Hon. Brian Francis: Senator Gold, at a time when Canada is facing growing external pressure such as protectionist policies and shifting global markets, internal unity and collaboration are more important than ever. Yet we continue to see rising feelings of alienation in parts of the country, particularly in Western Canada, with some voices even raising the prospect of separation.

How is your government working to address these regional concerns in a meaningful way? What specific actions are you taking to promote a stronger sense of national cohesion that ensures all provinces and territories feel not only heard and included but also united?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question. This is a great and diverse country, and one that, throughout its history, has reckoned with the challenges that result from the differences in our regions, our perspectives, our experiences and our aspirations. The government is committed to working with leadership in the provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to make sure that all of the government’s actions, whether it’s with regard to the economy as a whole or to specific projects of national importance, are done so not only with proper consultation, input and engagement of those stakeholders, but also of communities, individuals, businesses and the like to make sure that all voices are heard so that the economy — to again paraphrase the words of the Prime Minister — is as strong as it can be. But it will only be as strong as it can be if it works to the benefit of all Canadians, and that includes all of the regions for our country as well.

Senator Francis: Senator Gold, yesterday’s Speech from the Throne noted that, “When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last.”

Can you explain how your government plans to get provinces and territories to collaborate on these so-called projects of national significance?

Senator Gold: Thank you for your question. My understanding is that Prime Minister Carney, from the very beginning of his tenure as prime minister and even before the election, reached out to the leadership of provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to engage them in the important work of nation building because we are a great nation with a proud history. But all nations, all democracies especially, are works in progress.

We’re at a pivotal moment. This government is committed to working with its partners in the provinces, territories and Indigenous leadership to make sure those projects reflect the needs of the communities and regions of this country.