Government Operations Committee on June 7th, 2022

Conservative

The Chair (Mr. Robert Kitchen (Souris—Moose Mountain, CPC)) Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Minister, and thank you very much for being here today.

I apologize for being late. Unfortunately, flights are the way they are these days and delays happen.

We'll now go into questions with Mr. McCauley for six minutes.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Minister, it's great to have you here.

Chair, it's nice of you to show up. Thanks.

Voices

Oh, oh!

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

I have some relatively simpler items than in the past.

My first question—you can get back to us on this—relates to the question I asked this week and last week about split contracts. Order Paper question 364, which we asked, showed hundreds and hundreds of obviously split contracts. There was OSFI and the Auditor General's office. They were very clearly split.

Would you get back to us on what the government plan is to end the practice of the government violating Treasury Board rules to split contracts? If you could get back to us, that would be wonderful.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Can I answer part of that now? I have that answer for you.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

If you have a quick one, please, go ahead.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

The Treasury Board directive is clear that—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

I read it in the House today.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

—requirements should not be divided “to avoid financial approval thresholds or policy requirements, such as contract entry limits, regulatory rules and trade agreement obligations” and that all departments are responsible for contracting and “Establishing, implementing and maintaining a departmental procurement management framework, consisting of processes, systems and controls”.

Just so that you know, a firm getting multiple contracts is not necessarily indicative of contract splitting.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

I'm going to interrupt.

The Order Paper clearly shows otherwise, and we have the proof. What is the department doing to prevent this?

I realize, department by department.... However, this is the enforcement of Treasury Board rules very clearly being violated. The same order from the same vendor was split up into four different contracts at $24,999 each. They were all for the same thing.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I'll still under—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Maybe get back to us because I'm not getting the answer.

How is it being enforced?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I will finish, if I can.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Sure.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Samantha will also complement my answer.

Under the directive, when considering a new contract, departments must “verify whether a mandatory standing offer or supply arrangement exists that meets their requirements”. If one does, the contracting department must use it. Under the TBS directive, it is also mandatory for departments to use standing offers for certain commodities.

I will also ask Samantha to complement this.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

No, actually, I'm fine. I'm running out of time. I'm going to move on.

Just quickly, when will we have an updated mandate policy for the public service? I think it was due maybe a month ago. Do you know what date that will be provided?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

First, thank you for the question. I know that we are currently reviewing the vaccine mandate for public servants. I'm hopeful that we will be giving more information very soon.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Do you think within a month, or do you think over the summertime...?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Again, I would prefer not to give a time frame at this time. We are studying it at this time. The review should be done as soon as possible.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Okay.

There is money in the supplementary (A)s for office accommodations. Do we have enough office space to accommodate all the new people hired during the pandemic?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for asking that question. As you know, we are in a new form of the workplace, with hybrid being part of the solution.

I might have one of my colleagues answer your question more specifically, but I would say that, at this time, we are monitoring office space for the needs of public servants.

Marie-Chantal...?

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Ms. Girard, do we have enough office space for all the new people added?

Marie-Chantal Girard Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Indeed, in terms of what departments are doing now, the health and safety guidance allows us to bring people back in—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

No, I realize that. It's a simple question. It's straightforward. Do we have enough office space for the new people added?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Currently, each deputy minister is bringing people in as per the model, the operational requirements and what they want to test as a hybrid format. We're not hearing about not enough space to do the testing model.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Will TBS be setting a return to work policy, if it's a hybrid setting, like the province does, with x number of days per week in the office and x at home?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you again for the question. We are currently, of course, encouraging departments to identify the needs they have—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Right, but are we going to set a directive as opposed to encouraging? Will we set a directive?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

We have sent, with the occupational health and safety...they have the requirements to share. The department officials are the ones leading on what they need for their own departments. Therefore, we have a policy.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

There won't be a directive from Treasury Board—

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

There is a directive.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

—saying return to work x number of days, or....

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

The directive on the health and safety is provided in collaboration with our PHAC colleagues. What we are providing is guidance to make sure that it's done in a consistent, equitable way as per collective agreement requirements, but it's for each department and deputy minister to determine the model they want to test, and—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

I'm going to interrupt quickly, just because I'm running out of time.

There's a lot less in the supplementary (A)s, as compared with previous years, from the budget. Is it just a change in process? Is it a slowing process or implementation issue that so little from the budget is in the supplementary (A)s compared to normal?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I will let Annie give you an answer on that.

Annie Boudreau Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you.

It is not a change in the process. Last year in the supplementary (A)s we had a big amount for COVID-19. That's why the amount—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Two years before, a lot more from the budget was in the supplementary (A)s as well, though.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

It was the year before budget 2020.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Two years ago....

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

There was no budget 2020.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

That's what I said—two years before.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes. It was budget implementation at that time. That's why it was 100% included for the two years before budget 2020.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Will you catch up in the supplementary (B)s?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes—in the supplementary (B)s and (C)s, absolutely.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Mr. McCauley.

We'll now go to Mr. Bains for six minutes.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Minister, for joining us today.

Minister, how is your office improving the efficiency of our regulatory system, and why is this important for Canadians?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for the question.

As you know, we're making our regulatory system more effective and less burdensome. While we maintain our world-class protections for consumers, health, safety and the environment, at this time the second annual regulatory modernization bill is in the Senate. It's Bill S‑6. It will reduce administrative burden for businesses, facilitate digital interactions with government and simplify regulatory processes. These changes will also support our economic recovery by helping businesses do what they do best—make it easier for Canadians to get things done.

That is what we're currently seeing with Bill S‑6 in the Senate at this time.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

The PBO has criticized the misalignment of the budget and main estimates.

What is your response to that?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

We talk a lot about this around this table, where there's confusion about the purpose.

The budget allocates the money in the fiscal framework for initiatives, and the estimates seek authority from Parliament to spend that money. The main estimates aren't meant to approve every item announced in the budget because it takes time to design the implementation plans that ensure good value for taxpayer funds.

In terms of setting a specific date for presenting the budget and the main estimates—and I know we've had that conversation before—it would unnecessarily restrict the government's flexibility to respond to global and domestic events. Look at what is happening with the war in Ukraine, which, as you know, began on February 24, just to give you an example. Therefore, new initiatives announced in the budget cannot be sufficiently developed to be included in the main estimates. Consultations are often required to prepare detailed implementation plans for review by Treasury Board and such consultations are not possible while protecting budget secrecy. Therefore, that is why we are presenting this way.

