Thank you for your question. I would recommend to you, senator, as well as to your caucus and all citizens an excellent article by Andrew Coyne published today that explains — as most of us, in fact, know — that it is smart politics, smart policy and a smart negotiation approach to keep one’s powder dry as a plan is being formulated in order to deal with what we should be planning for or anticipating when the president-elect takes office.

The meeting with the premiers that was held yesterday is one — and only one — step toward developing a coherent and proper plan. It may be good politics, senator, but it is not in Canada’s interests for the government to start speculating publicly about what it is going to do. It is already in touch with the president-elect and will continue to be in touch with its counterparts.

Senator Plett, the minister announced the plans to further secure the border. I’m aware, as we all are, that the RCMP notified their counterparts in the United States and, through collaboration, managed to intercede regarding those who were seeking to enter the United States. Again, I repeat: The government is working in a serious but responsible way to protect our borders and our interests.

Senator Gold, Justin Trudeau has proven himself to be a weak leader at a time when we can ill afford one. After nine years of Justin Trudeau, Canada has seen significant increases in violent crime, property crime and homicides, as highlighted in a recent Fraser Institute report.

With Canada’s violent crime rate now surpassing that of the United States, how do you continue to defend your government’s weak policies, such as catch-and-release for repeat offenders? Furthermore, when you include fentanyl trafficking as a result of your government’s failed woke drug policy, how can you act surprised when the incoming president is carrying through on his threat to clean up our borders?

For the record, yesterday you accused me of spreading misinformation. What did I say yesterday or today that is not true, Senator Gold? The stats never lie.

I’ll answer your question. I think your reference to fentanyl smuggling into the United States dramatically misrepresents the difference in the amount of fentanyl that entered the United States or was sought to enter from Canada compared to what enters Canada or enters the U.S. from other jurisdictions. That was misleading, and the facts are publicly available, as you well know.

Nor is it a fact that the government’s criminal law policies are responsible for the rise in crime. I know that ideologically your party continues to believe that the solution to crime is to simply throw more people in jail for longer periods of time. I know your solution is to not trust the institutions to apply: our courts, Correctional Service Canada or the Parole Board of Canada. That is not the position of this government.

Senator Gold, the only thing Canadians don’t trust is your government.

Let me give you more facts. During the last Trump presidency, Justin Trudeau put out his infamous tweet — we all remember — welcoming U.S. asylum seekers to Canada; it’s something that is in large part to blame for the current housing crisis our country is going through. With our own border once again at risk of being overwhelmed, as Mr. Trump pledges even stricter immigration enforcement, does your government have a plan? Please, Senator Gold, tell me someone has taken away Justin Trudeau’s Twitter account.

I’m going to let pass the use of Twitter in this political environment, which I find relatively toxic, and I’ll simply say this: If I understood you correctly, and I’ll give you the opportunity, Senator Housakos, if you would like to correct me, you are now blaming the housing crisis on asylum seekers — those fleeing persecution from other countries. Shame on you.

— you flip-flopped on that yourself —

Senator Cormier, please.