April 27, 2021 the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

April 27, 2021 The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, We are writing to you to first thank you for your funding of $10 million to the Indian Red Cross to help it in its hour of need. As members of the Senate with close ties to the Indian subcontinent, we welcome this move, but we are writing to urge you to do more. The COVID-19 disaster has engulfed India and spread to other regions. The country is registering over 300,000 new cases per day and nearly 3,000 deaths each day. These are the official numbers, but the toll could be much higher. Should further action not be taken, India could well have over a million cases each day which would send the country into a tailspin, with knock-on effects which will reverberate across the globe. The spread of infection is taking a devastating toll. The healthcare system is strained to its maximum and it is beginning to fall apart. People have been unable to get the care that they need as hospitals have run out of beds, oxygen and ventilators. It saddens us that makeshift crematoriums have been set up in parking lots of cities to deal with overwhelming death toll. In February, India came to our aid by shipping vaccines to Canada to support our vaccination drive. It is now time for Canada to be generous in return and send much needed supplies, such as ventilators, that we may be able to spare. Other countries, such as the UK, have already sent supplies to India. Canada needs to follow suit now before it is too late. The pandemic is a truly global fight. If we don’t help our friends and global neighbors, the pandemic will continue to ravage our world. We urge you to take urgent and timely action and provide further help that is meaningful and necessary. Sincerely, The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, Senator on behalf of and with: The Honourable Salma Ataullahjan, Senator The Honourable Mobina S.B. Jaffer, Senator The Honourable Sabi Marwah, Senator The Honourable Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia, Senator .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Debates of the Senate
Debates of the Senate 1st SESSION . 42nd PARLIAMENT . VOLUME 150 . NUMBER 52 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Friday, June 17, 2016 The Honourable GEORGE J. FUREY Speaker CONTENTS (Daily index of proceedings appears at back of this issue). Debates Services: D'Arcy McPherson, National Press Building, Room 906, Tel. 613-995-5756 Publications Centre: Kim Laughren, National Press Building, Room 926, Tel. 613-947-0609 Published by the Senate Available on the Internet: http://www.parl.gc.ca 1207 THE SENATE Friday, June 17, 2016 The Senate met at 9 a.m., the Speaker in the chair. quarantine of Iranian society so that they may more firmly hold it in their grip. Prayers. Honourable senators, newspaper reports suggest that our federal government is ``actively engaged'' in this case and SENATORS' STATEMENTS working closely with allies to assist Homa Hoodfar. It is my hope that their efforts to free both Saeed Malekpour and Homa Hoodfar from the malign and criminal Iranian regime IRAN will be successful. DETENTION OF HOMA HOODFAR In the meantime, I know that all honourable senators will continue to follow their cases with deep concern as we continue to Hon. Linda Frum: Honourable senators, as I rise today, I note condemn the brutal regime that has seen fit to take them hostage. that it has been almost exactly one month to this day since the Senate of Canada conducted its inquiry into the plight of innocently detained political prisoners in Iran. Today, I wish to remind us all that holding Iran accountable for PAUL G. KITCHEN its flagrant abuses of human rights cannot solely take place during a two-day inquiry, or even an annual Iran Accountability Week; it ROTHESAY NETHERWOOD SCHOOL— must take place every single day, because, sadly, there is great CONGRATULATIONS ON RETIREMENT cause for vigilance on this matter.
[Show full text]
Debates of the Senate
DEBATES OF THE SENATE 1st SESSION • 42nd PARLIAMENT • VOLUME 150 • NUMBER 282 OFFICIAL REPORT (HANSARD) Wednesday, May 1, 2019 The Honourable GEORGE J. FUREY, Speaker This issue contains the latest listing of Senators, Officers of the Senate and the Ministry. CONTENTS (Daily index of proceedings appears at back of this issue). Debates Services: D’Arcy McPherson, National Press Building, Room 906, Tel. 613-995-5756 Publications Centre: Kim Laughren, National Press Building, Room 926, Tel. 613-947-0609 Published by the Senate Available on the Internet: http://www.parl.gc.ca 7913 THE SENATE Wednesday, May 1, 2019 The Senate met at 2 p.m., the Speaker in the chair. His Excellency, the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the acting Minister of Immigration and Prayers. Colonization, is pleased to order that the Order-in-Council of June 9, 1919, prohibited the landing in Canada of any immigrant of Doukhobor, Hutterite and Mennonite classes shall be and the SENATORS’ STATEMENTS same is hereby rescinded as respects Hutterites and Mennonites. Therefore, of course, the thousands of what became known as IMMIGRATION, REFUGEES AND CITIZENSHIP the Mennonite exodus from Russia took place in the 1920s and 1930s. Hon. Peter Harder (Government Representative in the Senate): Governments make mistakes. I speak today so that we may redouble our efforts to make Canada an ongoing beacon of protection for refugees, a Some Hon. Senators: No, but not this one. welcoming of immigrants, of pluralism and as a guard against falsehoods and other claims of racial discrimination. Senator Harder: I thought I would get this reaction.
