My question to you, leader, is following up on yesterday’s exchange of questions and answers you had with our colleague Senator Ataullahjan. I’m a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. As well, I have served on the executive. So I have, over my time of involvement, observed the kind of leadership role that senators do take on these associations. I know Senator Dawson has been part of the executive and certainly Senator Ataullahjan has taken that lead.

Knowing the incredible commitment that she has to the IPU, yesterday, as our main point of contact between this chamber and the PMO, you had promised to make inquiries with the government on this issue, and it’s a very timely one. So I was just wondering if you had had a chance to have any feedback that you would you be able to share with us at this time.

Yes, Senator Gold. I know the 24 hours you have had, and it is certainly a pressure-sensitive time.

I want to quote again what you said: “This government is committed to promoting diversity and gender parity.” Supporting Senator Ataullahjan’s presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union would put those very nice words into positive action and show what it truly means for your government when you say that the government is committed to the promotion of diversity and gender parity.

So leader, I know you would agree that our colleague Senator Ataullahjan’s presence at the helm of the Inter-Parliamentary Union would be beneficial for Canada on the international stage. When you speak to the Prime Minister, would you also convey these sentiments of support that we have in the chamber that if a senator were to take the helm what an honour it would be, and the work that senators have done over many decades on these associations?