Judy Bethel

[Petitions, December 13th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the honour to present a petition today signed by 359 residents of Edmonton.

It has been over one month since Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists were executed. The Prime Minister condemned this atrocity at the Commonwealth summit. Reaction to these executions at the University of Alberta was strong and swift.

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade is reviewing the situation tomorrow morning. I ask that members consider the views of my constituents in their deliberations.

[Protection Of Personal Information Obtained By Certain Corporations Act, December 12th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, in discussions with people in Edmonton East over the past number of months, one concern keeps coming up with increasing regularity: where is medicare headed in Canada?

Canadians value the system of universal health care. Medicare is one of the fundamental elements of our Canadian identity and of our shared commitment to fairness, equity and compassion.

However, Canadians recognize that the health care system must adapt and evolve within the guiding principles of the Canada Health Act. It is not enough to say that we spend $72 billion on health care without knowing whether we are spending it in those areas where it makes the most difference to Canadians.

Residents of Edmonton East want the government at the national and provincial levels to work together to ensure accessibility and quality in health care and to sustain a health care system that respects the five principles of the Canada Health Act: universality, accessibility, comprehensiveness, portability and public administration.

How do we renew our health care system to meet the needs of consumers in a cost effective and efficient manner? What are the implications of allowing greater private funding in our health care system?

There is concern in Edmonton East that private funding competing with a public system will create a two-tier system where access and quality will be based on ability to pay rather than medical need.

To the ideologically driven in Alberta, an increased private presence in the funding and delivery of health care is the answer to controlling costs and improving accessibility. But is it? In the industrialized world, the United States is the best example of a health care system which relies extensively on private funding.

Let us examine the U.S. health care experience in more detail. More private money in the U.S health care system should result in a better standard of health care for Americans but clearly that is a myth. A significant amount of health care spending in the United States is to support an extensive bureaucracy that has evolved under a multiple player system. The average American under a private insurance scheme pays $150 a year in administrative costs alone, compared to $23 for the average Canadian.

Respected Canadian health care economist, Robert Evans, put it most succinctly when he stated: "Canadians provide care. Americans shuffle paper". Not only is the U.S. health care system plagued by skyrocketing administrative costs and a bureaucratic jungle, it is also plagued by inequities and lack of access.

For older Americans, 65 years and over, out of pocket costs consume 23 per cent of their household incomes. For older Americans with family incomes below the poverty line, out of pocket expenses consume 37 per cent of their incomes. Most telling, the number of Americans who are uninsured continues to grow at an alarming rate. Nearly 40 million Americans or 15.3 per cent of the population had no health insurance coverage at all. The total number of uninsured American children under the age of 18 is 9.5 million or 24 per cent of all American children under the age of 18. The total number of uninsured Americans earning an average family income of $15,700 is nearly 15 million.

This leads me to a second element that private funding components have failed to address adequately: the ability to control health care costs. Cost containment is a necessity if health care is to be sustained and preserved in today's fiscal climate but cost containment in health care is not achieved by shifting the cost burden on the Canadian consumer through de-insurance, de-listing or user fees.

[Constitutional Amendments Act, December 11th, 1995]

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak to the motion presented by the hon. Minister of Justice proposing amendments to Bill C-110 to add a regional veto for the province of British Columbia.

The amendments to Bill C-110 reflected in this motion are not only a step forward for the province of British Columbia, but recognize the importance of the province of Alberta within Canadian federalism. These amendments show that Canadian federalism is flexible and dynamic. It is an example of our commitment to make federalism work for all Canadians.

With Bill C-110, the motion on distinct society for Quebec and the recognition of the essential provincial role in labour market training, our government has taken the initial steps to respond to the aspirations of Canadians within our local communities for change. It is change to make our national institutions more responsive to the diverse regional interests and on the basis of our unique federal state and change to deliver on the commitments made by the Prime Minister to the people of Quebec and to the people of Canada to involve Canadians at the grassroots level in building bridges of accommodation and mutual respect for diversity that will serve to bind our nation together in a common purpose as we approach the 21st century.

The unity package is a recognition that the province of Quebec is a vital part of our Canadian identity, an identity which has as its basis the principles of understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity.

