Senator Plett: Well, of course, then they could come back with a written answer saying, “We can’t answer your question.” Two and a half years, and I have no response, Senator Gold. Yesterday again you indicated we didn’t have respect for this institution. How is it showing respect to this institution when, for two and a half years, I have a written question, and you stand here and explain what the government is doing? Why is it so difficult to get an answer?

I also have a written question on the Order Paper regarding the former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverley McLachlin’s role as an overseas non-permanent member of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. My question asks if the Trudeau government believes former Chief Justice McLachlin’s membership on this court lends legitimacy to Beijing’s interference in Hong Kong’s legal system. Over a year ago, two British judges stepped down from this court. The U.K. government welcomed this decision, saying it was no longer appropriate for British judges to sit on this court, as their presence risked legitimizing oppression. My question, Senator Gold, has been on the Order Paper since last June.

Leader, you recently indicated that your problem with providing answers back to this chamber was not related to lack of resources. So what is the cause? Why won’t your government — why won’t you — answer simple questions rather than just defending their actions in here? Why can’t we not get questions answered, written questions, in over two and a half years?