We are always very open and transparent. As you know, you can have access to many financial reports to better understand how the spending is done through our Open Government portal.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

How does the government prevent “March madness” spending, where departments try to blow through room in their budgets at the end of the fiscal year?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I'm sure members will be interested to know that as departments can't overspend their appropriated limits, keeping some reserve funds until late in the fiscal year is prudent financial management. A carry-forward process allows departments to use up to 5% of their operating budget or 20% of their capital budget in a future year.

The carry-forward process was introduced over 30 years ago, following a recommendation by the Auditor General. That is how I can explain the question that you just asked.

Thank you, MP Bains.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Thank you.

Mr. Chair, do I have more time?

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Yes. You have two minutes.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Okay.

Bill S-6 amends the Canada Lands Surveyors Act so that it harmonizes with provincial and territorial law.

How will this change reduce regulatory burden and improve efficiency?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Again, I will just inform you that this annual regulatory modernization bill helps us to reduce red tape. It helps us to make sure that businesses can function without that red tape.

I know that we have Karen, who might want to go into the details of those we are presenting right now in the Senate with Bill S-6.

Karen Cahill Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

In fact, Bill S-6 will also change the paper process to a more digital process. It will also enable business innovation through a regulatory sandbox. Finally, it will make changes to our zero-emission vehicles.

As the minister indicated, there are a lot of advantages to the regulatory process as it will enable our businesses to restart within the economy after the pandemic.

Liberal

Parm Bains Liberal Steveston—Richmond East, BC

Okay.

Thank you.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you very much, Mr. Bains.

We will now go to Mr. Lemire for six minutes.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you for your welcome. Indeed, I am here in place of my colleague Julie Vignola, who is listening, but who cannot be with us today.

Ms. Fortier, I am pleased to meet you. For me, you are a minister who represents the spirit of bilingualism well. You are probably the most articulate in both English and French, and it is very easy for me to understand you as a francophone.

On the other hand, this is not the case for all civil servants. We know that 81% of senior civil servants are English speakers, while 70% of new civil servants are English speakers. There is a disparity on this side. Wouldn't it be logical for the proportion of francophones among new civil servants to be the same among senior civil servants?

Why are only 19% of senior civil servants francophones, while at the bottom 30% of civil servants are francophones?

Shouldn't the proportion be the same at the bottom and the top?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for your interest in official languages.

Since I am Franco-Ontarian, my mother tongue is, of course, French, and I am very proud of it. I even have the privilege, as President of the Treasury Board, of working in French with several of the francophone or anglophone members of the team, who are very proficient in both official languages. I am also very proud of that.

You know, over 40% of public servants are bilingual. So when we talk about bilingualism, we're talking about the ability to work in both official languages. I think it's important to continue to promote bilingualism and to increase the number of designated bilingual positions in the public service, as we will do in our department. I will let Ms. Girard outline some of our plans.

Assistant deputy minister positions, for example, are designated bilingual. Incumbents are therefore required to be able to work in both official languages. You can see that there is a willingness within the government to really offer, through our public servants, services in both official languages. We will also continue to improve that.

I don't know if Ms. Girard wanted to give other examples of what we do at Treasury Board.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes, I could add some points.

Posts are designated according to the nature of the duties performed. Therefore, all positions that require service in both official languages are designated as such, and incumbents have the opportunity to develop their skills in their second language. We want to improve this aspect as well. Through the legislation currently under consideration, the government is also seeking to increase its bilingual character across the country.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

I'm glad to hear it. However, in several areas, we realize that it is more difficult for citizens to obtain services in French. We also know that several public servants confirmed that things are generally done in English and that francophones are even discriminated against when they speak French: their ideas are ignored and their opportunities to progress are limited. Obviously, the statistics on this subject tend to demonstrate this fact.

French speakers tell us that there are two official languages: English and translation. This is a quip you have heard before, surely. The reason is that English speakers often fail to understand the subtleties of the arguments raised by French speakers, and I see that this is indeed the case. As a result, francophones become discouraged from making interventions in French.

So here is my question. What explains why an idea expressed in French can be ignored, even discredited, while the same idea, expressed in English, could be put forward? Can anything be done to counter this within the various departments?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

First of all, I want to say how our government is making concrete efforts to increase the number of bilingual public servants. Efforts are being made in staffing to hire people who can provide services in both official languages.

I am also very proud that there are over 200 official languages champions in the public service who promote official languages to senior management. Of course, we are always looking for ways to increase the capacity within the various departments to provide services in both official languages.

At this time, our government is also developing a new framework for language qualification standards, for supervision and for evaluation, so that we support a culture of bilingualism in the public service. So there are a number of efforts underway by Treasury Board, among others, but also by departments.

I will let Ms. Girard add some more concrete elements to this.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

The reform planned by the bill under consideration will also seek to strengthen these efforts. The findings have been made, and there is a desire to enhance and strengthen bilingualism. Under this reform, the Treasury Board would have more power to establish, with the Treasury Board Secretariat, oversight to verify the compliance of federal institutions and to evaluate the government's effectiveness in this area.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

I'll take the liberty of asking one last question. I may come back to you in the next hour.

Minister, you mentioned at the outset that you were an open and transparent government. The Privy Council is asking for just over $28.5 million in supplementary estimates (A).

What will this money be used for, Minister?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Ms. Boudreau will give you the details of the $28.5 million that the Privy Council is requesting.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you.

I don't know if you've had a chance to review the Blue Book we use, where all expenses are detailed.

First of all, there is an amount that is set aside for the emergency measures inquiry. If you give me a moment, I will find the page. It is on page 6. I will be able to read it.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

I think my time is up. You can send the information to the committee.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

The information can be found on page 2‑7. The amount of $28,518,211 is broken down there.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you very much.

I would also like to highlight an interesting initiative, the decentralization of jobs to the regions. This is a measure I would like to commend.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

If you have anything further that you would like to provide the committee, by all means please do that, Ms. Boudreau. We appreciate that.

We will now go to Mr. Johns for six minutes.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Thank you, Minister, for being here.