The motion on distinct society reflects an important part of the Canadian reality, the unique character of Quebec within our federal state. The Government of Alberta has recognized the unique nature of Quebec's language, culture and civil law traditions. The March 1992 report by the special select committee of the legislative assembly of Alberta advocated recognition of Quebec as a distinct society with recognition to include matters of language, culture and civil law.

Leadership candidate Ralph Klein was a member of the provincial government in 1992 and campaigned in favour of the Charlottetown accord which contained the principle of distinct society within Canada. Premier Klein has acknowledged that the province of Quebec is distinct within Canada: "There is something distinct in terms of civil law, language, tradition and culture that makes Quebec distinct". That is from the October 24 Calgary Herald .

The regional veto formula contained in Bill C-110 is in accord with the Reform Party's vision as expressed on October 15, 1995 in its 20 measures to modernize Canada. The Reform Party supported the concept that all future constitutional amendments be approved by majorities in all regions of Canada through a referendum. I would remind the Reform Party that Bill C-110 leaves the regions with an option as to how they would apply their regional veto as an expression of the will of the people. As an Albertan I would expect the province of Alberta would use the referendum act passed in 1992 to reflect the will of Albertans.

The residents of my constituency of Edmonton East may not have developed consensus on the nature of changes required to renew Canadian federalism but make no mistake: passion for this country and the resolve to ensure its unity is felt by all in Edmonton East. Residents in Edmonton East share with Quebecers the same values of seeking constructive and positive changes to build a more effective Canada for the 21st century.

Let me stress for the record that this package is the first step and only a first step. The next step must involve Canadians in defining the change. Dictating the 20 terms of secession from Confederation from the political backrooms as Reform did without the active involvement or participation of Canadians in our local communities is not consultation. We must begin the process by sitting down with Canadians in our cities, in our towns, and in our communities to come to a better understanding of our similarities and our differences as Canadians and how we can work together to meet the aspirations for positive and constructive change that will make Canada work more effectively and efficiently for all Canadians.

We are a better nation when we pull together, building on our common aspirations for change and respecting our diversities. We are a better nation when we work for the common Canadian interest rather than the narrow regional or provincial self-interest. History proves it. Over the past 128 years Canadian federalism has shown an amazing resiliency. While federalism may have bent at times, it has never been broken. That is a tribute to the generosity of the Canadian spirit to adapt to changing circumstances through creativity and innovation.

We have successfully met all the challenges over the past 128 years. Our network of social programs are the envy of the world. Medicare, the Canada pension plan, support for the disadvantaged and the disabled; these were all implemented through the process of consensus and agreement among Canadians.

We can meet the challenges of renewing Canadian federalism as long as we work together as Canadians in a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and co-operation. That is the genius of our federal system.

I welcome constructive dialogue with the people of Alberta on the implications of change. I believe it is important that Albertans be able to speak out on change. That is the basis of our economic and parliamentary democracy.

Our Prime Minister has acknowledged the need to involve Canadians in the process of defining change. That is why he has indicated that Bill C-110 will serve only as a bridge until the formal review of the amending formula which is required by April 1997. As we lead up to that formal review, our government is receptive to new proposals by Canadians that will better reflect the principles of regional equality and equity in the process of constitutional amendment.

I will be consulting with the people in the communities of Edmonton East as to what steps we can take as a government to better reflect the principle of provincial equality within the amending formula and what steps we can take to build bridges of

accommodation between the people of Quebec and all regions of Canada.

I would like to talk about a series of unity initiatives that were held in Edmonton East two weeks ago. The purpose of the forums and the round tables was to develop a better understanding of the issues of distinct society and regional veto and to provide Edmonton East constituents with an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings on Canadian unity, to define the desired changes to federalism and to develop actions that individuals, our government and groups can take within our communities to enhance Canadian unity.

These forums involved a wide range of participants within Edmonton East: school children, families, the business community, francophone Albertans and representatives from our multicultural communities. I invited the member for Vaudreuil to discuss with the constituents of Edmonton East what the people of Quebec want and need from Canadian federalism and to explore the changes that are required to respect and value our distinctiveness and to enhance our shared aspirations for change within a strong and united Canada.

