Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Senator Gold, the Liberal government, in a very sneaky manner, tabled amendments to Bill C-21 that would ban firearms that have been used for decades by Canadian hunters, including members of Indigenous communities. For example, the Liberals would ban the SKS, a very popular rifle widely used by Indigenous hunters. Minister Mendicino confirmed yesterday on CBC that it is the intent of the government to ban the SKS because it is a rifle that was used — now pay attention to this — during a war in 1945.

Senator Gold, did your government consult any Indigenous hunters before deciding to take away their SKS rifles?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Jennifer Arp, David Awosoga and Ken Lima-Coelho. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Pate.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

The Hon. the Speaker: Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Hon. Leo Housakos: Honourable senators, with leave of the Senate and notwithstanding rule 5-5(a), I move:

That the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications be authorized to meet on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, even though the Senate may then be sitting, and that rule 12-18(1) be suspended in relation thereto.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, senator. The government believes in transparency. It also believes in being clear with Canadians. Certain measures are not yet determined in terms of where the spending might go. As soon as those details are finalized, they will be communicated not only to this chamber but to Canadians.

Senator Gold: The minister did not knowingly associate with known anti-Semites. I am choosing my words very carefully, Senator Housakos. You know who I am and my background. I think that we should be careful, especially when leaders of all parties came together just yesterday to light the Hanukia, or Hanukkah menorah, and express solidarity for the actions that we all need to take against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate when all political leaders, including your own, spoke movingly and passionately about the need to make this a non-partisan issue. On that, I will conclude my answer.

Senator Bovey: Perhaps while you are making those inquiries, Senator Gold, you could ask if the minister has responded to the letters of concerns from the unions within the gallery that had been sent to him before the firings and those letters he has received subsequently from former staff.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The government has nothing to hide, senator. Thank you for your question. My understanding is that the ministers to whom you referred all had prior commitments when they received the invitation from the committee. Officials from the Department of Justice and Public Safety Canada attended the meeting and provided the information that they were qualified to provide, and I trust that it was helpful to the committee. The government recognizes the important work that is undertaken by the committee and looks forward to the committee’s report on this important issue.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Lynn Francis, accompanied by a delegation from the Elsipogtog First Nation. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Hartling.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Patricia Bovey: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, the recent, unexpected and sudden firing of four senior staff members of the National Gallery of Canada has created controversy at home and internationally among artists, arts professionals and many donors. Three were long-time employees, one of more than 20 years. Their work, exhibitions, acquisitions, publications and specialized conservation has been widely acclaimed here and abroad.

Has the minister reached out to the interim CEO and board chair to gain an understanding that can be shared with taxpayers and the public as to why those decisions were made? What are the implications and consequences for the upcoming programs of Canada’s flagship and the gallery as a whole?

Senator Duncan: Thank you, Senator Gold, for that answer. I appreciate that much-needed changes do take time. I would also caution the Government Representative in the Senate that one size does not fit all in this country.

Can the Government Representative in the Senate please advise when we might see the development plan? Is there a time frame attached to the cabinet’s work?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question.

As I have repeated on several occasions in response to this question, the government is of the view that its price on pollution and the other measures that are in place to secure and sustain the sustainability of those funds and programs that Canadians depend upon for their security are correct, prudent and responsible measures. It will continue to act accordingly.

Senator Plett: Senator Gold, the report in question also claims that the vast majority of the newly documented stations found around the world were set up starting back in 2016. Does the government have any knowledge of how early these stations began operations in Canada, or was this under the government’s radar for six years? Again, why are they still operating in Canada?

Senator Housakos: Government leader, with all due respect, the minister stood in a picture with him, knowing full well that this is a well-known anti-Semite. As I said, Senator Gold, this is not the first time that Liberals and Trudeau cabinet ministers of this government have been found sharing the stage with anti‑Semites and terrorist sympathizers.

My question to you, government leader, is the following: If you were allowed to participate in the national caucus of the governing party — which you should, given the fact that you are the government leader and represent the government in this chamber — would you advise the national Liberal governing caucus to stay away from well-known anti-Semites and terrorist sympathizers?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The discussions at cabinet are matters upon which, as you would know, honourable colleague, I cannot comment on. I can assure Canadians, however, that this government is, in fact, addressing this pressing problem to the best of its ability.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. I will take each and every one of those questions and refer them to the government and hope to get an answer in due course.

Senator Gold: Senator, I cannot answer that question for several reasons, not the least of which is that when and what Canada became aware of would have occurred through its security services. All senators will properly understand that those matters cannot be the subject of public disclosure.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada on COVID-19 Vaccines, pursuant to the Auditor General Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. A-17, s. 8.