Mr. Chair, I am worried that the debate has started off on the wrong foot. The hon. member was asked two very specific questions, but he danced around them instead of responding. I will repeat them, and hopefully this time he will answer.
Our colleague from Laurier—Sainte-Marie asked him what the government is willing to do to help the Malian government on its journey toward democracy. The Government of Mali has had its funding cut. It will be very difficult to be effective in Mali if we are not working with the government.
The Government of Canada asked for a road map. That was the right thing to do. Since we are working towards a road map and an election, why not cautiously restore direct relations with the Malian government as much as possible? That was the first question that did not get answered.
Second, the member was asked why we are not involved in the UN initiative to help train African troops to be effective and disciplined so that the locals are treated decently and so that missions are effective. Why is the Canadian government not taking part in this initiative when so many of our allies are? It is easy to say that Africans must take charge, but it is our role to help them take charge. I hope that this time, we will get some answers to these specific questions.