[Show full text]
Complementarity: the Constitutional Role of the Senate of Canada
SENATE SENAT The Honourable V. Peter Harder P.C. L’honorable V. Peter Harder C.P. Government Representative in the Senate Représentant du gouvernement au Sénat CANADA Complementarity: The Constitutional Role of the Senate of Canada April 12, 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 2 A. Complement to the House: A Constitutional Role Rooted in the 7 Appointive Principle B. In the Senate, Self-Restraint is the Constitutional Watchword 11 C. The Senate’s Power to Amend, Legislate and Influence Public Policy 17 D. We “Ping”, But We Generally Ought not “Pong” 28 E. A Prudent Yet Vigilant Approach to Fiscal and Budgetary Initiatives 30 i. Restricted Access to the Purse Strings 30 ii. A Tradition of Vigilance and Self-Restraint on Confidence and 31 Budgetary Matters iii. The Omnibus Caveats 33 F. The Senate Extraordinary and Rarely Used Power to Defeat 37 Government Legislation G. Democratic Deference to the Government’s Election Platform 41 H. Private Members’ Bills and the Senate’s “Pocket” Veto 47 Epilogue: Better Serving Canadians 49 Complementarity: The Constitutional Role of the Senate of Canada April 2018 - Page 1 of 51 INTRODUCTION “If we enact legislation speedily, we are called rubber stamps. If we exercise the constitutional authority which the Senate possesses under the British North America Act, we are told that we are doing something that we have no right to do. I do not know how to satisfy our critics.” The late former Senator Carl Goldenberg, Senate Debates of January 11, 1974 Many senators are working hard to close a credibility gap that was created by many difficult years and prove the Senate’s public value as an appointed upper chamber.
[Show full text]
Cyber Security and Cyber Fraud
CYBER SECURITY AND CYBER FRAUD Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce The Honourable Senator Doug Black, Q.C., Chair The Honourable Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Deputy Chair 1 For more information please contact us: by email: [email protected] by mail: The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce Senate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A4 This report can be downloaded at: www.senate-senat.ca/ The Senate is on Twitter: @SenateCA, follow the committee using the hashtag #BANC Ce rapport est également offert en français 2 The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................ 4 ORDER OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................ 5 LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 6 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 8 EDUCATING CANADIANS ABOUT CYBER SECURITY AND RESILIENCE ........................... 14 ENHANCING CANADA’S CYBER SECURITY STRATEGY ................................................. 19 A. Making consumers aware of the risks associated with the Internet of Things ...... 19 B. Assisting Canadian businesses and ensuring compliance with privacy laws ......... 21 1. Allowing information sharing among the private sector and governments ....... 22 2. Introducing
[Show full text]
A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector
For more information please contact us: By email: [email protected] By mail: The Senate Special Committee on the Charitable Sector Senate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A4 This report can be downloaded at: www.sencanada.ca/en/committees/CSSB/42-1 Twitter: @SenateCA (follow the committee using the hashtag #CSSB) Ce rapport est également offert en français 2 Catalyst for Change: A Roadmap to a Stronger Charitable Sector Table of Contents Table of Contents .................................................................................. 3 Members ................................................................................................ 7 Order of Reference ................................................................................ 9 Executive Summary ............................................................................. 11 Recommendations ............................................................................... 14 Foreword ............................................................................................. 23 Part 1: Strengthening the Sector ......................................................... 25 Section 1: People in the sector ......................................................... 26 Volunteering ....................................................................................... 27 Recruitment and retention ................................................................. 27 Recognition and Compensation ........................................................... 31 Staffing .............................................................................................
