Question Period Notes
About this information
In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
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The recent establishment of the Office of Supplier Integrity and Compliance supports the Government of Canada’s ability to identify suppliers of concern, take appropriate action to mitigate the risk they pose, and promote ethical business practices in an evolving marketplace.
There has been media attention on federal government spending on professional services contracts.
On November 28, 2023, Canada entered into a government-to-government agreement with the United States (US) Government for the acquisition of up to 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Fourteen multi-mission aircraft will be procured, with options for up to an additional two. The estimated value of this government-to-government agreement, which also includes associated equipment, training devices and initial sustainment, is $5.9 billion USD including contingency.
Notes:
- All questions related to capability and costs should be answered by the Minister of National Defence
- All questions related to industrial and technological benefits should be answered by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
On November 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced that 6 surplus federal properties will be developed into more than 2,800 new homes in Calgary, Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa, Ontario.
The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline went live on November 30, 2023, providing support via voice and text, 24/7/365, in English and French. The Public Health Agency of Canada is providing $156 million over three years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to administer the three-digit helpline. CAMH has recruited close to 40 provincial and local crisis and distress lines to participate in the 9-8-8 responder network.
Alcohol is the most commonly used psychoactive substance among people in Canada. Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for a broad range of diseases and conditions including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), heart disease, and cancer. While alcohol use is normalized in Canadian society, it accounts for substantial health and social costs.
Since its coming into force on October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act has created a strict legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada.
The legislation is designed to keep cannabis out of the hands of youth and profits out of the pockets of organized crime by fostering a robust legal and regulated industry.
Federal support to improve access to mental health and substance use services.
Canada is experiencing an unprecedented and unrelenting rate of opioid-related overdose deaths and harms, due to the increasingly toxic illegal drug supply, that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same time, we continue to see substantial harms and costs from other substances, including stimulants, tobacco, alcohol and combinations of substances (polysubstance use). It is estimated that in 2020, substance use cost Canadians more than $49 billion dollars and led to the loss of over 200 lives per day.
Recognizing the need for continued federal action to address this complex, changing crisis, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, launched a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS) on October 30, 2023. This strategy outlines the Government of Canada’s updated plan to address the overdose crisis and other substance use-related harms in Canada.
In May 2022, in response to a request of the province of British Columbia (B.C.) and as one part of the province’s comprehensive response to addressing the overdose crisis, the former federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Dr. Carolyn Bennett, granted a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not face criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. This means that between January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2026, adults in B.C. found in possession of up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of certain illegal drugs for personal use, will not be arrested or charged with possession, or have their drugs seized. Instead, individuals will be provided with information on available services and, if requested, support in connecting with services. There are some exceptions to the exemption applying to certain locations including schools, child care facilities, and in motor vehicles. Based on feedback from key partners, including law enforcement, BC requested to prohibit possession at additional locations: playgrounds, splash pads, wading pools, skateparks. This amendment was granted in September 2023. BC has now tabled legislation to regulate the use of drugs listed in the exemption in certain public spaces including those added to the exemption as well as broader locations including parks, beaches, and bus stops. There is some concern that the exemption and subsequent adjustments are based on politics rather than data.