We know that COVID-19 still remains present in our communities. New Democrats and I are continuing to support evidence-based health measures to protect the health of Canadians. I also encourage Canadians to continue to get the vaccine doses that they're eligible for to reduce their risk of severe outcomes.

However, some of my constituents, as you're aware, have chosen not to be vaccinated and are presently on leave from their jobs, including Canada Post workers, because of federal vaccine mandates. In March, Dr. Tam communicated to the public that the Treasury Board was reviewing federal vaccine mandates. It's been almost three months now since the public was informed of that review. In my home province, a lot of people are back to work, and in the public service as well, whom this would have affected.

I want to underscore that decisions about public health measures should be based on the most current evidence available, and transparency about such decisions is absolutely critical to maintaining public confidence.

With that in mind, when do you anticipate that the ongoing review will be completed, and when will the results be made available to the public?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for this very important question.

Last fall, we knew we needed to have a fully vaccinated workforce to make our work sites safer and also to make sure our communities were safer. That is why we brought forward the vaccine mandates. Interestingly, we asked employees of the public service at the time to attest to their vaccination status, and they did step up. Almost 99% of employees attested to being fully vaccinated.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I know, Minister. I just—

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

In answer to your question, we are committed to review this policy, as we mentioned, every six months, and we're currently reviewing this policy. We are making decisions and evaluations based on science and the advice, of course, of public health officials.

We know Canada Post's top priority is to also keep its employees and their communities safe while they continue to offer their services to Canadians. This is why we're reviewing, at this time, the mandate.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I appreciate that, but I only have a little bit of time and you know that.

It's urgent that we get some transparency here. It undermines public health, when there's not transparency with the public. People have questions.

In terms of the Public Health Agency, it's requested $1.4 billion through vote 1 to procure additional COVID-19 therapeutics. Has the agency sought funding through vote 1 or vote 5 to procure a safer supply of controlled substances to reduce drug toxicity, deaths and hospitalizations, which we know have accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

As you know, this includes $1.8 billion, as you said, to support our government's response to the pandemic and $1.4 billion for the Public Health Agency of Canada to procure additional COVID-19 treatments.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I'm asking specific questions about the toxic drug supply crisis and about safer supply. I need a specific answer on that.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

The amounts here are not dedicated for the opioid crisis that you are talking about.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Thank you. I'm hoping you'll come forward with some amounts soon to rapidly scale up safer supply.

In terms of the toxic drug crisis that continues to take lives of Canadians each day across all walks of life, you may be aware that legislation has recently been passed in the Ontario legislature to require workplaces, that are at risk of a worker opioid overdose, to have naloxone kits on site and within the vicinity of a worker trained in their use. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and allow time for medical help to arrive.

Has Treasury Board conducted an evaluation of the risk of opioid-related overdoses for workers employed within different sectors of the federal public service, and does Treasury Board have a policy regarding naloxone placement and training in federal workplaces?

If not, will you do that? I've had some political staffers, even from the Liberal Party, who have had opioid and substance use-related disorders, and they've cited that this wasn't on site and needs to be.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Before I hand it off on the more Treasury Board-related policy work, I would like to mention the hard work that you have been doing on this file. I want to acknowledge that.

As you know, our government does understand the urgency of the crisis, and we're moving forward with an evidence-based approach to end this worsening situation. As you know, Minister Bennett announced the comprehensive B.C. proposal to decriminalize personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs within the province—

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I'm not looking for that, just the answer.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I know. I just wanted to mention that is the government's work.

I will, though, ask Marie-Chantal to answer specifically on the Treasury Board question you have.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Of course, we promote and foster a safe and healthy workplace. Impairment is prohibited in all federal workplaces. We're working very closely with the ESDC labour program—

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I'm sorry. This is about life-saving medicine. It's like having a fire extinguisher in the room. We have a toxic drug crisis. Twenty-seven thousand people are dead. I'm asking you to ensure that we have life-saving medication in all public workplaces that are federally run. I'm asking you to do that and to ensure that legislation comes forward and that you make that happen.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

We're taking notes, and codes of conduct and related policies are updated as we monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Mr. Johns.

We will now go to the second round.

We will go to Mr. Paul-Hus for five minutes.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Hello, ladies.

I'm going to talk to you about the Quebec City tramway. In 2019, the Prime Minister announced in Quebec that the federal government was allocating $1.2 billion to the tram project, which was then estimated at $3.3 billion. In fact, we know that the federal government had assessed that the ridership of the Quebec City tramway was not sufficient to justify the investment of this amount. About $500 million was therefore given directly to Quebec City and an agreement was made with Montreal to take $800 million from Montreal to make up the shortfall.

Now, the Quebec government has made a request, as a cost overrun of $500 million to $600 million is already expected. Do the 2019 conditions based on projected ridership remain the same or are things different now?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for your question.

I think it's important to mention that we know very well that construction costs are rising in all sectors. So it wouldn't be surprising if there were an increase in costs for the Quebec City tramway project.

Unfortunately, I don't have all the information right now. I don't think my colleagues have it either, but if you'll allow me, I'll send you a written answer. That would be better.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

I would appreciate that. We need to have a clear understanding of what happened in 2019, given that there was not enough ridership at the time. I'd like to know if that has any bearing on the next phases.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I will also contact my colleague Mr. Dominic LeBlanc. By contacting Infrastructure Canada, I will probably be able to find information to answer your question.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Perfect. All right.

I'm going to move to another topic.

At the moment we are approving spending, and there is a lot of spending. We know that your government has been spending, which is not a problem. However, I have a problem with the performance associated with the spending that is done. At the moment, we are experiencing a great deal of difficulty with airports and the issuing of passports.

There is a problem, and we are trying to determine the source of the problem. It is a staff management problem or a performance problem with situations that we think may be related to telework.

I've already asked Ms. Girard the question and she's answered it, but I'm coming back to it, because right now there's a huge amount of spending, but there's not enough output. How do you see that?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I think it's important to know that over the last two years there has been an unprecedented need to invest in helping Canadians, workers and businesses through the COVID‑19 crisis. That is what we have done. We are obviously looking at how that spending is going...

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

You're talking to me about expenses related to COVID‑19, but I'm talking to you about spending to reduce airport traffic and speed up passport issuance.

