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.

Senator Gold: Thank you for the question. Regarding the imposition of sanctions, as I have said on many occasions, honourable colleague, the decisions to list additional entities under the Criminal Code are all decisions that are taken by the government upon due deliberation, reflection and input from national security or law enforcement, as the case may be.

I will not comment on what investigations are being done with regard to any of these matters as it would be inappropriate in this chamber. I understand the importance of the issues as does the government. I understand your interest in continuing to raise them as it is your privilege. The government is doing everything that it can do to protect Canadians, but not everything that the government does in the area of national security or law enforcement is something that will be disclosed publicly in Senate Question Period.