Evidence of meeting #30 for Health in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was countries.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Luc Thériault Bloc Montcalm, QC
How do you explain the fact that, in Nepal—and probably other countries as well—you didn't take advantage of the emergency coordinators on site, volunteers all over the country who respond in emergencies?
Clearly, as soon as the crisis was declared, a swift response would have ensured travellers could return to Canada before countries closed their airspace. More than 60 people are still stranded in the country. How do you explain the fact that you didn't leverage that support?
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
It's quite easy to explain, Mr. Thériault. We arranged a flight and the authorities changed their mind at the last minute, forcing us to start the whole operation over again. We had a plan in place, but as I said, plans change regularly depending on the restrictions imposed. I am very much aware of the situation in Nepal. That's how we came to work with Qatar Airways to bring people back home.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Monsieur Thériault.
We go now to Mr. Davies for two minutes. Again, I will have to be fairly strict on the time.
Go ahead, Mr. Davies.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Minister, on May 29, Donald Trump announced that the United States will sever all ties with the World Health Organization. What is Canada's position on that announcement, and have you communicated it to your U.S. counterpart?
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Could you repeat that, Mr. Davies? I apologize; I could not fully appreciate your question. I was trying to change the interpretation as you were speaking.
NDP
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
I'll try it without my video on.
On May 29, Donald Trump announced that the United States will sever all ties with the World Health Organization. What is Canada's position on this announcement, and have you communicated it to your U.S. counterpart?
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
We believe in the World Health Organization. We believe they're doing important work. We believe we should not undermine an institution that is providing essential data and support to many parts of the world. I've heard it from colleagues in Africa, in the Middle East, in the Caribbean and in the Pacific Islands. We will continue to work with the WHO.
As I said, there will be a time when we need to ask hard questions, but this is not the time. Now we need to support the organization that is helping millions of people around the world during this pandemic.
Don Davies NDP Vancouver Kingsway, BC
Turning to the UN Security Council seat, Canada received fewer votes in our bid this time than the Harper government did when its bid was rejected in 2010. Does this pattern of rejection say anything to you about Canada's foreign policy, and if so, what?
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
There are obviously lessons learned, Mr. Davies, but I don't think it's a rejection of the fundamental principles we put forward, if you think about gender equality, climate change, economic security and multilateralism. I'm a firm believer in the values and principles and human rights that we've been defending. They are worth standing up for, our values and principles, and we'll continue to do so at the G7, at the G20 and at la Francophonie.
I think it is right for Canada to stand up for our values and our principles, which include human rights. I can tell you that we've formed a new alliance. The fact is that we've renewed with countries we have not engaged with in quite some time. This is value, and we'll have dividends for years to come. I am encouraged by what I've heard from foreign ministers around the world. We'll continue to engage with the world, defending what we believe is right, to improve the life of people on this planet.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Davies.
That brings our questioning to a close. I thank you all. We are actually over time, but the translators have graciously given us a few extra minutes.
Thank you, Minister, for being here.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
We certainly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and your willingness to stay longer. We appreciate that.
Thank you to the members as well.
Certainly, thank you to the translators. You worked once again very conscientiously and through some difficulties. Thank you for staying late for us.
We do have a small item of committee business. An interim budget has been distributed to all the members. If everyone is familiar with that and is willing to vote on adopting that, then perhaps we could do that shortly.
Is it the will of the committee to adopt this budget?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you, Mr. Davies.
Seeing no further discussion, we'll go to a vote.
Liberal
François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Mr. Chair, as this is committee business, I'm guessing you would like me to leave.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
We don't want you to leave, but you're certainly welcome to do so. It is committee business, and we will be done momentarily.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ron McKinnon
Thank you.
(Motion agreed to: yeas 11; nays 0 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Once again, thank you very much to all the members.
We are adjourned.