Mr. Speaker, I have two comments for my hon. colleague. First of all, I too am delighted to be living in a system in which the human rights commissioner can raise such issues and bring them to our attention. I agree with the hon. member when he says that we Canadians still a long way to go. Instead of always pointing an accusing finger at others, we should start by dealing with our own problems. I am very pleased to be sitting in this place, because I look forward to be doing just that with him and the other members of this House in the near future.
Regarding the relationship between international trade and human rights in other countries, do we really want, given the total system we live in, to condemn others? Does condemnation foster understanding and behaviour modification in other people or not? That is what we must ask ourselves.
It may well be that, in some cases, condemnation is absolutely necessary, while in others, maintaining a relationship with the people in question will give us the opportunity to convince them to change their minds. This must always be decided on a case by case, or ad hoc basis.
This is why I find that the amendment moved by the minister is more in keeping with today's needs than the wording of the original motion. This is why I support these amendments and hope that they will receive the support of all members of this House, because it is in that spirit that we will be able to change people's ways. This should be our aim. W should think ahead, and have the future of mankind in mind. I think that this is what we are trying to do with these amendments.