Pierre Pettigrew

[Foreign Affairs, April 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, clearly the answer is no, they are not. We have noted the public statements by Mr. Strong concerning the nature of his dealings with Tongsun Park, in which he indicated that these were connected to his work relating to North Korea on behalf of the Secretary General of the UN. Mr. Strong said that he had had no connection with the oil for food program. He did, however, indicate that he was suspending his work in Korea until the situation is clarified. We do not have any independent information that would enable us to have a different opinion on this matter.

[Foreign Affairs, April 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we note Mr. Strong's very public statements about the nature of his dealings with Tongsun Park which he notes were related to Mr. Strong's work in North Korea for the United Nations secretary general.

Mr. Strong said that he had no involvement in the oil for food program but he has indicated that he would defer further work on his Korean assignment until the situation is clarified.

We have no independent information on this issue that would cause us to form a separate opinion on the case.

[Foreign Affairs, April 19th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate my colleague's interest in our international policy statement. I can certainly reassure her by stating that, on the contrary, it is intended to strongly commit Canadian diplomacy in favour of the reform of the United Nations.

We believe in multilateralism and it is precisely because we believe in it that we want to make it more effective. When it is not, that is when some countries choose not to respect this system which is of such importance to the international community. We do, of course, want a special relationship with the United States, but Canada is where—

[Canada's International Policy, April 19th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, Canada's International Policy Statement—A Role of Pride and Influence in the World.

[Foreign Affairs, April 18th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are very proud of the foreign policy Canada has developed over decades of work.

We live in the 21st century. New challenges and new situations are evolving. On the development front, we are committed to doubling our assistance in development aid from 2001 to 2009. We want to make a difference in development, in defence, in trade, and in foreign policy.

The government will build on a solid foundation but in a creative way to adapt to the new situations of the 21st century.

[Foreign Affairs, April 18th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I will be very pleased to table in the House tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock our new international policy statement. My colleagues and I will be meeting with the press.

I am sure the leader of the New Democratic Party will want to join this side of the House for a very bold foreign policy that will make sure that Canada can make a difference in the world.

[Somalia, April 14th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, since 1991 Canada has taken a most proactive role in Somalia, contributing almost $50 million on the ground, primarily through CIDA.

We understand that a majority of Somalis and the bordering states recognize the transitional government as the legitimate voice of Somalia. In this context, we will continue to work with the transitional government and the bordering states to help establish peace and stability in Somalia. We will look at all options that could facilitate this transition.

[Sponsorship Program, April 13th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was extremely clear just now in the House. He said that Ambassador Gagliano was recalled for reasons relating to Canada's reputation abroad. This had nothing to do with the deliberations by Justice Gomery and eventually the courts. It was a matter of Canada's credibility abroad, which certainly interests this side of the House more than the other.

[Passports, April 6th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Passport Office finances its own operations from the fees its collects for passports. This has been the practice for a number of years. So, this agency finances its own operations with the revenues from passports.

I want to add that what the Deputy Prime Minister said is quite appropriate. We have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the RCMP to improve the exchange of information.

[Foreign Affairs, April 6th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we have made many decisions on the basis of clear principles. We went to the UN general assembly with our colleagues from the international community. We criticized them wherever the opportunity presented itself. We deal with them each time so that we can get the information we need from them. We want justice.

The opposition wakes up each time a piece appears in the media. But we have been working on this matter week in and week out, month in and month out, without waiting for the media to focus on it.