Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question, esteemed colleague. I don’t have the information you’re asking for, but I will try to find it and get back to you as soon as possible. That said, it is the position of the Government of Canada that connecting the electrical grids of the four Atlantic provinces and Quebec is key to eliminating our dependence on coal, creating new jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

All communities in Atlantic Canada will benefit from the Atlantic Loop, an initiative that is in the interest of all Canadians, who recognize the need for a clean energy transition. The government remains convinced that this is an excellent project for the Atlantic provinces and for Canada. As Mr. Wilkinson, the Minister of Natural Resources, said recently when he was talking about the problems and barriers we are seeing, this is just a bump in the road. The government remains committed and determined to see this project through.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Ensuring the vitality of francophone communities outside Quebec continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada, and the government remains committed to achieving the 4.4% target for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec by 2023. The government continued to strengthen the Francophone Immigration Strategy by implementing targeted initiatives, such as dedicated streams for francophone candidates as part of the temporary residence to permanent residence pathway for essential workers and recent international graduates already in Canada.

The government has consulted widely on issues related to francophone immigration outside Quebec, including through a working group with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, to jointly examine the possibility of a target beyond 2023, taking into consideration all suggestions as it continues to advance its work. The government looks forward to continuing to work with its partners to advance common interests, taking into account the role that immigration plays in supporting population growth and the vitality of francophone communities.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. The government is committed to this project. I will repeat: Although I do not know the exact number of meetings, I am advised that there has been constant engagement on this project. Cooperation and collaboration between the federal government, the Government of Quebec and the governments of the Atlantic provinces and their respective utility companies continue and will continue through the Atlantic Loop backbone working table.

The Government of Canada is a steadfast and committed partner to this project. It is committed to working with the other Atlantic provinces and all partners on this important project. The government remains committed to seeing the Atlantic Loop see the light of day.

[Translation]