Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question. Ensuring the vitality of francophone communities outside Quebec continues to be a key priority for the Government of Canada, and the government remains committed to achieving the 4.4% target for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec by 2023. The government continued to strengthen the Francophone Immigration Strategy by implementing targeted initiatives, such as dedicated streams for francophone candidates as part of the temporary residence to permanent residence pathway for essential workers and recent international graduates already in Canada.

The government has consulted widely on issues related to francophone immigration outside Quebec, including through a working group with the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, to jointly examine the possibility of a target beyond 2023, taking into consideration all suggestions as it continues to advance its work. The government looks forward to continuing to work with its partners to advance common interests, taking into account the role that immigration plays in supporting population growth and the vitality of francophone communities.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question and for raising this very preoccupying situation for families across the country.

The government shares the concerns of many parents and caregivers about their families and their inability to find pediatric analgesics such as those you have mentioned.

I’m advised that Minister Duclos and Health Canada have spoken to several manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson, Haleon and Pharmascience to reiterate the urgent need to collaborate to find immediate solutions to this shortage so that parents and caregivers can have the medicines they need to take care of their children.

Companies that supply Canada have also been provided pathways to import foreign products, and the government is reaching out to additional suppliers to attempt to fill the gap.

Health Canada has issued a public advisory that offers parents and caregivers advice and important safety information. And as the health and safety of children remain the government’s top priorities, all options to solve this shortage are on the table.