House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 52% of the vote.
Middle East March 11th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, it is not my practice to comment on speeches that I have not given.
However, I can assure the hon. member that this government's policy has always been to pursue peace with all parties in the Middle East, and that we are good and loyal friends to Israel, as the President of Israel said during his trip. We will always try our best to work for peace in the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, as I said before in the House, Canada has already taken a number of measures against the Government of Zimbabwe to indicate that it disapproves of its actions.
The Prime Minister is going to the Commonwealth meeting with his own conviction, namely that the Commonwealth must act and that the international community must clearly tell Mr. Mugabe “Let a fair and proper election take place in Zimbabwe, and let Zimbabweans speak for themselves during that election”.
National Defence March 1st, 2002
Mr. Speaker, in this as in other matters, the government will ensure that the security of Canadians comes first in our consideration. We will ensure that we discuss with our American allies ways in which we guarantee our security and our interests. We will not enter into an arrangement that is for them. We will enter into arrangements that are good for us.
As the minister of defence has said, we have not been asked, but when we are, we will study it from our perspective, our requirements, our needs and our interests.
Foreign Affairs February 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member and the House that the Prime Minister is in contact, not only with Mr. Blair, but with other Commonwealth leaders, including African leaders. They are putting pressure to bear so that there will be elections in Zimbabwe that respect human rights in that country.
I assure the House that at the Commonwealth meeting in Australia, the Prime Minister will act for the good of the Commonwealth and for the good of the people of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe February 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, this government has already taken action against the government of Mugabe. We have suspended all direct aid with the government of Mugabe. We have put it on a list in terms of giving visas to leaders. We have taken every action available to us under Canadian law at this time.
It will require a resolution of the commonwealth for us to do more. We will do more. We are working within the commonwealth, and we are working not to score political points but for the benefit of the Zimbabwean people by keeping commonwealth inspectors in place until the elections are over.
Zimbabwe February 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, we welcome the report of the subcommittee. Clearly this is a matter which is presently being discussed by the heads of the commonwealth. The Prime Minister left this morning. That matter will be discussed by the commonwealth heads.
The Prime Minister carries with him the authority and respect of the Canadian government. He has a lot of respect in that institution. I know that he will bring his pressure to bear on Mr. Mugabe and ensure that we have the best possible elections in Zimbabwe.
Foreign Affairs February 28th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I stand by the statement I made to the House earlier, as the member said.
Social Programs February 27th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member knows well that the government takes very seriously its obligations under international law.
We will certainly examine the allegations that he has raised and we assure the House that the government will work with the provinces to ensure that our international legal obligations are respected and enforced in Canada.
Middle East February 27th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for her question, because it gives us an opportunity to point out that Canada has always tried to promote peace in the Middle East.
We accept the suggestions made by Saudi Arabia and we are examining the proposal. We are doing so from our perspective as this year's chair of the G-8, and I can assure the hon. member that Canada will do its best to bring peace to that troubled region of the world.
Zimbabwe February 27th, 2002
Mr. Speaker, when we speak of credibility, the hon. member has been active on this file for some time. I ask him, for the sake of his credibility and that of his party, to recognize what the government is doing. We are working within the system of the Commonwealth, and he knows that is the best place for us to be.
I am confident that when the Commonwealth meeting takes place in Australia, the Prime Minister will work with our colleagues in the Commonwealth for the best interests of the people of Zimbabwe and for the best interests of the Commonwealth.