Senator Ataullahjan: The Prime Minister acknowledged the existence of systemic Islamophobia in the Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA, and referred the review to the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson. The ombudsperson has testified before the Human Rights Committee and admitted that he’s working with one arm tied behind his back. The much-publicized National Summit on Islamophobia in 2021 didn’t achieve anything. Once again, this government is all talk and no action. Leader, what are this government’s real plans to finally tackling systemic Islamophobia?

Senator Gold: Thank you for the follow-up question. As you know, Minister Lebouthillier asked the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson to conduct the systemic review that addresses the concerns of the Muslim communities in Canada. These actions will allow the agency to lead the way toward processes that are more inclusive and representative of the country it serves at all levels of the organization. But, colleagues, as we know, the CRA is an agency that operates at arm’s length from the government. Minister Lebouthillier expects both the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson and the Canada Revenue Agency to cooperate fully with each other in this study.

As indicated by the Prime Minister, the government knows there is significantly more to do. The government will look at and consider what other actions it may take.

[Translation]