QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Huawei--5G Technology
June 9, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is also for the government leader in the Senate.
According to public statements made by former minister Ralph Goodale, the Trudeau government has been conducting a 5G network security review since at least September 2018. In May 2019, just over two years ago, the Trudeau government promised that it would make a decision on Huawei’s role in the building of 5G infrastructure in Canada before the 2019 federal election. Just a few months later in July 2019, the government reversed course and said the decision would be made after the 2019 election.
We are now in June 2021. Leader, Canada remains the only Five Eyes partner not to ban or restrict Huawei. Does your government commit to making a decision on Huawei’s participation in our 5G network before the next federal election?
Thank you for the question. I am not in a position to answer, but I will make inquiries and report back.
Leader, could you tell us whether the Trudeau government is considering advising Canadian universities against entering into partnerships with Huawei? Also, would you inquire and tell us if your government is considering issuing a specific directive to the various federal granting councils to ban research partnerships with Huawei?
I will certainly make those inquiries. Thank you.
Thank you.