Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Of course.

Senator Gold: I thank the honourable senator for his question.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that these people feel safe and are supported. I don’t know the details of the situation in Ukraine, but I will ask the government for clarification on this matter to answer this and the previous question, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

[English]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. Regrettably, colleague, I don’t have the answer to that question.

Happily, though, pre-study on the bill in the Senate has begun. I have every confidence that question, and the answer to that question, will be clear as the committee continues its work.

Senator Gold: Again, colleague, I cannot answer that question with any precision.

Again, I invite you and any interested colleagues to participate in the pre-study and certainly when we get the bill, which we will this week, and when the bill is referred to committee at such time as it is when we return in the fall, then I expect that those answers will become clear.

Hon. David Richards: Senator Gold, I know that Bill C-11 hasn’t come forward yet, but I wonder if I could ask two quick questions about it, if you would indulge me.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I’m not familiar with the applications for funding nor the circumstances around the provision of funding. This government has done more in the interests of Indigenous women, men, children, families and communities than any other government in Canadian history.

I’ll certainly make inquiries about that, but I would add — because I’m in the mood to add a commentary, if I may — that it’s passing strange that this government can, literally on the same day, be criticized for shovelling money out the door much too fast and also for not taking the time when it announces funding requirements to make sure the funds are properly allocated to organizations that are properly prepared and organized to receive it. But I digress.

Senator Gold: I was not aware of that situation. There is no excuse for that, although I do apologize to those who waited at that location. I will try to find out more and get back to you with an explanation as soon as I know more.

[English]

Senator Gold: The actions have started, and they will continue.

As for what sentences courts hand out, with or without minimum sentences, the government has confidence in the abilities of the courts to follow their constitutional requirement to make sure that punishments are proportionate to the nature of the crime and the circumstances under which the crime has been committed.

I might add that the measures to deal with a cross-border transportation of arms range from illegal smuggling operations of great magnitude to a collector who inadvertently fails to fill out the paperwork after returning from a gun show across the border.

All circumstances should be taken into account by judges in the exercise of their judicial discretion. That’s the intent and purpose of Bill C-5.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. There is a lot in there.

Government is attacking the issue of gun crime in a number of ways. The government does not share your views on the importance or efficacy of the measures, nor does it share your views on mandatory minimums — we’ll have an opportunity to debate that.

Is the government satisfied that it has stopped the flow of illegal guns across the border? Of course not. I’m advised, though, that the CBSA last year seized a record number of illegal firearms, and the government, realizing that it has more to do, has invested over $350 million in law enforcement to stop the flow of illegal gun trafficking.

The scourge of gun violence in this country is a serious problem and requires serious responses. That’s what the government of the day is providing to Canadians.

Senator Gold: That’s a good, serious question. I don’t want my previous answer to, in any way, detract from the seriousness of the question and the importance of this issue of providing proper shelter for those for whom it was announced.

I will have to look into the issue and I will report back but, again, it is likely the case that the decisions about the shelters and the nature of shelters would be done in collaboration with the communities within which they would be found. I expect that would be part of the answer I come back with.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, Montrealer to Montrealer.

The government is committed to protecting and defending the rights of official language minority communities across the country, including English-speaking Quebecers. The Prime Minister has been very clear about his respect for the jurisdiction of provinces in these matters and, at the same time, his serious concerns about the way in which legislation is drafted and, indeed, protected against constitutional challenge. I have every confidence that the government will do the right thing.

I would like to highlight that, within federal jurisdiction, the reforms proposed in Bill C-13, which is in the other house, maintain the rights and protections afforded to Quebec’s English-speaking minority.

The government will continue to support the community and their organizations financially. The government will continue to protect the Court Challenges Program to help the community defend their rights in front of the courts, and will continue to help the community strengthen its institutions to maintain and preserve the vitality of our community.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): I thank the honourable senator for his question.

Canada’s door is always open for people who identify as LGBTQ2+ and who are fleeing violence and persecution in their country.

I am told that the government is working closely with organizations such as Rainbow Refugee, the UN Refugee Agency and other organizations to help sponsor LGBTQ2+ refugees from abroad. The government supports at least 55 service providers to help these people feel at home in Canada.

As to your specific question, dear colleague, I will find out more about Afghan refugees and I hope to get back to you soon.