Hon. Andrew Cardozo: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Yesterday was one of the most consequential elections to take place in the United States. I wish to go further from the question that Senator Miville-Dechêne raised a few minutes ago.

The major issues between Canada and the U.S. are around trade, defence, global affairs and immigration. Will the government be changing course in any of these areas, and how do you see the government negotiating and discussing these issues with the Trump administration?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): As we know, the Prime Minister has already congratulated President Trump on his election and affirmed that the relationship — indeed, the friendship — between our two countries is longstanding and, if I recall, the envy of the world.

We are friends, allies, neighbours and trading partners, and we are deeply connected in all respects.

The Government of Canada has worked with previous administrations, including the previous Trump administration. It will continue to do so and will organize itself appropriately to deal with the many challenges that we now face.

Senator Cardozo: Thank you, Government Representative.

My supplementary is with regard to the “Team Canada” approach that the government and Canada used in the past, which involved representatives of all parties as well as business, labour and other interests.

Do you see Canada stepping up that kind of integration with the United States, and do you see a role for senators in engaging with American counterparts?

Senator Gold: Again, it is somewhat premature to speculate on the different ways in which we, as a country, will engage with our American counterparts, whether in political circles or civil society. The Canada-U.S. parliamentary relationships that many of us are involved with are one way to engage. I have every confidence this government will use all of its resources, including its relationships across this country and other levels of government, to advance, protect and promote Canada’s interests.