Debates of Oct. 3rd, 2006

Situation in Sudan

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, yes, in general terms the principles of it may apply here. However, it is something that we need to flesh out a little more fully to really relate to the specifics of this situation.

The important thing here is not the semantics and not the definition. The important thing here is the reality on the ground for the people who are living this terrible tragedy in Darfur.

The question is not whether one complies with one definition or another, but whether governments like Canada have the courage and the resolve to act. That will be the testament as to whether or not we have lived up to our obligation internationally.

[Ron Cannan, Conservative, Kelowna—Lake Country, BC]

Mr. Chair, I would ask the member from the NDP to clarify her position.

I talked with a personal friend on Saturday who had just returned after spending four years in the Sudan working with a group called the Samaritan's Purse. She was back and forth over the years and has some incredible stories of first-hand incidents. When I indicated to her that we were having this debate this evening, she said that no one would want to go to Darfur in the situation that exists there today.

I personally want to thank those men and women who have sacrificed their personal lives to help others. We do provide the aid, the financial resources and the support in various ways but those people are the ones who actually have their feet on the ground and we thank them for that.

How does the member feel about our government supporting UN Resolution 1706 and doing all it can to move it forward? Does she feel that we should continue to support this resolution or would she accept just moving forward without the invitation--

[The Deputy Chair, Conservative, Royal Galipeau]

The hon. member for Parkdale—High Park.

[Peggy Nash, NDP, Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Mr. Chair, one of the keys in Sudan surely has to be the provision of security. We have the resources and the ability to provide peacekeeping troops in Darfur.

For there to be any kind of peace and for there to be the opportunity for aid to be given to the people who so desperately need it there has to be security.

This is an opportunity for Canada. We have the resources. We want to ensure that people are not unnecessarily losing their lives in Darfur and that we can provide security for them through peacekeeping troops.

[The Deputy Chair, Conservative, Royal Galipeau]

It being 10:55 p.m., pursuant to order made Thursday, September 28, 2006, under Standing Order 53(1), the committee will rise and I will leave the chair.

(Government Business No. 10 reported)

[The Acting Speaker, Royal Galipeau]

Pursuant to order made on Thursday, September 28, this House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 10:55 p.m.)