We examined four questions: How are you feeling and what are you thinking about the Quebec referendum and Canadian unity? When we talk about language, culture and institutions, how are the people from Quebec and Alberta different and how are they similar? Given our differences, what changes to our Confederation do we need to make to accommodate the needs and aspirations of both the people of Alberta and Quebec? What can you and I as individuals who live, work and go to school in Edmonton East do to enhance Canadian unity? It would be useful and interesting for us to ponder some of the responses to these four questions. I would be happy to share the report with anybody who is interested.

On the Quebec referendum and Canadian unity: "There is a great anxiety as to what is going to happen next. Canadian unity is fragile. The referendum was a real wake-up call for all Canadians". A second quote: "We must explore comprehensive change to Canadian federalism. We cannot continue to apply band-aid solutions".

To the question of how people of Quebec and Alberta are different and how they are similar: "The differences between us are well known. We have diverse cultural aspirations. The real test is whether Canadians are prepared to accept these cultural differences and aspirations in a spirit of respect and understanding".

To conclude, these are not the comments of people who are preoccupied with secession and separation as are the Reform Party and the Bloc Quebecois. These are the comments of people who want to be involved in a process of defining changes that are necessary to respect our distinctiveness, value our diversity and reflect our shared aspirations for a strong and united Canada.

Frankly, Canadians are tired of the politics of discord and division that seem to be the agenda of the Reform Party and the Bloc. I can give my assurance to the residents of Edmonton East that I will continue to take their suggestions for constructive and positive change to Ottawa, to our Prime Minister and to the unity committee.

Let us acknowledge what the unity package is, that it is the first step. Let us move on to the second step, to build bridges between our communities, between our provinces and between our regions. Let us build the case for Canada by involving all Canadians.

[Committees Of The House, December 8th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 11th report of the Standing Committee on Industry on Bill C-88, an act to implement the agreement on internal trade, with amendments.

[Aboriginal Youth, December 5th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Secretary of State for Training and Youth.

At an aboriginal youth forum I recently held in Edmonton East one of the concerns expressed was the high rate of unemployment among aboriginal youth. Participants felt it was crucial to nurture and develop the talent of our aboriginal youth.

What initiatives has the Department of Human Resources Development taken to assist urban aboriginal youth successfully enter the workplace?

[Employment Equity, November 27th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago when the Royal Commission on the Status of Women tabled its report in the House women formed roughly one-third of the labour force and on average earned 64 cents on every dollar that a man earned.

In the last 25 years we have eliminated the most blatant forms of discrimination against women through labour and employment equity initiatives. Women now represent 45 per cent of all workers. Nonetheless challenges do remain. Today, on average, women earn 72 cents for every dollar a man earns. Most women continue to work in traditionally female dominated fields.

We need to support job creation and training programs that will prepare women and girls for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We must help Canadian women prepare so they too can have good jobs and earn good incomes.

[Medicare, November 9th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health.

Albertans are increasingly anxious about the erosion of medicare, resulting from the proliferation of private clinics in Alberta charging facility fees for medically insured services.

Can the minister assure Albertans that medicare will be protected from attempts to create a two-tier system where access and quality of service are based on the amount of cash in one's wallet?

[Department Of Health Act, November 6th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, as I rise to speak in support of Bill C-95, an act to fix the name of the Department of Health, I am inclined to ask how many hon. members know that above all it is a department that puts its money where the greatest need is no matter where in the country.

Counting all Canadians from coast to coast to coast the greatest health needs are found among the First Nations. For native peoples life expectancy is seven years lower than the Canadian average. Newborn die four times as often. Substance abuse is prevalent. Sickness is more pervasive. Children are most at risk for malnutrition. For these reasons two out of every three dollars spent by the Department of Health excluding transfers to provinces go to enhance native health. More than 2,000 employees of the depart-

ment are in the direct care business, mostly dedicated to helping Indians on lands reserved for Indians.

At a time when most government programs are being cut back, the Minister of Health prevailed to secure additional funds for native health in the recent budget. The government remains committed to mending the inequities that have persisted far too long.

