Art Eggleton

[Kosovo, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we have not been asked for an additional contribution over what we have there at the moment.

We have 6 CF-18s and approximately 130 personnel. We also have approximately 100 personnel working out of Germany under the early warning system known as AWACS. They are all part of this mission as well. We also indicated that we would send ground troops if and when there is a peace agreement signed. That would be premature at this point.

We have a contribution in keeping with the contribution of the other NATO nations save and except the United States which has a very substantial contribution. We have professional expert people there who are well trained and who are doing a terrific job.

[Foreign Affairs, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister, the foreign affairs minister and all of us are anxious to get back to the negotiating table as quickly as possible.

Overtures have been continually made, the most recent being by Mr. Holbrooke when he was in Belgrade, to get a peaceful resolution of this matter as quickly as possible.

We are there because we are trying to stop a humanitarian disaster. We simply cannot allow evil to take over and good people do nothing. We must ensure that this genocide comes to an end. We do need a political solution quickly and hopefully the bombing will have the effect of bringing them to the table.

[Foreign Affairs, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has quite correctly pointed out that the purpose of the mission is to diminish the capabilities of the air force and other components of the military of Yugoslavia so as to stop the advances they are making against the people of Kosovo.

Hopefully the air campaign will come to a conclusion as quickly as possible, with the Milosevic government coming back to the negotiating table and signing the agreement so that we can get on with implementing a diplomatic and political solution.

We do not know, though, the precise time that will take. We take it a step at a time and are hopeful that will occur soon.

[Foreign Affairs, March 25th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, our four Canadian CF-18s participated with other aircraft in the air mission over Yugoslavia. They hit targets as they were required to do. It was a successful operation and they returned safely. We hope that in any future missions they will also return safely.

[Kosovo, March 24th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, today our Canadian forces are taking part in NATO air operations over the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

We have said all along, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs has reiterated today, that we wanted a negotiated settlement to end the crisis in Kosovo, to end the human tragedy. Unfortunately efforts to achieve a peaceful political solution have failed to this point.

Continued Serbian aggression presents a challenge, to NATO's resolve, and the time has come for military action. We are not taking this step lightly but, as the Prime Minister said last night, inaction in the face of oppression only invites further aggression.

The aim of NATO's military action is clear: to prevent further violence by the Yugoslav security forces in Kosovo and to avert a large scale humanitarian disaster. To this end, Canadian forces are working alongside and in partnership with the forces of our NATO allies.

Make no mistake. NATO has assembled a powerful force, one that is fully capable of meeting its military objectives.

Canada has roughly 130 Canadian forces personnel and 6 CF-18 fighter aircraft stationed in Aviano, Italy. All our CF-18s are equipped with air to air missiles and precision guided munitions for a ground attack role.

Our air task force is well equipped and well prepared. Our people have been well trained for the role that they are taking on right now and in the days ahead. Our CF-18s have been in Aviano since June of last year. We also have Canadians with the NATO airborne early warning group in Germany. They are also taking part in the air operations over Kosovo.

This operation is not without risk. The Yugoslav military possesses a sophisticated air defence system, but we are satisfied that the NATO commanders have taken every step to reduce that risk as much as possible. There are escort aircraft, for example, when our jet fighters are out on missions.

I have confidence in our people. They have the equipment, the training, the professionalism and, I said earlier, the dedication to the cause and to their service to Canada. They have what is required to make a significant contribution to the alliance's efforts.

I am sure that all Canadians will join with us in the House in extending our support and encouragement to our CF members involved in this operation. Also, our support and thoughts are with their families in Canada. We wish them a safe return.

[Kosovo, March 24th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, this is all about humanitarian needs. This is to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. Canada can be proud along with its NATO allies to be there to try to bring about security and safety for the people in Kosovo. Our people are well trained and equipped. They are professional people. They are proud to be there in this humanitarian cause and are dedicated to serving Canada.

[Kosovo, March 24th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister indicated earlier, the air campaign in Kosovo in the Yugoslav republic is under way. It is hopeful that this air campaign will bring about the Milosevic government's coming to the table and agreeing to a peace agreement. That campaign is now under way and it does involve Canadian air force squadrons. Four of the six CF-18s are currently in the air and currently engaged in that air attack.

[Black Lake Bc Mine, March 19th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I can only answer with respect to the Cape Breton development issue. In this case a workforce adjustment package of $111 million will be provided to workers with fair severance and early retirement packages.

A $68 million economic development package has been made available to invest in the Cape Breton economy. This is in addition to some $80 million already planned for investment through the budgets of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.

[National Defence, March 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, we are moving to bring forward a procurement strategy with respect to the replacement of the Sea Kings. Meanwhile we have the Sea Kings that have good maintenance standards. We have good mechanics. I am glad the hon. member praised our military personnel because they do keep these aircraft in good condition to fly. And we will only fly them if they are in good condition.

Let us focus on the great things they do on their missions. They serve Canadians. In search and rescue for example hundreds of lives are saved every year with the use of these helicopters and other aircraft.

[National Defence, March 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, Canadian forces personnel are examining what is needed in terms of the helicopters, the requirements for an air frame and the kinds of mission equipment needed to do the job effectively. They are moving as quickly as they can to get the statement of requirements prepared so cabinet can consider the matter. We are doing that as quickly as possible.