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.