Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to make a few comments and ask some questions of the hon. member for Vegreville with respect to Bill C-42.
This is certainly a great opportunity for Canada to participate in the international stage and once again show the leadership that Canada is known for. It is probably enforcing and assisting to enhance the role of the rule of law in the international forum. We know that it is out of respect for Canada's integrity, its peaceful nature and its reputation for fairness that it has been asked to participate at such a high level in prosecuting war crimes, war crimes that involve some of the most heinous and violent activity, activity which can only be viewed as an abomination. Certainly, right thinking people who view nations as having a responsibility to participate in enhancing this role and in bringing those to justice who have perpetrated these crimes would support participation.
The Reform Party is suggesting that there is a technical breach. There is not. It is quite clear that proper authorization was given to Madam Justice Arbour to participate in this forum. The purpose of this bill is to allow the United Nations to pay Madam Justice Arbour directly in order to allow compliance with United Nations rules. Clearly the steps which have been taken have been entirely appropriate in complying with the law and in changing it in order to facilitate the applicability of UN rules.
I put a question to hon. members of the Reform Party. When it comes to international activity, to helping other nations, to standing up for the rule of law, international fairness and morality, and to ensuring that we take a tough stance against violence in the international forum, why is it that every time we seek to engage in such noble purposes the Reform Party tries to undermine us by bringing forth erroneous objections? I would like to know why the Reform Party is stalling and filibustering when this activity is so important to Canada and its reputation.