We hear about hiring additional staff, but at the same time, we know that some staff are on forced leave because they are not vaccinated.

Where is this all headed? It's all very well to vote for extra money, but if there's a problem with staff management, it's not going to get any better. The last directive on performance management was issued in 2014. Since 2014, there has been no update. It is precisely a directive that aims to monitor the performance of employees and assess the quality of management programs.

Why has Treasury Board not issued a new directive since 2014?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

With respect to airport traffic, we know it's a very difficult situation. In these supplementary estimates, we are providing $330 million to address the challenges at airports. This is one of the measures we are taking. Of course, Treasury Board is watching and encouraging the department to take this money to help overcome these challenges.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Madam Minister, you keep saying that you are investing. Yet when you ask for money, it is because the return is less than before. It ends up becoming a question of organization.

For example, it was known that there would be an increased demand on the passport front. However, there was no preparation beforehand. Subsequently, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent to catch up.

As a public service personnel manager, do you think we could do anything other than invest money?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I understand very well what you are saying and I think you are asking a very good question.

You always have to look at how the money is spent. When I'm at the Treasury Board table, we get submissions and we ask the department to explain how that money is going to be spent. The money has to be spent responsibly. We also have to assess where the needs are. After the process is completed, we can send the money that has been requested. So there are controls that are done at different levels.

I don't know if my colleague Ms. Girard wants to add anything about the concrete elements.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

The directive, without being updated, is still relevant and still implemented. Realities and challenges change, but performance management continues.

In practical terms, each head of department or agency can work with the Public Service Commission to establish a specific strategy. There is a labour shortage across the country. Here, it would be easy to say that this is a headquarters issue in Ottawa. But that's not the case. It is a Canada Border Services Agency problem across the country. Even at the regional level, there is a labour shortage, hence the importance of the skills strategy that we are developing. It's also important to match needs with supply.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Thank you.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you very much, Ms. Girard.

We will now go to Mr. Housefather for five minutes.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Good evening, Madam Minister.

We are very pleased to welcome you here to the committee.

I am going to talk first about a subject that is of concern to all of us and that is close to your heart, as it is to mine, and that is the issue of official languages in Canada. I am not just talking about bilingualism on a national level. We understand the importance of supporting linguistic minorities, both francophones outside Quebec and anglophones in Quebec.

Many concerns have been raised in relation to the issue of official languages in the federal government. How will Bill C‑13 give more power to Treasury Board to ensure the equality of English and French within the various federal departments?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I think we have the same passion.

I thank you for your question and for the important work you are doing to modernize the Official Languages Act.

All parliamentarians are working on this issue, and I hope that we will be able to move forward quickly with Bill C‑13, An Act for the Substantive Equality of Canada's Official Languages, so that this famous Official Languages Act can be modernized, after more than 50 years. This legislation should give us more ways to increase the relevance of official languages across the country.

As we know, French is in decline throughout Canada, even in Quebec. We must find ways to strengthen both of the country's official languages.

Bill C‑13 will strengthen the Treasury Board's powers with respect to official languages, which will ensure compliance by federal institutions, as well as an increased monitoring, auditing and evaluation role. Before, we didn't necessarily do it formally, but now it will really give the Treasury Board the authority to do it. It's really important to continue these efforts and to clarify the role of the Treasury Board in order to strengthen official languages across the country.

With regard to the public service, I would like to mention that respecting official languages is not only an obligation of the government, but also one of its priorities. It is essential to provide services efficiently and effectively in both official languages. We are committed to providing federal services in accordance with our official languages obligations.

As I said earlier to Mr. Lemire, we will continue to increase the number of positions that will be offered in both official languages. We will continue to put in place language training programs for public servants. We even have a project for graduates and newcomers. We want to help them master both official languages and offer these services to Canadians.

A lot of effort and investment is being made, and we will continue to show leadership. With the help of all parliamentarians, we will be able to ensure that the new law is adopted. I personally hope that it will be passed soon.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Thank you, Minister.

I have one more question for you.

This committee has delivered a very fulsome report on whistle-blowers. I think it's a priority for all of the members of the committee that the government strengthens policies and processes to support whistle-blowers. Can you talk a little bit about what your department is now doing to ensure that happens?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Yes. Thank you.

You know that our government believes that those who disclose serious wrongdoings must be protected. The law provides a secure and confidential process for disclosing serious wrongdoings in the workplace and protection from acts of reprisal. Public servants' disclosures result in an average of 10 findings of wrongdoing every year.

As you know, Canada's whistle-blowing law is part of the recourse options that cover harassment, discrimination, labour grievances and privacy complaints. Our government has strengthened training, monitoring, reporting and policies on workplace harassment and violence. Budget 2022 funded the review of the act, which I'm hopeful we can launch later this year.

I hope that answers your question, MP Housefather.

Liberal

Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC

Thank you so much.

Mr. Chair, do I have any more time, or am I done?

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

There goes the bell. That was perfect timing. Thank you very much.

We'll go to Mr. Lemire for two and a half minutes.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

You should never ask a question you don't want to hear the answer to.

Minister, the main estimates did not include any funding for the Law Commission of Canada, which was re‑established on May 16, 2022. Suddenly, just over $4 million in funding has been allocated to this commission in the supplementary estimates (A).

What will this money be used for?

Please reassure me, because I fear that, under the guise of public consultations, the Government of Canada will re‑establish this commission to challenge the laws of Quebec and the Canadian provinces it does not like.

What exactly will these funds be used for?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you very much for asking that question.

I'm going to ask Ms. Boudreau to tell you in more detail what the $4 million for this commission will be used for.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you for your question.

Indeed, $4.3 million is included in the supplementary estimates (A). This investment, which was announced, comes from the 2020‑21 federal budget. As you said, it's for the re‑establishment of the Law Commission of Canada.

I'm sorry. All of my notes here are in English. If you allow me, I will try to answer in both official languages.

The Minister of Justice's mandate letter indicates that the law commission will initially focus on issues such as systemic racism in the justice system and advancing reconciliation with indigenous peoples.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you.

We talked about the $28.5 million for the Privy Council Office. There are two lines I'd like to get more information on.

What is the Emergencies Act inquiry? Can you elaborate on that?

I would also like a little bit more information on emergency management and preparedness.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you.

