Senator Boisvenu: I find your answer rather vague. Yesterday, you were unable to provide an answer to Senator Carignan’s question. Senator Carignan pointed out that you are the Government Representative in the Senate and that you sit on the Privy Council. Why then are you unable to tell us in this chamber that the Prime Minister was never made aware of the Beijing regime’s interference in the federal election?

Senator Cormier: Thank you for this information.

Although I believe that everyone can appreciate the assistance provided by the federal government to date, we have to wonder how the federal government will work with the province of New Brunswick, the municipal level and Air Canada to ensure the efficient operation of Bathurst Airport. I would remind you that this is the only airport servicing all of northern New Brunswick and a good part of the Gaspé.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of former member of Parliament Robert-Falcon Ouellette, his wife Febe Ping-Hsiang Kuo and their beautiful four-month-old Luna. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Cardozo.

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

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Dr. Yvette Bonny and Nathalie Gadbois. They are the guests of the Honourable Senator Mégie.

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

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

An Hon. Senator: No more written answers.

Senator Plett: If this Prime Minister would, for once, be honest with Canadians and tell us the answers, we would be able to stop asking these questions.

An Hon. Senator: Hear, hear.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): If I understand your question correctly, and if I understand the government’s decision to pull the app, it is for national security reasons. There have been concerns that TikTok can capture user data. There are fears that TikTok is sharing data.

I don’t know the details as to how much money was invested in advertising, when it was done or why it was done. I will inquire and give you an answer.

Senator Carignan: Leader, do you feel a little less proud when you see taxpayers’ money being invested in the Chinese social media platform TikTok to be able to gather data, especially from our young teens? Do you not see an incongruity here?

I listened to your response to the Leader of the Opposition earlier and your response now, and I see a disconnect between what you’re saying and what the government is doing. There is a growing recognition of the need for a public inquiry into Chinese interference.

Senator Gold: Once again, colleague, I don’t know the details of the expenses you mentioned. This is the first I’m hearing of this. I’ll have to find out more before I can give you an honest and appropriate answer.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 194, dated January 31, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding international trade.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 195, dated January 31, 2023, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding a video released by the Minister of Transport.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate) tabled the reply to Question No. 67, dated November 23, 2021, appearing on the Order Paper and Notice Paper in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett, regarding ministerial exemptions granted under COVID-19 quarantine rules — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Senator McCallum: Yes, please.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Audette, seconded by the Honourable Senator Mégie, for the second reading of Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation.

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Do we have consent for five minutes?

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Senator Brazeau, do you want to join the debate?

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 2 p.m.