Senator Dagenais: I am not questioning our duty to Ukraine. However, when the government announces $1 billion in cuts to National Defence, even though Canada’s military is so poorly equipped, one has to wonder.

Did the Prime Minister forget to take a look at his own country before doling out taxpayers’ money around the world? Perhaps he’s still living in a dream world, where he can print all the money he needs to look good in the eyes of the international community.

Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: My question is for the Representative of the Government in the Senate.

Barely 10 days ago, the Prime Minister announced an additional $650 million in aid to help Ukraine in the war against Russia. That brings Canada’s assistance to Ukraine to $9.8 billion in less than two years.

My question relates to economics and is very specific. Does Canada have an unlimited budget for assisting Ukraine? Giving $10 billion to Ukraine, when the new President of the Treasury Board Secretariat is asking your government to trim its spending by $15 billion, is not inconsequential for anyone who knows how to count.

How can we ensure that Canadians are not ultimately deprived of government services because the Prime Minister wants to help Ukraine?