Mr. Chair, the situation in Darfur is truly horrific. We have listened to members on both sides of the House describe it in very graphic terms. It has also been described as a “genocide in slow motion”. It is clear that the funds that are being provided by the international community are totally inadequate to meet the needs of the people in Darfur.
I know that the Canadian Forces are extended right now in Afghanistan, but I believe that Canada must signal its commitment to sending troops so that both sides in Sudan, in Darfur, will understand that we and the international community are serious about ending this terrible conflict.
Does the situation in Darfur not warrant Canadian military intervention? Does the government not think that Canadians would and do want their government to do all that we can to avert a full-blown genocide? Only last week we all marked the commemoration of the Holocaust very seriously in this House and outside on the lawn of Parliament. We have an opportunity here to take action that will save lives and prevent this horror from continuing.
Does the parliamentary secretary not believe that it is important for Canada to now take a more active role in Darfur and support the African Union, which does not now have the resources to do the job that needs to be done?