Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: My question is for Senator Gold. Senator Gold, in June, I asked a question about the appointment of Black men to this place. At the time, I noted that there were 10 vacancies, and I’m pleased to see that we have added 5 new senators since then, with more expected.
My grandsons are homeschooled by their mother, and they do a lot of education and awareness around politics. Every weekend, they brief me on what they’ve done and ask me questions, so I have my own version of Question Period. During this Question Period, they have asked me, “Nanny, why are there no Black men in the Senate?” Quite frankly, Senator Gold, I am asked that question while speaking across the country.
When will there be a Black man appointed to this place?
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I’m sure you have more fun during that Question Period with your grandchildren, though I can enjoy myself here too and am certainly pleased to respond to this question.
Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer. The process through which people apply, are vetted and are ultimately chosen is not only arm’s-length and different, but also not one that I participate in. I can assure you your concerns have been passed on. However, it is out of my hands, and I have no knowledge of the pool of applicants or the decisions that might have been made at the various stages, including the vetting and so forth. Again, representation of all points of view from all segments of our community, on which we have made enormous progress in the Senate, is still a work in progress. Thank you again for bringing that to our attention. I will continue to bring it to the attention of those who have responsibility for it.
Senator Bernard: Senator Gold, I appreciate that you don’t have direct answers or any direct responsibility for this. I appreciate you bringing the concerns forward. I am aware of some of the pool and know there are highly qualified Black men who have applied, and I believe that there is some unconscious bias at play.
Senator Gold: Since that is not a question, I thank you and will bring these things forward, but I can’t comment on your assumptions.