Senator Gold: Again, the short answer is “no.” The Government of Canada stands with the victims of oppression in Iran, and it has taken serious measures, appropriate measures — thank you.

It has banned IRGC officials from Canada. It has created a new sanctions regime, increased sanctions on Iran and imposed sanctions on senior officials, prominent regime supporters, senior members of the judiciary, senior members of the prison system and law enforcement officers as well as political leaders. It sanctions against two entities linked to the IRGC, Iran’s national police force and the Iranian International University, as well as, previously, 17 individuals and 3 entities that have participated in or enabled gross human rights violations. The government has also expanded its ability to seize and freeze assets.

Canada has some of the toughest measures of any country in the world against the Iranian regime. Impunity is not a policy of this government, nor is it an option for Canadians. Canada will continue to defend human rights in Iran and elsewhere and will continue to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Once again, it’s very easy to blame the federal government for all the problems in every city, in every big city suburb and across the country. This is a very real and serious issue for the generation you’ve just described. The government has stepped up to support young people who want to buy property for their families by investing in our economy to create jobs, good jobs, for the generation entering the workforce.

The federal government is doing its part with the provinces, territories and municipalities, as well as with entrepreneurs, to try to increase the supply of affordable homes for young families.

[English]

Senator Gold: It’s a very large question. I’ll answer it briefly. The government has made it clear ever since it ran for office and was elected in 2015 that addressing climate change is a serious priority of this government, as it should be, for the country as a whole. It’s put into place a panoply of measures, all designed to work towards reducing climate change, helping create a more resilient infrastructure and economy and help us transition away from a carbon-reliant power grid and other measures so that our economy can continue to grow, but also mitigate and ultimately, we hope, reverse the impact of climate change.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question and for raising the important issue of the security of our borders. I will certainly bring your question to the attention of the relevant minister and officials in the hope of receiving an answer.

[Translation]

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. I have been told that the federal government is working closely with the provinces and territories that have a say about this in the system. I have also been told that conditions remain with respect to shared responsibilities between the two levels in this regard.

[English]

Senator Gold: As I said, esteemed colleague, the minister clearly told the commissioner that the decision was unacceptable; he then took the appropriate steps to ensure that the decision was reviewed.

[English]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question, and I am pleased to respond.

The government has been very clear with regard to its denunciation of the regime in Iran. It has taken several measures — important measures — to provide sanctions.

I know that the members of the opposition do not enjoy it when I respond that the issue of listing entities as terrorist organizations under the Criminal Code is a complicated affair that engages considerations that go far beyond the scope of Question Period.

I expressed it “on division” because it is the government’s position that at this juncture it is not prepared to take that step for reasons that I have explained in this chamber before.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for asking, but it’s your prerogative.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and your ongoing commitment to this issue, senator. As you know, honourable senators, the government has already taken a number of steps to reduce the appeal of vaping products, not only for young people but for everyone.

The government eliminated and banned lifestyle advertising on television and in stores, as well as the social media content of influencers who are trying to encourage young people to take up this habit.

That being said, I have been informed that the government is still examining this issue to find more ways to help adults, in particular, transition from smoking cigarettes, cigars and the like to vaping, while not encouraging the younger generation to take up this habit.

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

The government’s handling of Canada’s economy has not only helped Canadians get through a very difficult period, but has also ensured that we are well positioned for the present and for the future. This doesn’t mean that anyone is denying the challenges and problems facing Canadians as a result of global inflation and the supply chain issues I have described on a number of occasions.

Still, facts are facts. Canada leads the G7 in terms of the debt‑to-GDP ratio. Furthermore, the fact that the Bank of Canada has independently decided to raise the policy interest rate is a testament to the strength and health of our economy. There are always two sides to a coin when it comes to fighting inflation.

To answer your question, no, the strategy is not a failure. On the contrary, it has been a success.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I think it is fair to say that what we’re witnessing now is something that we are going to be confronted with increasingly due to climate change. The government is in close contact with all affected provinces and territories, and has deployed Canadian Armed Forces and other federal supports to Quebec, Nova Scotia and Alberta, at the request of those provinces.

Senator, it’s too early to say what the final costs might be because the focus right now is on assisting. There are 400-plus wildfires of which I think over 200 are still not under control. We know that the damage in many communities has been very significant. For example, as fires get under control in the area around Halifax, according to a family living there with whom I’m in contact, it has become safe to re-enter the community but we’re seeing the devastating images there and elsewhere of what has happened with homes burnt and areas ravaged.

When the cost to respond and recover from a disaster exceeds provincial or territorial capacity, as colleagues should know, the government provides fair and equitable assistance to the disaster financial assistance arrangements, which has provided almost $8 billion in support to provinces and territories over the years. The government can cover up to 90% of eligible costs. But provinces and territories, as we know, are in full control of the design and delivery of these recovery plans. Provinces and territories may request advance payments or interim payments to address early requirements of recovery, the need to rebuild and additional allocations for projects that include those enhancements to mitigate the impacts of such disasters in the future.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The short answer is no. The minister clearly stated that the Correctional Service of Canada’s decision to transfer Paul Bernardo to La Macaza Institution in Quebec is shocking and incomprehensible.

Before saying more, I believe that I’m probably speaking for all my colleagues when I say that we are thinking of the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, who are now reliving the horror and the terror they suffered.

Minister Mendicino has already spoken with the Commissioner of the Correctional Service to reaffirm that the situation is unacceptable. I am of the opinion, and I think this is a matter of public record, that the commissioner will review this decision.

For now, Mr. Bernardo is still imprisoned for life and serving an indeterminate sentence in a maximum-security prison. Canadians can be reassured that heinous crimes like the ones he committed will be punished in the most serious manner as required by law.

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

I think the interpretation you’ve given to what the Special Rapporteur said is not necessarily borne by the facts. The Special Rapporteur had access to classified information — it was made available to him by the intelligence forces — and he made the decision based upon that information. If I recall, he mentioned that he was not made aware of the information that was provided to Mr. O’Toole, and I think that was the context within which his remarks took place.

Beyond that, honourable colleague, as I’ve said on far too many occasions, and to repeat myself again, the assumptions and insinuations you make about the motives behind the contents of the report are simply not based in fact or truth; they are simply attempts to impugn the integrity not only of the Special Rapporteur but of the process.

The government remains confident that the process put in place and the steps that will be taken will best serve Canadians.