024 was 5,949 vessels.
For year 2016, 534 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 48 total new pleasure crafts registered and 486 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2017, 648 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 63 total new pleasure crafts registered and 585 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2018, 673 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 69 total new pleasure crafts registered and 604 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2019, 712 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 83 total new pleasure crafts registered and 629 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2020, 574 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 37 total new pleasure crafts registered and 537 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2021, 812 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 77 total new pleasure crafts registered and 735 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2022, 874 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 92 total new pleasure crafts registered and 782 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2023, 807 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 69 total new pleasure crafts registered and 738 total used pleasure crafts registered.
For year 2024, 315 total pleasure crafts were registered, with 11 total new pleasure crafts registered and 304 total used pleasure crafts registered.
Question No. 2815—Mrs. Laila Goodridge:
With regard to the government's approach to oil sands mining effluent and the Crown-Indigenous Working Group (CIWG) for the Potential Oil Sands Mining Effluent Regulations: (a) what is the government's current plan for dealing with effluent, including the (i) scope of the plan, (ii) key deliverables, (iii) stakeholder engagement process, (iv) key dates in the plan, (v) current status of work items; (b) what is the current status of the work undertaken by the CIWG; (c) on what dates has the CIWG met to date, and on what dates are future meetings planned; and (d) what is the CIWG's workplan, including any goals it is trying to accomplish, and by what date is each goal projected to be met?
Hon. Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in 2021, Environment and Climate Change Canada, ECCC, and nine indigenous communities established the Crown-indigenous working group for potential oil sands mining effluent regulations, CIWG. The CIWG is exploring options to manage the buildup of oil sands mine water in tailings ponds located in the Athabasca oil sands region. One of the options under consideration is regulations that, if developed, would place strict protective conditions on the release of treated effluent to the Athabasca River. Any such regulations would be developed with protective standards reflecting available scientific information and indigenous knowledge. The key deliverables of the CIWG will include recommendations on the path forward for managing the buildup of oil sands mine water.
Last fall, the public and stakeholders were invited to provide input on an introductory paper, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-pollution/sources-industry/mining-effluent/oil-sands.html, which included an update on the work completed by the CIWG to date, an overview of the collaborative process established through the CIWG and an opportunity for early feedback. The release of the introductory paper was accompanied by targeted engagement sessions with stakeholders and interested parties, including provincial and territorial governments, oil sands mine operators, environmental non-governmental organizations, academia and indigenous communities not included on the CIWG. In May 2024, ECCC published a “what we heard” report, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-pollution/sources-industry/mining-effluent/oil-sands/summary-report-introduction-crown-indigenous-working-group.html, summarizing input received on the introductory paper. ECCC plans to publish a discussion paper, accompanied by further stakeholder engagement, by the end of 2024.
ECCC has been meeting regularly with the CIWG since the group was established in 2021 and leverages subgroups that have been established. The current focus of the CIWG is publishing a discussion paper by the end of 2024, completing an assessment of available treatment technologies, developing aquatic toxicity and monitoring requirements and developing an approach for incorporating indigenous knowledge.
Question No. 2817—Mr. Blaine Calkins:
With regard to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' (DFO) recreational fishing survey in Canada, released every five years from 1990 to 2015: (a) why has the 2020 survey not yet been released on the DFO's website; (b) was the 2020 survey conducted, and, if not, why not; and (c) when will the next recreational fishing survey be conducted and when will those results be released to the public?
Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the recreational fishing survey in Canada by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, DFO, released every five years from 1990 to 2015, DFO, in collaboration with provinces and territories, has conducted a survey of recreational fishing in Canada every five years from 1990 to 2015. The survey for the 2020 reference year was not conducted for several reasons, including the COVID pandemic. DFO is currently working to assess options for this survey work and will be engaging with relevant partners, including provinces and territories, to discuss resources and timelines.
Question No. 2819—Mr. Pat Kelly:
With regard to the Auditor General of Canada’s 2024 Report 7 entitled “Combatting Cybercrime”, paragraph 7.6 of which states that the RCMP “has a mandate to investigate the greatest criminal threats to Canada, including cybercrime, transnational and serious organized crime, and threats to national security”: (a) since January 1, 2016, how many cybercrime case reports has the RCMP received; (b) in how many of the cases reported in (a) did the RCMP or other police forces lay charges; (c) how many of the cases in (b) resulted in convictions; (d) how many of the cases in (c) resulted in funds being returned to victims if the crime involved financial loss; (e) how many cases has the RCMP pursued alongside other jurisdictions; (f) in how many of the cases in (e) did the RCMP or other police forces lay charges; (g) how many of the cases in (f) resulted in convictions; and (h) how many of the cases in (g) resulted in funds being returned to victims if the crime involved financial loss?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity), Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the RCMP does not have the ability to report solely on “pure cybercrime” offences, which are crimes that target technology itself and can only be committed using computers, networks and digital devices. Common offences include ransomware, malware and distributed denial of service attacks.
Some information on cybercrime statistics is available on the Statistics Canada website at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3510000201. The information reported on the Statistics Canada website contains the information by every police force in Canada, including the RCMP.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening Canada’s capacity to counter cybercrime, in 2020, the Government of Canada provided the RCMP with approximately $137.5 million to establish the national cybercrime coordination centre, NC3, to work with domestic and international law enforcement and other partners to investigate and combat cybercrime.
The RCMP has also invested an additional $78.9 million to increase its federal policing capacity, including by establishing specialist cybercrime teams across the country.
With regard to (a) (b) and (e), the RCMP undertook an extensive preliminary search to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The RCMP is a decentralized organization comprising over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. The RCMP concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted, and this could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
With regard to (c), (d), (f), (g) and (h), the RCMP does not have this information.
