André Ouellet

[Peacekeepers, March 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned by the evolution of the situation in Bosnia. Canada supports the Contact Group peace plan. We hope that the parties will accept this peace plan because we believe it is the only one that could lead to a peaceful solution in the former Yugoslavia.

Obviously some parties still believe that through attack and war they could enhance their position on the ground. We think this is folly. We believe that the only solution is a peaceful one, by accepting the Contact Group proposal.

[Peacekeepers, March 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question, which allows me to express the Canadian government's satisfaction with President Tudjman's decision.

Certainly, we have always felt that, in order to keep the peace in that part of the former Yugoslavia, it was important to maintain a UN contingent to act as an intermediary between the Croats and the Serbs.

A decision as to whether or not we will continue participating in this peacekeeping operation will be made in the next few weeks. As we have done historically, we intend to consult with the opposition parties before referring the issue to cabinet.

[International Development, March 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the answer is no. It is obvious that even the hon. member does not think it is the case, since he is choking while asking the question.

[International Development, March 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is quite right as regards the need to temporarily reduce the budget allocated to international development assistance.

However, the hon. member is absolutely wrong when he concludes that food aid will be cut. Indeed, he is referring to a document which only gives a partial idea of the moneys which will be allocated to food aid, whether through the efforts of the government within multilateral organizations, or through bilateral assistance programs. I can assure the hon. member that our food aid efforts will remain very significant.

[Fisheries, March 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely clear that the Government of Canada wishes to continue on the path of diplomacy and to explore all diplomatic avenues at our disposal, for example

discussions with representatives of the European Union and, in particular, with Spain.

It is clear that our ambassador to Spain, our ambassador to the European Union and officials of my department here in Ottawa have contacted the ambassadors of the countries in the European Union to explain our position, to state quite clearly that it is our goal to conserve fish stocks and to reach an amicable agreement as soon as possible.

[Questions On The Order Paper, February 24th, 1995]

The specific non-governmental report cited by the member in this question is Amnesty International Calls for Action to Protect Asylum-Seekers, Al Index ASA 19/WU 03/94.

Although cognizant of allegations of human rights abuses in Hong Kong refugee camps, the government was not aware of this specific report prior to the member's question.

As an active supporter of the comprehensive plan of action, CPA, on indochinese refugees, Canada recognizes that persons who are not refugees should return to their countries of origin. The group under discussion was determined by authorities not to be refugees. At the same time, the Government of Canada prefers that humane methods be used to ensure the safe repatriation of these individuals.

The Government of Canada recognizes that the protection of refugees and asylum seekers falls under the mandate of the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, UNHCR, and will continue to work with the UNCHR to bring the CPA to a successful conclusion.

[World Summit For Social Development, February 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to inform the hon. member and this House that the Minister of Human Resources Development will lead the Canadian delegation to Copenhagen. Furthermore, over the next few days, the minister will meet with representatives from the NGOs that will be taking part in the conference.

Lastly, I would like to remind the hon. member that in the foreign policy statement it issued a few days ago, the government reaffirmed its commitment that 25 per cent of all of the development aid it gives will be spent on basic needs, such as education, health and housing, as well as family planning and drinking water.

[Canada Council, February 21st, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will know that her question is based on inaccurate information and that no cuts were contemplated. It is true that inaccurate information was circulated, but contrary to what she may think, the program in question was not cut.

[Chechnya, February 14th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, quite clearly we are happy to see that at last there is a ceasefire. We hope that this will be the prelude to intensive negotiations that will lead to lasting piece in that part of Russia.

Clearly, as the hon. member has indicated, we are concerned for the civilians who have been terribly affected by this war. We are in consultation with the international Red Cross in order to assist civilians who have been affected.

[Foreign Affairs, February 13th, 1995]

Mr. Speaker, what must be understood is that the hon. member's actions, instead of helping us find a solution to Mr. Quan's problem, are making it considerably tougher for the Canadian government to make representations on behalf of Mr. Quan and his family.