House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2021, with 54% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, to answer the question, I would say that Canada is currently assessing what it will do with its surplus vaccines when the time comes.
As the Prime Minister has said, that is something we want to do to help other countries that do not have the means to get vaccines. That policy is being developed right now, as is our important role in COVAX.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, the United Nations is not a perfect organization. It has many bodies, some of which perform extremely well and others which could do better in terms of reform. Canada has taken the position that it is important for us to engage with this global multilateral organization to make positive contributions to its functioning. We believe that role, rather than simply criticizing, is the best approach for making the United Nations the organization that we would all like it to be.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, we know that one thing Israel is negotiating for is the return of the two bodies and the two civilians. Our $25 million in humanitarian assistance is intended to go to, first of all, the most pressing basic needs, such as food, water and medicines, and to funding for reconstruction and what we call peacebuilding. That is how Canada is assisting in Gaza. We think this is an important contribution that will help to stabilize things.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, there are a lot of things that we have said about the Iran government. It is a state sponsor of terrorism. It is a country that does not respect human rights. It is a country that is always trying to defy its denuclearization obligations. We will continue to criticize Iran, going forward, and will not hesitate to do so.
With respect to PS752, we have taken note of the judgment of the judge in Ontario and we, of course, are working toward ensuring that the families of the victims receive the proper compensation through negotiations.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, in fact it was under my hon. colleague's government that the Quds Force was listed as a terrorist entity, and we agree with that; and several other regional terrorist groups that Iran finances have also been listed as terrorist entities. We have also sanctioned individuals in the IRGC as well as entities including the missile command and the air force command. We believe that the sanctions that have been applied are the right ones to apply against those different organizations.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, as my hon. colleague expressed, every Canadian knows about Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. We count every day they are in detention. This is something that has provided great angst to Canadians and we are determined to secure their release. We are using every means at our disposal to try to achieve that aim.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, the arbitrary detention of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor is a top priority. It is my top priority. We will continue to work tirelessly to secure their immediate release. We believe these detentions are arbitrary and remain deeply troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding these proceedings.
Canada will continue to provide consular support to Mr. Kovrig, Mr. Spavor and their families. I am in regular contact with their families, who are going through an extremely difficult period. We thank our international partners who have demonstrated solidarity and support to Canada and to Michael Spavor, Michael Kovrig and their families.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, our approach toward China is based on the four Cs: coexist, compete, co-operate and challenge. That means, yes, we will trade with China when it is in our interest. It also means we will co-operate with China in areas where we can, such as the fight against climate change, which concerns all of us, and we will challenge it in other areas, such as human rights, as we have done. The imposition of sanctions against four Chinese officials by Canada last March was a clear demonstration and we acted multilaterally. That is when we have the greatest effect.
Canada also believes it is essential that democratic countries work together to promote values of democracy and human rights. We need to stay nimble and adapt while protecting Canada's interests, upholding core principles such as human rights, and defending the rules-based order and multilateral institutions.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, our government is deeply concerned by the reports of egregious human rights violations against the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang autonomous region. We have announced sanctions targeting individuals and entities implicated in the repression, in coordination with like-minded democracies. We will continue to call for unfettered access to the region so that independent investigators can report first-hand.
That said, we must recognize the independence of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees with regard to Canada's participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Business of Supply May 31st, 2021
Madam Chair, I can tell my colleague that those are issues we are very much aware of, and so is the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.