Question No. 2820—Mr. Pat Kelly:
With regard to the Auditor General of Canada’s 2024 Report 7 entitled “Combatting Cybercrime”, paragraph 7.23 of which states that “We found that the centre did not forward 7 of 26 (27%) of the requests we reviewed from international partners to domestic police agencies to see whether that had evidence relevant to the investigation,”: (a) what proportion of the requests which the RCMP did not forward to domestic police agencies were held back for (i) lack of sufficient evidence, (ii) lack of credible evidence, (iii) inadmissible or unlawfully collected evidence, (iv) other reasons; and (b) what were the other reasons in (a)?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity), Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, cybercrime investigations are complex and multi-jurisdictional, especially given that cybercriminals can perpetrate their actions from anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is essential that all relevant parties work together in a coordinated fashion to better protect Canadians.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening Canada’s capacity to counter cybercrime, in 2020, the Government of Canada provided the RCMP with approximately $137.5 million to establish the national cybercrime coordination centre, NC3, to work with domestic and international law enforcement and other partners to investigate and combat cybercrime. The RCMP has also invested an additional $78.9 million to increase its federal policing capacity, including by establishing specialist cybercrime teams across the country.
The NC3’s ability to collect, analyze, share and coordinate international requests with domestic police agencies for assistance will improve as the program continues to work toward its full operating capability in 2024-25, including with the ongoing implementation of a new case management system, referred to as the national cybercrime solution, to collect, analyze and exchange operational cybercrime data with law enforcement partners domestically and internationally.
The RCMP undertook an extensive preliminary search to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The RCMP is a decentralized organization comprising over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. The RCMP concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted, and this could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Question No. 2821—Mr. Pat Kelly:
With regard to the Canadian Armed Forces’ reconstitution and readiness: (a) how many pilots at 3 Wing Bagotville are qualified to fly CF-18s; and (b) how many pilots at 4 Wing Cold Lake are qualified to fly CF-18s?
Mrs. Marie-France Lalonde (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, the Royal Canadian Air Force, RCAF, currently has a fill rate of 64% for frontline fighter pilot squadrons. Detailed information regarding pilot numbers is considered sensitive, as it can provide adversaries with information about CF-18 and broader NORAD capabilities, which could then be injurious to the defence of Canada and North America.
As the RCAF transitions to a fifth generation fighter, work is ongoing to ensure appropriate fighter pilot levels. National Defence is undertaking a multipronged approach to increase personnel numbers and pilots in particular. For example, the RCAF established an attractions team that participated in over 125 events in 2023, including air shows, exhibitions, career fairs and sporting events. The team complements wider CAF recruitment efforts that showcase existing recruiting allowances, pay incentives and subsidized education programs. In addition, the RCAF is streamlining its pilot training courses, which has reduced wait times by over 40% for the initial phases of pilot training.
Question No. 2827—Mr. Don Davies:
With regard to the Historical Section of Global Affairs Canada (GAC): (a) what is the mandate of the section and the job description, background and qualifications of the current head of the section; (b) where are the records of the section currently held; (c) is there an index or listing accessible to the public of the records currently held by the section; (d) what policies and procedures exist for the transfer of records from the section to Library and Archives Canada, and what transfers have taken place from January 1, 2000, to present, including transfers of records of security and intelligence in 2016; (e) which records relating to security and intelligence are currently held by the section; (f) where is the historical record Department of External Affairs (DEA) file 50207-40; (g) what research has been conducted by the section, or other sections or individuals in GAC and its predecessor departments, on the LGBT Purge from 1950 to 1990, policies which singled out gay and lesbian potential recruits and employees of the DEA for discriminatory treatment; (h) what records exist in the section about the impact of the policies referred to in (g); (i) what records exist in the section of communication between Canadian posts abroad and headquarters in Ottawa during the period from 1950 to 2000; (j) what records are held by the section with respect to the debate over extension of equal employment benefits to gay and lesbian employees of the department from 1985 to 2000 with same-sex partners; and (k) what records exist in the section about former heads of mission and senior public servants in the DEA, including former Ambassadors John Watkins and David Johnson, and former Assistant Under Secretary of State John Holmes?
Hon. Robert Oliphant (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to parts (a) to (k), the historical section is a research unit within Global Affairs Canada, GAC, whose mandate is to increase public understanding of the history of Canadian diplomacy and of GAC. The section has published a three-volume administrative history of the Department of External Affairs, as GAC was previously known, and is responsible for the “Documents on Canadian external relations” series, found at https://gac.canadiana.ca/view/ooe.b1603413E. The section also hosts internal history-related events for departmental staff. The current head of the section was appointed in 2020 through the external selection process 19-EXT-EA-KD-1023312, found at https://emploisfp-psjobs.cfp-psc.gc.ca/psrs-srfp/applicant/page1800?poster=1317318. The classification standard, including a benchmark description of duties, for the head of the historical section, HR-04, can be found on the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat website at https://acoc-acco.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/HR-eng.pdf.
There is no complete publicly available listing of records currently held by the historical section, which, it should be noted, is neither a departmental archive, nor the departmental repository for security and intelligence records or for official communications between Canadian posts abroad and headquarters in Ottawa from 1950 to 2000.
Records created by the historical section in fulfilment of its mandate are maintained within the department in accordance with government record-keeping policy, while records of the section that have been identified as having historical or archival value are transferred to Library and Archives Canada, LAC, once they no longer serve an ongoing business need as per sections 12 and 13 of the Library and Archives of Canada Act.
All records transferred to the LAC are under the care of that institution, subject to any agreements on transfer agreed to between GAC and the LAC. The records specific to security and intelligence that were transferred in 2016 are under the care of the LAC, and the finding aids for this material are available publicly and free of charge from that institution.
