House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1997, with 56% of the vote.
Iran February 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, they have their own ayattolah. They have their own problems.
I would like to point out there are still very serious concerns relating to the detention of Baha'is for religious purposes and the detention of Iranian Jews for purposes that simply are unfounded. We hope the new parliament will take steps to respond to our entreaties to let those people go.
Iran February 24th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I think we are all encouraged by the recent political developments. Of course we will do everything we can to support the reform spirit.
I do want to point out—
Foreign Affairs February 22nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for the question.
We have long urged both Beijing and Taipei to settle their differences through negotiation by peaceful means. We believe that in the present circumstances, the resumption of negotiations is absolutely imperative to reduce any threat of destabilization in the area. We will certainly bring this point of view once again to the attention of Chinese authorities.
Chechnya February 16th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, last November the Prime Minister directly raised this question with the Russian leadership during the OSCE meetings. Following that, the minister for CIDA announced major humanitarian programs that would be allowed.
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to raise directly with the Russian foreign minister following on the Prime Minister's position that it is important to care about the civilians in that area, and in doing so, provide an opening for humanitarian intervention.
I think it is also incumbent upon the Russians to provide proper investigation of alleged atrocities in that area so that they can really live up to their commitments under international law.
Sudan February 14th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, once again I suggest the hon. member take the occasion to actually read the report rather than hallucinate, as he always does, about its conclusions.
The reality is that Mr. Harker did not recommend economic sanctions. Mr. Harker recommended a number of steps, including: going to the United Nations, which we are doing; setting up a mechanism to monitor, which is what we are doing; establishing arrangements with the IMF, which is what we are doing; and establishing major codes of ethics for business, which is what we are doing.
We have engaged this issue very seriously, unlike the hon. member who simply wants to be offensively extreme at all times.
Sudan February 14th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, we are using the legislation. We have very major exclusions under the Export and Import Permits Act for all military supplies and daily use supplies. The hon. member does not know her facts.
Questions On The Order Paper February 11th, 2000
(a) The Canadian Rock Festival listed on page 10.4, Volume II, Number II, of the Public Accounts of Canada 1997-98 did not take place. It had been scheduled for Mexico City, December 7 to 14, 1997.
(b) $27,113.36.
(c) The festival was to promote Canadian rock music and products, CDs and videos, as part of the program marketing Canadian cultural products abroad. The groups which were scheduled to participate are business organizations with products for sale. In addition to live performances the groups were to meet Mexican distributors, Mexican wholesalers and retailers, carry out promotional activities and meet with the Mexican cultural media.
(d) As the event was cancelled, no groups appeared. The groups scheduled to appear were: BTK, Joe's Funeral, superGARAGE, Surrender Dorothy, RED and By Divine Right.
(e) No performance fees were paid by the Government of Canada.
(f) Since the event was cancelled on extremely short notice the groups were compensated for non-refundable airline tickets and other incurred travel costs.
(g) The groups were provided ex gratia payments to cover the cost of the non-refundable airline tickets they had purchased and not used as well as incurred travel costs.
Crimes Against Humanity Act December 10th, 1999
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-19, an act respecting genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes and to implement the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and to make consequential amendments to other acts.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Foreign Affairs December 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, in deciding on property matters it is a complex problem. We have to take into account particularly in today's world, security problems, safety problems and environmental problems.
We attempt to make the best efforts under treasury board guidelines to ensure safe and adequate residences for our overseas diplomats. We serve two million Canadians a year overseas and they receive very good service. I think our diplomats deserve to have proper facilities.
Fisheries December 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I know how deeply involved the hon. member has been in this particular subject. I can report to him that we do intend to ratify the law of the sea convention. The only question that remains is that we must complete the ratification of the straddling stocks agreement to fill in the gap of fish management on the high seas. Once that has been done, Canada will ratify it.