Timeline of June Announcements

To help place the focus group discussions within the context of key events, below is a brief synopsis for the month of June 2022.

• June 1-7
  • June 1. The Government of Canada announced a $21.6 million investment for 14 Indigenous energy champions and their communities to begin implementing clean energy projects, through the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI).
  • Focus group was held with Anglophones in Quebec (June 1).
  • June 2. The Government of Canada announced that Ukrainians arriving in Canada are able to apply to receive transitional financial assistance to help meet basic needs, such as transportation and longer-term housing. Each adult is eligible for a one-time payment of $3,000, and each child $1,500 (17 years and under).
  • June 3. The Government of Canada announced $55 million in funding for Rogers and Xplornet to bring high-speed Internet to approximately 11,000 households in various rural, remote and Indigenous communities in New Brunswick.
  • June 3. The Government of Canada announced $67.1 million to support projects by 959 organizations across Canada through the Enabling Accessibility Fund; $10.3 million of this funding went to 159 organizations in Quebec.
  • Focus group was held with the general population in the City of Toronto (June 7).
  • June 7. The Government of Canada announced over $3.24 million in funding through the 2 Billion Trees program (2BT) to Trees for Life, which will help them engage partners and collaborators on 34 different tree-planting projects.
  • June 7. The Governments of Canada and Nunavut announced $6.6 million in joint funding to improve air quality in 45 schools across Nunavut.
• June 8-15
  • June 8. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced additional sanctions on Russia to impose a ban on the export of 28 services vital for the operation of the oil, gas, and chemical industries.
  • June 8. The Government of Canada launched Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System, outlined in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which will give municipalities, foresters, farmers, etc. a market-based incentive to undertake innovative projects that reduce greenhouse gases by preventing emissions and removing them from the atmosphere.
  • June 8. The Minister of Seniors announced the launch of the Age Well at Home initiative, which aims to help seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible as they age by providing them with practical assistance for everyday tasks.
  • Focus groups were held with members of the Chinese diaspora in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), excluding the City of Toronto (June 8) and those aged 35-54 in small and mid-size centres in Alberta (June 9).
  • June 10. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $11.3 million over three years from Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy to increase biodiversity conservation efforts in nineteen UNESCO biosphere reserves across Canada.
  • June 10. The Government of Canada announced over $200 million to help response and recovery efforts following the floods and wildfires in British Columbia.
  • June 13. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $8.6 million, provided through the Government of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), for 6 projects across Ontario to promote mental health and wellbeing.
  • Focus groups were held with those who had only received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (June 14) and youth, aged 18-24, in Prince Edward Island (June 15).
  • June 15. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced the imposition of $7.5 million in penalties on Bell Canada for three violations of the Telecommunications Act.
• June 16-22
  • June 16. The Government of Canada announced $10 million in funding to the Canadian Red Cross, which will distribute the funding to various community-based organizations across Canada working to promote mental health and well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.
  • June 16. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced over $175 million in funding to support 809 social sciences and humanities research projects across Canada.
  • June 16. The Government of Canada announced over $2.4 million in funding, delivered by CanNor, to support three fisheries projects in Nunavut.
  • Focus group was held with seniors, aged 55 and older, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region in Quebec (June 16).
  • June 20. The Minister of National Defence announced Canada’s plan to modernize Canada’s continental defence capabilities and protect Canadians from new and emerging threats. This plan will be supported by an investment of $3 billion over six years as a result of existing Budget 2022 allocations, beginning in 2022-23, with $1.9 billion in remaining amortization (or $4.9 billion on a cash basis).
  • June 20. The Government of Canada published final regulations to prohibit single-use plastics, which will come into effect in December 2022. Such single-use plastics will include checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics that are hard to recycle, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws (with some exceptions).
  • Focus groups were held with the general population in northern Ontario (June 21) and members of the Filipino diaspora in major centres in the Prairies (June 22).
  • June 22. The Government of Canada announced $200 million in funding for an initiative that aims to support vaccine delivery and distribution in 13 targeted countries. Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity (CanGIVE) will support efforts to enhance vaccine delivery and distribution, increase vaccine confidence and generate demand, as well as support local production of vaccines. This initiative also includes $100 million for UNICEF to build up vaccine logistics and supply chains and to strengthen health care systems while also undertaking surge vaccination campaigns and targeted programming to increase vaccine uptake.
• June 23-30
  • June 23. The Minister of Justice issued a statement on Bill C-28 receiving Royal Assent. This Bill ensures that individuals who consume drugs and/or alcohol in a criminally negligent manner will be held criminally responsible if they harm others while extremely intoxicated.
  • Focus group was held with active military members and veterans in Vancouver Island (June 23).
  • June 24. The Government of Canada announced amendments to the Competition Act, which will strengthen the Competition Bureau’s ability to protect Canadian consumers, businesses and workers from anti-competitive conduct. The amendments are as follows:
    • Increase maximum fines and penalties for those who break the law;
    • Prohibit wage-fixing and no-poach agreements between employers;
    • Clarify that incomplete price disclosure—drip pricing—is a deceptive marketing practice;
    • Allow private access to the Competition Tribunal for those impacted by abuse of dominance; and
    • Enable more effective enforcement in today’s digital economy.
  • June 27. The Government of Canada announced over $221 million in funding to support Canadians living in long-term care in Quebec, following the signing of the Safe Long-Term Care Fund (SLTCF) agreement with Quebec.
  • June 27. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $28.2 million for nine projects that address PTSD and trauma in frontline and essential workers, as well as others whose mental health has been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • June 28. The Government of Canada announced over $5.1 million in funding from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund for projects by the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), Egale Canada and Sherbourne Health. These projects will aim to improve sexual reproductive health services and develop tools and resources to support LGBTQ2 communities.
  • Focus groups were held with the general population in southwestern New Brunswick (June 28) and Indigenous peoples in mid-size and major centres in Quebec (June 29).
  • June 29. The Government of Canada announced over $3.7 million in funding over three years for Indigenous communities to support 33 conservation projects across Canada.
  • June 29. The Minister of Transport announced approximately $105 million for three new projects with NAV CANADA under the National Trade Corridors Fund, which will help improve supply chain efficiency for Canadian airlines.
  • June 29. The Government of Canada announced the extension of its current border measures for travellers entering Canada; these requirements are expected to remain in effect until at least September 30, 2022.
  • June 29. The Government of Canada announced $12.3 million in funding from the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) for the City of Toronto to address gun violence.

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the beginning of each group participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. Participants recalled a wide range of announcements and initiatives, including:

• Actions to address the high rate of inflation and rising cost of living throughout much of Canada. Related to this, a number of participants recalled the recent decision by the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates by an additional 0.50% on June 1^st, 2022. It was hoped that in addition to reducing inflation, these actions would have a cooling effect on housing prices, which were viewed as becoming increasingly unaffordable in many parts of the country;
• The announcement by the federal government of new legislation (Bill C-21) to further strengthen gun control in Canada and keep Canadians safe from violence involving firearms. A number of participants reacted positively to this news, with several specifically mentioning having heard about the implementation of a national freeze on handguns;
• Lengthy travel delays at Canada’s major airports, including Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto. Several were aware of this issue and had heard the Government of Canada was actively working with airport authorities to find ways to reduce wait times for both domestic and international travellers;
• Continued delays for those attempting to obtain or renew their passports. A number of participants had heard of issues at Service Canada locations throughout the country and believed this was, in part, due to an administrative backlog as well as a renewed desire among many Canadians to travel internationally following lifting of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic;
• The announcement that, as of June 20^th, 2022, the federal government would be suspending the COVID-19 vaccination requirement to board a plane or train in Canada. Several reacted positively to this news, with a small number voicing the opinion that this requirement should have been removed much earlier;
• Ongoing efforts by the Public Order Emergency Commission to inquire into the circumstances that led to the declaration of a public emergency and deployment of the Emergencies Act (in place from February 14^th to 23^rd, 2022) in response to the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests which took place in Ottawa and several other parts of the country in February 2022;
• The announcement on June 2^nd, 2022 of a $1.3 billion land claim settlement between the Government of Canada and the Siksika First Nation in southern Alberta. Some participants in the group from Alberta recalled hearing that a number of federal officials, including the Prime Minister, had attended a signing ceremony for this agreement at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park (located on the Siksika reserve); and
• A 10% increase to Old Age Security (OAS) pension amounts for all seniors aged 75 and over coming into effect as of July 2022. A number of those in the group comprised of seniors living in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region recalled having heard about this.

In addition to these items, some participants also mentioned having heard about recent actions by the Government of Canada on the international front. These included:

• The ongoing provision of financial and military support to Ukraine in support of its defence effort against invading Russian forces. Additionally, some had also heard about increased efforts by the federal government to prioritize settlement of and accommodations for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict via the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program (though this specific program was not mentioned by name);
• The attendance of the Prime Minister at the Summit of the Americas, which took place in Los Angeles between June 6^th to 10^th, 2022; and
• Participation by several federal officials, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda which took place from June 20^th to 26^th, 2022.

The group comprising active military members and veterans based on Vancouver Island were asked an additional question as to whether they were aware of the federal government’s Oceans Protection Plan. No participants had heard of this initiative.

Drug Decriminalization (GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, Northern Ontario)

Three groups discussed the issue of drug decriminalization, including recent federal approval of a request from the Government of British Columbia (B.C.) to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs in the province.

Most participants in the group from B.C.’s Lower Mainland recalled having heard about this initiative. In the groups residing in Ontario, roughly as many were aware of this plan as were not. Very few, however, could recall any specific details that had been announced. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada had recently approved B.C.’s request to decriminalize small amounts (up to 2.5 grams) of illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, MDMA, and opioids in efforts to reduce the stigma associated with drug use and help save lives. In addition, it was clarified that those who purchase or possess above the threshold limit would continue to be at risk of arrest and of having the drugs confiscated. Participants were largely mixed in their reactions to this initiative. Regionally, most in the group from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) believed the federal government had made the right decision in approving this request. By contrast, a large number in the group from British Columbia felt otherwise, believing it should not have been approved. Those in the group from northern Ontario were relatively mixed as to whether this represented a positive or negative development.

Among those in favour of this initiative, it was felt that by decriminalizing small amounts of these substances, users would face less stigma and may also be more likely to seek treatment with the knowledge that there would not be legal ramifications for doing so. It was also thought that by taking this action, British Columbia would be able to free up additional law enforcement resources as well as prevent recreational users from having a criminal record which it was felt would drastically limit their employment opportunities going forward.

For participants who thought the federal government should not have granted this request, many believed that for decriminalization to be effective a significant treatment component should be offered, which they felt was missing from the current approach. It was believed that while decriminalization may be helpful as one of many steps towards combating drug addiction, on its own it was likely to have little effect in curbing substance use and could potentially increase the prevalence of this behaviour. A number of others were of the view that there was no ‘safe’ amount for highly potent substances (such as fentanyl and heroin) and believed the 2.5-gram threshold to be far too high. A few participants also shared concerns about the growth of ‘drug tourism’, citing instances of people travelling from across Canada and around the world to B.C. with the knowledge that there would likely be fewer legal consequences associated with use of these types of drugs. Several participants in the group from the Lower Mainland believed those residing in the province should have been consulted to a greater extent during the approval process, feeling a significant portion of the population were likely not in favour of this decision.

Discussing this matter further, participants in the group in northern Ontario were asked whether they would support their province or municipality decriminalizing drug possession in a similar way. On balance, participants opposed this idea. After being informed, however, that in the case of British Columbia individuals found in possession of small amounts of these drugs would be redirected to healthcare addiction resources and that the B.C. plan would also increase funding for additional resources to assist with addiction, a number were more receptive to the notion of decriminalization. Some participants, however, remained intensely opposed to this plan, reiterating the belief that no amount of these drugs could be consumed safely and that legal consequences for possessing and using these drugs served as an important deterrent in some cases. Asked what more could be done to address the issue of substance use and addiction in the region, many pointed to the need for more addictions and mental health resources, including the construction of new treatment facilities in the region. It was widely felt that there were not enough resources at present to accommodate the growing number of individuals seeking help for these issues, and that these challenges were even greater for those living in remote communities in Canada’s North. In addition, it was suggested by some that more efforts should be taken to monitor and regulate the prescribing practices of physicians, with a number of participants believing that substances such as opioids were currently being prescribed too readily by healthcare providers.

Open Net-Pen Salmon Farming (Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine)

The group based in B.C.’s Lower Mainland briefly discussed the issue of open net-pen salmon farming in the province. No participants reported being previously aware of this issue. To facilitate conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada was working with the province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities to create a responsible plan for the transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025. In addition, it was clarified that this type of aquaculture involved the placement of large cages or nets in coastal waters or freshwater lakes to farm large amounts of fish, including salmon. Though many said they had a limited knowledge of the issue, most felt this to be a positive development and was an important priority for the federal government. Several thought that current fish farming and aquacultural practices were often environmentally damaging and/or restricted the movement and quality of life of the province’s fish stocks, such as salmon. Given this, many felt positively about the proposed transition and hoped it would assist in revitalizing the salmon population in British Columbia, which some believed had diminished in recent decades. It was said that by facilitating this transition, federal, provincial, and Indigenous leaders were taking proactive steps to increase both the amount and quality of the province’s salmon stock as well as working to ensure its continued viability moving forward.

Public Mood (Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta)

Participants residing in small and mid-size centres in Alberta discussed the current public mood in Canada and shared their thoughts as to whether Canadians were more divided now than in the past. While a small number felt Canadians were mostly united on the important issues facing the country, many participants believed the public had become considerably more divided as of late.

Asked about the issues on which Canadians were united, participants identified areas such as healthcare, inflation and the high cost of living, housing affordability, gun control, and a greater focus on inclusivity and multiculturalism relative to other jurisdictions such as the United States. Discussing issues on which the country was viewed as more divided, participants mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically public health mandates and vaccination mandates, issues concerning Canada’s official languages, the regulation of online content (Bill C-11), climate change, and fundamental ‘Charter values’ such as the freedom of expression and the extent to which this needed to be balanced with reasonable limits regarding defamatory or obscene comments as well as those that could be considered ‘hate speech’.

Discussing whether Canadians were more divided at present than in the past, most reiterated the belief that they were. While some were of the view that these divisions likely had always existed to some extent, it was felt they were far more salient in the minds of Canadians today and that social media had played a direct role in fostering this division. It was said that platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had provided many individuals, particularly those with more extreme perspectives, an opportunity to reach a wider audience, exposing Canadians to a wide range of inflammatory comments with the intent of provoking further tension. Adding to this, many were of the impression that those interacting on these platforms often did so in a harsher and less respective way than they would when conversing face-to-face, further heightening discord and limiting the ability of Canadians to find common ground with one another.

