Madam Speaker, I rise today to request an emergency debate on the recent deeply concerning actions and statements by the Trump administration that have grave implications for the sovereignty and security of Canada.
On January 3, President Trump ordered American forces to disregard international law and core principles of national sovereignty by attacking Venezuela, a UN member state. This aggression was followed by President Trump's announcement of a Donroe doctrine, considering the entire western Hemisphere to be within the sole hegemonic control of the United States.
On January 18, President Trump expressed his intent to seize Greenland, a territory of Denmark, another UN member state and, importantly, a NATO member. He justified this aggression by referencing Greenland's Arctic proximity, mineral reserves and inadequate defence capacity.
These actions and words have direct application to Canada. They follow repeated and continuing threats made to Canada since Donald Trump became President. They are occurring on a daily basis right up to this moment. There is a wide consensus among observers, policy experts and stakeholders from across the political spectrum in Canada, from Jason Kenney to Bob Rae, that our country is vulnerable as a result.
It is vital that members of Parliament be afforded an opportunity to speak to these important and urgent matters, which profoundly affect our sovereignty, security and place in the world. I ask that this emergency debate be approved and conducted forthwith tonight.