The amount is going to be used to prepare a report, one year after the act has been implemented. An order in council was put in place on April 25 this year. A report should be submitted on February 20 next year. This money is for part-time staff, about 15 people, who will do the analysis and submit the report by February of next year.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you very much.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

This is one of the intentions we had when we passed the act. We are required to submit this report and to give an account of what we have done under the act. That is part of our obligations.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

We understand that it was impossible to foresee COVID‑19, but there are consequences that can be better explained.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Mr. Lemire. Two and a half minutes goes by very quickly.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you very much.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Mr. Johns, you have two and a half minutes.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Minister, this government is increasingly spending money on expensive consultants, like Phoenix pay, while public servants are being offered wage increases that simply don't keep up with inflation.

Do you believe hard-working public servants, who have delivered for Canadians throughout the pandemic, deserve increases that account for the rising cost of living?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for your question.

I know that the increase in inflation is something that everybody is living with right now. Because of many global and environmental situations, we are all faced with the—

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Minister, I'm sorry. We only have a little bit of time.

Do you believe that they should be getting wage increases that meet the cost of living and inflation costs that are happening right now?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I believe that right now we are actually having conversations during collective bargaining. That conversation is happening at that table with the Public Service Alliance, for example, and all the other unions. I would prefer that conversation happened at that table.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

We, as New Democrats, believe that they should.

Are you committed to reining in outsourcing to ensure Canadians are getting value for services and that we maintain institutional knowledge, skills and expertise in the public service?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

One really important thing is that we have a labour shortage right now. We have a skills shortage for delivering many of the government services. One way to do that is to go find contractual work to help us deliver those services.

I can tell you that public servants are really stepping up and also getting the training necessary to bring those skills. We need to have that balance. That is what we're focusing on to make sure we deliver services to Canadians the right way.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Are you committed to creating clear guidelines, so that outsourcing is only pursued as a last resort?

I know you're going to answer and I only have a bit of time left, so I want to thank you for being here. I want to thank your staff, especially the public servants, for the important work they do.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I want to echo that because I know that public servants are really delivering for Canadians, especially in the last two years.

We do have a lack of certain skills, especially in IT and our digital transformation. For example, for the next-gen that we're bringing forward, we are contracting with businesses that are helping us and public servants to have the next pay system that will work for Canadians.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you very much.

We'll now go to Mr. Lobb for five minutes.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Thank you very much.

In April, the PBO requested some costing in regard to Bill C-13. To date, it has not received any information from the Treasury Board. It was a formal request. Is there a reason why? When can the PBO expect some costing information on Bill C-13?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

As you probably heard, the minister responsible for official languages was very clear on the fact that we are on a path to adopt, I hope, Bill C-13, very soon. Then we will be able to have the necessary funds to see how this new law will be implemented.

I believe that probably at that time we'll be able to evaluate how we will implement the new Bill C-13—

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Something caught my ear there. It sounded to me like it hasn't been costed. You're going to implement it and then cost it. Did I just mishear that?

It seems to me that you'd cost it first and then implement it, but maybe I'm wrong.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Again, there are some costs associated with developing Bill C-13 and in imagining how this will be implemented.

I can maybe ask Monia Lahaie, who probably has the specifics on the—

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

It's okay. Thank you. We'll maybe follow up at a later time and see if that information can find its way there.

On June 1, there was an article in the news about a privacy breach for hundreds of employees who were claiming Phoenix damages.

In a case like that, does the Treasury Board report that breach to the Privacy Commissioner? Do they proactively disclose that to the Privacy Commissioner? What date did they disclose that to him?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you for that.

It was very unfortunate that this administrative error was made. Yes, it was reported to the Privacy Commissioner.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Thank you.

I think probably by now I understand that part of your role as the minister for the treasury department is to work with your colleagues and cabinet ministers in a collaborative way, to help them streamline their operations and provide some guidance on that.

First, there are a couple of topics that continuously come up in the news and in question period. It's in regard to processing passports and immigration applications. I'm wondering if you or your department has had any conversations with Minister Gould or Minister Fraser on opportunities to speed those two up and perhaps hire more employees? Can you tell me about that?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I can tell you, yes, there is collaboration with Treasury Board and my colleagues on how to implement the investments for different projects.

With passports, I know that I've had many conversations with Minister Gould to find solutions to increase, for example, the number of public servants returning to the Service Canada workplace to open late at night and on Saturdays. There has been collaboration.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Thank you.

With regard to passports, how many employees have been added to try to catch up with the backlog in applications?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I don't have the number per se, but I can find it. I think I have 600 in mind, but I will get you the exact number of human resources in capacity for the passport delivery.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

In your role, in your mandate letter, I think it talks about streamlining the hiring process. How long does it currently take to hire an employee, and what is the goal? What is your goal for the length of time to hire an employee?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I don't think it's a one-size-fits-all approach in recruiting employees.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

That's fair enough.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

It depends on which level it is. If it's part time—

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Let's say somebody who would process passports. Would there be a time...?

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Again, as we know, we're in a difficult situation right now because there's a surge in demand. I understand that Minister Gould found ways with her department, of course, to get some contract workers to help in processing passports.

There are probably part-time workers who are coming to supplement and help in getting those passports done. Then there is, of course, recruitment done for the public service full time in, for example, passport Canada. That's another process. I know that probably Marie-Chantal will be able to complement that answer in the next hour, if you wish.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you for that.

We'll now go to Mr. Kusmierczyk for five minutes.

Liberal

Irek Kusmierczyk Liberal Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

Thank you, Mr. Chair

Minister, welcome again to the OGGO committee. It's always a good day when you and your team join us at OGGO to testify, and thank you so much for your thoughtful responses and insights this afternoon.

Treasury Board plays an important role in gender and diversity impact reporting across government. We know that GBA+ is really important in identifying gaps, for example, in how diverse populations access key programs. It's critical for us to design better programs that have a bigger impact. We know that, during COVID, the pandemic has only really accentuated the discrepancies, for example, amongst women and diverse populations as well.

Minister, what is your reaction to the recent Auditor General's report on gender-based analysis plus?

