Mr. Speaker, this afternoon I am pleased to rise for the first time in this House to present a petition signed by 57 people from Bellechasse.
The purpose of this petition is to make the government aware of the social and environmental responsibilities of Canadian mining companies in developing countries.
This petition was spearheaded by Mrs. Denise Prévost, a member of Development and Peace in Saint-Charles, which is in my riding. I met with her and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lalonde at my office.
The petition asks that legal means be developed requiring Canadian companies to be accountable for their actions abroad and enabling the government to refuse to assist mining companies that do not respect international standards with respect to human rights and the environment.
I support this petition and am pleased to table it on behalf of the citizens of my riding.