Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: Senator Gold, in 1990, I was hired by Dalhousie University as the first African Nova Scotian in a tenure track position. I chose to establish a research agenda that prioritized research with Black men because of their absence in academia. I led projects with Black men, exploring how they survive in societies that expect them to fail. Through each project, I received so much hate mail about the negative stereotypes of Black men.

Today, Senator Gold, I feel I am in the midst of another project here in the Senate because of the absence of Black men in this place. Senator Gold, Black Canadian men want to know if their applications or nominations will get a fair and unbiased assessment by the independent panel in 2025?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for continuing to underline the work that we still have to do to ensure that this chamber reflects the true and fulsome diversity that is the strength of our country. Our progress to date is significant on so many fronts, and it’s a testament to the care with which the process has unfolded. I would not assume that there’s anything nefarious behind the absence of a Black Canadian male in this chamber, but I will certainly raise this issue with the appropriate people.

Senator Bernard: Senator Gold, thank you for continuing to raise the issue with the appropriate people because I continue to ask the question.

I will ask another question. Could you commit to asking that the independent panel receive unconscious bias training if this has not already been provided? I’d be happy to make recommendations for consultants who do this work.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I will certainly pass on that suggestion. I’m not in a position, nor is it my role, given the independence and arms-length nature of these panels to make a commitment on behalf of the government, but I certainly will pass on that helpful suggestion.