The growth in expenditure will gradually taper down but lead time has been provided for native leaders in consultation with the department to explore alternate approaches to achieving the same levels of quality care that other Canadians have come to expect as their right. It is an essential part of Health Canada's mandate to help First Nations achieve the highest possible standards of health care. The department is expanding some programs and introducing others.

Health Canada's building healthy communities strategy is funded by $243 million over five years to strengthen and expand existing health programs for native people in areas of critical need, including solvent abuse, mental health and home care nursing. The strategy is designed in consultation with First Nations and Inuit leaders.

Last May the minister announced supplementary funding under the solvent abuse program for six new permanent treatment centres to deal with solvent abuse among First Nations and Inuit people. The centres are located in northern B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, southern Ontario and Quebec.

Last May the minister also announced the aboriginal head start aimed at helping disadvantaged children overcome some of poverty's life-drag effects. As it evolves it will provide more and more children with a positive self-image, a desire for learning, and an opportunity to develop social, emotional, physical and learning skills.

Aboriginal people have told us there is a need for programs for young children and families that reflect the culture and experience of their communities. Together with Canada's aboriginal community we have embarked on a mission that will support the need. All Canadians can be proud of the program because its design was developed with input from aboriginal people in both urban and northern communities across the country.

Aboriginal head start represents a made in Canada approach that can begin to address the unique needs of First Nations, Metis and Inuit preschool children and their families. There is ample evidence of the health and educational differences that exist between the Indian, Inuit and Metis people when compared with other Canadians. We know that by working together we can better deal with these problems.

Over half Canada's aboriginal population does not live on reserves and this population is very young. While 7 per cent of Canada's total population is under four years of age, 13 per cent of the aboriginal population is under four, nearly twice as high. Studies of head start programs have proven that investing in young children is one of the best investments society can make. Head start programs for young children can have a profound and positive effect on their lives.

The elders tell us that every child has his or her own gift and that it is the responsibility of the community to identify that gift, nurture it and ensure that each child is aware of how special she or he is and that she or he is a gift from the creator. This traditional belief is a natural starting point for a healthy beginning in life. Aboriginal head start is similar to a community based early intervention program developed in the United States more than 30 years ago. Those who are familiar with the head start program will be pleased to know that while we will build on their many successes we hope to improve on what they have done.

An important recommendation from our talks with aboriginal people was to make the program flexible. Doing so allows the uniqueness of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities to be respected. Aboriginal head start is not complicated and it will have little red tape. It focuses on local non-profit organizations controlled and administered by aboriginal people who see the parent as the natural advocate of the child. Grandparents and elders play a significant role in aboriginal head start projects. Young aboriginal children will benefit from their wisdom and knowledge of tradition. All aboriginal head start projects will have strong parental involvement.

Aboriginal head start will be guided in each region by a committee comprised of aboriginal people who have been nominated by their peers and bring with them an appreciation and understanding of aboriginal cultures, values, traditions, experience and educational expertise. They will assist in identifying priority sites and selecting projects.

As well, a national aboriginal head start committee is being established to ensure the initiative has support and strength across Canada. Its members will be chosen because they have a broad understanding of early childhood development.

It is clear to the federal government that programs for aboriginal people, designed and delivered by it, are more successful than those delivered by outside agencies. I have no doubt that aborigi-

nal head start committees and local head start projects will succeed.

We have placed our investment and trust at the community level because we believe one of the ultimate goals of this initiative is to help parents and children build better futures for themselves. The Government of Canada will continue to work in strong partnership with Indian, Inuit, and Metis people in fulfilling the commitments made in the red book. Through the aboriginal head start program we are continuing to promote community action and empower communities by providing the tools and resources to improve overall economic and social opportunities for children and families.

Although it was inspired by a community based program of early intervention and had its start in the U.S. more than 30 years ago, this head start program is much improved, based on substantial input from aboriginal people in urban and northern communities.

Aboriginal head start will be flexible, respecting the unique characteristics of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. Grandparents, elders, and parents will play significant roles and the program will be guided in each region by a committee of aboriginal people nominated by their community.

Head start programs for young children have profoundly positive long term effects. Their impact on aboriginal communities will be even greater elsewhere because in these communities there are nearly twice as many children under the age of four, nearly twice as many in proportion to their share of Canada's population.

