Colleen Beaumier

[Access To Information Act, November 6th, 1998]

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.

Mr. Speaker, needless to say, I am delighted that the House has taken this bill and accepted it as its own. It is now a House bill.

I would like to thank all members from all sides of the House for their co-operation and support.

The bill was amended with some reluctance. It was amended in committee, where there was a great deal of co-operation as well. This goes to show that none of us has the monopoly on anything that is good and wonderful in this House. We all have different ways of trying to get to the top of the mountain. Once we have decided that we have a common goal we can work together.

This bill is about accountability. We all want to be accountable to our constituents and we all want the Access to Information Act to be protected so that we can acquire information to be accountable.

I think all has been said that there is to say. This is not a very large or comprehensive bill, but perhaps it is significant. Once again I would like to thank all members.

[Access To Information Act, November 6th, 1998]

moved that the bill be concurred in.

(Motion agreed to)

[Iran, October 7th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, on July 21, 1998 Iranian authorities executed Ruhullah Rawhani for practising his Baha'i faith. There are presently four more Baha'is on death row.

Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs please explain to Canadians Canada's position regarding Iran's abhorrent policies against the Baha'is?

[Land Mines, September 21st, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Canada has shown strong leadership in the international community in the pursuit of a global ban on anti-personnel mines. What is the significance of the 40th country's ratifying the Ottawa convention? How will this important milestone make a difference in the lives of people in mine affected countries?

[Optimist Club Of Brampton, June 9th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, June 6 Optimists from around the world celebrated Optimists in action for a better day. Each club planned an event unique to its own community. Whether it was tree planting, bike rodeo, a simple get together or a gala event, Optimists reflected on past and future goals.

For the Optimist Club of Brampton this was its fourth annual event with the motto “Friend of Youth”. Optimists strive to set a positive example for youth. This year their main goals are to recognize the achievement of youth and the organizations that support the development of youth in our community.

I hope members will join me in offering my best wishes for continued success to the organizers and participants of Optimists in action day.

[Immigration, June 4th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I am speaking in condemnation of the inflammatory comments made by Ontario Premier Mike Harris and by the Reform member for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast with regard to 10 middle eastern refugees currently in jail in Israel who may be considered refugees in Canada.

It amazes me that these democratically elected politicians could cast aspersions on the validity of refugee claims by people simply because they are in political prison. Have we forgotten that Nelson Mandela was also in prison? Had he been offered refugee status in Canada these politicians would surely have condemned his application because of his supposed status.

As chair of the subcommittee on human rights I am aware of accounts of real human rights violations and would not be so smug as to make a judgment on the cases of these men without the aid of an investigation.

If the Reform Party were in power its motto would be guilty until proven innocent.

[Foreign Affairs, May 5th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Canadians support the government's initiative to stop the illicit traffic of small arms. In fact Canadian NGOs met today to call for more action.

Will the minister take up this issue of trade in small arms at the G-8 meeting in London next week?

[Committees Of The House, April 22nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

This report which deals with the disturbing issue of international child abductions is the first report of the Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Development. The compelling personal and written accounts of victims clearly demonstrated the need for government action. While recognizing that there is no immediate solution to the elimination of child abductions, we as members of Parliament have undertaken to recommend measures that will help to minimize the successful abduction of a child to another country.

On behalf of the members of the subcommittee I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this study, the parents, NGOs, departmental officials, attorneys and others.

[Human Rights, April 22nd, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, last month in Geneva at the United Nations Human Rights Commission everyone was astonished when after seven years Cuba finally voted for the declaration on the protection of human rights defenders. When an NGO worker congratulated the Cubans on their support the reply was “You can thank Canada for that”.

Would the Minister of Foreign Affairs please explain to the House and especially to the opposition how Canada's diplomatic efforts are helping to improve Cuba's position on human rights?

[Foreign Affairs, March 12th, 1998]

Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago Canada hosted an unprecedented multilateral symposium on human rights with representation from the Chinese government.

Given the critical importance of bringing about transparency and justice to the Chinese political and judicial systems, could the Minister of Foreign Affairs inform the House of the results of this symposium?