And you are the fifth party in Quebec.
Lost his last election, in 2006, with 38% of the vote.
Privilege November 14th, 2005
And you are the fifth party in Quebec.
Foreign Affairs October 27th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I can reassure the hon. member that the nature of our conversations over Iraq dealt with the reconstruction, to which our country is committed. Secretary of State Rice has noticed that Canada has been very generous in our commitment for the reconstruction of Iraq, which is very important for the stability of the country and of the region. That was the nature of the conversations we had about Iraq.
Haiti October 27th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we are determined to play a lead role in accompanying Haiti along the road to democracy. The upcoming elections will be crucial to the development of that country. Canada, through CIDA, will be providing more than $22 million for the electoral process and, through Elections Canada, will play an observer role.
We will continue to accompany Haiti after its elections. We expect to have a long-term presence there.
Burma October 26th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, our government has taken note of the parliamentary committee's recommendations. It is our intention to work with the members.
It is absolutely clear that we are working extremely hard to clearly convey our message concerning the military regime in Burma. Each time we have met with representatives of that country, we have called for the release of the political prisoners being held in their country.
We do not recognize the political parties, but we can assure the House that Canada is vigilant. We are going to work with groups in that country that respect human rights and to continue to call for the release of political prisoners.
Foreign Affairs October 26th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I was very clear when I was in Geneva last May that Canada cannot accept that for seven years in a row we have not been able to develop a work plan for the conference on disarmament. This has been a major concern for our country. We have been looking into a number of options and possibilities.
It was after consultations with like-minded countries that we took the decision not to sponsor that resolution at this time, but we want to develop a work plan for the disarmament conference. It is a very important priority of ours, but there are other ways of addressing the issue.
Middle East October 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, the government takes very seriously the investigative report into the possibility of Syrian involvement in the assassination of Mr. El Hariri in Lebanon. This is a matter of great concern to us. We hope that the Security Council will immediately examine this report, which we take most seriously.
It is obvious that Syria must answer for its actions and there is no doubt that it must respond to the accusations made public in this report. Canada will be following this situation very closely.
Middle East October 24th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that we take that report very seriously. The hon. member is absolutely right that we have to make sure that the Security Council is totally seized of the content of this report. Syria has serious answers to give to the international system. It is imperative that Syria provide some answers.
When I was there in February, I met with the Syrian leadership. At that time I said that that country had to withdraw from Lebanon. It is absolutely unacceptable that that country would try to continue to have any say in the future of Lebanon, which is now making its own destiny and future.
Unesco October 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of the appointment of Ms. Cameron, who will be representing Canada at the World Heritage Committee. This appointment is the result of a solid effort by Canada, and particularly by the hon. member for Madawaska—Restigouche and the Minister responsible for the Francophonie.
Ms. Cameron will indeed promote Quebec City's bid to host the World Heritage Committee's 2008 assembly, a gathering important for Quebec City, for the Government of Quebec and for the Government of Canada.
Disaster Relief Funds October 21st, 2005
Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the generosity of Canadians and we have been encouraging Canadian generosity. This is precisely why we have this time again proposed to match every dollar that will be donated.
However we have learned from the tsunami experience and we realize that it is better to keep some flexibility in the way we actually match Canadian dollars to ensure it goes to where it is needed most. There are humanitarian emergencies at the beginning and then we have to begin reconstruction and we need to be where—
Foreign Affairs October 20th, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate this question. It is quite pertinent.
We believe that it is extremely important to continue to work with companies operating in other countries. The Government of Canada knows that there are mining projects in 3,200 locations around the world. However, Canadian jurisdiction applies only to Canadian territory, to Canada. We invite Canadian companies to respect their social responsibilities. We intend to continue to work with these companies to make them aware of these responsibilities.