Mr. Speaker, last week I was honoured to attend the review of the draft handbook for legislators on HIV and AIDS, law and human rights in Geneva on behalf of the IPU Canadian group.
The conference was attended by legislators from France, Switzerland, Kenya, Botswana, Côte d'Ivoire, Guatemala, India, Russia and England, who were all dedicated to develop a handbook for parliamentarians with respect to AIDS legislation in a human rights context.
The handbook will share best practices and will be a resource for countries developing legislation so they will know and can use what works in other countries and emphasize the need for ongoing evaluation.
I would like to thank the hon. member for Mount Royal, Barbara Reynolds and Serge Pelletier from the IPU for making this experience possible.
I would like to thank Nina Arron of Health Canada, Elissa Lieff and Patricia Lindsay of the Department of Justice and Carol Vlassoff of CIDA for taking the time to share their insights and expertise with me prior to the meeting. They are inspirational and passionate examples of the best of our public service.
The meeting reinforced how proud I am to be a Canadian. Our AIDS strategy and our approach to human rights are respected throughout the world.