House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 52% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs February 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I am hearing all kinds of different views from the other side of the House. The only consistent position has been on this side of the House. Our policy is that the rules set out in resolution 1441 must be respected. The process is established. Secretary of State Powell demonstrated this morning that the situation is very serious and will require a response from UN inspectors. This response will be given on February 14.
Foreign Affairs February 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I think what it will take is exactly what it will take for Secretary Powell, for the United States administration, for the United Kingdom government and for others, and that is to hear Dr. Blix when he takes this to Saddam Hussein and says that he must conform with this or else, and brings an answer back to the Security Council.
No country in the world is anxious to declare anything before that happens. We are all working in conformity. Why does the opposition not work with the team instead of just trying to throw sand in the wheels of it?
Foreign Affairs February 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, that is why the government has consistently insisted on evaluating the evidence ourselves, for ourselves, in our own interest, not dictated by any other power.
The point of the matter is that resolution 1441 says that Iraq is in material breach in its first line.
The important thing is how do we make this system work in a way which disarms Saddam Hussein, if possible with peace, and reinforces the efficacy of the global security system we have established? That is what we are doing. We are doing it effectively. The Prime Minister, myself and all of the government is working on that. It is starting to work.
Foreign Affairs February 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the question is not that clear because it contains within it the seeds of another question which is: if there is a material breach what are the consequences of that material breach?
Those consequences can only be determined when Dr. Blix reports back as to whether or not the process has had a chance to work.
I would remind the hon. member of his very wise words of last January, when he said that he thought everyone should wait and assess the evidence before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.
We are doing that. He agrees with that. Let us stay that course. It is working.
Foreign Affairs February 5th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, we certainly agree with the conclusions stated by the hon. member in terms of the excellent presentation made by Secretary Powell this morning.
I might say that Secretary Powell, along with other countries in the world, Canada included, have said that the United Nations process is the proper process for us to follow. This is where we are. It is clear that process will continue.
Dr. Blix will be reporting on these disturbing allegations of Secretary Powell. We will be taking action in conformity with the world opinion and the way in which peace and global governance can be assured.
Energy February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, clearly Canadian energy and American energy infrastructures are highly integrated. Our energy markets are quite interdependent. This is driven by markets. There is no, I repeat no, intention or plans at this time to engage the United States in discussions concerning the development of a continental energy policy.
Iraq February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I think that even the Bloc Quebecois should demonstrate a sense of justice and let Secretary of State Powell speak before the United Nations before criticizing. Let us give him a chance to give his briefing. As a government, we will take action on the basis of all the facts that we will be reviewing. We will act on this matter in the best interest of Canada and Canadians.
Iraq February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Secretary of State Powell in Washington. He clearly stated his intention to present the Americans' case against Iraq tomorrow. Let us wait until he has given his briefing to the Security Council. Let us wait until Dr. Blix has submitted his report, on February 14. Then, we will have exactly the information we need to make a decision on this very serious matter.
Iraq February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, once again, it is the opposite.
The Prime Minister clearly told President Bush, when he had his first conversation with him, that we absolutely require the approval of the UN Security Council for Canada to participate in armed action against another state. He has always maintained this.
This government's policy is to support the multilateral system, of which we are one of the biggest defenders.
Iraq February 4th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, it is quite the opposite. I believe that the Prime Minister's attitude strengthens the Security Council's position. The Prime Minister said that a second resolution was perhaps not legally necessary, but that Canadians prefer to have a resolution from the Security Council. However, that is up to the Security Council.
We are letting the Security Council do its work. We support resolution 1441. We have always done the same thing. The same course of action is being followed and UN procedure is being supported.