Finally, the records held by the department related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, LGBT, purge from the 1950s to the 1990s, including but not limited to references to file 50207-40, references to records about the impact of these discriminatory policies, references to records about the extension of equal employment benefits to gay and lesbian employees, and references to records about senior public servants in the Department of External Affairs in relation to these discriminatory policies, have been captured as part of the department’s response to the Fourth Supplementary Agreement, from phase II of the archival research project, of the LGBT class action litigation. Lists of these records have been provided to the parties, in accordance with the terms set out in the Fourth Supplementary Agreement for selection and eventual public release upon the conclusion of this process.
Question No. 2828—Mr. Don Davies:
With regard to the contracts and services provided to the Department of Justice (DOJ) from January 1, 2016, to May 31, 2024, by Canadian Development Consultants International Inc. (CDCI) in connection with legal proceedings brought by survivors of the LGBT Purge from 2016 on, including the 2017 class action lawsuit: (a) what are the details of all agreements entered into between CDCI and the DOJ, including (i) the mandate and scope of the research to be conducted, (ii) the terms of reference, (iii) any restrictions on the records to be searched for by security classification, subject, or otherwise; (b) what are the details of all reports submitted by CDCI to the DOJ during their mandate, including the (i) dates, (ii) titles, (iii) subject matter and summary of the content; (c) are these reports available for access by the public, and, if not, on what legal basis is access limited or denied; and (d) what is the legal basis for the claim of solicitor client privilege with respect to ATIP request A-2023-00288, for four reports prepared by CDCI, and why was this not considered pursuant to litigation privilege as opposed to solicitor client privilege?
Mr. James Maloney (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Canadian Development Consultants International Inc., CDCI, provided services to the Department of Justice for the purpose of litigation. The litigation is ongoing, as the terms and deliverables under the settlement of the class action lawsuit have not yet concluded. Therefore, the reports and related details, such as the mandate and scope of the research, the terms of reference and the restrictions on the records to be searched, cannot be disclosed as they are subject to litigation privilege and solicitor-client privilege. In response to access to information request A-2023-00288, the four reports prepared by CDCI were all exempt on the basis of section 23 of the Access to Information Act because of solicitor-client privilege and/or litigation privilege.
Question No. 2830—Mr. Taylor Bachrach:
With regard to locomotive inspections conducted by Transport Canada (TC): how many inspections did TC conduct in British Columbia since 2019 related to locomotive spark arresting devices referenced in Section 15.1 of the Railway Locomotive Inspection and Safety Rules Locomotives Design Requirements (Part II), broken down by the (i) date and location of the inspection, (ii) owner of the locomotives, (iii) number of locomotives inspected, (iv) presence of deficiencies, (v) remedial actions ordered?
Hon. Pablo Rodriguez (Minister of Transport, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Transport Canada is responsible for regulating the safety of railway operations, pursuant to the Railway Safety Act and part II of the Canada Labour Code.
Under the Railway Safety Act, railway companies are ultimately responsible for maintaining their operations and infrastructure in accordance with the regulatory regime. The department’s role is to monitor federally regulated railway companies for compliance with rules, regulations and standards through oversight activities including audits and inspections.
The railway locomotive inspection and safety rules outline the design and inspection requirements for locomotives operated by companies subject to the Railway Safety Act.
Under the rules, railway companies are responsible for the inspection and repair of all locomotives to ensure safe operation. Transport Canada’s oversight is conducted to ensure company inspections are performed as per the rules and that locomotives placed or continued in service are free from the safety defects prescribed in part III of the rules, including the safety defects pertaining to internal combustion engines outlined in sections 26.1 and 26.2 of these rules as follows:
26.1 The engine and engine room shall be kept free from accumulation of oil, grease, fuel oil, and other combustible material. Pollution control tanks shall be kept free from leakage and/or from overflow.
26.2 Locomotives operated in service during the fire season, shall have exhaust passages on the discharge side of spark arresting devices or turbo-chargers kept free of oil accumulation and carbonaceous deposits in excess of 1/8 inch (3 mm) in thickness.
In the province of British Columbia, Transport Canada inspected 1,072 locomotives from 2019 to 2023. The inspections were conducted in 35 yards, maintenance facilities and stations across the province, covering locomotives from 15 companies, which included CN Rail, BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, VIA Rail Inc., Southern Railway of British Columbia and White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. The inspections found that 1,018 locomotives were compliant to the internal combustible engine requirements and 54 were found non-compliant to these internal combustible engine requirements.
For all locomotives inspected, Transport Canada provided a report to the company identifying the non-compliant items as applicable. As such, companies were provided 14 days to respond to Transport Canada inspectors with corrective measures. In all cases, satisfactory actions were taken by the company.
Question No. 2832—Mr. Sameer Zuberi:
With regard to the Housing Accelerator Fund and the government's response to Order Paper question Q-2531: was there any funding provided to areas in Ontario, such as counties or upper-tier municipalities, that were not included in the response, and, if so, what was the amount of funding provided to each area, broken down by type of housing funded?
Mr. Chris Bittle (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the housing accelerator fund and the government's response to Order Paper Question No. 2531, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation determined that the entities in question, such as counties or upper-tier municipalities in the areas in Ontario, did not meet the eligibility criteria for the housing accelerator fund program. Eligibility is contingent upon having delegated authority to oversee land use planning and development approvals.
The housing accelerator fund is cutting red tape to fast-track the construction of more than 550,000 new homes over the next decade, and the federal government is finalizing agreements with more than 60 small and rural communities. Combined, these agreements will deliver more than $176 million to fast-track the construction of over 5,300 homes in the next three years and more than 51,000 homes over the next decade for rural Canadians.
Question No. 2833—Mr. John Barlow:
With regard to the government's Clean Fuel Regulations and Clean Fuel Standard: what is the projected impact that the regulations and the standard will have on Canada's gross domestic product, broken down by year between now and 2030?