Almost all participants were at least somewhat worried about what they viewed as an increasing divide among Canadians. Moreover, for those who identified as a member of a marginalized group, the perceived heightened negative rhetoric regarding social justice issues such as gender equality, racial equity, and sexual orientation was viewed as deeply concerning and not reflective of Canadian values. Discussing whether the Government of Canada should take action to address these divisions, participants were largely split in their views. While some believed more needed to be done to rein in the activities of individuals and groups espousing hateful or derogatory commentary and to enhance regulations pertaining to the content shared on social media platforms, a similar number felt differently, believing federal intervention would likely further inflame existing tensions. A small number were of the view that the federal government was partly responsible for these increased divisions, commenting that many Canadians felt they had been unfairly restricted by public health requirements and vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. They believed that what they considered to be a suppression of individual freedoms had contributed to a lack of trust in public officials and other Canadians as a result.

Bill 96 (Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Mid-size and Major Centres Quebec Indigenous Peoples)

Two groups briefly discussed Quebec’s recently enacted Bill 96. Only a few had heard about the Bill, and none were able to recall any specific details apart from their understanding that the legislation focused on language laws within the province of Quebec. To clarify, participants were informed that the Bill had recently been adopted by the Government of Quebec and that it represented an amendment to the provincial constitution which recognized Quebec as a distinct nation and French as the province’s sole official language. Participants were largely mixed in their reactions to this Bill. Regionally, many in the group from the Bas-Saint-Laurent region reacted positively towards the Bill and its aims, with several espousing the view that the French language needs to be protected within Quebec, especially given the perceived dominance of English in most other provinces/territories. A small number in this group added that all residents of Quebec, including recently arrived immigrants, should be obligated to learn French. They believed a strong grasp of the French language was vital to maintaining the French culture. For those in the group comprised of Indigenous participants, it was felt that the Bill did not do enough to recognize and support Indigenous languages and was solely focused on preserving French culture within the province. While none in the group from Bas-Saint-Laurent felt the Government of Canada should involve itself in this matter, a few Indigenous participants said there should be greater efforts at both the federal and provincial levels to engage with those residing in Quebec to determine their needs and desired outcomes when it comes to language-related legislation such as this.

Pre-Packaged Food Nutrition Warnings (Northern Ontario)

Participants in the group from northern Ontario discussed the Government of Canada’s plan to require packaged foods which are high in sugar, salt, or saturated fat to display a warning label, alerting Canadians to the potential health risks of consuming these products. While relatively few had heard about this initiative, some recalled that labels would be placed on certain products with high levels of saturated or trans fat content (e.g., ground meat).

To assist participants’ understanding, it was clarified that the Government of Canada was scheduled to publish its packaged food labelling plan in the coming weeks. Related to this, participants were informed that concern had been expressed among certain groups about requiring some ground meats to display a ‘high-in-saturated fats’ label and that an exemption for ground meat had been called for. Knowing this, several participants were firmly of the view that it was important to be completely transparent about the nutritional content of all food items as a means of allowing Canadian households to make informed decisions about the foods they purchase and consume.

Discussing whether there should be an exemption for ground meat, while some participants thought additional labelling was unnecessary (believing most Canadians were already aware of the associated health risks), it was widely felt that if the Government of Canada moved forward on this initiative all food items should then be held to the same standard and that no products should be exempted. Though no one felt the proposed warning labels would affect them personally, some believed additional labelling may be useful and could impact the purchase and dietary habits of households to positive effect.

Access to Abortion (Southwestern New Brunswick)

This group briefly discussed the issue of abortion in general as well as the accessibility of abortion services within Canada. Few participants had recently heard much about the issue of abortion access in the United States. Those who had commented that overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) meant that Americans no longer had a constitutional right to abortions. This ruling was thought to have been incredibly divisive among the American public and had led to public protests and a national outcry among abortion rights supporters.

The balance of participants indicated being concerned about this ruling, although some voiced their general opposition to abortion. Some reported feeling saddened by this development, strongly believing that women should have full freedom to make medical decisions regarding their own bodies as they deemed appropriate. A few were also worried that the ruling would close off legal avenues to abortion in many states, thereby forcing more women to seek out potentially dangerous methods of obtaining abortion services. Countering this perspective, a small number of participants felt that abortions should not be permitted under any circumstances and that this decision represented a positive development in the United States.

Most participants were of the view that abortions were readily available across Canada and that there were few barriers at present to those requiring this procedure. Discussing what actions, if any, the Government of Canada should take in response to this ruling, most felt there was little that could or should be done apart from reassuring Canadians that abortion rights would continue to be protected in Canada. It was felt that while the federal government should continue to speak out and defend access to abortion, there was not much it could do to influence what was ultimately a domestic issue for the United States. Reiterating their earlier views, a small number believed the Government of Canada should work to encourage other pathways, apart from abortion, saying that these services should only be used as a last resort and need not be as widely accessible as they are at present.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Quebec Anglophones, City of Toronto, GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora, Prince Edward Island Youth, Northern Ontario, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora, Southwestern New Brunswick, Mid-size and Major Centres Quebec Indigenous Peoples)

Eight groups engaged in discussions on issues specific to their respective age groups, backgrounds, and/or local regions. Participants shared their perspectives regarding what they viewed as the key factors driving these issues, as well as the degree to which the federal government had been successful in addressing them.

Anglophone Issues (Quebec Anglophones)

Quebec Anglophones discussed issues regarding English-speakers who reside in predominately French-speaking communities. It was felt by many that Anglophones in Quebec were currently facing a number of challenges, especially given legislation such as Bill 96 which was seen as further limiting the use of any language apart from French in the province. While a few participants commented that they generally felt quite welcome as Anglophones in Quebec, several believed they were often perceived in a negative light as predominantly English speakers. For some, including recent immigrants to Quebec, their struggles to learn French had left them feeling isolated and separated from their larger local community. A few participants also expressed concern regarding their children, worried their ability to converse in any language other than French would be limited in the province going forward.

Discussing whether the challenges facing Quebec Anglophones had changed in recent years, several mentioned they found it easier now than in the past given widespread use of English in global commerce. It was believed that many Quebec-based companies conducted their operations in English and French, thereby increasing opportunities for Anglophone workers in the province. In addition, it was felt that young people today were more likely to communicate fluently in English, in part due to the dominance of English-language media and their regular exposure to it. Some remarked that many immigrants to the province tended to be more conversant in English than French and that this had further increased the prevalence of English-speakers in the province.

Asked to identify the most significant issues currently facing Anglophones in Quebec, participants put forward a series of responses. These included:

• The introduction of Bill 96 – A number of participants reiterated the view that the enacting of this legislation by the provincial government would impose further limitations for English-speakers in Quebec in terms of carrying out daily activities in the official language of their choosing;
• A lack of English-language education options – Some reported finding it difficult to access primary or secondary education conducted in English in their communities. This was felt to be unfair, especially given Canada’s official status as a bilingual country;
• Difficulty receiving English-language healthcare services – Finding healthcare providers who spoke English was also described as challenging across many areas of the province. It was felt that the inability to adequately communicate healthcare needs to physicians resulted in a risk of Anglophones receiving a lower quality of care compared to their French counterparts; and
• Limited employment options – Though some felt it was easier now than in the past to find work as an Anglophone in the province, it was believed that many English speakers continued to face difficulties with employers who prioritized prospective employees who have a high level of fluency in French.

Discussing the potential impacts of these issues, several worried about the possibility of a mass exodus of Anglophones from Quebec if their ability to converse, work, and learn in English continued to be limited. Some were particularly concerned about younger Anglophones leaving the province, believing they would be more inclined to choose to work and study in other parts of Canada where English was more widely spoken and accepted. Many were also worried about the potentially divisive nature of Bill 96, reiterating their view that English-speakers in many communities were often unfairly stigmatized in communities where French was the predominant language.

Asked whether they felt the situation would improve or worsen over time, participants’ responses were mixed. Some expected the issue would continue to get worse given the perceived prioritization of the French language by the provincial government. However, almost as many expressed a sense of optimism that the contentious nature of the issue and the tensions surrounding it would likely recede in the years ahead.

Virtually all participants thought the federal government had a role to play in addressing this issue. Several felt that federal officials, including the Commissioner of Official Languages, should be more vocal in their support for bilingual services in Quebec and the protection of the language rights of Anglophones in the province. Adding to this, a few were of the impression that while efforts were often taken to ensure the presence of French in predominately English-speaking provinces/territories, this same prioritization had not been given to the Anglophone minority community in Quebec.

While all participants believed this to be an important issue for the federal government, none were of the view that it should be prioritized over other pressing issues such as healthcare, housing affordability, and the increasing cost of living for many Canadians. Asked what they expected would happen if the Government of Canada did not work to address this issue, some felt it may eventually fade into the background while others anticipated a legal case would be brought before the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). Many had difficulty predicting what would happen if the federal government did choose to intervene on this issue. While some felt this may encourage the provincial government to reconsider its stance, others believed such action by the federal government would only serve to bring the issue more to the fore and further exacerbate tensions. Asked whether they had seen, read, or heard about any recent federal actions regarding this issue a small number said the Government of Canada may support a legal challenge to Bill 96, although they could not recall any further details. Discussing previous actions taken by the federal government to support English-speakers in Quebec, several recalled grants provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage towards minority-language speakers. It was felt these had a positive impact on the Anglophone community in Quebec, providing significant funding towards Anglophone-oriented research and cultural programming. In response to a question regarding what more could be done by the federal government to support English-speakers in the province a few suggested that greater resources should be allocated towards French-language education, providing those seeking to become bilingual with greater opportunities to do so.

City of Toronto (City of Toronto)

The group comprising participants based in the City of Toronto discussed a number of issues currently affecting their local community. Asked which areas were in greatest need of attention from the federal government, the following were offered in response:

• Housing affordability – A number of participants identified housing as a key priority requiring greater federal attention. Participants commented that housing prices in the City were becoming increasing unaffordable, both for prospective home buyers as well as renters. Related to this, a number of participants identified the need for greater federal regulation of the housing market, believing more should be done to create low-income housing options while also cracking down on actions by landlords such as ‘renovictions’ which were seen as unfair to existing tenants;
• Cost of living – Several also mentioned the rising cost of living and perceived high rate of inflation at present. Most believed costs had increased for a wide range of products and services, including essential goods such as groceries, gasoline, and other basic necessities;
• Public transportation – Participants remarked that many areas of Toronto currently had only limited access to public transportation and that this had contributed to greater congestion on busy roadways throughout the City as more residents were required to drive for their daily commutes. They expressed hope that both the federal and provincial governments would be able to work together towards resolving this issue;
• Education – Some voiced concerns about the quality and availability of primary and secondary education in Toronto, believing this had not kept pace with the City’s population growth in recent decades. In addition, participants said more should be done to focus on adult education options, particularly for new arrivals fleeing conflict zones and in need of additional training in order to work in their chosen field in Canada; and
• Gun violence – A few participants mentioned gun violence as an ongoing issue in Toronto, believing incidents involving firearms had been increasing in the City in recent years. Related to this, some identified the need to increase access to mental health resources for those in vulnerable communities, believing the issues of gun violence and mental illness are linked.

Discussing whether they were aware of any recent federal announcements or initiatives related to these issues, few participants could recall anything. With respect to housing affordability, while some were aware of recent announcements such as a temporary two-year ban on non-Canadians buying residential housing property within Canada, it was widely felt that little in the way of tangible progress had been made by the federal government on this issue. On the topic of public transportation, a few participants also recalled actions such as federal investments in the new Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Regarding gun violence, some were aware that the federal government had recently announced a national freeze on the buying and selling of handguns. No participants could recall any recent actions or initiatives related to addressing the cost of living or education in Toronto.

Asked whether they thought the Government of Canada was currently on the right track regarding these issues, very few felt this to be the case. It was widely believed that while federal officials appeared to recognize the importance of issues such as housing affordability and the rising cost of living, very little progress had been made in these areas. A small number were less inclined to fault the Government of Canada, believing that it did not have a sufficient array of levers to fully address these issues, and emphasizing that it was doing the best it could under the circumstances.

Chinese Canadians (GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora)

A group of Chinese Canadians living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) engaged in a discussion about current issues and priorities within their region as well as those more directly affecting the Chinese Canadian community. When asked about the top concerns currently facing their community as well as actions taken by the Government of Canada to address these issues, participants provided a range of responses as follows:

• Cost of living and inflation – Several participants pointed to the high rate of inflation and rising cost of living as the most significant challenge facing them at present. They felt that prices for essential goods and services, such as groceries and gasoline, had risen steadily in recent months and that this trend was making it difficult for some to make ends meet financially. Participants could not recall any recent actions taken by the federal government to address these issues;
• Housing affordability – Several also mentioned the high cost of housing in the area, and across Canada, remarking that home ownership as well as finding reasonable rental accommodation were becoming increasingly unaffordable in the GTHA. Some were of the view that the primary driver behind this issue had been the commodification of housing and the speculative nature of investments in residential housing by wealthy individuals and corporations. To this end, several participants recalled the recent announcement by the federal government of a temporary two-year ban on the purchase of residential housing by non-Canadians. In addition, a few participants were also aware of other recent federal actions related to housing, such as the pledge to build a substantial number of new homes through the Housing Accelerator Fund (though the program itself was not mentioned by name) as well as the introduction of a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allowing prospective homebuyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free towards the purchase of their first home;
• Crime – Some participants were also concerned about what they viewed as rising crime rates in the region and the City of Toronto more specifically. Their sense was that the number of violent crimes, including those involving firearms and carjackings, had increased substantially in recent years. Several participants commented that they no longer felt as safe in their communities as they had in the past. No participants could recall any recent actions taken by the Government of Canada towards addressing this issue; and
• Anti-Asian racism – Many participants felt that crimes against individuals of Asian backgrounds had also risen substantially in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic was pointed to as a major factor behind this trend – participants commented that Asians had been unfairly blamed for the initial outbreak and spread of the virus. While participants acknowledged that they had not personally been the target of racist behaviours, many had heard stories of such instances in the news or via their network of personal contacts. While some recalled the federal government condemning this behaviour, few were aware of any specific actions it had taken to address what they perceived as growing anti-Asian sentiment.

