QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Huawei--5G Technology
December 7, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the government leader in the Senate, Senator Gold. This is in relation to the ongoing review that the Trudeau government is conducting with regard to Huawei’s participation in Canada’s 5G network, particularly due to the fact that the government has been promising a decision as far back as September 2019. Actually, at the time, they promised they would give a decision before the 2019 election, and now two elections have come and gone and, unfortunately, we still don’t have an answer to that question.
Bell and Telus have recently been knocking on the door of the government looking for compensation with regard to Huawei equipment that they might be obligated to take out of the network. Recently there was a news story in the National Post that the government basically says it’s too early for them to comment on compensation, which again highlights the fact that this government isn’t dealing with their important issues regarding security.
Given the fact that the Five Eyes have taken clear action, given the fact of China’s behaviour towards the Michaels, given the fact of the Uighur genocide, given the fact of what’s going on in Hong Kong, when will the Trudeau government take a clear and unequivocal decision with regard to Huawei’s participation in Canada’s 5G, and why are they taking such a long time?
The government remains committed to making sure that our infrastructure and networks are kept safe and secure and do not compromise our national security. The examination of the existing technologies, 5G technologies and the associated security considerations remain ongoing. The Government of Canada is working with Public Safety Canada; the Communications Security Establishment; the Department of National Defence; the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; Global Affairs; and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada together on this important issue. It also includes the important advice we receive from our allies.
I note and am advised that the Prime Minister has indicated a decision on Huawei is expected within the coming weeks.
Senator Gold, let’s hope this holds true, because we have been waiting for years and now hear that we will have the decision in the coming weeks. Of course, Senator Gold, Bell and Telus are two of the biggest telecom companies in Canada. Bell had an operating revenue of $22.8 billion in 2020, and Telus reported $15.5 billion. We are all well aware that Canadians continue to pay some of the most extraordinary, out-of-this-world, highest fees when it comes to wireless service.
Senator Gold, was there anything promised to these telecom companies that led them to believe that it was a wise decision to go ahead with Huawei equipment, and will your government commit today to safeguarding taxpayers’ money and deny any requests for compensation from telecom companies for removing their Huawei equipment?
I’m not aware of — nor am I in a position to report on — what discussions may have taken place, which is the first part of your question. I am not in a position to make any commitments on the part of the government with regard to the second part of your question. The government will make its announcements when it is ready to do so.