Hon. Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, information on the GDP, or gross domestic product, impact estimates of the clean fuel regulations for 2030 is included in the regulatory impact analysis statement, published along with the regulations in 2022 at https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html.
To evaluate the direct impact of the regulations, as well as the effect of relative price changes on Canadian economic activity and GHG, or greenhouse gas, emissions, a macroeconomic analysis was completed. When these effects are taken into account, it is estimated that the regulations will result in an overall GDP decrease of up to $9.0 billion, or up to 0.3% of total GDP, while reducing up to 26.6 megatonnes of GHG emissions in 2030, using an upper bound scenario where all credits are sold at the marginal cost per credit.
The regulations will work in combination with other federal, provincial and territorial climate change policies to create an incentive for firms to invest in innovative technologies and fuels by setting long-term, predictable and stringent targets. The broad range of compliance strategies allowed under the regulations will also allow fossil fuel suppliers the flexibility to choose the lowest-cost compliance actions available. If the regulations induce more long-term innovation and economies of scale than projected in the estimates presented in this analysis, then the regulations could result in lower costs and greater benefits, particularly over a longer time frame.
The social cost of carbon is a monetary measure of the net global damage from climate change that results from an additional metric ton of CO2 emissions for a given year. Since the publication of the clean fuel regulations in July 2022, the federal government has updated the social cost of carbon estimates, aligned with updates made by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Taking this into account, it is expected that the monetized benefits of the regulations will exceed their costs, over the full time frame of analysis, 2022 to 2040.
Question No. 2836—Mr. Kelly McCauley:
With regard to the RCMP and the Auditor General of Canada's 2024 Report 7 entitled "Combatting Cybercrime", paragraph 7.23 which states that "We found that the centre did not forward 7 of 26 (27%) of the requests we reviewed from international partners to domestic police agencies to see whether that had evidence relevant to the investigation,": what proportion of the requests which the RCMP did not forward to domestic police agencies were held back for (i) lack of sufficient evidence, (ii) lack of credible evidence, (iii) inadmissible or unlawfully collected evidence, (iv) other reasons, broken down by reason?
Ms. Jennifer O’Connell (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity), Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, cybercrime investigations are complex and multijurisdictional, especially given that cybercriminals can perpetrate their actions from anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is essential that all relevant parties work together in a coordinated fashion to better protect Canadians.
Recognizing the importance of strengthening Canada’s capacity to counter cybercrime, in 2020, the Government of Canada provided the RCMP with approximately $137.5 million to establish the national cybercrime coordination centre, or NC3, to work with domestic and international law enforcement and other partners to investigate and combat cybercrime.
The RCMP has also invested an additional $78.9 million to increase its federal policing capacity, including establishing specialist cybercrime teams across the country.
The RCMP NC3’s ability to collect, analyze, share and coordinate international requests with domestic police agencies for assistance will improve as the program continues to work towards its full operating capability in 2024-25, including the ongoing implementation of a new case management system, referred to as the national cybercrime solution, to collect, analyze and exchange operational cybercrime data with law enforcement partners domestically and internationally.
The RCMP undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The level of detail of the information requested is not systematically tracked in a centralized database. The RCMP is a decentralized organization comprised of over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. The RCMP concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require a manual collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted, and this could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.
Question No. 2838—Mr. John Nater:
With regard to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Auditor General of Canada's Report 7 entitled "Combatting Cybercrime", paragraph 7.47 which states "a decision was made by the CRTC to delete data on the devices on an accelerated time frame after obtaining the consent of the owner of the devices. The CRTC subsequently contacted the law enforcement agency to inform it that the data on the devices had been deleted and that a warrant was no longer viable. However, we found that the statement made to the law enforcement agency was incorrect, as the data on the devices was deleted at a later date.": (a) what was the rationale for the CRTC to delete data on devices after the law enforcement agency issued a production order to the CRTC in relation to that investigation; (b) on what dates was the data deleted; and (c) on what date did the CRTC contact the device owner to seek permission to delete files?
Mr. Taleeb Noormohamed (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, the CRTC fully complied with the production order and provided law enforcement with exact copies of all of the data that the CRTC extracted from the devices.
The CRTC is not legally permitted to keep devices obtained during an investigation indefinitely, and the device owner’s lawyer requested the return of the devices. Given that the devices contained programs, e.g., malware, and data that could have been used for malicious purposes, these files were removed from the devices prior to their return.
Regarding part (b) of the question, given that the devices contained programs, e.g., malware, and data that could have been used for malicious purposes, these files were removed from the devices prior to their return. The files were removed on April 14, 2022.
With regard to part (c), the CRTC is not legally permitted to keep devices obtained during an investigation indefinitely, and the device owner’s lawyer requested the return of the devices. Given that the devices contained programs, e.g., malware, and data that could have been used for malicious purposes, these files were removed from the devices prior to their return. On April 12, 2022, CRTC staff obtained permission from the device owner to remove the files.
Question No. 2843—Mr. Charlie Angus:
With regard to the government’s commitment to close the infrastructure gap on First Nations reserves by 2030: (a) does the Minister of Indigenous Services agree with the Auditor General of Canada’s findings in the 2024 Reports 2 to 4 to the Parliament of Canada, which said that Indigenous Services Canada is not on track to end the housing infrastructure gap; (b) does the government believe it is on track to meet the mandate assigned to the Minister; and (c) in what year does Indigenous Services Canada believe the infrastructure gap facing First Nations will close?
Ms. Jenica Atwin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to part (a), the Minister of Indigenous Services and the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities welcomed the report of the Auditor General of Canada on housing in first nation communities.
