Madam Speaker, it is very important that we start out by getting some facts on the table here.
We are standing in the House, or speaking remotely as the case may be, as parliamentarians to discuss the Inter-Parliamentary Union: an international organization made up of parliamentarians like us, like you Madam Speaker, and all the members from 179 countries.
The IPU is an important international organization that I joined when I became a member in 2008. I am very disappointed that the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan is not a member of the IPU. I checked the membership today and was very disappointed that he does not have the confidence in the IPU that 85 people, senators and members of Parliament, have expressed by joining it.
The IPU is an interparliamentary association. It is not an inter-governmental association. It is very important to understand this is not a governmental organization. It is a long-standing practice that government does not interfere or intervene in our 12 parliamentary associations. This is very important to keep the independence of our parliamentary organizations.
I was the co-chair of one of our 12 associations for five years, and I appreciated our independence from government. I appreciated it, and in fact would expect or demand it.
This does not mean that the government does not wish the senator well in her campaign: in fact we do. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has spoken to her about her candidacy already, and will be doing so again. I have known Senator Ataullahjan for many years. I respect her greatly, both her work here in Ottawa and in the Greater Toronto Area, where we both come from.
I respect the work that she does and the issues she raises on human rights, equality, gender equity and anti-racism. However, the accusation that there is anything related to gender in the government following a long-standing practice on inter-parliamentary organizations is without any basis whatsoever. It is irrelevant.
What I would hope is that the member for Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan would actually join the IPU, would recognize the importance of it, and also cherish the independence of it. Our government is proud of our inter-parliamentary associations and the work they contribute internationally and domestically. We will continue to do that while we continue to support gender equity, making sure that our cabinet and organizations are always treated with the utmost respect and ensuring that we have equality and justice.