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

As you know, we are committed to making sure we leave no one behind. This is where gender-based analysis plus policy development helps us focus on how to make sure everybody is considered in the different services and programs we offer. It is now mandatory to have GBA+ in all budget proposals, Treasury Board submissions and MCs—memoranda to cabinet. We're investing over $200 million in disaggregated data and research that will help us better understand how we can bring forward the tools we have—through Treasury Board or budget proposals, for example—to make sure we represent and leave nobody behind.

I can say that, according to the OECD, Canada is a global leader in gender budgeting. We know our work is not complete. There's always a possibility to improve. I know my colleagues around the table, especially Minister Ien, are providing leadership to improve GBA+. Of course, the Auditor General did a very important study. Her report gives us recommendations on how we can improve further, and we welcome these recommendations. Across government, from policy design to program delivery, we will be using her recommendations to improve GBA+.

One more thing I'd like to add is that, as you probably know, I had the privilege, in my former position as associate minister of finance and minister of middle-class prosperity, to develop a quality of life framework. That is another tool to make sure we don't look only at the GDP indicator for budget decisions or creating programs and services. We look at all the outcomes and make sure we represent well-being in our providing services to Canadians.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Irek Kusmierczyk Liberal Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

I appreciate that answer. I'm glad you pointed out that Canada is an OECD leader. Only about half of OECD countries actually incorporate GBA+ into their budgeting and policies, and even fewer are legislated to do so. I believe Canada is one of a handful of countries that does this, so I really appreciate your highlighting our leadership role in that, globally.

I want to now switch gears.

We know that racialized individuals, especially Black Canadians, are among those who are really disproportionately impacted by mental health struggles due, for example, to their lived experiences of systemic racism.

Could you speak to what the government is doing to support the mental health of Black public servants in government?

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Thank you.

As you probably know, in my mandate letter, I am working—our government is committed to this—to support a more inclusive workplace for Black public servants. As you probably also know, in budget 2022, over $3.7 million is dedicated to Black-led engagement, design and establishment of a mental health fund for Black federal public servants. That will be a game-changer for our public service.

We are having consultations with Black employees, experts and mental health service providers that will inform the design of this new fund. The engagement process is expected to be completed this fall or winter, hopefully, and will inform options for implementation. It will also complement other measures we've taken, like legislation, support and development programs, outreach and, as I said earlier, disaggregated data.

Liberal

Irek Kusmierczyk Liberal Windsor—Tecumseh, ON

Thank you, Minister.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Minister.

We've now finished our second round. The minister has been with us a little over an hour. I appreciate her being here, as we always do. I've learned that, over the last 24 hours, we've had weather issues, mechanical issues, equipment problems and personnel issues that sometimes change time frames, timelines and so on.

If the minister wishes to stay with us for a bit longer, we're more than happy to have her. We will only be going one more round, which will be roughly 25 minutes. Recognizing the minister's time, if she wishes to stay, I would appreciate it.

Liberal

Mona Fortier Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

I'm sure I'll come and see you again very soon for supplementary estimates (B).

Thank you very much for having me again today, Chair.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Minister.

Now, we'll just go into our third and final round with Mr. McCauley, for five minutes.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Thanks, everyone, for sticking around.

Would you be able to provide us a breakdown—I've asked previously about this—for the money in Bill C-8, Bill C-10 and the supplementary estimates (C)s for the duplicated funding request for the rapid tests? Just provide it for the committee. I don't need it right now.

In the supplementaries, there's $823 million for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. In the supplementary (A)s it mentions it's for disasters, etc., over the last 10 years. I'm curious why it's in the supplementary (A)s now for items going back 10 years? What would it be addressing?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

This is based on the requests that we've received from provinces and territories. We need to get the supporting documents in order for us to do our due diligence, and we—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

You haven't gotten the supporting documents. You're asking Parliament to approve almost a billion dollars, but the department itself doesn't have the supporting documents. Are you not putting the cart before the horse, asking for the money when you don't have the supporting documents for the ask?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

I'm explaining to you why it's 10 years. Once we have all of the information, the department goes to Treasury Board with the submission and we are able to do—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

You do have it all, okay.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes, exactly. Thank you.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

There's $26 million that's included, I think it's on page 8, for operation of the Prime Minister's residence. I think it's on page 8 of the legislation. Can you break down what that $26 million is for? How much is for day-to-day operations and how much is for any upgrades?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Are you talking about supplementary estimates (A)?

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Yes, it's the supplementary (A)s. It's in the legislation that came out to us, for the spending authorities that came out today.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

I will need to check and come back to you on this one.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Okay.

There's money in the budget for the whistle-blower initiative, but it's not made it into the supplementary (A)s. Do you know how far along Treasury Board is in developing that program?

On a second question, a similar issue is that there's been a long-standing issue with the access to information problem that we have, ongoing. I notice oddly that we've doubled the work of the Information Commissioner and the government has dumped an acting Privacy Commissioner on her as well. I'm wondering where that idea came from. We're drowning with ATIPs right now and we throw her an anchor by adding more work for her. When will the results of the review be made public?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

I'll turn to my colleague, Paul Wagner, for that second part.

On the whistle-blower act, yes, we are working on the reform. What we're developing is a review. We're doing the research and preparing for the consultations. If they're not in the supplementary estimates (A), it's because they haven't actioned the funding. When they start they will action—

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

When will we see it?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

In (B) or (C), but it's happening in the coming months.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Okay.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Paul, maybe you want to take part too?

Paul Wagner Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategy and Transformation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes, absolutely.

The Information Commissioner taking over while the process is completed to appoint a new Privacy Commissioner is seen as an interim measure through to October of this year. As for your second question regarding the report on the access to information, that will be tabled before the end of this calendar year.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Calendar year, but not Parliament.... Do you know when that would be? Again, we're in a crisis right now with access to information, and the public's access and Parliament's access to documents. It seems like there's a real lack of urgency around that.

Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategy and Transformation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Paul Wagner

I don't have a specific date on the publication. What I can say is that there's work under way while that report is being finalized. There's work to support departments. We've just completed a request for proposals and we have contracts in place now so departments can actually avail themselves of a common ATIP solution, which will allow obviously departments to have common processes to speed up the work on that. We actually have an online request system that's going to go live in the coming weeks. We're not simply waiting for the report before we act. We're acting on things that we know are the most critical while the report is being drafted.

