Thank you, Mr. Burton.
Your remarks were quite interesting and refreshing. Each time the subject of China comes up, we get the feeling that we are walking on eggshells, afraid of the kind of reaction we might provoke. I'm naive enough to hope that the government will look to your comments for inspiration.
Mr. Menzies planted a seed of doubt. I checked in the reports from our research analysts and discovered that even Stockwell Day had remarked on November 15 last that Chine had received nearly $1 billion over the past ten years. I realize that it's not like Canada actually handed over $1 billion to China. However, the fact remains that there is certainly a cost associated with implementing these programs.
In light of your comments, the committee will have no other alternative, in my opinion, but to invite CIDA officials to testify. I have no objection to our carrying out programs in China. Quite the contrary, in fact. As you've demonstrated once again, these initiatives are very important. However, it's quite another matter when programs are terminated in Ethiopia because the country's has failed to uphold human rights when in China, we're almost afraid of taking any action. We're told that economic considerations must prevail. Mr. Burton, I think you've shed some light on this subject this afternoon for the benefit of the subcommittee.
Mr. Neve, on October 6 last, you sent a letter to Mr. Harper. I'd like to know if you received an answer from the Prime Minister or from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
On another note, there has been considerable talk about the upcoming Olympic Games. If the human rights situation does not improve, or in fact even deteriorates, do you think Canada should go so far as to threaten an athletes' boycott of the Games?
Thank you.