Bev Oda

[Burma, March 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, yes, it is true that there is a tragedy happening in Burma and the Burmese continue to suffer. We have been supporting the Burmese border area program and it has achieved success by providing service to Burmese people. One million cases of malaria have been treated, 145,000 refugees are receiving service and over 500,000 people have received health care.

That is why I am pleased today to announce a renewal of the Burmese border area program by increasing the amount to under $16 million.

[International Cooperation, March 10th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: the international assistance of this government has not been cut. In fact, it is going to be raised to the highest level ever in the history of Canada.

This government is actually making a difference to people living in poverty. It shows results and shows that we are going to lift these people up so they can have aspirations and opportunities to make their lives better in the future.

[International Cooperation, March 8th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I suggest the member opposite check her math because next year, in fact, we will be adding $364 million to international assistance.

[International Cooperation, March 8th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. This government did not cut aid. In fact, we are raising it next year to the highest level ever in Canadian history. Unlike the former government, we are making our aid more effective, more efficient and focused. We want to ensure that we are really making a difference for those people living in developing countries. We are maximizing the value of our aid dollars. For example, our food aid will now buy 30% more food than before.

Why did the former Liberal government not do it when it had the chance?

[Status of Women, March 8th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, it is important, on International Women's Day, to recognize that Canada recognizes that women in developing countries need a great deal of help. This is why we are ensuring that we are protecting women around the world, particularly in those countries where they see abuse and violence.

We are working in the Sudan. We are working in many countries. We are also supporting them as great contributors, as economic participants, as leaders, as educators, as health practitioners. We are doing everything we can for women around the world.

[International Cooperation, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as all Canadians know, this government does many things to help all people living in poverty, particularly women and children.

What we have articulated is an initiative for our G8 on the international scene focused on saving the lives of mothers and children. We know this can be done. It is simple. We know what the solutions. They are providing clean water, vaccination, better nutrition as well as better trained health care workers and access to those health care services that they need as close to their communities as possible.

[International Cooperation, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as Canadians know, our government has adopted a G8 initiative focused on saving the lives of mothers and children. This is not about reproductive rights.

In fact, when 500,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth every year and 9 million children every year die before their fifth birthday, it is important that we put our support behind that which has seen the least progress.

This is an opportunity for Canada, all Canadians, and all developed countries to show leadership and make a real difference where it counts.

[International Cooperation, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, we want to make sure that we make a difference on the ground, and that is why we are supporting justice systems, human rights commissions and ombudsmen. We are ensuring that girls, not just boys, get an education. These are human rights. This is really making a difference.

We are building capacity for justice for all human rights commissions that will apply to all. We support every means by which people can live positive and fruitful lives.

[International Cooperation, March 4th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question because it gives me an opportunity to reiterate to the House this government's commitment to effective international assistance. We want to make sure that we are making a difference. We will continue to support religious affiliated groups. In fact, we support 11 of them that are working in 50 countries on projects that are helping people living in poverty.

We continue to support good work that will actually make a difference on the ground.

[International Co-operation, December 10th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that Canadians are very generous and compassionate, but they also are very responsible people. That is why they want to make sure that the money we put into the micronutrient initiative is going to save millions of children's lives. The money we put into food aid last week is going to help feed 17 million people. The money that we have committed to agriculture will help people feed themselves. We put money into medical aid and counselling, and toward women who are the victims of rape and sexual violence.

That is how Canadians want to see their money spent.