Conservative

Kelly McCauley Conservative Edmonton West, AB

Thanks.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you, Mr. McCauley.

We'll now go to Ms. Thompson for five minutes.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Welcome.

I want to touch on a couple of things you spoke about earlier. If you want to, just elaborate and provide more detail, if that's possible.

The first is around the return to the workplace. Could you just reference a little more specifically the program and the work that you're doing around return to work?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

With pleasure.

A lot is going on at this current time because the health and safety guidance was last updated on May 12 and it now allows us to return to full occupancy of the buildings with, of course, ensuring that we apply all of the necessary preventive measures such as wearing a mask if you don't have the two-metre distance or handwashing, sanitizing, and so on and so forth. Now that we have a green light to return to occupancy, deputy heads are currently assessing and testing various models of flexible work, because there is more than one approach. We know that, for an employer such as the Government of Canada, which is the largest and and is also extremely diverse and complex in its operations, one model won't address the needs and won't allow us to provide the quality of service to Canadians that is required.

Because we're all starting new on this endeavour of a flexible workplace, we are currently testing, and the office of the chief human resources officer is gathering some data and information and providing useful tools to departments to undertake those models. In the coming months, we'll assess the successes and the best practices. If all goes well, let's hope that in the fall we can benefit from those lessons learned and give ourselves a more consistent pace.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Thank you.

Again, I'll circle back to another point. Could you speak about promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and what the office is doing to ensure that the public service accurately reflects the diversity in the country? How are we addressing barriers for under-represented populations?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

On that front, there's a whole suite of initiatives that is currently under way. Across departments, we have developed mentorship programs. We have also developed recruitment strategies to make sure that we attract and retain talent in the public service.

We also work very closely with the Privy Council Office on the call to action on anti-racism, equity and inclusion. In budget 2022, you have an announcement of $3.7 million over five years to make sure that we also undertake the consultations that we were referring to with various groups but particularly with Black employees. We are bringing forward an approach that the communities have asked for, which is nothing for us without us. We're putting in place consultation and engagement with the communities that will put them at the heart of the solutions that are being brought forward by the administration.

Finally, I would like to also speak to the “nothing without us” initiative by the accessibility office to hire 5,000 new public servants with disabilities by 2025.

I could go on, but I will stop here.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Thank you.

The budget included new measures to find efficiencies in government through a strategic policy review. Can you explain what that work will do?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

We have two streams of work on the strategic policy review. The first stream is to look at ongoing programs and ongoing processes. The second, as indicated in budget 2022, is to be able to find efficiencies from the post-COVID era from real property, from travel and from working from home, and we'll be able to provide an update in budget 2023.

Liberal

Joanne Thompson Liberal St. John's East, NL

Thank you.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you.

We'll now go to Mr. Lemire for two and a half minutes.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Ladies, you're free to tell me who is best suited to answer my question.

In the supplementary estimates, the Department of Finance is requesting $191.6 million in vote 1a as a Net Profits Interest for the Hibernia offshore oil project for the year 2021. This is called a Net Profits Interest in an offshore oil project.

How does this grant allow the Canadian government to preserve the environment, to ensure carbon neutrality and to participate in saving the only planet we have?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you for your question.

I was prepared to provide an answer on the mechanisms used and the reasons for their use. However, I am not in a position to answer your question on carbon neutrality. So we will send you a written answer.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

That's fine. I would be very grateful.

The NextGen Team is conducting tests and, as the minister said, they are in the process of making contact with managers. What difficulties has the new payroll system presented so far?

Can we expect any solutions to avoid a disaster as great as that of Phoenix? What have we learned from this experience?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

I will answer briefly.

Indeed, at this stage, we are taking note of everything we have learned from Phoenix. We remain absolutely determined to pay employees correctly, making as few mistakes as possible, although it must be recognized that, in an organization as large as the government, there are always adjustments to be made.

However, until now we have not been looking at these types of problems, but rather at systemic problems. We have taken note of the lessons learned. We are working with the successful supplier to see how such a complex organization can simplify its payroll activities as much as possible. In fact, this is the result of decades of additions. We need to simplify things so that we don't ask the system to do complex things—

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Let me ask you one last question before I run out of time. Were the unions involved in the process? Were they consulted in the search for solutions?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Absolutely. A labour-management steering group meets on a regular basis. We also have agreements with the unions to work on simplifying payroll activities.

Bloc

Sébastien Lemire Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC

Thank you very much.

It's reassuring to hear that.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you.

We'll now go to Mr. Johns for two and a half minutes.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Thank you.

The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is requesting $823 million under vote 5 for the disaster financial assistance arrangements contribution program that was announced in budget 2021. This funding would be used to address costs incurred by provinces and territories for large-scale natural disasters that occurred over the last decade. The eligible expenses include emergency services, security measures, repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, cleanup, as well as businesses and farms.

I think it is important. We've seen the government help out with forestry, agriculture, climate mitigation and disasters, but they have done nothing for fishers. They shut down 60% of the fishery on the north coast in British Columbia and abandoned those fishers. Why is fishing not included in this fund? Will it be?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Thank you for your question.

I don't have the answer to why fisheries are not included there. We see what was included in the budget 2021 policy decision. I cannot answer that question.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

I just want to relay that a warming ocean is having a huge impact on wild salmon. Lee Sylvia, a constituent of mine from Parksville, has no EI and no eligibility for EI. These fishers have been abandoned. They need help from the Treasury Board.

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration is requesting $247 million under vote 1 for operating expenses, grants and contributions for immigration settlement measures, temporary accommodations and income support for Ukrainians. This funding would be used for initial costs of the special immigration measures for Ukrainian refugees, including charter flights, temporary hotel accommodations, application processing, settlement and transitional financial support programs.

Can you talk about how many Ukrainians would benefit from this funding, and also would additional funding be allocated to Afghan refugees?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

If you look in the document, there is an amount for Afghan refugees. If you give me one minute, I will be able to find it.

We have an amount for Ukrainians, and we also have amounts for Afghan refugees under supplementary estimates (A).

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

How about this? How many Ukrainian refugees has Canada welcomed since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

As of June 1, 2022, the department has received over 278,000 Canada-Ukrainian authorizations for emergency travel applications and has approved over 127,000 of them.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Thank you.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you. Ms. Boudreau, if there is any other information that you feel you need to supply for that answer, if you could provide it to the clerk, it would be appreciated.

