Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. The government’s strategy with China is not one of appeasement. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Joly, has given some indications of Canada’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region and the strategy that will go forward governing Canada’s relationships. Canada will always defend its national interests and pursue those relationships in the Indo-Pacific area that will further our interests, and that includes taking strong action against Chinese interference in our internal affairs, democratic and otherwise, and any other interference.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I thank you for your question.

Senators, protecting the public from the threat of foreign interference by China or any other country is precisely what Canadians have mandated this government to do, and that is what it is doing. I’m assured that Canada’s national security agencies are actively and proactively doubling down on threats from foreign bad actors such as China and Russia. I’m further assured that any harassment, intimidation or coercion by a foreign power will be investigated and appropriate charges will be pressed. Canadians can be reassured and assured that no stone will go unturned in the government’s efforts to protect the public’s safety and security.

Senator Gold: I am not in a position to make that engagement on behalf of the government. I will certainly take it under advisement and take advice accordingly.

Senator Plett: Well, yes, what are they, Senator Gold?

Senator Gold, you say you don’t have the names of the candidates. I trust you will get them for us. Senator Gold, this is a matter of national security and confidence in our democratic institutions. Parliament requires this information. Senator Gold, will you agree to a process where Parliament can have this information if required for an initial period and then in an in camera setting?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I will answer again. The government is taking serious actions — targeted, focused, committed and sustained actions — to help Canadians with the challenges that the rising cost of living has imposed.

Senator Ataullahjan: Leader, this is not a problem your government can fix with a one-time housing benefit or other temporary fixes — nor cancelling a Disney+ subscription, as the finance minister lectured Canadians about last week, make a difference. Such comments reflect the deep-rooted disconnect between the Trudeau government and the reality of everyday Canadians. Canadians need concrete and lasting solutions for the current affordability crisis they’re facing. I will ask again: Will your government finally take serious action to make life more affordable for students and all Canadians?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I will make inquiries with the government and try to get back to you soon.

Senator Dagenais: Jean Chrétien, who was the Prime Minister when the very first G20 meeting was held, said that these summits were the ideal time to have more private meetings with major world leaders and discuss various issues. That is in stark contrast to what Mr. Trudeau is doing. The Prime Minister is not talking to China or to Russia. That does nothing to improve Canada’s influence on important global issues.

Do you think it’s time that Mr. Trudeau adopted the approach of great prime ministers, such as Lester B. Pearson, Brian Mulroney, Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien, to restore Canada’s image?

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Gold, P.C., seconded by the Honourable Senator Gagné, for the third reading of Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

And on the motion in amendment of the Honourable Senator Boisvenu, seconded by the Honourable Senator Seidman:

That Bill C-5 be not now read a third time, but that it be amended in clause 14, on page 3, by replacing lines 19 to 21 with the following:

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. The government is pleased that it was able to secure an additional foreign supply of children’s acetaminophen. It will be available for sale in retail and community pharmacies in the coming weeks to help address the immediate situation.

The longer-range solution requires not only federal and provincial government action but also that of the private sector to increase our already-significant capacity in research into drugs and the drug production facilities. That is something that is in the long-term interests of Canada.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Canada stands firmly with Ukraine against the illegal invasion and annexation by Russia of its territories. It also continues to ratchet up sanctions against individuals in Russia who are associated with these actions and continues to evaluate any further steps that are called for in that regard.

Some Hon. Senators: No.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Hon. Peter Harder: Honourable senators, I rise today to bring attention to a matter that has particular relevance as our country navigates the new and challenging economic environment in which we are living. November is Financial Literacy Month, and it carries a special significance this year given the strain so many of our fellow Canadians are currently facing and might be facing over the coming months. It behooves us all to prepare for what many experts predict will be an unsettling period, already marked by inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, high household debts and, perhaps, a challenging job market.

To mark this month and to help cope with the times we find ourselves in, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, or FCAC, has prepared a series of educational tools that will help Canadians build financial resilience in the face of these economic headwinds. This year’s theme is “Make Change that Counts: Managing Your Money in a Changing World.” Throughout the month, the FCAC and its participating organizations across the country will focus on how Canadians can best manage their debt to achieve their financial goals and build financial resilience.

Many Canadian households currently carry high debt burdens, making them especially vulnerable to higher interest rates and increased costs of living. The debt-to-disposable-income ratio in our country is near a record level and among the highest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD.

Over the length of the campaign, Financial Literacy Month will focus on five major themes, which include managing debt, planning for the future and borrowing money wisely. There is no more important a time than now to focus on these issues.

The FCAC has a number of tips that Canadians can use to meet these challenges. If you have constituents wondering about how to adjust their budgets, consolidate high-interest debts or develop strategies to reduce expenses, ask them to visit Canada.ca/financial-literacy-month. There, they will find numerous suggestions on how to adapt and persevere through predictable and unpredictable financial choices, difficulties and the shocks in life.

The financial world is increasingly digital and complicated. Like reading and writing, financial literacy is an essential skill we all need if we wish to make informed decisions. It is a goal that we, as senators, are obliged to promote. I draw this to your attention in the hopes that you will do your part in advancing financial literacy.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of interns of the Honourable Senator Pate.

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

Hon. Senators: Question.

Senator Batters: Senator Gold, you referenced some examples that Senator Simons gave regarding situations she found would be acceptable for conditional sentences. Which particular examples that Senator Simons referred to do you think are acceptable for conditional sentences?

Some Hon. Senators: Nay.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of teachers and students of North Addington Education Centre. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Boyer.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the third time?

(On motion of Senator Gagné, for Senator Yussuff, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.)

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