Thank you, minister. Jontay Porter, a player for the Toronto Raptors, was banned from the NBA for life after an investigation by the league. Mr. Porter was determined to have been betting on NBA games, including a Raptors game, and disclosing confidential information about his health to a known bettor. A US$80,000 bet was placed that Porter would score fewer than two three-point baskets in the Raptors’ March 20, 2024, basketball game. At that game, he did not even attempt a three-point shot, leaving the game after a couple of minutes, citing illness.

There are serious concerns that games might be rigged not only by players but also by officials. Are missed calls truly missed, or are they something else? There is a lot of money at play in these games. A single NHL game, for example, can generate millions in bets. What monitoring is the government doing to protect Canadians?

I’d appreciate it if you let us all know.

In a letter dated March of this year, your predecessor as minister responsible for Canadian Heritage acknowledged the “paramount importance” with which the Government of Canada regards concerns over sports betting advertising and pledged her cooperation in working on this important issue. Given the position of the government, what additional specific actions have you taken or do you intend to take?