Discussing whether the federal government had been making progress on these fronts, most participants were uncertain. Many felt that they did not know enough about recent federal actions and initiatives on these fronts to determine whether the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to handling these issues.

Focusing on anti-Asian racism in particular, participants hoped greater attention would be placed on increasing the representation of those from Asian backgrounds at all levels of government. Related to this, some spoke of their pride in having someone of Asian descent as the top public health official in Canada (the Chief Public Health Officer). In addition, it was suggested that the federal government should educate Canadians regarding the contributions of East Asians to building Canada and the challenges these groups had historically faced. It was thought that a greater national understanding and dialogue regarding Asian Canadians would help to reduce the stigma they currently encountered. A small number also commented on the tendency of Asians in Canada, and particularly newcomers, to engage primarily with their own community as a means of protecting themselves and given the challenges they confront associated with their integration into Canadian society. The perception was that greater efforts could be undertaken by the Government of Canada towards inclusivity and assisting those immigrating to Canada from Asia in adapting to their new communities. Some believed that a stronger focus on language skills for newcomers would be helpful, given a perception that an inability to communicate in either of Canada’s official languages was, at least in part, contributing to feelings of isolation and separation from other Canadians.

Youth Issues (Prince Edward Island Youth)

A group of participants between the ages of 18 and 24 and residing in P.E.I. discussed a number of issues of specific concern to younger Canadians. At the outset of the discussion, participants were asked to identify which issues facing young people the federal government should be prioritizing. Responses included issues such as housing affordability, access to healthcare professionals (e.g., family doctors and mental health professionals), employment opportunities, and climate change.

Asked if they could recall any recent actions taken by the Government of Canada regarding any of these issues, participants primarily focused on initiatives related to the environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Among the federal actions mentioned were the introduction of a national price on carbon, investments in green technologies, such as zero-emission vehicles, and rebates on home energy efficiency upgrades and/or retrofits to promote adoption of sustainable technology such as solar panels. A few participants also recalled recent actions related to housing, such as the introduction of a two-year temporary ban on non-Canadians purchasing residential property in Canada as well as a recent increase in the key lending rate by the Bank of Canada aimed at curbing inflation and rising housing prices. Very few participants said the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to addressing these issues. While some believed that there had been greater efforts recently on issues such as mental health and a lack of affordable housing, most felt this had not been enough to sufficiently address these problems and that much more would need to be done going forward.

Discussing the federal government’s current level of engagement with younger Canadians, while most believed there had been increased efforts on this front in recent years, few felt these had been highly effective. To this end, many suggested expanded utilization of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, seeing these channels as a more effective means of reaching out to and connecting with younger Canadians. In addition, a few commented on opportunities for the federal government to enhance transparency around its actions, specifically noting that younger Canadians tend to be less aware of and/or feel excluded from public debate and dialogue on the issues facing the broader public and the actions that are being taken to resolve them.

Focusing on social media more specifically, participants were asked whether they had ever seen, read, or heard any news related to the Government of Canada on their social media feeds. Several indicated that they had, specifically recalling information and/or news items on the environment and updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussing which of the various social media platforms and media outlets they typically rely on for news and information, many mentioned Facebook, Twitter, Apple News, and CBC. A few also mentioned frequently utilizing local news media such as the Guardian (based out of Charlottetown) along with special interest groups such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Asked to assess the Government of Canada’s current performance in utilizing social media to engage with young people, most reiterated their view that the federal presence on these platforms appeared to be limited and was judged to be somewhat ineffective at present.

Northern Ontario (Northern Ontario)

Participants residing in Northern Ontario discussed a number of issues specific to the region. Discussing the most pressing concerns currently facing their local communities, participants identified a number of responses. Many identified what they viewed as a drastic shortage of healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and other specialists. Stemming from this, several mentioned having encountered long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics as well as difficulties in finding a family doctor in their area. It was said that mental health challenges and addiction had become increasingly prominent in recent years and that further resources would need to be devoted towards this issue. Along with healthcare, a number of participants also mentioned issues related to housing affordability, high fuel costs, poor road conditions, and the high rate of inflation at present. Regarding this last issue, it was added that a higher cost of living would likely be especially difficult for seniors who were dependent on fixed-income pensions. Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions by the federal government related to these issues, few were. For those who had heard something, it was said that the Government of Canada had been working towards enhancing the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) in recent years, though no additional details could be recalled.

Discussing whether they had seen, read, or heard about any future initiatives proposed by the federal government towards addressing these issues, few participants had heard anything. Among those who were aware, it was believed that work was being done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process, making it easier for foreign workers to obtain the necessary certifications to practice in their fields of expertise in Canada. It was thought this would assist towards alleviating worker shortages, particularly in sectors such as healthcare which were believed to be in need of an influx of additional workers. Though not by name, a small number of participants also mentioned having heard about the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, which focused on spreading the economic benefits of immigration to smaller communities in rural areas as well as those in Canada’s North. Very few felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right track in addressing the most pressing issues to their region. It was said that many Canadians, particularly those with middle-incomes, were currently falling behind due to rising prices while also being unable to access financial supports available to lower-income Canadians. Many felt not enough was being done at present to assist these individuals and that these challenges would likely continue to increase if action was not taken. Some also reiterated the importance of addressing worker shortages and recognizing the credentials of foreign workers. It was suggested greater federal funding could be provided towards assisting new immigrants in completing any necessary certification courses or training programs they would need in order to work in their respective fields. It was believed this should be a top priority for the Government of Canada going forward. Asked what the federal government could do to better address the needs of Canadians, a number felt a closer look needed to be taken at the true cost of living at present as well as the development of ways to support those struggling during this period of high inflation. In addition, a small number believed more could be done to establish a dialogue and listen to the concerns of all Canadians. These participants were of the impression that at present a significant portion of the population felt they were currently not being heard by the federal government.

Filipino Canadians (Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

This group of individuals residing in the Prairies and part of the Filipino diaspora discussed a number of issues related to the Filipino community in Canada. To begin, participants were asked what sources they typically relied on to receive their news. Many reported continuing to use traditional media such as television (CBC and CTV) as well as radio to get their news. A large number of participants also mentioned digital media such as YouTube and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. Asked whether they ever accessed news sources in a language other than English, none reported doing so. While most participants primarily relied upon Canadian sources for their news, a number reported also consuming news from outlets in the United States as well as the Philippines. Several participants indicated that while they did not frequently watch Philippine-based news sources, they were of the impression that many older Filipino Canadians (such as their parents) frequently did so. Asked where they would likely go to find news regarding the Government of Canada, many mentioned social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, where they would look for updates directly posted by the Government of Canada. In addition, some also mentioned using websites such as Google to verify news items they had come across as well as official websites run by the federal government.

Focusing on issues of importance to Filipino Canadians, participants identified a number of areas which they believed required greater attention from the Government of Canada. Among participants, immigration was frequently pointed to as an area where Filipinos faced a number of challenges. These included difficulties related to the process of obtaining permanent resident status, acquiring work or study visas, and challenges related to the recognition of their professional credentials. It was felt these processes could often be quite costly and time consuming. Speaking more generally, a small number of participants said the Government of Canada should place a greater focus on establishing a deeper economic partnership with the Philippines. A few were of the impression that the economy of the Philippines was growing rapidly at present and represented a significant opportunity for investment for the federal government.

Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions taken by the Government of Canada related to these issues, a number of participants mentioned initiatives related to immigration. These included a pledge to eliminate citizenship application fees, the development of a more expedient pathway from temporary residency to permanent residency, and reducing the backlog of immigration applications thought to be existing in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While no participants could recall any federal initiatives specifically related to the Filipino community, a few mentioned provincial initiatives such as the Government of Saskatchewan’s efforts to recruit full-time nursing and laboratory staff from the Philippines, bringing an influx of skilled healthcare workers to the province.

New Brunswick (Southwestern New Brunswick)

Participants residing in New Brunswick briefly discussed issues related to their province. Asked to identify the most pressing issues facing New Brunswick that the federal government should be prioritizing, a wide range of areas were mentioned. These included housing affordability, the increasing cost of living, perceived shortages of healthcare workers, and challenges related to fuel prices, which were said to be exceptionally high at present. Focusing on the economy more specifically, participants identified areas such as agriculture, forestry, transportation, and natural resource development as the key areas requiring greater assistance from the Government of Canada. Few could recall any recent federal actions related to these issues. Discussing agriculture, a number of participants shared concerns that family farms in particular were disappearing, leading to a greater dependence on large-scale agricultural corporations and fewer opportunities for smaller farms to operate in the sector. It was felt more should be done by the federal government to incentivize workers, especially younger Canadians, to pursue careers in the agricultural sector. Several also expressed the desire to see a larger emphasis placed on domestic development of non-renewable energy sources such as oil and gas. This was believed to be an important priority, particularly given the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and its impact on the global energy market. Related to this, some also identified high fuel costs as a growing issue, particularly for those required to drive long distances for their work, including long-haul truck drivers. It was hoped increased oil and gas development would assist in alleviating fuel costs for Canadians. Related to the pandemic, a few also identified retail and tourism as sectors that had struggled significantly over the past two years and likely required further federal assistance to ensure their long-term viability.

Indigenous Peoples (Mid-size and Major Centres Quebec Indigenous Peoples)

Participants identifying as Indigenous were asked a series of questions regarding their awareness of actions taken by the federal government specifically related to Indigenous issues as well as potential future initiatives on this front.

To begin, participants were asked to identify the top issues facing Indigenous peoples. A wide range of concerns were mentioned, including:

• Access to basic necessities, specifically clean drinking water – The lack of access to clean drinking water, believed to be an issue for numerous Indigenous communities, was felt by several to be an urgent matter in need of further federal attention. Many believed this needed to be a key priority for the federal government. Also related to basic needs, some also referenced a perceived lack of access to affordable housing in many Indigenous communities;
• The Indian Act – Many felt that the federal government could do more in regards to revisiting the Indian Act, believing this legislation needed to be updated to address the present challenges faced by Indigenous peoples;
• Conflicts among Indigenous peoples – Some participants cited conflicts between different Indigenous peoples (First Nations and Métis) as well as between groups of Métis living in the eastern and western regions of Quebec. A few participants thought that the Government of Canada could be taking more action towards fostering alliances and promoting the unification of Indigenous peoples; and
• Support for Indigenous culture and languages – Participants discussed the importance of support from the federal government to help protect Indigenous languages, which was seen as an important part of Indigenous culture. Some participants also identified the need for further financial supports for traditional Indigenous building methods (such as for Tipis or Wigwams).

Asked if they could recall any actions previously undertaken by the federal government related to Indigenous Issues, participants mentioned a number of initiatives. These included the implementation of the Jordan’s Principle, increased supports for investigations into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), and financial assistance for cultural events (such as Pow Wows).

Discussing whether they were aware of any upcoming actions from the federal government related to Indigenous issues, few recalled having heard anything. While a small number were of the impression that Indigenous-related initiatives had been included as part of the recent 2022 federal Budget, none could recall any specific details related to these initiatives. No participants felt the Government of Canada was on the right track when it came to addressing priorities related to Indigenous peoples. While there was a general belief that some progress had made on addressing such issues, many felt there was more that could be done. It was widely thought that, compared to other priorities, those related to Indigenous issues were not as high of a priority for the federal government. In addition, some said that the Government of Canada was often reactionary rather than proactive when it came to taking action on urgent issues related to Indigenous peoples. A few also believed more could be done to promote greater representation of Indigenous peoples at all levels of government, including in key federal positions.

Shifting topics slightly, participants shared their perspectives regarding the prevalence of systemic racism towards Indigenous people in Canada. Most believed that racism towards Indigenous people was widespread and that this stemmed from a lack of understanding and knowledge of their history and culture. Participants described systemic racism spanning across a wide range of areas including education, justice, and employment. Related to this last area, a few participants recalled difficulties in finding employment, and believed this was at least in part due to their background.

Participants were not aware of any actions the federal government was currently taking to address this issue and most felt it was on the wrong track when it came to combatting racism towards Indigenous people. In terms of what the federal government could do to get on the right track, while few suggestions were provided, some reiterated the need for increased education and understanding on the part of non-Indigenous peoples regarding Indigenous values and culture as a critical step. Some also believed that more could be done in terms of creating a more proactive approach towards reducing assimilation and protecting Indigenous culture and traditions.

Firearms (Quebec Anglophones, City of Toronto, GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora, Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Southwestern New Brunswick)

Seven groups discussed the subject of firearms and recent actions taken by the federal government related to gun crime in Canada. To begin, participants shared their impressions regarding the current level of gun crime and whether it had increased, decreased, or more or less remained the same in recent years. Most believed crimes involving firearms were generally quite low in Canada, especially compared to other jurisdictions such as the United States. It was thought by a number of participants that Canada had a far more rigorous screening and certification process for those seeking to become licenced to possess and use firearms and that this had played a major role in limiting the prevalence of gun crime in the country. Commenting further, some expressed the view that Canada was currently among the safest countries in the world when it came to firearms. A small number of participants felt differently, believing gun crime to have been on the rise in recent years. It was said by these participants that crimes involving firearms had been covered in the media far more frequently as of late, providing the impression that these incidents were occurring on a more regular basis today than in the past. Regionally, most in the group from New Brunswick, both groups in Quebec, and those in Alberta and B.C.’s Lower Mainland felt gun crime had neither increased or decreased in recent years and had consistently remained at a low level. Those from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton (GTAH) region (excluding the City of Toronto) were more mixed, with slightly more feeling it had remained the same as those who believed it had been increasing in recent years. Only those in the group based in the City of Toronto largely felt gun crime had risen as of late. This impression was primarily driven by a wave of recent reports in the media regarding gun-related crimes including assaults, robberies, and carjackings within their community.

