Mr. Speaker, social upheavals in countries across the continent have resulted in over 19 million refugees throughout the world. As arms struggles continued, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees spent approximately $1.1 billion in 1993 caring for the world's refugees.
Canada has developed an international reputation as a caring and compassionate country and we are committed to protecting people who have been forced to flee their homes and their countries.
I commend the efforts of the constituents of London-Middlesex who worked to make the community aware of the issues and concerns affecting our refugee neighbours and friends. I encourage all Canadians to work to ease the settlement of true refugees in our country.