Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to ask the hon. member a question following, as my colleague says, his riveting presentation. We can certainly tell there is an election coming when politicians become so full of themselves.
Earlier the hon. Minister for International Cooperation and Minister responsible for Francophonie made a presentation in this House. He talked about what he viewed as the Reform Party inconsistency in our policies.
I point out from Hansard page 5561, October 22, 1996 that in response to a question about the announcement of a grant of $11 million to Viet Nam and the concern expressed by an hon. member
during that question about human rights abuses in Viet Nam, the hon. minister replied that the Canadian government should not use economic pressure to resolve a situation concerning human rights. That is what he said basically, that he did not believe that.
Later on the same day the same minister in response to a question about the situation in Afghanistan and the concern expressed there for human rights replied: "The Canadian government is extremely concerned about human rights not being respected, in particular women's rights, in Afghanistan. That is why we have suspended all Canadians funds for local initiatives until further notice".
We talk about inconsistencies. Unfortunately there was not time for me to put this question directly to him, but I will put it to his hon. colleague because he does represent the Liberal government. This minister is saying in connection with Viet Nam that no, we cannot tie human rights to economic aid and yet with Afghanistan we do prevent economic aid because of human rights abuses.
I am wondering, as are the people of Canada, which is it?