House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 1993, with 52% of the vote.
Human Rights November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, I think that the way Canada approached the matter could well be used as an example by a number of other countries who have to deal with China, especially since the results are very encouraging. In this respect, I believe the dialogue that was engaged is a respectful dialogue, but it is nevertheless a dialogue that may lead to some major results.
Human Rights November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I think that everyone who attended these discussions in China can testify that the Prime Minister raised the matter with his counterpart. He took a very practical approach, considering the situation in that country.
We were very pleased that the Chinese authorities accepted a number of suggestions by the Prime Minister of Canada for exchanges of judges, lawyers and judicial representatives, to give the Chinese authorities a chance to become better acquainted with the Canadian system, use it as an example and, in the process, advance the cause of human rights in their country, over time.
International Trade November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the chairman of that company thanked the Prime Minister for putting the final touch to a contract which was taking time to finalize.
Our friends in opposition should realize that, ultimately, several contracts being negotiated can only be finalized and approved through a final political decision. Meetings between high-level political representatives help finalize contracts for which negotiations often drag on for too long.
I can assure the hon. member that, with this visit, the Prime Minister was able to help many Canadian businesspeople, including some from Quebec who had the courtesy of joining Team Canada to China. This initiative helped finalize and sign contracts which will translate into thousands of Canadian jobs in the months to come.
International Trade November 14th, 1994
I am aware of the bitter reaction of minister Landry and I am disappointed to see the opposition member adopt the same attitude. The fact is that Team Canada, which is led by the Prime Minister and includes nine premiers as well as some 300 business people, made an extremely successful trip to China which is unprecedented. Chancellor Kohl made a visit which resulted in contracts totalling some four billion dollars for Germany; a trip by the US trade representative, Mr. Brown, resulted in business deals of some $5.2 billion. Yet, the total figure for these two missions is not even as high as the amount of the contracts obtained by the group led by the Canadian Prime Minister.
In other words, this is an extremely successful trip and, instead of minimizing its results, our opponents should be pleased because this will mean jobs for Canada and particularly for several Quebec ridings.
International Trade November 14th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, our political opponents are obviously very bitter following the extraordinary success of the mission led by the Prime Minister.
United Nations Day October 24th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, today, October 24, is United Nations Day. Forty-nine years ago, on October 24, 1945, the Charter of the United Nations came into effect.
This anniversary is cause for special celebrations as it marks the beginning of the 50th year of operation of this organization.
I wish to thank all the Canadian men and women who have contributed over the past 49 years to building this great international organization. I am particularly grateful to those who promoted its growth over the years, as events unfolded, ensuring that it remain an organization concerned with meeting the major challenges of modern-day and with working relentlessly to promote international peace and security.
Allow me to take this opportunity to emphasize the outstanding contribution of the men and women who risk their lives to defend the principles the UN stands for. I am thinking in particular of the 2,745 or so members of our Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police serving under the UN flag in more than nine peacekeeping operations around the world.
I also thank the United Nations Association in Canada which through its efforts has made the work of the United Nations organization known to the Canadian general public.
During this year of celebrations which begins today the association would be doubly involved on the Canadian scene. On one hand, it will continue its daily work and, on the other hand, via the Canadian committee for the United Nations 50th anniversary, will co-ordinate the activities that will take place throughout the year in commemoration of this important event.
The field of activity covered by the United Nations is the cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. The challenges facing the UN in matters of peacekeeping, international security, the promotion of democracy and the struggle for equality and human rights are all considered vitally important in Canadian eyes as well.
More than ever the community of nations and states needs a strong, credible, international institution equipped with the proper tools to face the challenge that awaits it at the dawn of the 21st century.
In closing, I ask all members of the House to support this declaration since it reaffirms Canada's commitment to the values that presided nearly half a century ago over the creation of the United Nations organization, a multilateral institution which today more than ever is a necessary part of internationalism and its ideals.
Foreign Affairs October 19th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for giving me notice of his question.
I remind the House that last July in Naples the G-7 endorsed the proposal of the Prime Minister to host a conference on economic reform in Ukraine. The conference will take place in Winnipeg at the end of this month. It will be part of the state visit of the Ukrainian president who will be in Canada for a few days' visit.
It is good to remember that Canada is totally committed to assisting Ukraine in its development. We have already committed over $41 million to over 70 projects. We are very confident that Ukraine will be able, with the assistance of the G-7, to turn around and establish a market economy in that country.
Foreign Affairs October 18th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, after this question was put to me in this House yesterday, I asked an official of my department to make an inquiry. Naturally, as the alleged incident took place in Japan, I have not received an answer yet, but as soon as I have, I will gladly follow up on the hon. member's question.
Foreign Affairs October 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that he makes too much of one person's remarks which, I am sure, did not change Japan's very high opinion of an institution as important as Hydro-Québec.
Foreign Affairs October 17th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency very often call on Hydro-Quebec's expertise and skills for overseas projects.
The remarks made by an employee do not represent the Canadian government's position. I think that the hon. member should not make a big deal out of one person's comments, when the Government of Canada often works in close co-operation with Hydro-Québec on very important projects that create jobs in Quebec and enable Hydro-Québec to play an international role.