Pierre Pettigrew

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, it is very daring of the member for Calgary Southeast to get up in this House and say that to this Prime Minister, who has raised the human rights situation with the Chinese authorities.

Where was he? He preferred to cop out. He preferred never to sit down with parliamentarians.

This Prime Minister signed with Prime Minister Wen a declaration on both sides broadening dialogue between Canadians and Chinese institutions but the member refused to participate in the dialogue. He prefers to do his thing with--

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has consistently spoken out about the human rights situation in China. We have specifically mentioned Tibet in our public statements at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and at the United Nations General Assembly. Canada's record is absolutely clear on that.

We continue to express Canadian concerns about the human rights situation in China and to Chinese authorities. The Prime Minister, when he met with Prime Minister Wen of China, even gave him a list of cases that preoccupy Canadians. This is exactly what we have been doing.

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has consistently--

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, respect for human rights, including cultural and religious freedoms, minority rights and freedom of expression or association, are important objectives of Canada's views on the situation in Tibet. The Prime Minister has expressed that time and again. It is absolutely part of our foreign policy and of our preoccupations. We will continue to do this.

[National Defence, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the same spokesperson for the U.S. government also said that the militarization or weaponization of space was not part of the anti-missile shield program in its current form. Therefore, he was very clear. There is no contradiction between the U.S. government saying that the program will not lead to the militarization of space, that it will not include the weaponization of space, and the commitment made by the Prime Minister, a commitment that he will honour, namely that his government has no intention of getting the country involved in an initiative that would lead to the weaponization of space.

[National Defence, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I too read the Journal de Montréal this morning and I do not believe that the U.S. government commented on the issue raised by the hon. member, except through an interview that the Journal de Montréal apparently obtained with an individual in the U.S. government.

That said, I can assure the House that, as far as our government is concerned, there is no question of participating in an effort that would contribute or lead to the militarization or the weaponization of space.

[Iraq, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, Canada salutes the courage of the Iraqi people. We congratulate them for going to the polls despite difficult and dangerous conditions and for voting in Sunday's historic election. Millions of Iraqi voters, the election officials, the international observers and the candidates all deserve our recognition and our support, because they have all contributed to the successful organization of this very important vote. Their determination and commitment to the democratic process are a source of inspiration to us.

[National Defence, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the member has reiterated very clearly her position and we have known it for a long time.

Our interest is the interest of Canada. We will always have at heart the defence of our country and the defence of our continent, in which we have been very involved for many years with Norad. We will continue to do that. We are looking at all the options.

[National Defence, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, clearly the hon. member's question on BMD is a very important one. We will have the opportunity to continue discussing the issue in the House.

As members know, the government is engaged in a dialogue with the United States. We will continue to have that dialogue with the Americans to make sure that the best interest of Canada is well taken care of when we look at the future defence of the North American continent.

[China, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely obvious that the Prime Minister cares very much for human rights everywhere around the world. He will use the opportunity when he visits China to promote human rights, but we have a responsibility for all Canadians, and it is to engage with China. China is a very important partner of the international community. It is now a member of the World Trade Organization.

Opportunities are there, and our Prime Minister is promoting Canadian interests when he does these things. We will promote human rights in China and everywhere else.