Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents who are deeply concerned about abuses of human rights and environmental protections. This petition deals with the activities of a Vancouver-based mining company, Pan American Silver Corp, with respect to a silver mine called the Escobal mine in Guatemala. The Guatemalan courts interceded and instructed the mine to stop operations and adequately consult the Xinka indigenous peoples of the area. After the people said no, the mine has continued operations.
The petitioners are affronted. They ask the Government of Canada to take action. We have a vacant seat for the so-called Canadian ombudsperson for responsible enterprise. The petitioners ask Canadian consular officials to protect Xinka land defenders, and fully implement the report “Voices at Risk: Canada's Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders” and the principles of UNDRIP.