ISC accepted the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendation that it work with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, in collaboration with first nations, to develop and implement a strategy to close the housing gap by 2030. In particular, the department committed to engaging with first nations partners on establishing measurable targets and tracking progress, aligned to available funding, as part of the implementation of the co-developed national first nations housing and related infrastructure strategy.
Since 2016, the Government of Canada, through Indigenous Services Canada, has increased targeted funding for housing on reserve by over 1,300%. Between 2016 and March 31, 2024, ISC has invested $2.39 billion in targeted funding to support first nations housing. This is supporting the construction, renovation and retrofit of over 19,000 homes on reserve, of which 9,431 are complete. An additional $1.75 billion in funding, secured in budget 2022, will be invested in first nations housing through 2026-27. While these investments are making an impact, ISC acknowledges that there is more work to do to close the housing gap on reserve. The department continues to work with its partners to support first nations in addressing their self-determined housing priorities and to close the infrastructure gap by 2030.
In support of this objective, budget 2024 announced new indigenous housing and community infrastructure investments of $918 million over five years to accelerate work to narrow housing and infrastructure gaps in first nations, Inuit and Métis communities, including $426 million for first nations on reserve. This brings the total of Government of Canada commitments to over $4.5 billion.
In response to part (b) of the question, closing the infrastructure gap on reserve is a whole-of-government commitment that requires co-operation among multiple responsible ministers and federal organizations that invest in first nations infrastructure (e.g., Infrastructure Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).
While significant investments have been made and initiatives are under way to transfer infrastructure service delivery to first nations communities, the Government of Canada knows there is more work to do. ISC is actively working directly with first nations, first nations organizations and other federal organizations to identify what further measures and investments may be required to close the infrastructure gap by 2030. For example, the Minister of Indigenous Services has hosted two round table discussions to date on economic reconciliation with indigenous leaders, financial sector executives and senior federal government representatives. The infrastructure gap was discussed at both round tables, as were possible solutions; the “What We Heard” reports for the February 2024 and May 2024 discussions are publicly available online.
In response to part (c), the government is committed to its continued work with partners to close the infrastructure gap by 2030. Budget 2024 commitments further demonstrate this commitment.
Question No. 2849—Ms. Jenny Kwan:
With regard to the $36 billion in planned spending reductions for the Canada Health Transfer announced in 2011: what services were impacted by the spending reduction, broken down by (i) province and territory, (ii) year, (iii) health field?
Mr. Yasir Naqvi (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in December 2011, the Government of Canada announced that the Canada Health Transfer, or CHT, would continue to grow at six per cent annually from 2014-15 to 2016-17, and, beginning in 2017-18, the CHT would grow in line with a three-year moving average of nominal gross domestic product, or GDP growth, with funding guaranteed to increase by at least three per cent per year.
The December 2011 announcement effectively extended the six per cent CHT escalator for three additional years beyond the legislated time frame set out in the September 2004 10-year Plan to Strengthen Health Care, which was to end in 2013-14. This resulted in the CHT continuing to grow at six per cent annually for 2014-15 to 2016-17, thereby providing provinces and territories with additional CHT growth in those years. Since that time, the CHT has grown at an average annual rate of almost five per cent under its current GDP-based escalator, which provides provinces and territories with ongoing and predictable funding for healthcare. In addition, budget 2017 included a targeted investment of $11 billion in federal funding over 10 years to improve home and community care and mental health and addiction services.
Estimates of hypothetical gains or losses that might have occurred, such as the $36-billion estimate provided by the Council of the Federation, or CoF, in 2012, do not account for these additional investments in the years following.
Looking forward, budget 2024 confirmed the government's commitment under the “Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians” funding plan, first announced by the Prime Minister on 7 February 2023, to provide eligible provinces and territories with a five per cent CHT growth guarantee, to be paid through annual top-up payments, for the five-year period 2023-24 to 2027-28. The growth guarantee is currently valued at $15.3 billion over the 10-year duration of the “Working Together” plan, which ends in 2032-33.
Historical data from 1980 to 2024 for the CHT and other major federal transfers, broken down by province and territory and by year, can be found at the following link: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/4eee1558-45b7-4484-9336-e692897d393f/resource/b7d86b5e-0615-4601-bb36-559953e374ef
Question No. 2851—Mr. Alexandre Boulerice:
With regard to real estate sector investments made by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), since fiscal year 2015-16: (a) what is the total value of assets held in (i) residential, (ii) retirement, real estate; (b) in what ways does the PSPIB prioritize worker, community and societal health and well-being when considering its investments in residential and retirement real estate; and (c) does the PSPIB consider renovictions or repositioning in its assessments of investments in residential or retirement real estate?
Mr. Anthony Housefather (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, as a non-agent crown corporation, the public sector pension investment board, or PSPIB, upholds an autonomous, arm’s-length operating mandate. PSPIB is subject to disclosure requirements as set out in the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act and the Access to Information Act and reports to the President of the Treasury Board. Information concerning the activities of PSPIB is presented in the annual report tabled in Parliament by the President of the Treasury Board.
The PSPIB’s “2024 Annual Report” is available at the following link: https://www.investpsp.com/media/filer_public/03-our-performance/annual-report-2024/pdf/PSP-2024-annual-report-en.pdf
Question No. 2853—Mr. Taylor Bachrach:
With regard to the decision to alter the remote work policy for federal employees to require them to appear three days in-office: (a) what are (i) the names of all individuals involved in the decision making process, (ii) the criteria used to justify the change, (iii) the needs assessments and office capacity assessments conducted, (iv) productivity indicators used to make the decision; and (b) how do these productivity indicators compare to those in the departmental plans?
