QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
September 17, 2024
Senator Gold, as you are aware, many senators are concerned about the unequal treatment afforded the Senate and the House of Commons when it comes to access to the unredacted version of the report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians on foreign interference in Canada. Of particular concern was the conclusion in the report that foreign actors cultivated relationships with members of the House of Commons and senators, with a view to having Canadians act in favour of the foreign actors and against Canada’s interest.
When asked about the four Senate group leaders receiving and reading the report, you said that the government is considering how to respond to this request and is taking it seriously.
Can you give an update to senators if, like the leaders of the various groups in the House of Commons, the leaders of the groups here in the Senate will also be given the opportunity to read the unredacted report? Have you been able to read it as Leader of the Government in the Senate?
The short answer is no, I have not been invited to, and most cabinet ministers are not privy to it either, as you may know, and I think you do. But senator, your question is a good one.
The request has been made to the government; we have been following up diligently. We know that this is an important issue. We anticipated the question today, and we’ve made every effort to get an answer. Regrettably, and I say this — I say everything sincerely. Regrettably, we have not been successful in receiving a final decision despite very consistent and persistent follow-ups. I will continue and my office will continue to push the government to come to a decision point, and you can rest assured I will communicate it as soon as I receive it.
Thank you, Senator Gold. Without disclosing any names, have you been personally advised by any government minister or official of the Government of Canada that any senator has been named in the report?
No, I have not. As Government Representative, I’m not considered to be one who has a need to know these issues, which I believe is the standard that was adopted. So I have neither been briefed nor read it, nor do I expect to.