Asked what they believed to be the primary factors driving gun crime in Canada, participants provided a number of responses. These included:

• Mental health – Several participants identified challenges related to mental health as a key factor contributing to gun violence. It was believed these issues had been exacerbated in recent years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated isolation and anxiety due to the virus and resulting public health requirements. Some also speculated that there may have been a rise in domestic violence involving firearms during this time, as households were forced to remain in close proximity with one another for extended periods of time. It was expressed by several that mental health supports were currently lacking in their communities, preventing those suffering from these issues from receiving the care they need;
• Substance use and addiction – Many also identified illicit drug use and addiction as prominent drivers of crimes involving firearms. Also thought to have increased during the pandemic, it was felt those suffering from addiction may be more willing to engage in crimes of desperation involving firearms as a way to secure further quantities of these substances;
• Poverty and homelessness – Believed to be interwoven with mental health and addiction, a number of participants also identified poverty and a lack of secure housing as contributors to this issue. It was said that those dealing with these challenges would be more likely to find themselves in vulnerable situations and would be more likely to be exposed to firearms as a result; and
• Gangs – Several pointed to activities involving gangs as a key motivator of gun crime in Canada. It was thought that firearms often played a prominent role in criminal activities committed by these groups including drug trafficking, territorial battles, and targeted shootings. Related to this, a few were of the view that more needed to be done to support those who had been previously convicted of crimes upon their re-entry into society. It was felt that at present the employment pathways for these individuals were considerably limited, and that this often led to them returning to gang life and criminal activity as a way to make ends meet financially.

Discussing the current laws in place regarding firearms in Canada, participants were asked if they felt these regulations were too strict, not strict enough, or sufficient at present. While on balance, most believed the current laws in place were at an appropriate level, a smaller, but still significant number felt these regulations should be increased. Very few felt gun laws in Canada were too strict at present. Regionally, while those residing in Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, as well as the group comprised of Anglophones in Quebec felt the current laws were sufficient, most in the groups from the City of Toronto and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec said they should be enhanced. The group from the GTAH region were more mixed, with slightly more supporting the current level of firearms regulations related to those who wanted to see further legislation implemented. For many of those who desired to see stricter laws concerning firearms, it was believed that no person had a fundamental right to possess a firearm and that there needed to be greater consequences for those who committed crimes using these weapons. Some took a more nuanced perspective, believing that while increased gun laws would help, they would likely need to be accompanied by other supports such as economic assistance, safe and secure housing, and mental health and addictions treatment in order to be successful at combatting this issue. Among the larger number who felt Canadian gun regulations to be adequate at this time, many cited the perceived low incidence of firearms-related crimes as reasoning supporting their view. For some who identified as gun owners themselves, it was believed the certification and screening process for licensed firearm users was very thorough. A number were also of the impression that most crimes involving guns were committed with illegally acquired firearms. Expanding upon this, it was said that further restrictions would unfairly impact those gun owners who were already abiding by the law. Many of these participants were of the view that the gun laws themselves were not the issue but rather it was illegal activity such as the smuggling of these weapons from jurisdictions such as the United States that was the primary contributor to gun crimes.

Focusing on announcements or initiatives taken by the Government of Canada related to gun crime, participants were asked if they could recall any past federal actions on this front. A few mentioned hearing a few years ago about a prohibition on certain categories of ‘assault-style’ firearms, believing this had also involved a ‘buyback’ program of some sort. While unable to recall any specific actions, some were of the view that firearms regulations had gradually tightened in recent years and that this had been an ongoing priority for the federal government. Asked if they were aware of any recent actions by the federal government in this area, while most had not, a smaller number were able to recall a recent announcement to freeze the buying and selling of handguns in Canada. A few were of the impression that this action had been taken in response to a recent mass shooting which took place in Uvalde, Texas on May 24^th, 2022.

To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada had recently tabled firearm-control legislation on May 30^th, 2022. Groups were shown the following information detailing a number of components included in this proposed legislation:

• Implementing a national freeze on handguns to prevent individuals from bringing newly-acquired handguns into Canada and from buying, selling, and transferring handguns within the country;
• Taking away the firearms licenses of those involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment, such as stalking;
• Fighting gun smuggling and trafficking by increasing criminal penalties, providing more tools for law enforcement to investigate firearms crimes, and strengthening border security measures;
• Addressing intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and self-harm involving firearms by creating a new “red flag” law that would enable courts to require that individuals considered a danger to themselves or others surrender their firearms to law enforcement, while protecting the safety of the individual applying to the red flag process, including by protecting their identity. In addition, the Government of Canada will invest $6.6 million to help raise awareness of the new law and provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized groups to navigate the provisions; and
• Requiring magazines for long guns to be changed so they can't carry any more than five rounds; sales of larger magazines would be banned.

On balance, participants across all groups reacted largely positively to the introduction of these initiatives. Many expressed the view that these initiatives all represented a step in the right direction and that all could potentially be effective in their own ways. While most felt these measures would likely be sufficient towards combatting gun crime in Canada, a small number thought they should be enhanced further. Among these participants, it was believed that firearms had no place in Canadian society and should be heavily restricted going forward. A number of participants expressed surprise that a number of these initiatives, particularly the taking away of gun licenses for those involved in domestic violence or criminal harassment, were not already in place. Discussing the initiatives, several spoke positively about the introduction of ‘red flag’ laws for those involved in intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, or at risk of self-harm. It was felt that removing firearms from these potentially dangerous situations would protect many who may otherwise find themselves at risk. A number of others spoke positively about the anti-trafficking initiatives aimed at preventing the smuggling of firearms into Canada from jurisdictions such as the United States. A number of participants considered this to be a major problem and a major contributor to the number of firearms currently in Canada. The initiative requiring magazines for long guns to allow for no more rounds as well as the prohibition of the sale of these larger magazines was also received positively among participants, with some believing the introduction of these limits could help limit the potential dangers posed by these firearms.

While most reacted positively to the implementation of a national freeze on handguns, some expressed a desire for further details as to what this would specifically entail and how long it was expected to remain in place for. Expanding upon this, a number of participants speculated that this action represented the first step by the federal government toward an eventual permanent ban on handgun ownership in Canada. Some also worried this would have a counter-active effect in that it may spur a rush on handguns by those who were ambivalent about purchasing a handgun and would now be encouraged to do so before the freeze was officially in place. Discussing the implementation of this measure, a few participants questioned how it would be regulated, believing it would be difficult to ascertain who currently owned handguns and how many they had in their possession. A small number felt this would be unfair to gun owners who had invested a great deal financially into these firearms and would now be unable to sell or trade them. Others were of the view that those who were gun collectors, using these firearms for sport, or required handguns to train for careers in sectors such as law enforcement should be exempt from this new measure.

Discussing what more could be done by the federal government related to handguns, some identified the need for a greater emphasis to be placed on addressing underlying issues such as mental health, addiction, gangs, and other factors which were believed to be contributing to gun crime in Canada. It was felt by a number of participants that regulation alone would likely not work and that individuals truly committed to obtaining a firearm for criminal use would likely be able to do so, no matter how strict the laws in place were. A small number were also concerned about how these would impact law-abiding gun owners, believing there should be a greater dialogue established between these individuals and the federal government regarding firearm use in Canada going forward.

NORAD (Quebec Anglophones, GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora, Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, Prince Edward Island Youth, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Vancouver Island Active Military Members and Veterans)

Seven groups engaged in brief discussions related to the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). These included awareness and perspectives regarding the continued national security role of NORAD as well as recent investments by the Government of Canada into the organization.

NORAD Impressions (Quebec Anglophones, GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora, Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, Prince Edward Island Youth, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors)

Six groups shared their general perspectives on NORAD. Across all groups, participants reported a mixed awareness of NORAD, with roughly as many aware of the organization as those who were not. Regionally, while most in the groups comprising residents of Alberta and Anglophones from Quebec and some in the group from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) were aware of NORAD, few of those in the groups from British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec could recall any details about the organization. To aid in conversation, it was clarified for participants that NORAD is a combined organization operated by Canada and the United States responsible for protecting the airspace above the two nations and providing warnings of any aerial threats targeting North America.

Upon receiving this clarification, almost all participants were of the view that NORAD played a role of critical importance to Canada’s national security. It was felt that an ongoing partnership with the United States was necessary in order to protect Canadian airspace and that this relationship was an important component of Canada’s overall security structure. In addition, several participants mentioned the ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia and the potential of this conflict escalating further as additional reasons for NORAD’s continued importance, believing Canada could not afford to leave its airspace undefended.

Discussing whether Canada should consider making changes to its management of air defence amidst the current global geopolitical environment, none felt investments into NORAD should be scaled back. A number of participants put forward suggestions as to how Canada’s national air defence could be enhanced going forward. These included:

• Increased defence spending – A number of participants were of the view that the federal government should focus on increasing its financial support for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and defence spending in general. In addition to recruiting more personnel, participants also identified the need for the CAF to enhance its procurement efforts, ensuring Canadian defence personnel had access to top-of-the-line weapons and equipment;
• Greater research into newly emerging threats – Some also mentioned the need for further research into growing air-based threats such as hypersonic missiles and attacks carried out by drone technology. It was felt these posed some of the most significant concerns related to air defence in the years to come; and
• Northern defence – A few were also concerned about the potential incursion into Canada’s airspace in the North. This was said to be an especially relevant concern given the recent aggressive actions taken by Russia against Ukraine and worries the former may at some point attempt a similar incursion into Canada’s North.

Recent NORAD Investments (Vancouver Island Active Military Members and Veterans)

This group, comprised of active military members and veterans, briefly discussed recent investments made by the Government of Canada towards NORAD. While all were aware of NORAD and its responsibilities, few recalled hearing any recent federal announcements regarding the organization. To clarify, participants were informed that the federal government had recently announced that it will be allocating an additional $4.9 billion over the next six years to bolster NORAD defence capabilities across the Arctic. Participants were mixed in their reactions to this information. While a number felt this to be an important priority, many were pessimistic as to whether this amount was affordable for the federal government and/or believed this funding could be better spent elsewhere. Several identified other issues related to Canada’s defence such as equipment procurement and perceived shortages of CAF personnel. It was believed that these needed to be prioritized higher relative to increasing Canada’s defence capacity in the Arctic. A small number thought that this increased spending should instead be allocated to other issues facing Canadians at present, including housing affordability, high grocery and gasoline prices, and concerns related to Indigenous peoples and communities. A few wanted to hear more about the specifics as to how this money would be spent before determining whether they thought this represented a positive or negative development. Asked what more the Government of Canada should do in terms of enhancing NORAD’s defence capabilities, a number of participants suggested research into automated drone surveillance and missile defence systems. It was said these represented a viable option that would not require a massive influx of additional personnel to operate them.

COVID-19 Outlook and Vaccines (Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine, Prince Edward Island Youth, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Five groups discussed a range of issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These included participant outlooks on how the virus may progress going forward, perspectives regarding the Government of Canada’s handling of the pandemic, views on past and present public health measures, and opinions related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Forecast (Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Prince Edward Island Youth, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors)

Three groups shared their perspectives regarding how the COVID-19 virus would likely evolve in the months and years to come. While most expected there would likely be additional waves, it was widely felt that the worst of the pandemic had passed. Several believed that due to the additional protections provided by the COVID-19 vaccine, Canadians were better prepared to live with the virus and move forward as best they could. A small number expressed concerns regarding the potential of the virus to continue to evolve and mutate, leading to the potential emergence of a more dangerous strain in the future. Very few participants expressed worry about the possibility of contracting COVID-19. A large number reported having already done so in the past and most believed it likely they would contract it at some point in the future. While many were of the view that the virus would likely continue to spread, almost all felt it unlikely that any new public health requirements would be implemented at either the provincial/territorial or federal level. It was widely felt that these measures were not necessary and that there would be little willingness among the general public to adhere to them.

Government of Canada Performance (Prince Edward Island Youth, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Two groups discussed the Government of Canada’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, most felt positively about the federal response, especially in terms of reassuring Canadians during the early months of the pandemic when little was known about the virus. It was added that given how often the virus had evolved over the past two years, the Government of Canada had done the best it could to adapt to and manage the pandemic. Some also mentioned what they viewed as the highly effective roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, believing this had been an efficient process and had been a contributing factor to the relatively high rate of vaccination overall among Canadians compared to other countries such as the United States. A small number also said the federal government had done an effective job at working with governments at the provincial/territorial level. This was felt to be especially important given the wide range of approaches taken in these jurisdictions towards managing the pandemic.

While most felt the overall federal performance to have been effective, several identified areas where they believed the response could have been improved. A number of participants were of the view that financial supports such as the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) should have ended far earlier. It was felt that the significant spending required for these assistance programs had been a contributing factor to the current high rate of inflation and perceived labour shortage, both of which were seen as significant economic challenges at present. A few felt differently, believing these supports had been necessary and had represented an important source of income for those who found themselves out of work for prolonged periods of time during the pandemic.

Public Health Measures (Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Prince Edward Island Youth, Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Four groups engaged in discussions regarding the various public health measures that had been implemented in their respective regions during the pandemic as well as those in place at the federal level. Overall, most viewed public health requirements as sufficient at present. A smaller number of participants (in areas where some restrictions remained) hoped to see these measures removed in the near future. No participants expressed a desire for stricter public health requirements to be implemented.

Regionally, many in the group based in Quebec felt it was reasonable to continue to have some measures (such as mask requirements) in place under certain circumstances such as when riding public transit or in healthcare facilities. In the group from the Prairies (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) where provincial mask requirements in healthcare settings had been rescinded, no participants expressed concern regarding this decision. Among these participants, it was widely believed it was now a matter of personal responsibility when deciding whether to practice public health measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing when ill. Several in the group comprised of younger Canadians residing in Prince Edward Island (PEI) shared the view that while some restrictions had likely been necessary at certain periods during the pandemic, they had also had negative consequences. These included growing mental health challenges felt to be experienced by many due to the isolation and anxiety brought on by the pandemic, a lack of social opportunities for young people, economic challenges for small and medium-sized businesses, and a poorer quality of education for those who had been pursuing post-secondary studies. Among those residing in Alberta, most felt all restrictions should be removed, including those at the federal level requiring facemasks on airplanes and in airports, random testing for travellers, and travel-related vaccine requirements. A small number felt differently, believing these measures represented an important component of protecting against COVID-19 and should remain in place, while a few expressed support for continuing to require non-Canadian travellers to be fully vaccinated.

Engaging in a slightly longer discussion, the group from PEI was also asked for their perspectives regarding a recent announcement by the Government of Canada stating that, as of June 20^th, 2022, it would be suspending vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation services, and for federal employees. All supported the decision. Expanding further, a number of participants expressed the impression that vaccination status did not appear to have much of an impact on the spread of COVID-19 and, as such, vaccine requirements were no longer effective in mitigating the impact of the virus. A few were of the view that these requirements had been very divisive among Canadians and believed they should never have been implemented in the first place.

