Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise tonight to participate in this important debate.
I support, as does the government, a continued role for Canada's peacekeepers in the former Yugoslavia. Canada has an important role to play in finding solutions and in helping bring peace to the region.
Canada has a proud and distinctive record in preserving world peace and fostering global security. Since the creation of the first UN emergency force in 1956 there have been 26 other UN peacekeeping missions. In every case Canada participated in some way. This record of excellence has been further enhanced by our presence in the former Yugoslavia. From the beginning Canada has participated fully in efforts to promote a peaceful settlement to the conflict and provide relief to its victims.
In September 1991 we led the call for the UN security council to deal with the issue. However there are those who would argue that Canada should pull out. We do not think the problem is yet to be resolved. Despite our presence the conflict rages on with no end in sight.
It is true that we have not been able to secure peace in the region. For the peacekeepers involved, for all members of Parliament and for all Canadians, this is a grave issue of concern. While it is frustrating to see the conflict continue, we must remember the many positive contributions that Canada and other countries have made to the region. These contributions, as has been said here numerous times, are the delivery of food, medical supplies, clothing, shelter and so on.
Make no mistake about it. For those living in some of the war torn areas of the region, Canada's continued presence makes a difference. We have protected the lives of innocent victims of the conflict. We have a responsibility and a moral obligation to continue that help.
Our efforts also continue on the diplomatic front. We continue to consult regularly with all countries contributing troops to the UN protection force. By extending our commitment to the UN protection force we are by no means committing ourselves to the status quo. The valuable work our troops continue to do in the region cannot be seen in isolation from our efforts to find innovative solutions for peace.
Our experience over the past few years indicates that we need to explore more innovative options. Recent peacekeeping missions have shown that the traditional approach no longer applies. Clearly our long term commitment to international peace and security must be closely tied with efforts to make peacekeeping and, more important, peace building effective security mechanisms.
Given our longstanding commitment in international peacekeeping, Canada has a wealth of experience to contribute to future discussions. By renewing our commitment we are sending a strong signal that Canada's first priority is to help find a peaceful settlement to the dispute.
In closing, I would like to read an excerpt from a letter I received from one of my constituents who was serving with the UN protection force. He writes: "Hello from southern Croatia. I hope people back home realize how dedicated their soldiers are. From what I have seen so far, everybody down here realizes how professional we Canadians are".
I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Canada's peacekeepers stationed in the former Yugoslavia.