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QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Canadian Heritage

Climate Change

September 25, 2025


Welcome back to the Senate, minister.

You are a member of cabinet. My question is not necessarily about your responsibilities, but rather about your participation in cabinet generally. Surveys show that, even recently, a vast majority of Canadians want the government to adopt policies to fight climate change. Do you believe that the government still considers climate action to be a priority, for itself and for Canadians?

Hon. Steven Guilbeault, P.C., M.P., Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages [ + ]

Yes. I can add to that, if you like. I have many discussions with my colleagues, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Prime Minister, who, as you know, has done a lot of work on climate change. The international context has changed significantly in recent months. It is a much more challenging context. We see that here and abroad. There’s no doubt for our government that climate change remains a priority issue. Again this year, we had a forest fire season that displaced tens of thousands of people. Atmospheric rivers, hurricanes and heat waves are now becoming the norm, whereas just a few years ago, they were the exception. I believe that, with a few exceptions, Canadians understand the issue of climate change, and it remains a priority for us.

On a different matter, to get back to the questions from the senator opposite, you were asked about the announced budget cuts. Does the government intend to make exceptions for certain essential characteristics of national identity, particularly bilingualism?

Mr. Guilbeault [ + ]

I have to be careful what I say. I’m not the Minister of Finance. I’m not the one drafting the budget. I can tell you that I’ve had many conversations with many of my colleagues about how the move to downsize by 15% over three years is not a one-size-fits-all objective with no allowances made for anything. Obviously, there will be an in-depth analysis of every department — and even of every program — to ensure that we’re making fair and wise decisions that aren’t detrimental to the government’s core missions.

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