QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
June 19, 2024
Senator Gold, the redacted report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians states that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS, produced a body of intelligence that showed that foreign actors cultivated relationships with Canadians whom they believed would be useful in advancing their interests, particularly members of Parliament and senators, with a view to having Canadians act in favour of the foreign actor and against Canada’s interests. In this respect, their efforts extended beyond normal diplomatic activities.
Senator Gold, the report implicated no one and everyone — the House of Commons and the Senate combined. All of us are currently under a cloud. The loyalty to Canada of parliamentarians has been called into question by this report. In fact, some senators’ loyalties are now an open question in the media.
Why can’t the four leaders of the groups in the Senate read the unredacted report so that they can address the cloud hanging over all senators?
Thank you for your persistence in this question.
I’ve answered several times, Senator Downe, that the government is considering how to respond to this request, and is taking it seriously.
I will also note, as Senator Tannas did — although drawing a different conclusion from it — that we will begin third reading debate on Bill C-70, which addresses this important challenge to our democratic institutions. I look forward to that debate later today.
I would also say that the issue is now being considered under the mandate of Justice Hogue, and, in that regard, we also will benefit from her reflections on this matter.
Senator Gold, the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Code for Senators states in section 7.1(1) that, “A Senator’s conduct shall uphold the highest standards of dignity inherent to the position of Senator.”
And in section 7.2, it states, “A Senator shall perform his or her parliamentary duties and functions with dignity, honour and integrity.”
In particular, section 44.(1) makes it clear:
A breach of the Code by any one Senator affects all Senators and the ability of the Senate to carry out its functions . . . .
How is the Senate to enforce this code if the Senate leaders are not given the opportunity to read the report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians?
Senator Downe, again, I will repeat that it is an important issue that you’re raising, but it’s equally important that the response to your request be done in a responsible way — one that protects both the sources of information and the reputations of those who may be named in that report. In that regard, my answer stands.