Mr. Anthony Housefather (Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, in response to parts (a)(i) and (a)(ii) of the question, the “Direction on prescribed presence in the workplace”, found at https://www.canada.ca/en/government/publicservice/staffing/direction-prescribed-presence-workplace.html and as introduced in December 2022 and fully implemented since March 31, 2023, required employees who are eligible for a hybrid work arrangement to work onsite a minimum of two to three days per week, as determined by the deputy head of each department. The updated direction of May 1, 2024, now confirms a minimum requirement of three days per week as of September 9, 2024.
This decision was taken by the then secretary of the Treasury Board of Canada, Catherine Blewett, and the chief human resources officer, Jacqueline Bogden, following close consultations with and the endorsement of deputy ministers from across departments and agencies.
The direction was updated to maximize the benefits of presence in the workplace. These include in-person connections, collaboration within and among teams, enhanced opportunities for peer learning, and effective onboarding of new talent. Human connections, strengthened through in-person presence, contribute to a strong culture of performance and service to Canadians in alignment with the values and ethics of the public service. The direction was also updated to bring greater fairness and consistency to how hybrid work is implemented, so that the experience of working in the public service or receiving services is the same across the government and across the country. This approach is consistent with many provincial and territorial governments and private sector organizations.
In response to part (a)(iii), TBS consulted broadly on the updated direction, notably with Public Services and Procurement Canada, or PSPC, to ensure that the adjustment to onsite work requirements aligned with the government’s commitment to reduce its office footprint by 50%. Departments and agencies continue to work with PSPC to ensure that workplaces can accommodate the common hybrid work model, namely by implementing unassigned workspaces.
In response to part (a)(iv) and part (b), the performance of individual employees is measured and managed annually at the departmental level, based on pre-established work objectives and competencies, through performance management processes. Individual performance targets are typically different from and not directly comparable to measures presented in departmental plans, which examine performance at a broader program or activity level.
Question No. 2854—Mr. Taylor Bachrach:
With regard to the decision of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) that “recreational fishing for Chinook salmon will be closed on the Skeena River watershed and all rivers and lakes in Region 6 flowing into PFMAs 3 to 6, not including the Kitimat River and Nass River watersheds,”: (a) how does this decision relate to the DFO’s allocation policy; (b) on what empirical data was this decision based; (c) given previous seasons since 2018 have also seen similar closures, what evidence does the DFO have regarding the efficacy of this measure; (d) given the DFO forecasts a 2024 Skeena Chinook return of 28,000 fish, which is lower than last year’s return and far below the historic average, how is the DFO improving management to ensure both conservation and recreational opportunities in future seasons; (e) what does the DFO estimate the impact of the Alaskan commercial fishery’s interception of Skeena-bound Chinook salmon will be in 2024; and (f) what conservation measures are being imposed on other fisheries that catch Skeena Chinook?
Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to the decision of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, DFO, that “recreational fishing for Chinook salmon will be closed on the Skeena River watershed and all rivers and lakes in Region 6 flowing into PFMAs 3 to 6, not including the Kitimat River and Nass River watersheds”, (a) DFO relies on “An Allocation Policy for Pacific Salmon (1999)” as the guiding framework to determine allocations among harvest groups for anadromous Pacific salmon in British Columbia and Yukon. As per the policy, directed recreational fisheries for Chinook may be permitted when abundance is sufficient to meet conservation objectives and subject to the priority for first nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries. As with many northern British Columbia and southeast Alaska Chinook salmon stocks, the population of Skeena River Chinook salmon has experienced a prolonged decline in abundance over the last two decades. The number of adult fish returning to the watershed to spawn in the past six seasons has been particularly low. In support of conservation and first nations allocation priorities, the department has implemented restrictions and/or prohibited retention of Skeena River Chinook salmon in recreational and commercial fisheries during this period.
In response to (b), DFO develops and implements management measures for Pacific salmon on the basis of pre-season forecasts and, where available, in-season information on abundance. Due to changes in large-scale environmental conditions, the variability between pre-season and in-season estimates of abundance has increased. For Skeena River Chinook salmon, pre-season forecasts of expected abundance are developed utilizing information on prior year parent spawning abundance and the relationship between adult spawners and returning adults four and five years later. When the estimated pre-season abundance indicates that the number of Chinook salmon may not be sufficient to achieve conservation or first nations food, social and ceremonial allocations, restrictions are implemented to reduce or avoid interception in lower-priority recreational and commercial fisheries.
In response to (c), declining and variable rates of survival observed between the egg to adult life stage of Chinook salmon in northern British Columbia over the past two decades, referred to as the spawner recruit relationship, indicate that fewer Chinook salmon are surviving to adulthood than in the past. During periods of declining recruitment, ensuring that sufficient numbers of Chinook salmon are allowed to reach their spawning grounds is a primary fishery management objective intended to support future production. Prohibiting retention of Chinook salmon in recreational and commercial fisheries allows fish that would otherwise have been captured to pass to spawning areas or provide opportunities for first nation food, social and ceremonial fishery harvest. Restriction of fisheries and/or prohibition of retention of Chinook salmon is the primary means of protecting Chinook salmon that have reached maturity and are migrating to spawning areas.
With respect to part (d), over the past six seasons, in response to the two-decades long decline of Chinook salmon in the Skeena River watershed, DFO has implemented a precautionary approach to the administration of fishery opportunities directed at Skeena River Chinook salmon. In accordance with “An Allocation Policy for Pacific Salmon (1999)”, opportunities for recreational fishery harvest of Chinook salmon are permitted if conservation needs and first nations food, social and ceremonial fishery allocations are likely to be met. During periods of poor Chinook salmon production and/or survival, the opportunity to harvest Chinook salmon in recreational fisheries will be reduced to achieve these priorities.
