Mr. Speaker, may I say to the member in starting that the opposition parties have the opportunity every time they have an opposition day to bring forth a vote if that is what they are talking about.
There is no question that Canadian participation in NATO operations is important, not simply because we are members of the alliance but because of the moral issues at stake. Members of the Canadians forces deserve our recognition and support for the important task they have taken up on behalf of all Canadians. Parliament has played an important role in our Kosovo deliberations.
In making its decisions respecting Canada's involvement in Kosovo, the government recognizes the importance of the views of parliamentarians on this crucial issue.
Parliament has debated the situation in Kosovo on four different occasions: first on October 7, 1998, when all parties agreed that Canada should join our NATO allies in air operations if they proved necessary; second on February 17, 1999, when there was hope that a peace agreement would be signed and our involvement would consist of a peacekeeping force; third on April 12, 1999, when the House once again discussed events in Kosovo and when all parties supported Canada's decision to participate in NATO-led air operations; and fourth on April 19, 1999, when the House debated the opposition day motion calling for a debate and vote on any deployment of ground troops for military or peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. That motion was defeated.
Twice-weekly briefings on Kosovo are being given to joint meetings of the Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and National Defence and Veterans Affairs. Moreover, ministers and officials have participated in daily technical briefings which have been well attended by the public and the press. Should the nature of our involvement in Kosovo change, the government has made a firm commitment to consult parliament.
As the Prime Minister has repeatedly stated, this thankfully remains a hypothetical question. If the situation changes he will address the question on votes at that time. However, for the time being questions about voting on ground troops is irrelevant. Our efforts should be directed toward resolving this tragic dispute, not debating hypothetical questions.