Madam Speaker, peacekeeping is one of the strongest and most enduring traditions of Canada's foreign and defence policy. Canada is justifiably proud of its distinctive record in preserving world peace and fostering global security. In fact we are the only country that can claim to have participated in almost every peacekeeping mission organized under auspices of the United Nations.
Canada's peacekeeping commitments command the respect and admiration of the world community, a commitment that we parliamentarians are examining once again under the issue of a renewed participation in the peacekeeping force in Bosnia, as we should and as is our responsibility.
Canada has taken a leading role in the efforts to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict in the Balkans. Canada was among the first countries to call for a concerted international action and Canadian forces have served with distinction since 1991. Let us not ignore that their participation was done at considerable cost to Canada. Indeed, 10 Canadians were killed on this assignment. Let us examine this request for a further commitment very carefully.
Incredibly, the warring factions in Bosnia made a peace agreement a few short weeks ago. Requests for assistance to provide a stable forum for this peace initiative to mature and grow have been made. Our values of peace, freedom and democracy and our aversion to intolerance, terrorism and destruction cry out for our participation. Canadians do not simply stand for these ideals; they act on them and sacrifice for them.
Fifty years have elapsed since the end of the second world war, the war to end all wars. What have we learned? I wonder.
Over the last four years unthinkable horrors we thought were banished forever have been seared into our minds once again: the degradation of skeletal prisoners caged behind barbed wire fences; senseless murders of defenceless women and children; cowardly killings of men and boys in mass graves; ethnic cleansing; sickening destruction and obliteration of homes, of neighbourhoods, of entire communities where playgrounds and marketplaces became war zones; endless lines of refugees stumbling in misery and despair. The picture is not pleasant.
Our veterans of two world wars fought and too many gave their lives to guard against such atrocities. Can we now do nothing less?
The Muslims, Croats and Serbs have miraculously hammered out a peace settlement to put down their arms, to seek out a prosecute war criminals, to protect human rights, to build for the future peace and democracy.
They have asked for assistance, for our confidence and support to implement the Dayton peace agreement. Should we participate
in peacekeeping forces that will facilitate their efforts? The only conceivable response is yes.
Canada was a founding member of and a continuing major contributor to NATO. When a situation becomes difficult Canadians do not renege on their responsibilities. Canadians do not turn their backs on their allies. Canadians stand up and are counted.
Canadian forces are familiar with the geographical terrain of Bosnia. They know the people, their culture and their differences. Canadian forces are well trained and competent. They are not only well suited, they are ideally suited for this deployment.
It is also interesting to note that to date 19 non-NATO countries including Russia have also indicated a willingness to participate. These countries share our goals. We must also share their burden. These countries realize that peace and stability in Europe are essential for world security.
Bosnia lies nestled in the middle of a diverse European continent, in close proximity to some of the fragile democracies of the former iron curtain countries. Stability must come to this region to ensure the flames of war and all the devastation they bring do not lick beyond the Bosnian border. Let us not forget the spark from the Balkans that ignited the first world war. Let us not forget this lesson from history. We have seen Europe in flames. Never again.
The stability provided by the NATO presence will allow civilian agencies from around the world to commence programs of humanitarian relief and reconstruction, to provide food, shelter, clothing and medicine, to reconstruct roads, schools and hospitals, to reunite families, to heal the wounds of war, to allow the people of Bosnia to pull themselves from the past and to build for a future in peace.
There will be considerable cost and expenses associated with this military exercise; this in an era of necessary fiscal restraint and deficit reduction. Responsible Canadians are prepared to pay this price. They are aware of the quarter of a million men, women and children who have been shelled, shot and tortured to death and the campaigns of rape and ethnic cleansing. They are well aware of the price of failure of this peace accord.
Let there be no mistake, deployment of Canadian troops is not without risk and may very well involve casualties. Every effort will be made to minimize such risks but we must be prepared nonetheless.
One of the most difficult decisions the government has been called on to make is to place the volunteer men and women of our armed forces in situations of potential danger in far off lands when the values of our nation require it.
I urge the government to join this partnership of peace. Let us stand and be counted in this period of crisis once again. Let us stand for peace and freedom. Very simply, it is the right thing to do.