Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): This government has imposed serious sanctions under the Sergei Magnitsky Law. This is the government that passed the act, and it continues to take measures against all foreign nationals who are undermining our national security.

I’m not familiar with the details that you mentioned with regard to these three nationals. If they indeed are committing fraud or are wanted elsewhere, these are matters that the government will deal with in the appropriate way.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your questions and kind wishes. I appreciate it.

Senator, I don’t know what the current status is regarding the government’s plans around that bill. I’ll make inquiries and report back as quickly as I can.

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

As we all know, the federal government announced the funding of $198.6 billion over 10 years, which includes $48.7 billion in new funding. The federal government also recognizes not only the primacy of provincial jurisdiction in health care but the fact that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances and their own ways of doing things.

As such, the bilateral agreements — discussions around which are ongoing, as we know — are intended to be flexible and tailored so that provinces and territories can address the unique circumstances and needs of their populations and of their geography. As part of those bilateral agreements that are being discussed and negotiated, provincial and territorial governments are being asked to develop action plans that will describe how the funds will be spent and how progress will be measured. Action plans with targeted results and indicators will be made available publicly by both federal and provincial/territorial governments, and provinces and territories would and will publicly report those results to their own residents.

That is a first important step, and I think all Canadians hope and expect that the governments will work together to actually deliver the results that this new funding promises to secure.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the resilience of our critical minerals supply chain and all aspects of our supply chains. Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, but the government will take decisive action when investments threaten our national security and our critical minerals and materials supply chains.

As you noted, senator, last year our government announced that large transactions involving foreign state-owned enterprises in this sector will only be approved on an exceptional basis. All foreign investments will be subject to a national security review under the Investment Canada Act. Every investment is examined on a case-by-case basis.

In regard to procurement, Public Services and Procurement Canada is primarily responsible for these contract procurements within the federal government. The procurement process includes national security and public safety mechanisms. I would add that Minister Champagne made an announcement in the media today concerning additional measures to provide assurances to Canadians that national security in all areas, whether research or contracts, is fully protected.

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