[Show full text]
May 10, 2021 the Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P. Confederation Building, Room: 461, Ottawa, on K1A 0A6 Dear Minister Ng, We Ar
May 10, 2021 The Honourable Mary Ng, P.C., M.P. Confederation Building, Room: 461, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Dear Minister Ng, We are writing to urge the Government of Canada to support the WTO proposal, initiated by South Africa and India, for a “Waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement for the prevention, containment and treatment of COVID-19.” By supporting this initiative, Canada will provide moral leadership at a time when the world needs it the most. Over 100 countries have already supported the waiver, including our closest ally the United States. Also, citizens across the globe, including over one thousand Canadian medical students and supporters, have written and signed petitions supporting this action. The Government of Canada needs to hear these voices and provide leadership to make this initiative successful. This will go a long way towards ensuring that there is equal access to all medicines and vaccines to fight the pandemic. Specifically, we request the following from the Government of Canada: • Sign on to the proposal to waive obligations under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) • Endorse the COVID-19 technology access pool (CTAP), to hasten and scale-up manufacturing of medical supplies and remove access barriers to technology • Use our diplomatic efforts to create global partnerships in supporting the TRIPS waiver and work to lift any global bans on the export of supplies and materials for vaccine production The global pandemic is truly horrific and continues to have a devastating impact on people and countries across the globe.
[Show full text]
Suggested Messages for Senators Regarding Bill C-262
Suggested Messages for Senators Regarding Bill C-262 Friends! Bill C-262 is an act asking “... the Government of Canada to take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” Read the complete text of Bill C-262 Because of the amazing grassroots advocacy of at https://goo.gl/mWTFLh Indigenous peoples, churches and social justice organizations, Bill C-262 has passed 3rd reading in the For more info about the House of Commons and is now up for debate in the UN Declaration and C-262 see Senate. www.declarationcoalition.com Below are some suggested messages for handwritten postcards urging Senators to support Bill C-262. Pick one that resonates, or feel free to craft your own. Use language that is positive and respectful, as it will garner more ears to hear. Bill C-262 can change Canada’s future and move us toward respectful relations with Indigenous nations. I urge you to support Bill C-262, “An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has stated that the adoption of the Declaration is foundational to any genuine reconciliation in Canada. Bill C-262 can make that happen. Please support this “Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” I pray for the federal government, as I pray for myself: that we would have the courage to seek justice and do the hard work required to repair the damage of colonialism.
[Show full text]
Canada: Still Open for Business?
CANADA: STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS? Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce The Honourable Senator Doug Black, Q.C., Chair The Honourable Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Deputy Chair 1 OCTOBER 2018 For more information please contact us: by email: [email protected] by mail: The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce Senate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A4 This report can be downloaded at: www.senate-senat.ca/ The Senate is on Twitter: @SenateCA, follow the committee using the hashtag #BANC Ce rapport est également offert en français 2 The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................ 4 ORDER OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................ 5 LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 6 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 7 FIXING CANADA’S TAX SYSTEM ................................................................................ 9 A. Royal Commission on Taxation .................................................................... 10 B. Immediate Measures to Improve Canada’s Tax Competitiveness ...................... 11 CREATING REGULATORY CERTAINTY FOR INVESTORS ............................................... 14 REMOVING BARRIERS TO SUCCESS FOR CANADIAN
[Show full text]
Report of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments Permanent Process (July to November 2016)
Report of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments Permanent Process (July to November 2016) The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2 December 13, 2016 Dear Prime Minister, Pursuant to our Terms of Reference, the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments submits to you this report on the first cycle of the permanent process for providing recommendations for appointments to the Senate of Canada. We thank you for your continued confidence and for the opportunity to serve such an important process. Respectfully, Huguette Labelle Chair Federal members: New Brunswick members: Prince Edward Island members: Daniel Jutras Donald Savoie Jeannette Arsenault Indira Samarasekera Roxanne Tarjan Chief Brian Francis British Columbia members: Nova Scotia members: Québec members: Anne Giardini Jennifer Gillivan Sylvie Bernier Vikram Vij Ramona Lumpkin Yves Lamontagne Manitoba members: Ontario members: Heather Bishop Dawn Lavell Harvard Susan Lewis Murray Segal Permanent Process Report (July to November 2016) 1 | P a g e Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3 Establishment of the Board ....................................................................................................................... 3 Implementation of the new appointments process ................................................................................
