Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Of course.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I’m not familiar with the applications for funding nor the circumstances around the provision of funding. This government has done more in the interests of Indigenous women, men, children, families and communities than any other government in Canadian history.

I’ll certainly make inquiries about that, but I would add — because I’m in the mood to add a commentary, if I may — that it’s passing strange that this government can, literally on the same day, be criticized for shovelling money out the door much too fast and also for not taking the time when it announces funding requirements to make sure the funds are properly allocated to organizations that are properly prepared and organized to receive it. But I digress.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. There is a lot in there.

Government is attacking the issue of gun crime in a number of ways. The government does not share your views on the importance or efficacy of the measures, nor does it share your views on mandatory minimums — we’ll have an opportunity to debate that.

Is the government satisfied that it has stopped the flow of illegal guns across the border? Of course not. I’m advised, though, that the CBSA last year seized a record number of illegal firearms, and the government, realizing that it has more to do, has invested over $350 million in law enforcement to stop the flow of illegal gun trafficking.

The scourge of gun violence in this country is a serious problem and requires serious responses. That’s what the government of the day is providing to Canadians.

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

The government is committed to protecting and defending the rights of official language minority communities across the country, including English-speaking Quebecers. The Prime Minister has been very clear about his respect for the jurisdiction of provinces in these matters and, at the same time, his serious concerns about the way in which legislation is drafted and, indeed, protected against constitutional challenge. I have every confidence that the government will do the right thing.

I would like to highlight that, within federal jurisdiction, the reforms proposed in Bill C-13, which is in the other house, maintain the rights and protections afforded to Quebec’s English-speaking minority.

The government will continue to support the community and their organizations financially. The government will continue to protect the Court Challenges Program to help the community defend their rights in front of the courts, and will continue to help the community strengthen its institutions to maintain and preserve the vitality of our community.