QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Government Priorities
June 10, 2025
Senator Gold, with Prime Minister Carney hosting his G7 counterparts in Kananaskis this weekend, Canada has a unique leadership opportunity to promote a new formula for peace and security in our world.
In February, senators, together with the Honourable Roméo Dallaire, the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, the Global Partnership for Education and the Canadian International Education Policy Working Group, hosted an event to examine impacts from our previous G7 presidencies and to propose priorities for the 2025 G7. A strong, evidence-based case emerged for investing in education as a key pillar of peace and security.
Senator Gold, will the Government of Canada commit to promoting a global initiative to strengthen education systems, prevent conflict and build cohesive communities at the upcoming G7 summit?
Thank you for your question. The government has announced its priorities for the G7, and, unsurprisingly and appropriately, given the tumultuous world in which we find ourselves, the focus is, of course, on economic development and national security. We all know that education plays a foundational role not only as a pillar of economic opportunity but also of social mobility and stability.
In that spirit, I know that the government considers that this summit is a moment to showcase the best of Canada and our world-class expertise in many areas. Again, as you properly underlined, education is fundamental as we transition forward in this world.
Thank you. The equivalent of US$300 billion of frozen Russian central bank reserves are held in Western currencies — over C$400 billion. Two weeks ago, all G7 countries issued a statement condemning Russia’s invasion and committing to Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
Senator Gold, will Canada support and encourage its G7 allies to support the immediate transfer of frozen Russian assets into a reconstruction fund for Ukraine?
Thank you for the question. We know that in March of this year, the G7 foreign ministers affirmed their continued focus on promoting the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine and discussed the possibility of additional support through the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets. I have no doubt that this issue will be top of mind as the Government of Canada continues its discussions with its partners at the G7.
