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]

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: 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]

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. Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu: My question is also for Senator Gold.

Senator Gold, last week, I asked Minister Mendicino about the RCMP’s refusal to share information with the Savoie family about the circumstances of and its involvement in the death of their daughter Francesca 16 years ago.

I have also asked you questions in this chamber on numerous occasions about other families, including the Serre family and the Freeman family, to find out why the Parole Board of Canada did not inform these families of its decisions concerning the parole eligibility dates of the offenders responsible for their suffering.

Now we learn that the families of the victims of the horrific murderer Paul Bernardo were informed of his transfer to a lower‑security penitentiary only after the fact. On top of that, Correctional Service Canada refuses to inform them of the reasons for the transfer or give them any details of his detention conditions, citing the criminal’s rights under the federal Privacy Act.

Senator Gold, why doesn’t the Trudeau government enforce the right to information enshrined in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, a law that applies to federal institutions directly under its authority? Is it because the Trudeau government believes that criminals have more rights than victims do?

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.