Mr. Speaker, an historic step has been taken in the Northern Ireland peace process. The IRA's decommissioning of weapons is a decisive move toward a just and lasting peace.
Canada fully supports this move. In fact Canada has been instrumental in the peace process as well as the decommissioning process. Retired Canadian General John de Chastelain is head of the commission and he will be responsible for ensuring that the handing in of weapons is carried out.
I congratulate the leadership of Sinn Fein for its political contribution in working for peace. I also reiterate that Canada will continue to play its part in the Northern Ireland peace process as we continue to encourage both communities to work toward a true and lasting peace.