In response to part (e), management of the U.S. southeast Alaskan commercial fishery harvest of Skeena River Chinook salmon is administered through the Pacific Salmon Treaty, or PST, chapter 3. The treaty establishes conservation objectives and harvest parameters for both Canadian and U.S. fisheries on the basis of aggregate abundance indices for mixed stock fisheries and indicator stocks. U.S. commercial fisheries do not specifically target Skeena River Chinook salmon; rather, fish are intercepted in mixed-stock fisheries targeting southeast Alaska, southern U.S. and British Columbia Chinook salmon stocks. Declining abundance of Chinook salmon in northern British Columbia and southeast Alaska has resulted in lower total allowable harvests permitted in these fisheries under PST harvest provisions. In other words, as abundance declines, more restrictive, precautionary measures have been implemented in both U.S. and Canadian fisheries for Chinook salmon administered pursuant to the PST. The total annual harvest of Chinook salmon in southeast Alaskan commercial fisheries has declined by about 50% in the past two decades. The majority of Chinook salmon captured in southeast Alaskan commercial fisheries originate in the southern U.S. Columbia River, non-Skeena River British Columbia and southeast Alaska Chinook salmon stocks. Of the total annual southeast Alaska aggregate abundance-based management, or AABM, fishery Chinook salmon harvest, approximately 1.7-3.0% is estimated to be comprised of Northern B.C.- Chinook salmon. Of the total annual mortalities of Skeena Chinook, harvest in AABM southeast Alaska fisheries accounts for approximately 15% of total Skeena Chinook mortalities.
In response to part (f), for 2024, the following measures are being implemented to reduce impacts to Skeena River Chinook: The Skeena River in-river recreational fishery is closed to the retention of Chinook salmon, and for the marine area and approach waters adjacent to the Skeena River, a series of recreational harvesting restrictions are being implemented to reflect the fact that any Chinook salmon present are of mixed-stock origins, with tighter restrictions being implemented around the historical peak timing of Skeena Chinook salmon migration. That is, from June 14-22, 2024, the retention limits for Chinook salmon were reduced from two per day to one per day; from June 23 to July 17, 2024, no retention of Chinook salmon was permitted; from July 18 to August 10, 2024, retention was limited to one Chinook salmon per day; and from August 11, 2024 to March 31, 2025, retention is limited to two Chinook salmon per day. Further, there are no targeted commercial fishing opportunities for Skeena Chinook salmon; retention of Chinook salmon in any commercial gillnet or seine fisheries as bycatch is not permitted; and the area F commercial troll fishery start date is delayed to mid-August and will occur after Skeena Chinook have historically transited the fishing area.
Question No. 2859—Ms. Rachel Blaney:
With regard to Veterans Affairs Canada, broken down by fiscal year since 2015-16: (a) what are the available funding streams that (i) support Indigenous veterans’ mental health, (ii) support Indigenous Veterans in finding employment after service; (b) of the funding streams in (a), what is the total amount of funding that remained unspent, uncommitted, or undelivered; and (c) what criteria or justifications were used to evaluate and reject the Burns Way Program which has been established to improve mental health services for Indigenous, non-Indigenous and minority veterans and their family members?
Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), the mental health and well-being of those who selflessly served Canada is a priority for the Government of Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada, VAC, is committed to ensuring eligible veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, CAF, personnel, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP, members, and their families have access to the mental health support they need, when they need it.
The VAC assistance service has mental health professionals who are indigenous or have extensive experience working with the indigenous community, approximately 5.09% of the network. Should individuals choose to, they may invite a person of their choice such as an elder, a family member, community member or other to accompany them and offer emotional support at their counselling sessions with a mental health professional.
Additionally, a complete suite of mental, physical and family well-being solutions is available with LifeSpeak. It offers videos, blogs, articles and self-help for the indigenous community. A variety of topics include cultural sensitivity, building resilience, empowerment, history and mental health.
Operational stress injury social support, OSISS, is a peer support network that offers serving and former CAF members, Canadian Rangers and their families someone to talk to who has first-hand experience. OSISS offers a national indigenous group. This is a sacred safe space for indigenous veterans with an operational stress injury, OSI, to come together and share unique lived experiences, all through an indigenous lens.
The network of OSI clinics is composed of 10 OSI clinics and 11 OSI satellite service sites located across Canada. These are funded by Veterans Affairs Canada and operated by provincial health authorities. OSI clinic services are available to eligible veterans, including indigenous veterans, as well as currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, active and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and their family members. These services are offered both in-person and virtually, and include educational sessions, comprehensive assessments for disability benefits, assessments for treatment, individual and group treatments, and couples and family interventions.
Since April 1, 2022, veterans and serving reserve force members who apply for a disability benefit for certain mental health conditions can now receive immediate mental health coverage under the mental health benefit.
Mental health first aid, which provides mental health literacy to the veteran community at large and a variety of online tools, including the PTSD coach Canada mobile application, and the interactive resource caregiver zone, which provides instruction, education, videos and tools on a wide range of caregiving topics to family members taking care of veterans, are supported and funded by Veterans Affairs Canada.
The veteran and family well-being fund provides grants and contributions to private, public, academic and indigenous organizations to conduct research and implement initiatives and projects that support the well-being of all veterans and their families. This includes projects and initiatives that address mental health, employment/retraining, transition to civilian life and homelessness.
The joint federal research funding program provides grants and contributions to conduct research with the goal of driving progress on new knowledge and understanding of military member, veteran and family well-being.
Indigenous organizations are eligible recipients under the terms and conditions of both programs.
With regard to part (b), the veteran and family well-being fund and the joint federal research funding program funding have not been unspent, uncommitted or undelivered in any fiscal year.
With regard to part (c), Veterans Affairs Canada has no record of any applications from the Burns Way program to the veteran and family well-being fund or the joint federal research fund.
