Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that I clarify one thing for members of the House and for Canadians.
As a backbench member of Parliament I do not speak on behalf of the minister and I do not speak on behalf of the Liberal Party. I am part of a team, but I have no authority and no way to represent the position of the government.
Notwithstanding that, I am familiar with the issues which the member has raised and I will give him my personal input, which is what my job is.
The member will well know that human rights issues are very important to Canada. The social values that we have in this country have meant that every time international situations arise Canadians look to Canada to provide leadership where possible. The member must surely know that with a population of just about 30 million people it is very difficult to go to China and say "I am the Prime Minister of Canada. I represent 30 million people and you should stop doing what you are doing". The premier of China would say "I am the premier of China and I represent one billion people".
Canada has a role to play in terms of its model. We supported our UN allies with the embargoes on South Africa. We supported our allies in the Afghanistan situation. However, we are not singing from a linear song sheet.
For example, let us look at the Cuba situation. Canada does not support the U.S. position on Cuba. Canada's position appears to be, very clearly, that the best way to change human rights abuses in Cuba is for Canadians to be there, to be doing business there and to have some input and show Cubans how we can work together to make the world a safer place.
The point is do not look for a simple solution to the complex problems of the world. Every situation has different circumstances. Canada will play its role as it always has.