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?

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: My question is for the Leader of the Government.

At the G20 summit in Bali, U.S. President Joe Biden and the Chinese President had seemingly cordial and constructive formal discussions. This morning, there is talk of warming relations between China and the United States. At that same summit, the Chinese President has had formal bilateral talks with several world leaders, but not with Mr. Trudeau. In the meantime, our Prime Minister continues his solo efforts to position other Asia‑Pacific countries as a counterweight to China. Yet China is a key economic player. The U.S. knows this, but Mr. Trudeau does not.

In light of this situation, can you explain to me how we can be expected to believe that Prime Minister Trudeau’s foreign policy is not reducing, or even undermining, Canada’s influence? Are we being reduced to minor player status?