QUESTION PERIOD — Inter-Parliamentary Union Presidency
September 30, 2020
My question is for the government leader in the Senate.
As you know, I recently announced my candidacy for the presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, making me the first Canadian to run for this prestigious position. Despite reaching out to the current government through multiple channels to endorse my candidacy, I have been ignored. Not only ignored; I have been told that the current head of the Canadian IPU has allegedly been supporting my opponent, a non-Canadian.
The current government frequently states that a Canadian is a Canadian, but is a Canadian a Canadian if they’re Conservative too?
Senator Gold, my question for you today is why is your government not endorsing my candidacy at the IPU? Is partisan politics being played internationally?
Senator, thank you very much for your question. I’m sure I speak for everyone. We were pleased and proud to read rather recently that you had announced your candidacy and I wish you the best of luck, but this is the first that I’ve heard of it. It’s with regret that I wasn’t made aware of it or of your efforts to seek government support up until now. So please rest assured that I will make inquiries with the government and report back to you personally and to the chamber, if that is your wish.
Senator Gold, when Bill Morneau stepped down from cabinet and his seat in the House of Commons due to the WE scandal, the Prime Minister immediately endorsed him as Canada’s candidate for secretary-general of the OECD.
Leader, I have to wonder: Why am I not being afforded similar support from my government? Is it because I’m a woman — a racialized woman at that? Is it because I’m a member of the opposition party specifically? Is it because I am a Conservative? Which is it?
I wrote to the Prime Minister in the first week of July, informing him of my decision to run for the presidency of the IPU, so it’s not a new decision. Those who have worked at the IPU know my commitment and I have talked about this for nine years, that this is what I want to do.
Thank you, senator. Again, this is the first that I have heard of it, at least when I read about it, and I have no ability to comment further. This government is committed to promoting diversity and gender parity. We’re a perfect example of this. As I promised, I will certainly make some inquiries. Thank you.
Honourable senators, I have a supplementary question for the government leader in the Senate based on the questions from Senator Ataullahjan.
Senator Gold, in making the inquiries and responding to these very serious issues that are being raised and shared with us today, could you please include in your inquiry whether there is another Canadian candidate the Government of Canada is putting forward? Could you please include that in your response to this chamber.
I will certainly make fulsome inquiries, and I will report back to the chamber with regard to what I’m able to report.
