QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs
Russian Embassy Event
June 15, 2022
Honourable senators, today I have a question for the government leader in the Senate.
Leader, Ukraine has been under constant attack by Russia since February 24. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes. Over 4,000 civilians have been killed, including 200 innocent children. Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has threatened food security worldwide. Despite all the misery and death Putin has caused, the Trudeau NDP-Liberal government thought it was perfectly fine to send an official to a fancy party at the Russian embassy last Friday to enjoy a lavish spread of food and drinks.
Minister Joly claims she didn’t know about this, although her office was aware. Even if we believe that, leader — and there is a big “if” there — how is it possible that almost four months since the war began Minister Joly did not make it clear to her staff that attending a party at the Russian embassy is wrong?
Thank you for your question. I am advised, indeed, as you pointed out, that though her office was made aware, the minister was not. The minister has stated publicly that it is totally unacceptable. The Prime Minister has said so as well. As Government Representative, I underline and agree with both of those statements.
Where does the buck stop with this NDP-Liberal government? Minister Joly’s office initially defended sending an official. She defended sending an official to this party before they reversed course and apologized. It’s clear now that the NDP-Liberal government can’t even do the bare minimum properly. They can’t even give symbolic support to Ukraine by turning down an invitation to a lavish party at the Russian embassy.
Who takes the fall for this, leader? Who is accountable? Who answers? Minister Joly said on Monday that the buck stops with her, but what does that mean, leader? We’ve never seen ministerial accountability from the Trudeau government, so we’re hardly going to start seeing it now. Does anyone lose their job over this?
Minister Joly has taken responsibility, and that is a paradigmatic definition of what ministerial responsibility is. Minister Joly represents Canada and defends Canada’s interests in an exemplary fashion. Canada continues to be a strong ally of Ukraine and continues to support it financially, militarily and with humanitarian assistance.