COVID-19 Vaccine Perspectives (Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta)

Participants residing in small and mid-size centres in Alberta shared their experiences and perspectives regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. To begin, participants were asked whether changing public health measures over the course of the pandemic had affected their opinions regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. No participants felt this to be the case, with many expressing the perception that knowledge regarding the virus was constantly being discovered and that it made sense that the public health response would adapt and evolve with these new discoveries. Several added that they did not feel the two issues to be related to one another. While most felt it was beneficial to be vaccinated against COVID-19, participants were mixed as to whether they were concerned about becoming infected with the virus. Where some expressed the belief that they would likely contract COVID-19 at some point (or had already done so in the past) others were concerned about the possible long-term effects of an infection, including lasting damage to their respiratory system and overall health.

Slightly more participants reported having gotten vaccinated than those who had not. Discussing whether they were worried about the potential long-term impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine, few participants were, with several believing that the benefits of receiving the vaccine outweighed any potential costs. A small number of participants expressed concerns about potential heart issues as well as an overall weakening of their immune system related to the vaccine. While not concerned about their own health, a few others were worried about the potential impacts the COVID-19 vaccine may have on their children, believing there were too many unknowns about the long-term impacts of the vaccine and how it may interact with their less-developed immune systems. Asked whether they were comfortable with their respective decisions as to whether or not to receive the vaccine, most participants were. A small number felt differently, recalling that they had only gotten the vaccine due to work-related requirements and had experienced a great deal of apprehension in doing so.

COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Booster Dose’ (Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine)

This group, comprised of participants who had only received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, discussed their opinions related to the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, otherwise known as the ‘booster dose’. Asked what had contributed to their initial decision to get vaccinated, participants put forward a number of responses. These included concerns regarding the health of immunocompromised relatives and loved ones, the impression that the vaccine would assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19, and for several, fears regarding the potential impacts to their health due to contracting the virus. While most remained comfortable with their decision to get vaccinated, a small number expressed regret, feeling they should have done more research regarding what they viewed as the potential long-term impacts of the vaccine prior to receiving it. No participants had an appointment scheduled to get an additional dose of the vaccine. While a few were adamantly opposed to receiving another dose, now believing the vaccine to be potentially harmful, most were of the view that there was no real point to getting a booster dose, feeling it provided little protection and would not assist in reducing the transmissibility of the virus. Several reported that they were taking a ‘wait and see’ approach, wanting to ensure there were no adverse reactions among those who had already gotten one or multiple boosters before doing so themselves.

Asked whether they had any outstanding questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, some questioned whether it was now expected that Canadians would need to receive boosters on an annual or semi-annual basis. Many believed this to be untenable and expressed a general unwillingness to adhere to a regular booster campaign, especially given their perception that the vaccine had been relatively ineffective at providing protection against and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Focusing on the potential long-term impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine, while several expressed a small amount of concern regarding their personal health or that of their children, most were not overly worried and had not experienced any negative side-effects to date.

Climate Change and Environment (City of Toronto, Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Northern Ontario, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Four groups engaged in discussions regarding initiatives and programs related to environmental sustainability and reducing the impacts of climate change. These included a focus on the federal government’s carbon pricing system as well as the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program.

Carbon Pricing (City of Toronto, Small and Mid-size Centres Alberta, Northern Ontario, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

All four groups discussed the carbon pricing system which had been implemented by the Government of Canada in recent years. Asked whether they had heard of this initiative, while many had, few could recall any specific details regarding what a price on carbon entailed. For those who could offer some details, it was believed that carbon pricing had been put in place for both businesses as well as individual households, and was tied to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions these individuals/corporations produced during their day-to-day activities. A number of participants were of the impression that this price on carbon had been implemented by way of increased taxes on non-renewable energy sources such as gasoline. Related to this, while a few speculated the price on carbon was a contributing factor to perceived high fuel prices at present, others were less certain, believing this rise in costs had been primarily due to other factors such as disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe.

To aid in discussion, groups were provided with additional information regarding the federal carbon pricing system. The information shown to participants varied somewhat among the groups, depending on the province in which they resided:

In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a plan to ensure a price on carbon pollution across the country, giving each province and territory the flexibility to develop a system that works for their circumstances, provided it meets the federal standard. In the five provinces that currently do not meet this standard – Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Alberta – the federal pricing system is in place.

Ontario: All proceeds collected from the federal system in Ontario stay in Ontario – 90% is returned directly to residents in the form of an incentive payment, with a typical household receiving about $745. Until now, individuals have received this in their annual tax return. Starting this July, individuals will be receiving these payments 4 times a year.

Prairies (Manitoba/Saskatchewan): All proceeds collected from the federal system in Manitoba and Saskatchewan stay in each respective province – 90% is returned directly to residents in the form of an incentive payment, with a typical household receiving between roughly $830 and $1,100 depending on the province. Until now, individuals have received this in their annual tax return. Starting this July, individuals will be receiving these payments 4 times a year. The remaining 10% is invested in projects across communities, like making schools more energy efficient, that reduce the province's overall carbon emissions. There is also carbon pricing in place for industries. Heavy emitters have to reduce emissions or risk paying extra for carbon pollution if they exceed their sector's emissions limit. The more the industry pollutes, the more it pays, which has proven to be the most efficient way to drive down emissions. A typical Manitoba household receives $832 and a typical Saskatchewan household receives $1101.

Alberta: All proceeds collected from the federal system in Alberta stay in Alberta – 90% is returned directly to residents in the form of an incentive payment, with a typical household receiving about $1,079. Until now, individuals have received this in their annual tax return. Starting this July, individuals will be receiving these payments 4 times a year.

On balance, most were supportive of the implementation of a federal price on carbon. It was expressed by several that climate change represented a major issue and that it was important to have a plan in place to mitigate its effects. A few expressed disappointment that a number of provinces were currently not meeting the emission standards set out by the federal government. Participants were mixed in their opinions regarding the incentive payments being returned to Canadians in their province. A large number were of the view that these amounts should not be returned to citizens, believing this reduced the impact of this policy as a disincentive for carbon emitting behaviours. Among others who felt these payments represented a positive development, many were pleased that these amounts were being redistributed directly to individual households rather than utilized by the federal government for its own operations. A number in the group from northern Ontario reacted positively upon learning that all the money collected as a result of carbon emitting activities within Ontario would remain in the province and not be redistributed on a national level. Some of those residing in the City of Toronto were of the view that those in urban centres (such as Toronto) experiencing higher levels of pollution should be compensated to a greater extent than those in more rural areas, given the higher perceived danger to their health of living in these environments. While still in favour of a federal price on carbon, some in the group from Alberta felt there should be a greater emphasis placed on large corporations rather than individual Canadians, believing the former were responsible for a significant amount of the greenhouse gas emissions currently being produced. A few participants were of the opinion that given high gasoline prices at present the federal government should temporarily suspend the carbon pricing system until these costs had returned to a more ‘normal’ level.

Informed that the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) found that 80% of households in affected provinces would be receiving more money back in the form of incentive payments than they spent on carbon pricing through their household purchases, participants were varied in their reactions. While a number of participants saw this as a sign of good faith that the carbon pricing system would not be unfairly punitive to most Canadians, many others were more skeptical. Several, including many in the groups from Alberta and northern Ontario, felt this may disproportionately impact those living in rural areas who may need to spend more on energy and fuel and would likely emit more greenhouse gases as a result. Some, who were of the impression that they paid more towards the price on carbon than they received in return, expressed surprise upon hearing this information, assuming this suggested they were among the 20% of highest emitting households.

Discussing whether they believed this policy was fair, most in the groups based in the City of Toronto, northern Ontario, and the Prairies felt that it was while those in Alberta were more mixed. For those in support of the implementation of a federal price on carbon, it was reiterated that climate change remained a pressing issue and that by introducing economic deterrents, the federal government was likely taking the most straightforward approach towards addressing this issue. For those in the group from Alberta, while some felt this to be a necessary initiative, others reiterated concerns regarding the disproportionate impact this may have on those living in rural communities or those whose livelihoods necessitated driving long distances and thus required them to pay more in fuel costs. A few in the group from the Prairies expressed concerns regarding the effect this may have on small or medium-sized farms who may have high energy costs yet would not have as many financial reserves to pay the extra costs added by the carbon pricing system.

Asked an additional question as to whether they believed this program was affordable, most in the two groups based in Ontario felt that it was not. Many were of the view that rather than being redistributed to Canadians, the amounts collected through the carbon pricing system should be reinvested into sustainable and environmentally-oriented programs and initiatives designed by the federal government. Expanding upon this, some felt the money collected could be used to finance the expansion of public transit systems across Canada, providing alternative modes of transportation for Canadians other than personal automobiles. A small number reiterated the view that this program should be suspended while gas prices and the general cost of living remained high, believing many were struggling financially at present and that a price on carbon did not make things any easier.

Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles Program (Northern Ontario, Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Participants in two groups discussed the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program. Asked whether they had heard of this program, while several participants had, few could recall any specific details. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the iZEV Program offers point-of-sale incentives to consumers who buy or lease a ZEV that meets the program requirements. In addition, participants were informed that along with various other types of automobiles, this program also applies to pickup trucks where the base model Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is less than $60,000. It was clarified that only new ZEVs would be eligible for this incentive.

Asked for their perspectives on this program, specifically with respect to its inclusion of pickup trucks, many expressed a number of limitations related to the iZEV initiative. Even with the focus on larger classes of ZEVs such as pickups, most in northern Ontario felt the program had little appeal while those in the group from the Prairies were more mixed in their opinions. A number of those in the group from northern Ontario were of the view that while this program may be beneficial for those in the southern part of the province or urban centres, it was unlikely to be helpful to those in their region. Many were of the impression that ZEVs would not be able to operate in more rural or remote communities, especially given concerns regarding extreme snowfall in the winter months and the long distances those residing in these areas were frequently required to drive. Related to this, while a number of participants in both groups expressed interest in purchasing a ZEV, they did not believe these vehicles would be able to suit their needs at present. It was felt by several that prior to them purchasing a ZEV, there would need to be advancements towards ensuring longer battery life for these vehicles as well as greater investments into infrastructure such as charging stations.

Many also mentioned affordability as a primary barrier related to this program. Several commented on what they perceived to be the general unaffordability of ZEVs at present, believing these vehicles to be prohibitively expensive for many lower and middle-income Canadians. Others also expressed that it would be difficult to find a pickup truck with an MSRP under $60,000 and that the federal government may be underestimating the true cost of these vehicles. With this in mind, very few felt the pricing criteria outlined in this program would incentivize them.

Speaking about ZEVs more generally, several were supportive of the environmental benefits these vehicles provided. While many expected a large number of Canadians would eventually make the transition to ZEVs it was said this may take a long time to achieve. Expanding upon this, it was felt that due to concerns regarding affordability and a lack of charging stations, the current federal timeline requiring all car and passenger truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035 may be somewhat unrealistic.

Housing Affordability (City of Toronto, Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine)

Two groups discussed issues related to housing in Canada. These conversations focused both on housing affordability in general as well as specific initiatives related to housing that had been announced by the Government of Canada as part of the recent 2022 federal Budget.

Housing Perspectives (Lower Mainland British Columbia Received Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine)

This group, based in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (B.C.), engaged in a brief discussion regarding housing affordability in their region as well as throughout Canada as a whole. Asked if they could recall any recent initiatives or announcements from the federal government related to housing, while some recalled the announcement of a new Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) specifically for first-time home buyers, few could recall anything else. Discussing the most pressing housing issues facing their region at present, almost all felt housing affordability to be a major problem. This was felt to be especially the case for low-income Canadians who struggled both to purchase a home as well as to find affordable rental options in their area. A number of participants were of the view that younger Canadians in particular were struggling with the housing market at present, believing that in most cases young people needed financial assistance from their parents to afford the high down payments necessary to purchase a home. Some also identified the difficulties now being faced by homeowners, believing that amidst rising interest rates many would likely face significantly higher mortgage payments in the months and years to come.

Asked what actions they felt the Government of Canada could take to assist those struggling to find affordable housing, a number of responses were provided. These included:

• Building more new homes – A number of participants thought a lack of supply to be a key issue related to housing at present and believed the federal government needed to place an additional emphasis on constructing new homes. Related to this, some suggested ideas such as renovating abandoned or derelict existing housing as well as the establishment of new ‘social housing’ projects developed and operated by the federal government itself;
• Implementing a permanent ban on non-Canadian (non-resident) homebuyers – While some had heard about the announcement of a recent temporary two-year prohibition of non-Canadians purchasing residential housing in Canada, several did not believe this went far enough. It was said this ban should be made permanent and that additional efforts be taken to address perceived ‘loopholes’ that they suspected some foreign buyers (such as students) would likely use to try and get around these new rules;
• Increased taxation on empty homes – Some also suggested the implementation of additional tax penalties for homeowners leaving their properties vacant rather than living in them or renting them out. This was thought to be a growing issue at present and one that needed serious attention from governments at both the provincial and federal level. In addition, it was suggested the federal government should consider introducing legislation placing limits on the number of properties an individual or company could potentially own. Some were of the view that far too many were using Canadian housing as investment vehicles rather than actual homes in which they planned to live;
• Enhanced public transit infrastructure – A few participants also suggested investments be made into public transit and expanding the reach of these systems to a greater number of areas within the Lower Mainland. It was thought that by doing so, housing options in suburban areas would become more accessible for those working in larger cities such as Vancouver allowing them to consider more affordable options outside of the City; and
• A greater focus on co-operative housing options – A small number also felt there should be increased financing allocated to the development of co-operative housing projects. This was believed to represent an alternative pathway to homeownership for those who may not be able to afford to purchase a home on their own.

Budget 2022 Housing Initiatives (City of Toronto)

Participants in this group engaged in a discussion regarding a number of recent housing-related initiatives announced as part of Budget 2022. All participants identified housing as an issue of critical importance at present. When asked how the federal government was performing on this front, however, many were uncertain, feeling they did not know enough about recent federal activities to determine whether it was currently on the right or wrong track in addressing this issue.

The group next engaged in a number of exercises discussing recent announcements and initiatives from the Budget, and were asked to identify which they felt would be most effective towards addressing housing affordability. Focusing first on the challenge of providing additional housing options for Canadians, participants were presented with the following initiatives:

• A new Housing Accelerator Fund providing money to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes;
• Repurposing existing infrastructure budgets to prioritize the construction of additional new homes;
• Providing $750 million in new public transit funding to municipalities that commit their own money to building new housing;
• An additional $1.5 billion investment over two years for new affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence;
• An additional $2.9 billion over four years for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which creates new low-income housing and repairs existing low-income housing;
• An additional $216 million to incentivize developers to build new rental units that charge less than the average rent in the areas they are built in;
• An additional $500 million investment to expand co-operative housing in Canada, with a pledge to give an additional $1 billion in loans to co-op housing projects; and
• An additional $150 million over two years for housing in the northern territories.

