Evidence of meeting #17 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cuban.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Denise Savoie NDP Victoria, BC
I listened to my colleague's comments. If the purpose of this motion is to determine the basis of an investigation,—
NDP
Denise Savoie NDP Victoria, BC
—then I think that that is different from what is written. I think we have heard enough statements coming from Iran to justify a request that the basis of an investigation be determined.
I am certain that this will then be debated in the other committee.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Jason Kenney
Mr. Sorenson is next and then Ms. Minna. Then we'll have to start wrapping this up.
Conservative
Kevin Sorenson Conservative Crowfoot, AB
First of all, I really respect Mr. Cotler's legal opinion, and I'm certainly not trying to compete with him. I've heard that there are academics in Israel who are really pushing this, but I have never heard that the Government of Israel has in any way indicated it isn't going to do it because it didn't sign it—and I can see how it could say that—but it wishes other countries would do this.
If there is that evidence, I would certainly like to see it. I would like to see where the Government of Israel—not some academic, some left party, right party, or one party--has said, “We encourage this.”
You can respond, and then I have one other comment.
Liberal
Irwin Cotler Liberal Mount Royal, QC
I was present at an international conference where the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel said exactly what I conveyed to this committee: that they would welcome that kind of reference. I would assume that the Minister of Foreign Affairs in that government speaks for the government, the same as we would expect the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Canada to speak for the Canadian government. But again, I don't want to get into a debate on what Israel does or does not do. I don't think that is relevant. I'm just answering as a point of fact, but I don't think it is a point of reference.
Conservative
Kevin Sorenson Conservative Crowfoot, AB
The second thing is to be clear on the amendment that was brought forward by Madame Savoie. Do I then understand that it would read “that Canada call upon the United Nations to”...do what, Clerk? Is it “to consider the basis for a--”
Committee Researcher
There were two suggestions, and I'm just going to incorporate both of them on reading this back into the record:
Canada call upon the United Nations Security Council to consider referring the situation of the genocidal incitement to the special prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in order to determine the basis for investigation and prosecution.
That is what I heard.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Jason Kenney
There are two and a half amendments here. Marcus is trying to compile them.
Marcus, could you repeat what your understanding is?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Jason Kenney
First of all, in paragraph 2, it would say:
Canada call upon the United Nations Security Council to refer
Committee Researcher
Yes, “the situation of the genocidal incitement”--
Conservative
Committee Researcher
“--to the special prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution”. Is that...?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Jason Kenney
Yes, “--in order to determine whether there is a basis”, or is it “in order to determine the basis”?
NDP
Denise Savoie NDP Victoria, BC
Just let it be noted, though, if I may, that I didn't suggest “to consider referring”.
NDP
Denise Savoie NDP Victoria, BC
That's right. I just want to make it clear that that wasn't mine, because that weakens it beyond what I thought necessary.
Liberal
Irwin Cotler Liberal Mount Royal, QC
What Denise said is “that I recommend as acceptable, which was “for their consideration”.
