Mr. Speaker, let me say at the outset that the overwhelming majority of the Syrian people are peace-loving people who reject radical extremism. That has certainly been the case in my experience, personally and otherwise.
We have engaged with the leadership of the Syrian opposition. I have met with them personally on more than one occasion. My officials have met with them. Our officials engage with them, whether it be in Istanbul, Cairo or most recently in London.
A year ago, we were concerned about a few hundred al Qaeda sympathizers. It has grown to something much worse. This obviously causes Canada, Canadians, the people of Syria and freedom-loving people everywhere significant concern.
Canada has made the decision not to recognize them. I would say that six months after we made that decision, it looks demonstrably better than it did then.