Mr. Chair, in my riding of Blackstrap, there is a concern with the rising cost of food around the world. As the minister noted, Canadians can be proud that of all the developed countries in the world Canada has been the third largest contributor to the World Food Programme over the last two years. In fact, I know it is this government's compassion for the less fortunate that has guided the minister in her portfolio.
On the topic of food aid, the minister has received a number of positive comments from organizations and individuals. Oxfam stated:
Canada is already one of the most generous donors to the WFP, and we are very pleased that Canada continues to show leadership to the world in responding to humanitarian crises as they arise.
It was the member for Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca who pointed out, after the minister's most recent food aid announcement, that:
The untying of aid is a good decision on the part of the government. Untying aid enables the World Food Programme to be able to get the best bang for the buck.
The executive director of the World Food Programme said:
This generous contribution by Canada will help protect millions of children from severe malnutrition and hunger.
I know the minister touched on the silent tsunami in her speech but I wonder if she would elaborate on what she has witnessed first-hand as she has travelled to some of the world's hardest hit countries.