Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): No, not at all.

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

The independence of our law enforcement operations is a key principle of our democracy and one that the government deeply respects. I have been assured that at no point did the government pressure or interfere in the operational decisions of the RCMP. I direct all senators to the commissioner’s statement from yesterday in which she makes very clear that there was no interference.

Canadians, including those directly impacted by the tragedy, have expressed concern about when and how the RCMP shared information with the public, and that is why the government specified in the order of reference that the Mass Casualty Commission examine the communications approach taken both during and after the event.

Finally, senators, the former Minister of Public Safety, Minister Blair, both during Question Period in the House and today to reporters, was unequivocal. I know Minister Blair is a man of integrity, and I quote him from Question Period:

I can confirm for the House, as the commissioner has also confirmed, that no such direction or pressure was exerted by any member of this government to influence the commissioner’s exercise of her authorities over her police service.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): The Government of Canada has always been clear that it is on the side of Quebecers who are shocked and disappointed that a young teacher can no longer practise her profession because of how she chooses to observe her religion.

This government is committed to defending the rights and freedoms that are protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion and the right to equality, as this matter touches upon those fundamental freedoms and the interpretation of the Charter which underscore our liberal democracy.

This government fully expects that this case will be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada. If that happens, the government is committed to contributing to the debate, giving the broad implications for all Canadians and the need to defend the Charter, including the way in which the “notwithstanding” clause was invoked. The government has stated clearly that it will intervene in this matter at the Supreme Court level.