Among these initiatives, those related to increasing the number of housing options for low-income Canadians and marginalized populations received the highest level of support. Almost all participants identified the investment of an additional $1.5 billion (over two years) towards new affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence as a particularly important initiative. It was said that in most cases, those experiencing these challenges had few places to go and that this often led to them remaining in dangerous situations. It was thought that homelessness in particular had become a more prevalent issue over the past two years, primarily due to the economic and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most also expressed support regarding the announcement of an additional $2.9 billion (over four years) for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, focusing on creating new affordable housing options as well as repairing existing low-income housing. It was said that low-income Canadians were likely the most in need of assistance with housing and that by taking these actions, the Government of Canada could play a pivotal role in ensuring these individuals had a safe and secure place to live.

Several also expressed support for the commitment of an additional $500 million towards expanding co-operative housing in Canada, including a pledge to provide an additional $1 billion in loans for these types of projects. It was thought that co-operative housing represented a viable and realistic pathway towards home ownership for many and, additionally, fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility among those living in these dwellings. Some also reacted positively to the creation of a new Housing Accelerator Fund providing funding to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes throughout Canada. It was said that limited supply remained a major driver behind rising housing prices and this initiative may assist towards alleviating this issue.

Very few identified the proposal to repurpose existing infrastructure budgets to prioritize the construction of additional new homes as well as the allocation of an additional $216 million incentivizing developers to build new affordable rental units as particularly promising initiatives. Additionally, no participants mentioned the provision of $750 million in new public transit funding to municipalities that commit their own money to housing or the pledge of an additional $150 million over two years for housing in Northern communities.

Participants next focused on a second set of priorities, this time specifically concerning the issue of housing affordability and creating additional pathways to homeownership for Canadians. Groups were shown the following initiatives:

• A Tax-Free First Home Savings Account allowing prospective first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards their purchase;
• Doubling the existing First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000;
• A one-time $500 payment to Canadians facing housing affordability challenges;
• Expanding the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive to allow more flexibility and making it easier for single Canadians to access;
• An additional $200 million to increase rent-to-own housing options; and
• A $562 million investment over two years in funding organizations addressing homelessness, plus $62 million specifically to address homelessness among veterans.

Of these initiatives, several participants focused on those related to first-time home buyers as particularly promising. A large number mentioned the initiatives to create a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account allowing prospective home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free towards the purchase of their first home. In addition, many also identified the expansion of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Incentive which would allow for greater flexibility and easier access for single Canadians. It was felt first-time home buyers, especially younger Canadians, often had few options towards saving up for and affording the down payments necessary for home ownership, and that these initiatives could go a long way towards assisting on this front. Related to these initiatives, the pledge to double the existing First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit from "$5,000" to "$10,000" only received limited support.

A large number of participants also identified the allocation of an additional $200 million towards rent-to-own housing options as a potentially helpful initiative. Many believed this represented a realistic pathway forward, particularly for younger and low and middle income Canadians who were believed to frequently struggle with saving up enough to afford a down payment. It was said that this could provide greater autonomy for many Canadians, allowing the rent they pay to contribute towards the eventual goal of homeownership and giving them a goal to work towards. A number of participants felt this initiative could be potentially helpful to them personally. Several also mentioned the investment of $562 million (over two years) towards funding organizations addressing homelessness, as well as an additional $62 million specifically for veterans experiencing homelessness, as a positive initiative. In addition to this being seen as a prevalent issue in many regions of the country, a number of participants were of the view that this was the right thing to do from a moral perspective. Very few felt the provision of a one-time $500 payment to those experiencing housing affordability challenges to be helpful, with many of the opinion that this amount was far too low to make any tangible difference in the housing situation of those receiving it and could be better spent elsewhere.

Participants were next shown an additional set of initiatives, this time focused on protecting Canadians in the housing market. The list of initiatives shown to each group included:

• Ending blind bidding (blind bidding is where home buyers don’t know how much others are bidding);
• Creating taxation penalties to stop landlords from doing ‘renovictions’ (a renoviction occurs when a landlord evicts a tenant by claiming they will complete major renovations);
• A ban on all non-Canadians buying residential properties in Canada for two years;
• New taxation rules to deter house flipping; and
• Making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable to deter speculators from buying homes and leaving them vacant (an assignment sale is when a seller sells their interest in a property before they take possession).

On balance, all initiatives received a significant level of support, with a number of participants expressing the view that each of the above priorities would likely have a positive impact on helping Canadians navigate the housing market.

Almost all participants identified the creation of taxation penalties to prevent landlords from engaging in practices such as ‘renovictions’ as an important initiative. It was said that this was a frequent problem in many areas and represented a lack of fairness on the part of landlords. Some expressed having personally known individuals who had dealt with this issue. A large number also mentioned the pledge to end blind bidding as especially important. It was believed that in many cases this process had served to artificially drive up housing prices, with realtors exploiting the desperation of prospective home buyers to enter the housing market and encouraging higher bids than these individuals may be able to afford.

Several also reacted positively to the announcement of a two-year ban on all non-Canadians from buying residential properties in Canada. It was thought that foreign buyers had significantly increased Canadian home prices in recent decades and that, in many cases, the housing units they purchased were often left vacant and primarily served as investment vehicles rather than homes. While almost all were in favour of this action, some clarified that they did not want to see those immigrating to Canada to live and work included in this ban, believing anyone seeking to contribute to the country should have the opportunity to purchase a home. Only a small number identified tax-related initiatives such as the introduction of new rules to deter house flipping and taxation of assignment sales of new and renovated housing (to deter speculation) as the actions they felt would be most effective towards addressing housing affordability in Canada.

Seniors and Aging (Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors, Southwestern New Brunswick)

Two groups engaged in discussions related to issues facing seniors as well as the impact of an aging population on Canada’s economic and social future. Participants spoke about a number of concerns related to seniors and aging, as well as potential actions the Government of Canada could take to address these issues.

Seniors’ Issues (Quebec Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Seniors)

Participants in this group, comprised of seniors from the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, discussed a number of issues of importance to seniors in Canada. To begin, participants were asked to identify what they felt to be the most important issues facing Canadians at present. A wide range of responses were shared, including:

• Climate change and the environment – A large number mentioned the environment as a key area of concern, and were worried about the potential impacts of climate change and how these may affect their children and grandchildren in the future. While many were aware of a number of federal announcements and initiatives on this front, participants were generally of the impression that the Government of Canada had typically fallen short of meeting its climate-related objectives;
• Inflation and the rising cost of living – Several also were worried about the perceived high rate of inflation and rising cost of living at present, with some indicating they were currently struggling to afford essentials such as groceries, gasoline, and electricity for their homes. This was said to be a particular issue for those on fixed incomes which were not keeping pace with rising inflation;
• Education – Others also mentioned education as an important area of focus, believing tuition and related post-secondary costs had become exorbitant in recent decades. It was suggested that the federal government needed to prioritize the implementation of more affordable and accessible post-secondary education to a greater extent going forward; and
• Potential labour shortages – A small number were also concerned about what they viewed as growing labour shortages in critical fields, such as healthcare. It was suggested that a greater emphasis be placed on expediting the foreign credential recognition process for non-Canadian workers, believing this would assist in alleviating this shortage of skilled workers at present.

Asked to focus on areas of concern specifically related to seniors, participants mentioned a number of issues they believed required greater attention from the federal government. Many reiterated the view that the rising cost of living was an issue of paramount importance. It was believed that a large number of seniors were already struggling to make ends meet and that a loss of purchasing power due to rising inflation had only exacerbated this issue. A large number felt the amounts provided through pensions and other financial supports were no longer sufficient to meet their everyday needs. In addition, several also identified healthcare as an important issue for seniors. Related to this, some expressed the desire to see an increase in healthcare transfers from the Government of Canada to support provinces/territories in improving the quality and accessibility of care in their jurisdictions.

Discussing the performance of the federal government related to addressing those issues most important to seniors, no participants felt it was currently on the right track. A number of participants expressed the view that the federal government needed to be doing far more to provide them with assistance. Focusing on potential ways the Government of Canada could improve on this front, participants put forward a number of suggestions. These included greater communication with seniors, assistance towards allowing seniors to remain in their homes as long as possible (rather than moving to a long-term care facility), and the provision of greater financial resources to the provinces/territories targeted towards increasing the quality of care received by seniors. Asked whether they felt Government of Canada makes an effort to reach out to seniors and/or prioritizes them in its decision making, no participants believed this to be the case.

Focusing on the sources they would typically use to receive their news, many indicated that they often relied upon social media and digital platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Several also reported continuing to rely upon traditional media such as television and radio, identifying channels/stations such as Radio-Canada, TVO, Press Plus, and L’Actualité. While few indicated they would be likely to actively seek out information related to the Government of Canada, those who did reported they would typically utilize websites such as Google or websites run directly by the federal government to verify any news items they had heard.

Asked whether they receive the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, several participants indicated that they did. Additionally, a smaller number reported that they were recipients of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Discussing these supports, many reiterated that these payments were not enough to meet their needs at present, and had not adjusted quickly enough to reflect rising costs and inflation. Though participants shared that the payments were helpful, a large number indicated that they frequently had to resort to other sources of income to sustain themselves. Asked about potential changes that could be made to the OAS or GIS, many were of the view that these supports should be indexed to inflation in order to account for the increased cost of living.

Focusing on potential actions that could be taken by the federal government related to seniors, participants evaluated a number of current and potential initiatives targeted towards addressing seniors’ issues. Participants were shown the following list of initiatives:

• Assist community-based organizations in providing support that helps low-income and vulnerable seniors stay at home for as long as possible;
• Establish an expert panel to provide recommendations for establishing an aging in place benefit (the goal would be to help seniors stay in their own home as they get older);
• Continue leading work on seniors’ programming including the New Horizons for Seniors Program (this program provides funding for projects that make a difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities);
• Ensure seniors’ eligibility for the GIS is not negatively impacted if they received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);
• Improve the quality and availability of long-term care homes and beds (this includes working with provinces and territories to improve infection prevention and control measures, identify shared principles, and develop national standards to ensure seniors get the care they deserve);
• Increase the GIS by $500 for single seniors and $750 for couples (per year) starting at age 65;
• Provide seniors with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits (This could include calling a single 1-800 number to obtain information on a program, like CPP or OAS, without having to separately search for information on each); and
• Strengthen Canada’s approach to elder abuse (this includes finalizing the national definition of elder abuse, investing in better data collection and establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse).

Among these initiatives, the proposal to increase the GIS by $500 for single seniors and $750 for couples (beginning at age 65) received enthusiastic support from many participants. It was said this would help a great deal towards offsetting increased costs resulting from the present high rate of inflation. Participants stressed that this benefit was used to meet essential needs, rather than for luxury purposes, and that this increase would likely be of critical importance to some.

A number of participants also reacted positively regarding initiatives that would allow seniors to remain in their homes as they age, including the initiative to assist community-based organizations in providing support assisting low-income and vulnerable seniors stay at home as long as possible. Many expressed a strong personal desire to remain in their own homes rather than transition to long-term care facilities, and felt this initiative would assist them in doing so. It was also suggested that these community organizations could develop more community-based programming and activities to help prevent seniors living alone from feeling isolated. Also related to allowing seniors to remain in their homes, the plan to establish an expert panel to provide recommendations for establishing an aging in place benefit received similarly positive reactions. Along with this support, however, a small number expressed concerns that the panel would add an additional layer of bureaucracy that might impede the ability of seniors to remain in their homes rather than assist them. Others were worried that the panel could be expensive, and that the funding it required could be better deployed to target other issues.

The initiative to ensure seniors’ eligibility for the GIS would not be negatively impacted due to their receipt of pandemic-related supports such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) received a moderate level of support from participants. So too did the plan to strengthen Canada’s approach to elder abuse. While several were of the view that these programs might be helpful, it was felt the benefits would not be as valuable as increasing GIS benefits or providing more options to age in their own homes.

The plan to provide seniors with a single point of access to a wide range of federal services and benefits received only limited support. Many participants reported being mostly satisfied with the existing options they had to access information that was relevant to them. No participants selected the initiative to continue leading work on seniors’ programming including the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Participants were largely unfamiliar with this program and did not know how it would help address seniors’ issues. Many also worried the plan to improve the quality and availability of long-term care homes and bed went against the priority of allowing seniors to age at home. Despite this lack of support, however, no participants felt this initiative should not be pursued. It was said that while they may not be interested, other seniors could potentially benefit from these improvements to long-term care.

Aging Population (Southwestern New Brunswick)

Participants in the group from New Brunswick engaged in a brief conversation regarding the potential impact of an aging population within their province. To begin this discussion, participants were asked to evaluate how relevant they believed this issue to be in New Brunswick. Many were of the view that this issue had become increasingly prevalent as of late and would likely continue to worsen going forward. Some were of the impression that in addition to the province’s own aging population, many retirees from other parts of Canada had been relocating to New Brunswick due to the perceived lower housing prices and cost of living in the region.

Provided further information on this issue, participants were informed that (according to the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data, and Training) New Brunswick has one of the oldest populations in the country and that the number of seniors in the province was expected to double within the next 20 years. Asked to identify the biggest challenges that might arise from having an aging population, participants shared a number of concerns. It was felt by many that this would lead to a further increase in housing prices, especially given the perceived influx of retirees for other parts of the country. Related to this, some were worried this would compel younger people to leave New Brunswick in search of more affordable housing, further aggravating the issue of an aging population in the province. A number of others expressed worry about the potential economic disruption this issue could cause, with a lack of younger workers available to replace those who are retiring or would soon be doing so. This was felt to be a particularly prominent concern in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and other trades which were believed to be less popular among young people today. Several were also concerned about the potential impact this would have on the healthcare system, which was perceived to already be significantly strained in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was said that New Brunswick’s aging population may result in increased healthcare expenses and longer wait times in emergency rooms and walk-in clinics. A small number mentioned the erosion of the tax base as an issue of concern, questioning how the provincial government would be able to fund public programs in the decades to come.

