Senator Gold: No.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I do not have information as to the status of that particular bill. I’ll make inquiries and be happy to report back.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for the question and for shining a light on what we all know is a growing and pernicious phenomenon.

Disinformation, in its various forms, is a really serious threat to our society, to our democracy and to all Canadians. I am advised that the government has just added $2.5 million for targeted projects to help Canadians identify misinformation and disinformation online through the Digital Citizen Initiative. This is on top of the government’s $8.5 million Digital Citizen Contribution Program. That’s a program which funds projects to help Canadians become more aware and more resilient and to think more critically about the information that they see and the information that they consume online.

As mentioned by our honourable colleague in her question, the government clearly must look at the role of social media platforms in reducing the spread of misinformation and disinformation as well as online hate and other pernicious practices. To this end, I’m advised that the minister has announced the creation of an expert panel to provide advice on eventual legislation to counter these forms of online harm.

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question.

Though I am not aware of what Global Affairs may be doing with regard to these, I can advise this chamber — and I have been advised — that the government is very much aware of the bills that are currently before both the legislatures of California and New York. They are in close contact with industry with regard to those bills.

As colleagues know, our legislation governing forestry are amongst the strictest in the world. We’re a climate leader. The U.S. and Canada have always collaborated closely on forest management, notwithstanding the differences that often arise between us and our trading partner in the United States.

The government, as I said before, will continue and will always defend the forestry sector and its workers.

Hon. Stan Kutcher: Honourable senators, my question is for Senator Gold.

Senator Gold, recently, the Russian state-owned domestic news agency published a piece which vigorously promoted what they called the de-nazification of the entire population of Ukraine. It proposes to liquidate the political, civil and economic leadership of the country and those who support it and calls for the removal of all vestiges of Ukrainian identity, including the very name Ukraine.

This genocidal obliteration by Russia of Ukraine is what this war is about. We have all seen the horrors of Bucha, the presence of mass civilian graves and photos of people found lying in the streets with their hands bound, shot in the head and some bodies showing signs of torture, rape and burning.

While I acknowledge the important help that Canada has been providing and continues to provide, much if not most of our efforts have focused on sanctions and humanitarian assistance. However, Ukraine is asking for heavy weapons and air and naval defence systems, which it needs to defend itself. It is in this area of need that Canada has not stepped up fully.

On Monday, my 9-year-old grandson gave my daughter $10.85 that he received for selling Ukrainian flags that he had made and asked her to send it to Ukraine to help Ukraine fight back.

Will our government follow his lead and provide Ukraine with the weapons or the funds to purchase the weapons that Ukraine needs?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. I hope your grandson is watching. He should be very proud.

Canada is providing a comprehensive suite of military aid to Ukraine and is constantly and continuously reassessing the needs. That’s why it has announced several new tranches of military aid, both lethal and non-lethal, to Ukraine.

The government has also been assisting our allies in delivering aid to Ukraine by over 40 flights on the C-130s Canada is providing for airlift support. I’m also advised that the government is in touch with a range of industry partners about further support for our Ukrainian partners.

Finally, I’m also advised that the government is currently working with Canadian companies to evaluate military aid options for Ukraine. Minister Anand will remain in close contact with Minister Reznikov regarding Ukraine’s evolving needs.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, senator, for your question. I’m advised that the minister continues to be in close contact with both her Ukrainian counterpart and our NATO allies, including at multiple NATO defence minister’s meetings, to see how Canada and the alliance can continue to provide support to best respond to Ukraine’s evolving security needs and to coordinate our current and future efforts.

I note that following meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, NATO confirmed today its commitment to provide more aid to support Ukraine, including stepping up humanitarian aid and financial support.

Colleagues, the discussions are ongoing and I understand that consideration is being given to provide equipment to help Ukraine protect against chemical and biological threats.

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

I begin my answer by reminding this chamber that the Government of Canada and the previous governments of Canada have always worked hard to defend Canada’s forestry industry. In that regard, as we’re all aware, the U.S. has indicated it would maintain its unjustified duties on Canadian softwood lumber. And as many in the chamber know, the government launched litigation under chapter 10 of CUSMA in December to fight those duties.

I note that for the past 13 months Minister Ng has been advocating with her counterpart that Canada stands ready to start discussing proper and potential resolution to the softwood lumber issue.

The government is encouraged by Ambassador Tai’s recent comments, recognizing the importance of reaching a softwood lumber deal. And the government will continue to defend our forestry workers and our industry to ensure it gets a good deal with our U.S. counterparts.