One specific program illustrates the care and concern manifest in this department. Last May, Health Canada was the major sponsor of the third annual international conference on diabetes and indigenous peoples, which was held in Winnipeg. Hon. members may be aware that diabetes is one of the most serious chronic diseases among aboriginal populations in Canada. Diabetes rates for natives are from two to five times greater than for Canadians in general.

Health Canada works in partnership with aboriginal people to improve knowledge and treatment of diabetes. The department recognizes what the minister calls the critical role for traditional aboriginal practices in the healing process. This recognition of the value of traditional practices is of fundamental importance and reflects the department's major focus on the native front, which continues to be transfer of control of programs to First Nations.

Over the years, Health Canada has come to recognize that health programs designed and delivered within aboriginal communities are often more successful than those delivered by outside agencies. Therefore, it now works with First Nations to enhance their control of health resources. There have been more than 40 health transfer agreements concluded, involving about 100 First Nations, and the annual expenditures are more than $43 million. About twice as many again are under negotiation. Self-administered health care is one of the powers that will eventually enable First Nations to achieve self-government.

I have used this occasion to remind hon. members and all Canadians of the commitment in this department to improving health and longevity for Canada's first peoples. There remains much to be done, but I know that our Department of Health, rechristened and recharged, will reconfirm its dedication to those most in need.

I am pleased to support this clearing of the deck and positioning for the future brought about through Bill C-95.

[British Columbia Treaty Commission, October 23rd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I rose today in support of Bill C-107 respecting the British Columbia Treaty Commission and the process that has been developed in treaty making in British Columbia which included, specifically, third party consultations.

The process aspect of treaty negotiations has received considerable attention from TNAC members. Their demands for a more open negotiation process and less stringent confidentiality requirements have really stimulated media interest and some public criticism. The government has responded by removing TNAC confidentiality requirements. This has improved the members' capacity to consult with and to represent their organizations more effectively.

The provincial minister of aboriginal affairs, the hon. John Cashore, attends most of TNAC meetings and the federal minister has met with TNAC on four occasions including most meetings held so far in 1995. The member of Parliament for Vancouver East has agreed to be the personal representative of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development to TNAC. However I will take this opportunity to introduce members of the House to some of the people participating in the treaty negotiation advisory committee and to the TNAC group.

The key treaty negotiation advisory committee member is Michael Hunter. He is a representative of the Fisheries Council of B.C. He has significant government experience as part of the federal team that negotiated the 1985 Canada-U.S. Pacific Salmon Treaty. He is a former employee of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and has been on the fisheries council for about nine years. He has served on numerous fisheries advisory committees as well as on international trade consultations. His organization, made up of the major fish processing companies, is most concerned with ensuring that claims settlements do not create more problems for the B.C. commercial fishing industry.

Paddy Greene is a lifelong commercial salmon fisherman from Prince Rupert. Mr. Greene has also been actively involved in the advisory processes of the DFO on fish allocation and fisheries management. He has served as commissioner on the Canada-U.S. Pacific Salmon Commission and was recently manager of the Prince Rupert Fishermen's Co-op. He sits as the northern representative on TNAC and chairs the fisheries committee. He has been most concerned about the implementation of the DFO's aboriginal fisheries strategy and legal sale of aboriginal fish food.

Dennis Brown is a representative of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union. Mr. Brown has risen through the ranks of the union, serving in various capacities including Fraser River organizer before becoming an executive member. He has worked effectively on easing tensions between commercial fishermen and recent Vietnamese entrants. The UFAWU includes both harvesters and plant workers, many of whom are native people. The union is most concerned about job losses in an already downsized industry. He will point to the many aboriginal plant workers and commercial

harvesters as examples of how to create and maintain job opportunities for natives.

Guy Rose is a representative of the British Columbia Cattlemen's Association. Mr. Rose's family has been in the business for three generations. Usually soft spoken, he is concerned by the apparent lack of understanding some politicians have displayed concerning the impact of claims policies on third parties. He perceives that the general population is concerned by the generous benefits that may be provided. His group's main concern, however, will be continued access to provincial crown land at reasonable cost for grazing needs.