Asked how the Government of Canada might address the issues presented by an aging population, participants put forward a number of suggestions. It was said by some that the federal government should increase targeted immigration initiatives, prioritizing the recruitment of skilled workers who could work in areas of need, such as healthcare and the trades. Others felt this issue could be solved without increasing immigration, believing that the federal government should prioritize incentivizing those already living in Canada (and young people in particular) to consider working in these sectors. A small number also suggested that the training and certification process in sectors such as healthcare be made less onerous going forward. It was believed that there was presently a significant need for doctors, nurses, and specialists throughout much of the country and that the large investment of time and financial resources required for training for these positions represented a significant barrier for many interested in working in the sector.

Relationship with China (GTHA (excluding City of Toronto) Chinese Diaspora)

Participants in the group comprising members of the Chinese diaspora within Canada discussed the Government of Canada’s current relationship with China as well as their perspectives regarding how this relationship had evolved in recent years. Many characterized the present relationship as tense and occasionally adversarial. A number of participants were of the opinion that China’s rise as a major economic power in recent decades had been a primary factor contributing to these increased tensions. It was felt that as China asserted itself to a greater extent on the global stage, Canada and its allies (such as the United States) had been compelled to take a closer look at their economic ties with China as well as the reported human rights abuses taking place within China’s borders. Regarding this latter issue, some expressed the view that Canada was not currently doing enough to speak out against human rights issues in China and was exhibiting too much caution in its willingness to be critical of the Chinese government. In addition to China’s growing economic power, some also identified the events surrounding the extradition of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies as a key factor in the deterioration of the Sino-Canadian relationship.

Discussing how they expected Canada-China relations to evolve going forward, several expected China to continue to grow as a global economic power and believed this could potentially lead to increasing tensions, especially if the perceived rivalry between China and the United States continued to deepen. While most felt the Government of Canada should continue to maintain an economic and trade relationship with China, very few wanted to see the development of stronger ties. Several felt that by doing so Canada would run the risk of alienating crucial allies such as the United States as well as potentially expose itself to security risks, particularly those related to cybersecurity and espionage. While the Sino-Canadian economic relationship continued to be viewed as important, a number of participants expressed the need to balance this with the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to human rights. It was felt these were important principles to stand up for, even if it ran the risk of increasing the tension with China further.

Universal Basic Income (Northern Ontario)

Participants in the group from Northern Ontario engaged in a brief discussion regarding their views on the potential introduction of a universal basic income (UBI) program in Canada. Many were familiar with the concept of UBI as well as its objective of providing individuals with a level of income ensuring they can meet their basic needs such as food, housing, and clothing. Only a small number, however, were aware of a previous basic income trial program that had been tested in Thunder Bay. Among those who had heard about this, few details could be recalled.

Discussing whether they felt future UBI trial programs should be considered, most were against such an initiative. Many expressed concern that some would take advantage of these programs, utilizing them as a way to meet their financial needs while also abstaining from working. Expanding upon this, it was felt by several that the implementation of these problems would be unfair to those who would continue to have to work. A small number were also concerned that the introduction of a UBI program would result in additional dependency on the federal government, which they viewed as a negative development. It was also suggested by some that the funds required to deliver a UBI program might be better directed toward economic development, job creation, or increasing the amount of affordable housing in their communities. While sentiments regarding new UBI programs were generally negative, a few expressed a willingness to reconsider their positions if evidence could be produced that the results of previous initiatives (such as the Thunder Bay program) had been demonstrably positive.

Focusing on potential implications of UBI programs, participants were informed that while some said this type of program would help Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living, others were worried that this additional influx of money into the economy would drive up prices and worsen inflation further. Asked which of these perspectives they felt was more realistic, all felt the introduction of a UBI would have a negative impact on Canada’s economic situation. Some compared UBI to pandemic-related financial supports such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which they believed had been a major contributing factor towards rising inflation and overall price increases. It was suggested that a basic income program would likely be more impactful if, rather than being allocated universally, it was targeted primarily towards low-income Canadians, those living with disabilities, and other marginalized groups who may require additional assistance.

Immigration and Foreign Credential Recognition (Major Centres Prairies Filipino Diaspora)

Participants in this group, comprised of members of the Filipino diaspora in Canada, engaged in a discussion concerning immigration and the challenges frequently faced by immigrants upon their arrival to Canada. Participants were largely mixed as to whether the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to immigration. For those who felt positively about the federal government’s performance on this front, the view was expressed that Canada’s immigration policy had been beneficial in addressing critical labour shortages which several believed had occurred in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of others said that the Government of Canada had been helpful in its implementation and funding of non-profit and settlement organizations targeted towards assisting immigrants upon their arrival in Canada. Focusing on their personal experiences, many expressed gratitude at having had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada in the first place. In addition, it was said that the federal government had done an excellent job in its efforts to accommodate Ukrainians who had fled their homeland following the invasion of Russian forces. For those who felt more negatively regarding the Government of Canada’s performance related to immigration, most criticisms focused on the perceived backlog and wait times for important documents such as work or student visas. A number of participants expressed the view that the processing times for these applications frequently took far longer than expected, and that applicants often received limited communication from the federal government regarding the status of their application or the reason for any delays.

Asked what the most pressing issues were related to Canada’s immigration system, participants mentioned a wide range of concerns. Unprompted, many mentioned the foreign credential recognition process and underemployment of newly arriving immigrants as significant problems. Several were of the impression that in many circumstances, skilled immigrants were not being hired into their sectors of expertise as a result of lacking necessary credentials to practice in Canada. It was believed by a few participants that there were currently insufficient resources in Canada for immigrants to upgrade their skills and receive the training and certification necessary to work in their fields of choice.

Discussing how the Government of Canada might respond to these problems and improve the immigration system in Canada going forward, participants provided a wide range of suggestions. Many felt that more could be done to support settlement organizations and programs, both in terms of increased funding as well as directly advertising these opportunities to new immigrants. It was believed that these organizations could play a crucial role in assisting new immigrants in finding employment, connecting with other immigrants, and accessing services at the federal and provincial/territorial level. In addition, it was felt the federal government could do more to offer mental health supports to newly arriving immigrants who may be experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness in their new country.

Focusing specifically on the foreign credential recognition process, many reiterated the view that this represented a prominent issue for immigrants. Several had experienced difficulties firsthand in this regard or had heard first-hand accounts from friends and family members who had encountered these barriers. Related to this, a large number of participants identified underemployment and de-professionalization as additional challenges for immigrants. Discussing how the Government of Canada might address these issues, many expressed the view that immigrant training programs were currently overburdened. It was suggested that by allocating increased resources toward these programs, the federal government would be able to more effectively meet the needs of newly arriving immigrants. A number of others thought that incentivizing employers to hire new immigrants may be an effective way of reducing underemployment for these individuals and ensuring they were not being overlooked in the labour market. A small number also believed that Canadian post-secondary institutions and employers should be more open to recognizing courses completed at foreign colleges and universities, increasing the ability of immigrants to study and work in their areas of expertise. A number of participants recalled having personally worked in low-paying service, domestic, or manufacturing jobs as a result of their educational credentials not being recognized in Canada.

Canadian Armed Forces (Vancouver Island Active Military Members and Veterans)

One focus group was held among veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) residing on Vancouver Island. The discussion in this group was wide-ranging, eliciting participants’ views on the role of the CAF and federal government support to current and former CAF members.

Participants took pride in their service and in the institution itself, both with respect to what they viewed as the CAF’s longstanding tradition of serving Canadians at home as well as its contribution to international peace and security. The point was made by some participants that Canada’s military, while smaller in comparison to the armed forces of other G7 and NATO nations, has been able to play a significant role in international engagements and, in fact, to have an outsize impact relative to its size. Participants generally felt that the CAF’s international contribution was appreciated around the world. At the same time, some concerns were expressed that perceived underfunding and under-resourcing in the Canadian military was leading to some criticism among Canada’s allies. Participants also remarked on the need for a well crafted and relevant defence plan along with effective high-level leadership at the top, viewing these as key to the success of Canadian military operations.

When asked whether the CAF could do more in some areas and less in others, participants felt there were opportunities to shift priorities to some extent. While of the view that the CAF was generally doing the best it could with current resources, there was a sense that the CAF could engage more actively on domestic issues. By way of example, specific mention was made of access to safe, clean drinking water on First Nations reserves, with some participants suggesting that army engineers could offer their skills and expertise to resolve this. The issue was described by some as a national crisis, and it was felt that military assets should be deployed in response.

Later in the discussion participants shared their views on the role of the military in helping residents of Vancouver Island to fight climate-related impacts. Many concurred that Canadians and the Canadian military should be better prepared to address domestic issues, such as wildfires, which they felt would become more commonplace as a result of climate change and global warming. However, they were concerned that the military lacked the personnel, resources and capability to respond. Others were not confident that the CAF was adequately prepared to combat climate-related disasters or that any plans had been put in place to address large scale weather events and climate hazards.

Participants engaged in a conversation about what they felt was currently working well in the CAF, identifying the following in response:

• C-17 aircraft – The purchase of these large military transport aircraft was viewed favourably. Participants commented that they work well for the purpose for which they were intended;
• LAV IIIs – Participants were enthusiastic about the purchase and delivery of Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV), which have subsequently been upgraded to LAV 6.0, and viewed these as an important improvement in Canadian infantry carrier capability;
• Mental health services – General comments were made to the effect that there have been substantial improvements with respect to access to and the quality of mental health care services for active CAF members and veterans; and
• Addressing sexual harassment in the military – Some believed that progress in this area was being made, although it was also acknowledged that there was considerably more work to be done.

On the question as to what could be improved, participants focused primarily on personal equipment. Situations were recounted by some participants whereby uniforms for the Canadian military were purchased via fundraising events, rather than being provided by the Government of Canada. Others commented on deployments where they had been equipped with gear, including weaponry, considered to be vastly out of date or obsolete. For example, some recalled using a Korean War era Browning 9 mm semi-automatic weapon which had been in service since 1935, although it was their understanding that newer Sig Sauer side arms were in use by other Canadian units. There was general agreement among participants that these issues could be attributed to a faulty procurement process, which some felt focused less on what the military needed and more on the least expensive options.

Participants did not feel that the Government of Canada had proactively addressed these issues, describing the current approach to procurement as reactive and one which demonstrates a lack of foresight. They felt the federal government did not place a sufficient priority on ensuring the Canadian military is properly equipped, describing the equipment as antiquated and the procurement process as slow and inefficient. A major issue was seen to be the lengthy procurement timeframe from issuance of a bid to receipt of the goods, which some noted took a decade or more. Others commented on the role of civilians in the procurement process, remarking that the turnover of assigned military personnel resulted in a lack of continuity and a loss of knowledge.

As the conversation progressed, participants were asked about the top issues impacting the CAF which the federal government should prioritize. Some concerns which had been raised earlier were reiterated in response, with a particular focus on the following:

• Increasing funding for the Canadian military;
• Replacing outdated and/or inoperable military equipment;
• Enhancing the capacity of the military with additional personnel and resources;
• Ensuring competent leadership at the helm of the organization; and
• Cutting costs and improving efficiencies by replacing civilian contracts with military personnel.

On the last point, several participants felt that the Canadian military had lost important skill sets by outsourcing maintenance contracts to civilian-led companies. They were concerned that it would be difficult to rebuild these capabilities but also believed that doing so might offer opportunities and a career path for service members who become disabled or were unable to perform active duties.

Few participants were aware of any work the Government of Canada had been doing or was planning to do to address any of the above-noted issues with two exceptions: expanding Canada’s northern defence capability within NORAD and promoting ethnic diversity within the CAF. Views were split as to whether the federal government was on the right or the wrong track with respect to the priorities participants had listed. Participants felt that defence-related procurement decisions were influenced by political considerations and felt that to move in a more positive direction, the Government of Canada needed to depoliticize its approach and make a stronger effort to retain service members by ensuring they get the equipment they need.

Racism and Misconduct in the Canadian Military

Most participants believed that racism is not as common today in the Canadian military as it may have been in the past, although they also acknowledged that the standard regarding what constitutes racism and what is considered racist behaviour has evolved over time. Comments offered by veterans in the focus group suggested that racist slurs which were overlooked in the past, both by leadership and the victims or recipients of such slurs, would not be acceptable now. Others remarked that, while they did not see many examples of racist behaviour and believed most members of the military would stand up to any displays of racism, it may still be happening in ways that are not readily apparent. They questioned whether racism might be seen as a more prevalent issues from the perspective of various equity-deserving groups in the CAF. Nevertheless, most were of the view that racism or racial bias in the military was not a particularly pressing problem.

Participants felt that the federal government had actively and appropriately addressed the issue of racism in the military through various initiatives, including offering more options and channels for CAF members to report an incident of harassment or file a grievance. Specifically, participants were supportive of the ability of service members to contact someone outside their chain of command, and in some cases outside the military, if they had a complaint. It was felt that this would allow individuals to come forward in a more secure environment which would protect their identity and reduce any possible repercussions from superior officers.

Postings and Career Progression

Participants engaged in a brief discussion regarding postings and career progression. When asked whether it was reasonable for those who want to progress in their military careers to accept postings or whether CAF members should be able to progress through their careers in one location, most opted for the latter. Indeed, some felt that service members should have the ability to opt out entirely of promotions and/or postings in order to be able to put down roots in one location on a more permanent basis. Others mentioned that non-commissioned members (NCMs), up to a certain rank, were generally not required to move although they nevertheless have opportunities to gain leadership experience and move up the ranks of the military. A few commented that the requirement to move likely depends more on the position than on the person or service member.

Post-Traumatic Stress Injury

Post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) was viewed as a significant issue by all participants, and they commented that the way in which this issue was being addressed within the military has changed markedly and in a mostly positive way over the years. Several made the point that stress can be caused by a wide range of factors and that PTSI can affect CAF members on active duty in conflict zones as well as those on lengthy tours, regardless of the level of danger to which they are personally exposed. The common view was that the symptoms of PTSI may not arise until years or decades later, often once individuals have left active service. In this context, the importance of providing veterans with counselling on the transition to civilian life was emphasized.

All participants felt that the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) had made significant progress both in prioritizing the mental health of service members and veterans respectively and in providing needed treatment for those diagnosed with a mental health condition. Most also believed that the Government of Canada was generally on the right track in addressing mental health challenges and PTSI among current and former CAF members. At the same time, they saw some room for improvement, specifically with respect to programs targeting active service members in a timely fashion. There was a sense among some that mental health services are not offered until the issues are acute, and that preventive treatment should be provided earlier in order to have a more beneficial effect and lead to more positive outcomes.