We will now go to Mr. Paul-Hus for five minutes.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I have a question, and I see that several people are attending the meeting virtually. This leads me to make the following comment. According to the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, the new Treasury Board guidelines on hybrid work do not meet expectations.

What comment do you have on that?

My question is for Mr. Wagner or Ms. Girard.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

You say that they do not meet expectations, but what expectations did the institute mention to you?

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

It simply said that the guidelines on hybrid work do not meet performance expectations. That's a bit like the questions I asked the minister.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

It's interesting, because we don't have any yet. We are providing guidance and support to test the different models. It's more flexible on a fixed date and on site, in the workplace, depending on the mission and operations.

I'll just mention this: within a bargaining unit, there are employees who work in different departments. If some employees have to work with a different security clearance, they may be in the same group and at the same classification level, but the operational requirements of the job will mean that one person will be able to work more or less remotely, for example, but that it will be more difficult for the other.

This is where we say that there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. Each department is currently evaluating the formula that works best in its organization.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

A year and a half or two years ago, at the beginning of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the committee received tables showing the number of people working remotely. I would like an update on that. I would like to have a breakdown for each department of how many people are now teleworking and how many people are working on site.

I know it's all decentralized, but you must have that information. Is that the case?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

No, I don't have that information, but I do have information about employee vaccination.

At this time, the various models are being tested. The figures may therefore vary from one week to the next. In order to make these assessments—

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

However, if we want a report on the current situation, there must be a way to get one.

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Each department could provide you with this report. Then again—

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

As far as Treasury Board is concerned, don't you have a responsibility to know where the employees work from?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

No, it's up to the managers and executives of each department to establish which model is the most effective and efficient for fulfilling the organization's mandate. That is what they are evaluated on.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

Do you have any idea which department currently has the most employees working virtually?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

No, I have no idea.

However, I can say that, within the same department, there may be people who are allowed to telework while others are not. There are office workers, who use a tablet, and there are people who work behind a counter or at customs.

Conservative

Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC

I'll turn it over to my colleague Mr. Lobb.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

I have one question, which goes back to some of the stuff with Ms. Fortier. It has to do with regard to immigration and passports.

Has the Treasury Board worked with these departments to identify how many workers they are short and need to catch up? What is the number? When do they expect to catch up?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

I don't have that number, but the head of a department facing some specific labour shortages in specific regions can work with the Public Service Commission to develop a targeted strategy based on their needs. As we said, in that case, we're looking at decentralized operations, so they will be looking across the country.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

I think from what I read in terms of the Treasury Board, with Madam Fortier's mandate letter, it's to make sure that all departments are streamlined and provide help and consultation.

Has anybody from Treasury Board had discussions with ESDC or had discussions with IRCC? Is that number out there, and is there a date when our constituents will be able to get their passports processed in three to four weeks, like they used to?

Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Employee Relations and Total Compensation, Treasury Board Secretariat

The President of the Treasury Board has been mandated to bring forward a future of work model to ensure that the government is well equipped to deliver on services. The location of work is part of that, but the skills strategy, ensuring that we have data and we understand the trends and the skills that are going to be required in the future to do those jobs, is part of her mandate.

Now, for the very short term, I would, again, mention that there is a possibility to develop initiatives to address those needs, but I don't have the details on the passports, per se.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Robert Gordon Kitchen

Thank you.

We started with Mr. Jowhari at today's meeting, and we will end our questioning with Mr. Jowhari, for five minutes.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Welcome back. You were dearly missed.

Thank you to the minister and the officials for joining us today.

I'm going to put my question to Mr. Wagner.

Mr. Wagner, if you're not the right official to respond to this, please redirect to your other colleagues who are here.

I, specifically, want to talk about the strategic policy review. There have been many interpretations around what the scope of this review is and there are also many various points of view. We've had points of view around rationalizing the size of the government or, as the minister said, this is not about a smaller government, necessarily, it's about a much smarter and efficient government.

I understand that the scope of the TBS and the responsibility of TBS is always to ensure the best use of, naturally, taxpayers' money while making sure that the operation of the government is very efficient. This is one of the reasons that I decided to join OGGO with my background as a management consultant. I really understand and I really embrace the work that OGGO is doing.

Can you explain how the strategic policy review, as introduced in the budget, will work towards a smarter government that runs more efficiently?

Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategy and Transformation, Treasury Board Secretariat

Paul Wagner

I'll let my colleague, Madam Boudreau, answer that question. I think she's better positioned to respond to you.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

The review will ensure programs are effective on challenges like climate change, the pandemic and growing the economy. It will also adapt government to our postpandemic, like I was explaining earlier, reality, such as digitization. It's obviously about getting value for taxpayers' dollars. We're going to be focusing on priorities and making sure that we are doing them better while delivering the goal of sustainability.

Again, using words that were used in budget 2022, it's about looking at our footprint, at real property, at travel—we're doing less and less travel—and at virtual work, which we discussed with you today.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Thank you for that.

You gave us an understanding of what the scope is and what was added. Can you tell us a little bit about the process and what are you trying to achieve through that process? What are the steps that you are going to go through in that process and the end goal you are trying to achieve?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

If we look at the stream one, it's about the ongoing review of programs. Every year the process will be to select a thematic that we're going to be looking at and making sure that there is no duplication, making sure that we are investing where we should.

I can give you some examples, as well.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

That would be great.

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

We can look, for example, at housing.

We know it's a big priority. Food security could also be another example or high-speed Internet, innovation, skills, youth programming. Every year we're going to be adding a thematic that we're going to be looking at, obviously, in concert with departments and agencies to make sure that we have a good understanding of those programs comprehensively. We're going to be doing horizontal reviews. It's not only one department, my department. We're looking at the spectrum.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

As part of that review, do you look at the benchmarks? Do you look at the targets that you set and whether those targets have been achieved, i.e., the departmental results?

Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

Yes. We're going to be looking at that. We're going to be working with external partners, with people who really know the subject matter that we're looking at, to make sure that we have looked at all the angles of a specific program.

Liberal

Majid Jowhari Liberal Richmond Hill, ON

Thank you.

I have about 20 seconds, which I will yield back to you, sir.