Susan Anderson, although designated as the alternate for the B.C. Federation of Labour, has attended almost all committee meetings on behalf of the president, Mr. Ken Georgetti of the B.C. Federation of Labour, and is a historic supporter of native rights. Ms. Anderson has referred frequently to the need for better compensation and adjustment programs for those industries and workers affected by claims agreements.

Bill Wimpney is a representative of the B.C. Wildlife Federation and is outspoken and direct. He is usually constructive and well prepared. He is continually mindful of the BCWF members' interests. He also chairs the wildlife sectoral advisory committee. The BCWF represents about 40,000 anglers, hunters and outdoor admirers throughout B.C. Mr. Wimpney has worked on preparing a statement on his organization's position on native issues and some bottom lines his members expect in negotiations. These relate specifically to access, endangered species protection and jurisdiction.

Marlie Beets is the vice-president of aboriginal affairs with the Council of Forest Industries and was the former alternate for the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers' Association. She is from Williams Lake and has been associated with the forestry industry for many years. COFI is most concerned about the further loss of harvestable timber resources and has indicated that minimum land transfers balanced with a larger cash component would be preferable.

Lloyd Whyte represents the interior forest industry coalition, an umbrella group for the three interior forestry organizations. He has been concerned about the cost sharing formula between Canada and B.C. and believes it will provide more land to native people in the interior than on the coast. He also chairs the lands and forest committee on which he sits as representative for the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers' Association.

Ken Sumanik is the representative of the Mining Association of B.C. He was the chair of the energy, mines and petroleum resources committee. His organization represents large mining and exploration operators in B.C. They have indicated they are facing serious economic difficulties due to commodity prices and environmental standards. The industry is most concerned that claim settlements not impede its ability to explore efficiently developed mineral deposits. It is not so much concerned about to whom royalties are paid as long as the opportunity remains to explore and develop B.C.'s mineral and petroleum resources.

Jerry Lampert is president of the B.C. Business Council. He recently stepped down as the organization's designated representative but usually attends agenda items involving the ministers. He was appointed by the B.C. Business Council when the respected James Matkin stepped down. Representing a large, diverse group of major private sector corporations, the business council acts mainly as a group to lobby governments. It will be most concerned with ensuring ministerial participation in TNAC meetings as the best means of ensuring its views are heard by the decision makers. The council also seeks to minimize the impact of settlements on B.C. employers by ensuring that the cost of treaty settlements does not add to the tax burden of businesses.

Dick McMaster is the representative of the Fishing Resort Operators Association and the Council of Tourist Associations. Mr. McMaster speaks for a growing sector in the B.C. economy. Many of the areas seen as ideal for tourism and recreation are also priority areas for many claimant groups. Tourism and sport fishing operators will seek to ensure their continued access to and use of those areas. This includes freshwater fishing and wilderness enjoyment. Mr. McMaster has been an active member of the committee and frequently participates in committee discussions.

At a March 1994 meeting he stated:

The more economic effort natives are involved in now, the less there will be the pressure for more land and cash when treaties are settled.

Although Richard Taylor is an alderman for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities he chairs the governance sectoral advisory committee. He chaired the early negotiations with the government to establish and define a joint third party consultation process. He has promoted the UBCM position on the need for local governments to be represented or present at the treaty negotiation table.

These are very respected British Columbians. The Government of Canada appreciates the time they have taken from their very busy schedules to participate in this very meaningful and important consultation process.

The job before these people is a great one. They carry the responsibility of representing vast interests of B.C.'s economy. They are building economic well-being not only for the immediate generation but for generations to come. They carry the responsibility of representing the vast interests of B.C.'s industry. TNAC is an integral part of the process. TNAC will develop positive, realistic and fair recommendations to enhance the negotiations.

The long term success of the process lies with the partners of the process. We need to encourage and congratulate all those who will participate.

[Human Rights, October 23rd, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

All Canadians value our well-earned reputation throughout the world for being a nation with a deep respect for human rights. Canadians continue to be concerned about the human rights situation in Mexico, our NAFTA partner.

Can the minister tell us how the government is responding to those concerns?