Housing and Homelessness

Participants viewed the cost of housing, and cost of living in general, as extremely important issues of concern for current and former CAF members. Veterans and active service members alike were critical of housing and accommodation in the military, commenting that some CAF members posted to this area are living in tents due to lack of availability and/or the high cost of housing on Vancouver Island There were also reports that new arrivals to the Comox base were being encouraged to contact Habitat for if they were unable to find affordable housing alternatives. Further, any available housing was generally described as expensive and poorly maintained.

Most felt that housing was well out of the reach of the average service member and that the issue should be a priority for the Government of Canada and CAF leadership.

Homelessness among veterans was also seen to be a serious issue. Some participants recounted personal experiences, including one veteran in the group who spoke of being homeless for a 9-month period and of housing himself, his spouse and children in a van during that time. Participants commented positively on the help received from VAC, but felt that the issue of homelessness among veterans was getting worse. They recommended improvements in the following areas:

• Guidance counselling with a particular focus on housing options – Some felt that this should include access to services from real estate agents and other professionals who can assist in the transition to civilian life;
• Increasing the stock of private military/married quarters (PMQs) for those currently serving; and
• Implementation of practical transition programs for military members who are retiring or being released from the CAF.

When explicitly asked about their awareness of support from the Government of Canada for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life, participants mainly referenced peer-driven programs offered by groups and organizations external to government. Their suggestions for improving transition support centered on offering services such as the Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) on an annual basis to those who are interested and regardless of rank, rather than just before their departure. They also felt this type of program was overly generic and would be more useful if it was customized to the individual and their circumstances.

Benefits and Services for Veterans

Other than education grants and bursaries, participants were unaware of any federal government investments over the last 5 years in new benefits and services for veterans and their families.

Several participants had accessed disability benefits and rehabilitation services offered through Veterans Affairs Canada and spoke about their experience. For some the experience had been mostly a positive one, citing the ease with which they were able to access disability benefits from VAC. Others were more critical saying that the information on programs and services was difficult to locate, and that the process to obtain treatment for an injury had been long and arduous. Veterans spoke about financial strain and hardship while awaiting approval for disability benefits and/or assistance with housing, and the toll this took on them both financially and emotionally. While some expressed gratitude for the monies received through the Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP), they remarked that the combination of disability and homelessness depletes the savings of many veterans. They also stressed that veterans often cannot participate in the housing market and build home equity towards their retirement in the same way that other Canadians can.

Remembrance Day

Participants were asked for their views on commemorations which take place on Remembrance Day, and specifically whether they should be broadened to include more about those who served after the Korean War (e.g., those who served during the Cold War, in Afghanistan, on peacekeeping missions, domestic missions, etc.). Most were comfortable with the current approach to Remembrance Day. They were of the opinion commemorations were broadly inclusive of those who had served in more recent missions as well as those having served in the first half of the 20^th century. Moreover, participants felt that Remembrance Day services and commemorations tended to be more community-based. As such, they felt that shifting the nature of such commemorations was less an issue for the federal government and more for those overseeing such events at the community level.

Indigenous Youth in Care (Mid-size and Major Centres Quebec Indigenous Peoples)

One group, composed of Indigenous peoples in Quebec, discussed issues related to a new Government of Canada law to reduce the number of Indigenous children and youth in care and improve child and family services (Bill C-92). When asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the law, few were aware of this legislation, and none were able to provide any specific details. To clarify, participants were informed that the law was co-developed with Indigenous, provincial and territorial partners, and were provided with the following details regarding its objectives:

• Affirms the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to have authority over child and family services;
• Establishes national principles such as the best interests of the child, preserving historical cultural traditions and addressing inequalities;
• Contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and
• Provides an opportunity for Indigenous peoples to choose their own solutions for their children and families.

Upon receiving this additional information, some expressed concern that, while a step in the right direction, this law did not recognize the individual realities of diverse Indigenous communities. Expanding upon this, it was felt that the federal government needed to do more to develop laws in collaboration and continuous consultation with each Indigenous community in accordance with their specific needs. A number were also of the view that there would need to be greater collaboration between the federal and provincial governments as to how they could best support Indigenous communities going forward.

To further discussion, participants were shown a list of four possible outcomes that the act would aim to work toward:

• It can help Indigenous children stay with their family and community;
• For children currently in care, it can help return them to their families;
• It prioritizes the importance of Indigenous children staying connected to their language, culture and community; and
• Children cannot be removed from their families only because of financial, health or housing challenges.

Most participants reacted positively to the initiatives of assisting Indigenous children in staying with their family and within their community, as well as assisting those currently in care with returning to their families. Many felt that regardless of ethnic or cultural background, transferring a child from family to family causes unnecessary trauma and has lasting impacts that should not be taken lightly. Some shared personal experiences with having their children taken away and expressed frustration with how they felt they had been treated by social services. Participants were largely of the view that this was the result of systemic discrimination towards Indigenous parents and felt strongly that systemic change was necessary on this front.

Reactions to the prioritization of Indigenous children remaining connected to their language, culture, and community were more mixed. A number of participants believed this initiative to be somewhat vague, questioning how it would be carried out and what oversight would be provided in ensuring it was occurring. As such, participants emphasized the need for tangible effort on this front, such as providing Indigenous children with the appropriate resources and programming to ensure these connections were maintained.

While mostly positive regarding the commitment to not remove children from their families solely due to financial, health, or housing-related challenges, a number of participants were concerned that other reasons (such as substance abuse) often used to justify the removal of Indigenous children were not included in this list. It was expressed by some that past traumas and experiences with federal authorities had hindered the confidence and trust of many in their communities towards the federal government. Related to this, many identified an underlying level of doubt when hearing about federal initiatives such as this. While participants largely recognized this as a step in the right direction, several added that it would require careful execution and ongoing oversight to ensure that meaningful change was being made.

Overall, most participants viewed the act’s objectives as mostly positive, so long as the federal government followed through with its commitments to bring about meaningful legislative change and did so in a way that acknowledged the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. A few were of the view that they would need to learn more about the act and better understand it before determining whether it represented a positive or negative development. For the small number who were more negative in their views, it was expressed that Indigenous communities should be provided the autonomy to develop their own child protective services rather than the federal government doing so.

While it was largely believed that this legislation would improve child and family services, it was felt that a number of factors would determine whether the act would ultimately be successful. These included:

• Developing approaches tailored to the needs of each Indigenous community – Many opposed the notion of an ‘umbrella solution’ and reiterated that each community required a custom approach and thoughtful follow-up. Some vocalized that past historical grievances were at the root of the traumas in their community, and felt that these services and agreements should reflect this;
• Ensuring active collaboration between the federal government and Indigenous peoples – Some emphasized the value of developing a harmonious relationship between both parties to go hand in hand with funding. In this way, participants felt that funding alone would not be enough to improve these services and that the terms of these agreements needed to be determined in collaboration with Indigenous communities; and
• Maintaining a sustainable relationship between the federal government and Indigenous communities – Participants explained that ensuring a stable and productive relationship between both parties was in the best interest of future generations of Indigenous peoples.

Others also recognized the perceived value in Indigenous communities uniting to advocate to have their needs met. They explained that presenting themselves in this way would make it more likely for the federal government to hear and address their needs.

Participants next discussed a recent agreement related to support for child and family services reached by the federal government and Cowessess First Nation in southern Saskatchewan. None reported being previously aware of this agreement. To provide further clarification, participants were informed that as part of this agreement, the Government of Canada would be investing $38.7 million over the next two years in support of the Cowessess First Nation implementing its own child and family services system. Participants reacted largely positively to this initiative, with several expressing that this was the type of specialized support they expected each Indigenous community to receive. A small number were more concerned about this agreement, worried there may be additional stipulations as to how this financial support could be utilized. A few expressed the view that given the challenges facing other Indigenous communities related to basic necessities (such as potable drinking water), the funding for this program may have been better spent elsewhere.

Discussing whether the Government of Canada should pursue similar agreements with other Indigenous communities, most participants reacted affirmatively. The view was added that Indigenous children represented the future and needed to be prioritized. Related to this, it was reiterated by some that the process for reaching these agreements would need to be equitable and that each negotiation be carried out in a respectful manner and with an aim towards identifying the unique needs of the specific community. Others expressed concern that some communities may be prioritized over others and therefore suggested that the federal government should ensure consistency regarding these negotiations and the agreements that are reached.

Local Issues (Prince Edward Island Youth, Northern Ontario)

Participants in two groups discussed a number of issues specific to their local areas. These conversations focused both on economic needs more generally, as well as specific concerns related to sectors such as agriculture and mining.

Prince Edward Island (Prince Edward Island Youth)

Participants in the group from Prince Edward Island (PEI), aged 18-24, discussed a number of issues relevant to their province. To begin, participants were asked to share which industries/sectors they worked or studied in. For those who were currently working, many were employed in the food service/hospitality industry, though several clarified that they aspired to eventually transition to different industries in the future, such as healthcare or the public sector. A large number were currently attending post-secondary education. Of these students, some intended to enter into the healthcare and veterinary care fields upon completion of their programs, while others were more uncertain as to which sector they hoped to work in. Many believed that there were a lot of opportunities in PEI and stated their desire to remain in the province. A small number, however, felt differently, stating that they would likely eventually leave PEI to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Discussing the most important sectors/industries for their local communities, many identified tourism, fishing, and agriculture as important economic drivers within PEI. Focusing on the fishing industry specifically, a number of participants believed it to be an essential part of the province’s economy. Expanding upon this, it was said that the fishing sector had shown adaptability in recent years, working towards introducing more sustainable practices as well as working to create partnerships and opportunities with Indigenous peoples in the region. No participants, however, indicated that they would personally be interested in working in this sector, believing there to be many barriers to entry. These included the necessity of family connections in the sector, the high costs related to boats, equipment, and crew, and the small window of time each year in which the sector was active. Focusing on the agriculture industry, many expressed their concerns about potato farms and farmers. It was felt that recent issues related to the U.S. suspension of PEI potato imports had been extremely damaging to the agriculture sector in the province. While most participants identified agriculture as a critical sector to PEI’s future, none expressed an interest in pursuing a career in this area. High costs and the necessity of family connections were again cited as barriers to entry, as well as the perceived volatility of the sector, especially given the looming threat of climate change.

Asked which sectors/industries in PEI were the most in need of assistance from the federal government, agriculture was mentioned by a number of participants. Several were of the impression that farmers and other agriculture workers in the province were currently retiring at a rate faster than they were being replaced. It was suggested that young people were less interested in working at farms and preferred professional opportunities in other fields. Some were also aware of the impact of the U.S. potato import suspension, which they believed had cost PEI farmers tens of millions of dollars. Discussing other areas in need of support, some also mentioned the tourism and hospitality sector. It was felt many businesses in this sector had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and would need additional assistance to recover.

Participants were next asked whether they had seen, read, or heard any recent news related to the trade of PEI potatoes. Many were under the impression that the export of potatoes had been temporarily halted in late 2021 due to the discovery of potato wart in some crops. Resulting from this, a large number believed that the provincial government had responded by destroying large amounts of these affected crops. Participants were largely of the view that potato wart was primarily an aesthetic issue and not harmful, and that even if the potatoes could not be exported, they still could have been used domestically. Some had heard that potato wart had only been found in a small number of fields and that the resulting (U.S.) decision to completely halt imports of PEI potatoes had been a disproportionate response. A very small number reported being entirely unaware of any news related to PEI potatoes. To aid in the discussion, participants were provided the following information:

Last October, the United States requested that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), a Government of Canada agency, suspend issuing export certificates for potatoes from PEI following the most recent detections of potato wart. On November 22, 2021, the United States instructed their border officials to deny entry of shipments of PEI potatoes, regardless of certification by the CFIA. In April 2022, potato exports to the U.S. resumed.

After receiving this clarification, while pleased to hear exports of PEI potatoes had resumed, all participants were of the opinion that the potato export ban had negatively impacted the province’s agriculture industry and represented an issue of vital importance. Many emphasized the importance of the potato crop to the overall provincial agricultural industry and economy.

Discussing the actions taken by the federal government towards addressing this issue, participants were mostly negative in their views. Many felt that the federal government should have provided potato farmers with financial support to compensate for lost earnings. They were unaware of any actions the Government of Canada had taken to address the U.S. cessation of imports and felt it should have worked with U.S. officials to resume trade sooner. A small number shared that their opinion had changed upon learning that the United States had been responsible for the decision to halt trade and believed this was not the fault of either the federal or provincial government. However, it was also felt among these participants that the federal government could have been more resourceful in identifying domestic opportunities for the potatoes that could not be exported.

Northern Ontario (Northern Ontario)

Participants residing in northern Ontario engaged in a brief discussion about important industries in their region, with a particular focus on mining and the Ring of Fire. Asked what the most important sectors/industries were in the region, many identified mining along with other areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Discussing what more the Government of Canada could do to support these industries, participants emphasized the need for a greater federal presence in northern Ontario. Many expressed the view that the majority of support for these industries was provided by the provincial government, rather than the Government of Canada. No participants were aware of any current supports being provided to northern Ontario industries by the federal government.

Participants next focused on the Ring of Fire, a mining development opportunity located in the far northern region of the province. Many recalled having heard about this, identifying it as an area with significant deposits of valuable minerals. A number of participants were of the impression that mining projects in the Ring of Fire would require considerable investment due to infrastructural challenges related to the remote location of this area. To provide additional clarification, participants were shown the following:

The Ring of Fire is located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay and covers about 5,000 square kilometres. The region has long-term potential to produce the following minerals: chromite, cobalt, nickel, copper and platinum.

Many reacted positively upon receiving this information, believing this could provide a number of important economic opportunities across the region’s mining, construction, transportation, and manufacturing industries. A smaller number were of the view that the economic impact of the Ring of Fire could extend beyond northern Ontario and serve as an economic driver for the entire province.

Discussing concerns related to this project, participants identified a number of potential challenges. Many felt as though there was already a labour shortage in northern Ontario and wondered who would work in the new jobs necessary for the development of these resources. Other responses focused on the potential negative environmental impact of mining activity, the investment of funds into this project that might be better spent elsewhere, and the logistical difficulties and financial costs of infrastructure development in the region. Others mentioned the importance of consultation with Indigenous stakeholders in planning the project and expressed the desire to see ongoing cooperation with Indigenous leaders and tangible benefits for Indigenous communities as a result of this partnership. Many felt that the challenges arising from the scope and scale of this project would necessitate the involvement of the federal government, and likely require increased cooperation and coordination amongst the federal and Ontario governments, as well as local and Indigenous leaders.