Senator Gold: Again, the Government of Canada appreciates the work that the Honourable David Johnston did, regrets the degree to which his integrity was impugned and —

Senator Plett:  — to the Prime Minister.

Senator Plett: One thing that we agree on, leader, is the work that Mr. Johnston did, especially the last act: stepping down. We agree on that.

Minister LeBlanc is speaking out of both sides of his mouth, which Liberals do so well — denying a public inquiry until the Special Rapporteur steps down, but then saying a public inquiry was always on the table.

On Friday, the same day the Prime Minister’s made-up Special Rapporteur stepped down, The Globe and Mail said it asked two questions of the Special Rapporteur’s office that were not answered. They asked whether Navigator had prepublication access to the Special Rapporteur’s conclusions on a former Liberal MP who was exonerated by Mr. Johnston’s report and who had also hired Navigator. The Globe and Mail also asked if the report was shared with lawyers at the Torys law firm, who were not involved in the Special Rapporteur’s investigation, including their non-executive Chair Robert Prichard.

Leader, do you know the answers to these questions? If you don’t, leader, I expect you to pick up the phone today and find out the answers so that during Question Period tomorrow — when I ask you if you know the answers, leader — you will let us know.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. First of all, the government appreciates the work that the Honourable David Johnston did in providing a report that raises important issues and provides a roadmap forward for a public process.

As Minister LeBlanc has stated publicly, the government is open and, indeed, inviting all members of the opposition to work together with him to chart a path forward in order to determine the best form of public process that will address these important issues. Echoing the words of Minister LeBlanc, as we move forward with the cooperation of all parties in the other place, I hope that the rather disturbing tone of the debate will be reduced.

Hon. Denise Batters: Senator Gold, with the resignation of PM Trudeau’s Special Rapporteur last Friday, a public inquiry into Beijing election interference is now the only credible option. We do not need another special rapporteur, we do not need another report where major players in this interference scandal are not interviewed, and we do not need another worthless process led by Prime Minister Trudeau’s friends, his political supporters or members of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. About 60% of Canadians want answers through a public inquiry. The House of Commons has voted three times for a public inquiry. That is the voice of the people in Canada. The half measure of Johnston’s public hearings just won’t cut it.

Senator Gold, when will your Trudeau government do what Canadians, the House of Commons and all opposition parties want and call a public inquiry?