Lost his last election, in 2006, with 38% of the vote.
Iraq December 6th, 2004
Mr. Speaker, obviously any commitment made by the Government of Canada will take into account the safety of our citizens.
A conference will be held in Ottawa very shortly on organizing this election, and we will define Canada's role based on all the needs that will arise, while most certainly keeping in mind the safety of the Canadian citizens who would be involved in whatever roles are decided upon. Whatever commitment the government makes will certainly take into account participants' safety.
Ukraine December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, about an hour ago the supreme court of Ukraine cancelled the last election. We will be acting on that information. We do welcome the decision here in Canada. We hope that the result will be an election which reflects the true will of the Ukrainian people.
Canada will help in all possible ways in support of this election, including the provision of a significant number of observers.
Ukraine December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the work of our colleague from Etobicoke--Centre who was in Ukraine promoting Canadian values and making sure that we reflect on the result of the next election.
I appreciate the question of the hon. member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie. It gives me an opportunity to confirm that the supreme court of Ukraine just announced the invalidation of the second round of voting and called for a new one in its stead, to be held on December 26.
I hope that, this time, the results will reflect the opinion of the Ukrainian people. Rest assured that Canada will do its utmost to support this election.
International Aid December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the minister responsible for international development has been doing an outstanding job, ensuring that the CIDA programs deliver the best possible services for development and for alleviating poverty. We have been doing a lot of work on the HIV-AIDS epidemic. The member knows very well that on all these trips it is important that parliamentarians join her and my colleague, the Minister of International Trade.
We should be very cautious to speak about these trips with the respect they are due when we work on behalf of Canadians to help contribute to build a better planet.
Foreign Affairs December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, this is clearly a dossier on which the government has been working very hard over the last few years.
We welcome this opening to which the member drew my attention just before question period. I want to say that every time we have had the opportunity, the Prime Minister, the Minister of International Trade and myself have argued strongly that the true judicial system enlightens this thing very well. We very much believe that this is evolving in the right direction.
United Nations December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased with this report. Many of its recommendations are of interest to Canada, and we congratulate the expert panel on its vision and courage.
We are particularly encouraged here in Canada that the report includes two significant Canadian initiatives: the responsibility to protect and the L-20, i.e., the G-20 leaders group. As the Prime Minister said yesterday, this is a very important step for Canada, which is actively involved in developing a dynamic foreign policy.
National Defence December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, even though the words may come from the world's most powerful leader—and I agree that he is—what he said is, “I hope”. He did not say “I want” or “We demand”. He said “I hope”. When the President of the United States says “I hope”, it is not a very pressing request. I think we have to set the record straight.
I can tell the House that our country will not contribute to the weaponization of space. We are not interested in contributing to it and, should this project contribute to it, Canada will assume its responsibilities based on its own best interests.
National Defence December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, President Bush expressed his wish. In his speech he said, “We hope Canada will join in”. The opposition prefers to interpret this remark as exerting enormous pressure. Frankly, when it comes to pressure, I have seen much worse.
The president expressed his wish that Canada will join in this program. I can tell hon. members that the decision will be made in Canada, in the best interests of Canadians, while keeping in mind the future security of our continent. This is the exact position of our government.
National Defence December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, that is the NDP reality. The NDP has decided to see it that way.
I am telling the House that the government has been clear. We will say no to the weaponization of space. In the meantime, we are discussing with the Americans what the exact impacts of this missile defence system will be for Canada. We will want to ensure the best security of North America. We will continue to resist any orientation toward the weaponization of space.
National Defence December 3rd, 2004
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has been saying no to the weaponization of space for a long time. Therefore, I do not understand why the member keeps coming back to this. The Prime Minister and the Government of Canada have been clear. We have been saying no to the weaponization of space.