Question No. 2861—Ms. Lisa Marie Barron:
With regard to vessel and related policies that support owner operator in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, since February 1, 2023: (a) what are the details of all consultations and engagement sessions that have been undertaken or are currently scheduled as part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) efforts to better understand inshore fish harvesters and association representatives concerns, including the (i) date of the consultation or engagement session, (ii) organization or individuals consulted, (iii) recommendations heard in each consultation or session; and (b) what resources has the DFO allocated for the purposes of the consultations in (a), including the (i) number of staff, (ii) budget, (iii) administrative resources?
Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with regard to part (a), Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO, hosted a series of engagement sessions in Atlantic Canada and Quebec to better understand stakeholder concerns about the role its inshore vessel and related policies play in supporting owner-operator objectives. These engagements focused on how owner-operator is central to the inshore fisheries and designed to promote viable and profitable operations for the average fishing enterprise in coastal communities, by requiring those who are issued licences to personally participate in the activities authorized in those licences, so the benefits associated with a licence remain in the hands of independent owner-operators.
All participants were presented with the same background material and engagement questions. While questions were presented in a sequential order, participants were not required to answer each question in turn; rather, participants could respond in the order of their choosing. This was intended to permit harvesters to inform DFO on the issues they felt were most important.
With regard to part (i), the dates are as follows: Moncton, NB, March 7, 2023; Deer Lake, NL, March 14, 2023; Gander, NL, March 23, 2023; Gaspé, QC, March 27-28, 2023; Saint John, NB, March 28, 2023; Halifax, NS, April 4, 2023; and St. John’s, NL, May 16, 2023.
With regard to part (ii), inshore industry participants from all East Coast DFO regions, there were 366 participants in person and 1800 questionnaire submissions. The following associations were consulted: Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union; Gulf Nova Scotia Fishermen’s Coalition; Maritimes region exempted inshore fleets; Government of New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries; Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association; members of regional harbour authority advisory committees; Grand Manan Fishers Association; and Fundy North Fishers Association.
Other individuals/groups who participated in the engagements include: professional certification board members; fish processors; Dr. Dan Walker, Naval Architect, Memorial University; provincial government representatives; and the member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margarets
With regard to part (iii), recommendations are identified by themes. The decision to identify high-level themes reflects participant discussions during presentations, who viewed issues interrelatedly. The high-level themes allowed the department to capture the key opinions and common threads that emerged and helped to identify broader possible policy recommendations or areas for improvement that apply across the subject matters discussed. Theme recommendations include: applications of laws, regulations, and policies; administrative complexity; enterprise management; accessibility to enterprises and licences; safety, infrastructure and training.
Each consultation session was supported by four to six staff, attending in person and online from both regional and national headquarters.
Total expenses, inclusive of room rentals, audiovisual, etc. was $56,437.
All administration was done by DFO staff as part of regular duties.
Question No. 2862—Ms. Lisa Marie Barron:
With regard to the government’s response to the 13th report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans entitled “Foreign Ownership and Corporate Concentration of Fishing Licenses and Quota”: (a) what are the details of all “in-depth engagement with Indigenous peoples and organizations, fishery participants, and key stakeholders” as part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) West Coast Fisheries modernization efforts, including the (i) date of the consultation, (ii) name of the fishery participant or rights-holding Indigenous group consulted, (iii) recommendations heard from the consultation; and (b) what resources has the DFO allocated for the purposes of the consultations in (a), including the (i) number of staff, (ii) budget, (iii) administrative resources?
Hon. Diane Lebouthillier (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO, has now begun a more in-depth and phased engagement about West Coast commercial fisheries modernization, WCCFM.
Both the study on foreign ownership and corporate concentration by the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, FOPO, as well as the government response to the committee’s recommendations have been discussed with some stakeholders during regularly scheduled meetings with senior DFO officials since FOPO’s study concluded. The department looks forward to now expanding these conversations with a wider range of first nations and industry stakeholders as part of the WCCFM engagement.
Given that the more comprehensive engagement on WCCFM has just begun, DFO cannot at this time report out on dates, participant groups or recommendations heard from engagement on WCCFM. DFO officials are reaching out to groups over the summer and into early fall to discuss engagement and topics of focus.
DFO Pacific region has one full-time coordinator position at the CO-02 level within the regional fisheries management team dedicated to key topics within the scope of WCCFM. There is also a lead manager and director in each of the Pacific region fisheries management branch and the national headquarters fisheries policy team tasked with leadership on this initiative, as well as numerous subject matter experts and administrative staff supporting specific elements of the work. Additional regional and national staff will become involved as the phased WCCFM engagement proceeds. DFO has set aside necessary non-salary resources to support engagement through facilitated workshops on the key WCCFM topics.
Question No. 2872—Mr. Terry Dowdall:
With regard to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and its Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP), since January 1, 2016: (a) how many (i) individuals, (ii) employers, (iii) corporations, (iv) partnerships, (v) trusts, have successfully used the VDP (i.e. their application for the VDP was accepted), broken down by year; (b) how many (i) individuals, (ii) employers, (iii) corporations, (iv) partnerships, (v) trusts, with accounts outside of Canada have successfully used the VDP, broken down by year; (c) how much in relief has been granted through the VDP, broken down year and by (i) individuals, (ii) employers, (iii) corporations, (iv) partnerships, (v) trusts; (d) how many Canadians have been convicted of tax evasion related to money and other assets held overseas; and (e) how many Canadians have been convicted of tax evasion related to money and other assets held overseas?
Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau (Minister of National Revenue, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, with respect to the above noted question, what follows is the response from the CRA for the time period of January 1, 2016, to June 17, 2024, that is, the date of the question.
With regard to parts (a), (b) and (c), CRA is not able to provide information in the manner requested as the voluntary disclosures program, VDP, does not track statistics in the requested format. Additionally, VDP applications are not always processed in the year they are received and are tracke