Mr. Speaker, in January the Canadian Centre for Global Security announced that it would be shutting down as a result of the federal government's decision to terminate its funding.
For 12 years this centre provided independent and non-partisan policy advice on a wide range of strategic issues. Among them was the centre's work on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and peacekeeping reform.
By terminating its funding, the government has closed one of the last independent centres of this type in Canada. This is of further concern given that we are now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and the world is still plagued by war, instability and injustice.
In opposition we were outraged when the previous government shut down the Canadian Centre for International Peace and Security in 1992.
I am extremely concerned that this decision will send a negative message with respect to Canada's commitment to peacemaking, peacekeeping and arms control. I ask the government to reconsider.