Mr. Speaker, members of this Chamber and all Canadians greeted news accounts from Havana this morning with excitement. Family members of Cuban political prisoners Guillermo Sambra Ferrandiz, Esperanza Micaela Atencio de la Rosa and Jose Miranda Acosta received word this weekend from the Cuban commission for human rights and national reconciliation that these individuals may be headed to Canada soon.
Coming fast on the heels of the Prime Minister's groundbreaking visit to Cuba last week, a visit which the Reform Party so adamantly protested, it is obvious that the Prime Minister's policy on constructive engagement works. In his meetings with President Fidel Castro the Prime Minister tackled the human rights issues and pushed for the release of political prisoners.
All members will agree this very significant announcement is an important step in human rights negotiations between our two countries. Congratulations to the Prime Minister.