[Show full text]
August 31, 2018 Senator Art Eggleton Senator Chantal Petitclerc Senator
August 31, 2018 Senator Art Eggleton Senator Chantal Petitclerc Senator Judity Seidman Senator Jim Munson Senator Elaine Thomas Bernard Senator Fabian Manning Senator Marie-Françoise Megie Senator Ratna Omidvar Senator Rose-May Poirier Re: Accessible Canada Act Dear Senators, As a national, non-profit organization that promotes accessibility for people with speech, language and communication disabilities, Communication Disabilities Access Canada, fully supports Bill C-81 and we look forward to its Royal Assent in the very near future. We sincerely hope that this legislation will address the accessibility needs of people who have communication disabilities that are not primarily caused by hearing loss. We would like to see the Act passed as quickly as possible. To expedite the process, we suggest that the government and Senate consider hosting one joint consultation / committee process, rather than two, as the points raised in these testimonials will probably be similar. We also request that you invite people who have speech, language and communication disabilities to testify and that these testimonials be provided in-person rather than via teleconference. This is because teleconferencing is a difficult medium for most people who have unclear speech or who use letter or picture boards or communication devices to speak out their messages. To strengthen the legislation for people with speech, language and communication disabilities, we think that Bill C-81 can be improved in the following ways: 1. Purpose of Act #5 Bill C-81 identifies a number of areas to remove and prevent barriers. These areas include built environments; employment; information and communication technologies; procurement of goods and services; program and service delivery and transportation.
[Show full text]
Coalition for the Rohingya-Senators- Mnas- Councillors- Human Ri
LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE ROHINGYA PEOPLE BY E-MAIL February 8 2021 The Hon. Marc Garneau Minister of Foreign Affairs 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0G2 Dear Minister Garneau, We, the undersigned Senators, elected officials at the provincial and municipal levels and civil society leaders, write today to urge Canada to rapidly renew its crucial humanitarian support of the over one million Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh. We note that the aid approved in the spring of 2018 expires soon. The situation has grown more urgent in the last days. The coup in Myanmar is a major setback on the road toward democracy in that country, threatening the Rohingya still within the country’s borders and making the possibility of a political settlement allowing the voluntary return, in safety and dignity, of the nearly 1.2 million Rohingya now in Bangladesh close to impossible. Canada’s financial aid provides vital support and services to the refugees. Our commitment expires in only a few months and no announcement has been made toward its renewal. Moreover, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees indicates that there is a looming financial crunch that will oblige the cancellation of many of the most basic services to the refugees in the months to come. Bangladesh, the host country, does not have the financial capacity to make up the shortfall. The coup has made it even more vital for the international community to provide stable and predictable funding for the Rohingya refugees. We urge Canada to set an example and by its leadership convince the international community that the Rohingya people cannot be abandoned.
[Show full text]
The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, PC, MP Minister of Foreign Affairs 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0G2
The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, PC, MP Minister of Foreign Affairs 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0G2 June 25, 2019 Dear Minister Freeland, We, the undersigned senators and civil society leaders, write this letter to urge Canada to take immediate action on the ongoing genocide against the Rohingya people in Myanmar by initiating proceedings before the International Court of Justice. There are now almost 1 million Rohingya refugees who have fled to Bangladesh. As of March 2019, Bangladesh advised the UN Security Council that it will no longer be accepting Rohingya refugees fleeing from Myanmar. For the Rohingya, it is clear that the situation is only worsening. In his 2018 report “Tell them we’re human”: what Canada and the world can do about the Rohingya crisis / report of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, the Honourable Bob Rae notes, “it is a fundamental tenet of Canada’s foreign policy that those responsible for international crimes, including crimes against humanity and genocide, must be held responsible for those crimes.” As concerned parliamentarians and members of civil society, we strongly believe that those responsible for the genocide against the Rohingya must be held to account by the international community. We firmly believe that Canada is in a position to exercise strong and effective global leadership in response to the genocide by pursuing this matter before the International Court of Justice. As you know, in September 2018 both the House of Commons and the Senate unanimously passed MP Andrew Leslie’s Motion recognizing the Rohingya situation as genocide. On April 3, 2019, Senator McPhedran gave notice in the Senate that she would move Motion 476 to Urge the Government to Invoke the Genocide Convention to Hold Myanmar to its Obligations and to Seek Provisional Measures and Reparations for the Rohingya People.
[Show full text]