Bev Oda

[La Francophonie, February 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated, we have in fact increased our support for the Francophonie. The Francophonie receives 20% of all of CIDA's aid.

Also, for the African countries, we are doubling our aid to Africa. In fact, at this particular time 62% of our food aid goes to African countries, almost 45% of our total aid budget goes to African countries, and 55% of our agricultural support goes to African countries.

We are responding to the needs of Africa and the Francophonie.

[International Cooperation, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canada hosted the most recent Sommet de la Francophonie, where our government reiterated its commitment to support the economic, social and cultural development of the Francophonie. At present, 20% of CIDA's aid budget goes to the Francophonie.

[International Cooperation, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated, our responsibility is to meet the greatest needs around the world and to do it in the most effective way. Consequently, our bilateral programs will be focused. As the Liberal foreign affairs critic, the member for Toronto Centre, has indicated, the idea of focus is always good.

The other needs are being met through multilateral organizations and our support for NGOs, and we will continue to do that.

Focusing our bilateral programs means that we will deliver more value and have--

[International Cooperation, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we want to ensure that Canadian dollars are being used responsibly. I must say that of the many countries I have visited, the slums in Peru are among the worst. There are needs among the people in Peru and Colombia and, like we serve all peoples around the world, we will also serve those people in Peru and Colombia.

[International Cooperation, February 24th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the facts are that 45% of CIDA's total budget goes to African countries and, in fact, we are on track to meeting our commitment to doubling aid to Africa a whole year ahead of the original commitment.

We are responsible in meeting the needs of the African countries.

[International Aid, February 23rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as the House knows, Bill C-293 falls in line with our priorities for focused, effective and accountable aid. It is based on poverty reduction. The department has been working on implementation, and I can assure the House that we will meet all of its requirements. I will keep the member informed. We are on track to meeting the obligations.

[International Aid, February 23rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, today Canada is moving forward on another element of its aid effectiveness agenda. We will be increasing our effectiveness efforts in 20 countries, with increased resources focusing our bilateral country programs and improved coherence and coordination.

This does not mean we are abandoning those in need. We will continue to respond to humanitarian crisis around the world.

Today I am also pleased to announce an additional $1.5 million for shelter and protection for Sri Lankan civilians who are victimized by the conflict.

[Sri Lanka, February 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I, too, have seen the images and, obviously, we are very concerned with what is happening in Sri Lanka. My colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has called for an immediate ceasefire and called on the Sri Lankan government to exercise caution. We need a ceasefire to allow the evacuation of the sick and wounded and to allow safe, unhindered access to humanitarian needs for civilians.

Yesterday, I announced that Canada will commit up to $3 million in humanitarian aid.

We continue to call on both parties to stop the fighting so that a durable political solution can benefit--

[Situation in Sri Lanka, February 4th, 2009]

Madam Speaker, as I said, that is a priority for our government. We want to ensure that whatever aid we give will go directly to those who most need it. We have been on the telephone with our partners and have asked those very same questions. Are they able to get into the area? Are they able to transport? What is the security situation?

Because we are utilizing and working with organizations that have been there many years, they have built up local volunteers and workers who have more access and freedom of movement. They have built up the confidence of those communities. They also have agreements. Of the parties that are part of the conflict, there is an agreement that certain organizations like Red Cross International can continue the work. When the hospital was bombed, the Red Cross was able to evacuate and remove those who were sick and wounded from the hospital.

[Situation in Sri Lanka, February 4th, 2009]

Madam Speaker, as I said, this is now a time for all of us in the House to come together and recognize that we have a people who are victims of a conflict of a civil war. We now have to say what it is that we together as Canadians can do.

I can report, and I know my colleagues will also be able to fill the member in, that we have called for a cessation of fighting since last year. Since last year, Canada has also contributed in international aid and humanitarian assistance to help the development of that country. We have been working in governance, in building houses, improving literacy, education and health care. We have trusted partners that we have been working with over the years. They are now able to jump into action and focus on the area that needs the greatest help at this time.

We should now come together and not let partisan interests stop Canada from doing what is right.