House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 48% of the vote.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 6th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister has said, this kind of leak of information is a very serious matter and is very unfair against the Obama campaign.
As the Prime Minister has indicated in the House, the Clerk of the Privy Council has started the investigation with the Department of Foreign Affairs. As soon as the investigation is done and, upon legal advice, whatever action is needed to be taken this government will take the action.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 6th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, wonders never cease. This was a party that put a vote of confidence against the opposition, not against the government.
As the Prime Minister has said, this is a very serious matter. For that reason, the Clerk of the Privy Council, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, has started an investigation. When the report comes in, we will take action, unlike that party, which did not get up to vote on its own non-confidence motion.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 5th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I just answered this question. I will answer this question again.
We take this leak very seriously. The Clerk of the Privy Council has been asked to investigate it with the department. When the results come through, if needed, appropriate action will be taken.
I would like to thank the Liberal Party for voting for the budget yesterday.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 5th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister has just answered this question and said very clearly that the government is very concerned about this leak.
The Clerk of the Privy Council, with the department, is fully investigating this leak. When the results are made, with legal advice, appropriate action will be taken, if required.
Foreign Affairs March 5th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada stands ready to assist the family in pursuing its appeal through the justice system in Saudi Arabia. We are in close contact with the family and will continue to provide consular assistance. We are very closely monitoring this case and we will seek clemency in this case.
Energy Science and Technology Treaty February 29th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, pursuant Standing Order 32, I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, one treaty entitled “Agreement among the Government of Canada, the Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation in Energy Science and Technology”. An explanatory memorandum is enclosed with the treaty.
Iran February 29th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, this government is very concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, including the increased prosecution of minorities.
As my colleagues may recall, last year Canada successfully spearheaded a resolution at the UN highlighting the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Iran. We will continue to ensure that Canada makes its position very well known to the government of Iran about the situation of human rights in Iran.
Kenya February 29th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Kenya's government and opposition signed a power sharing agreement yesterday to end the post election crisis that plunged the country into its worst turmoil since independence. Canada is hopeful that the power sharing agreement will lead to peace and stability, as well as create the foundations for a strong and democratic Kenya.
Canada had repeatedly called upon Kenya's political leaders to come together in direct discussions to end the crisis and to put its weight behind Kofi Annan's mediation efforts. The Government of Canada also announced in January that it would provide up to $4.3 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the post-election violence.
We want to thank former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the AU chairman for their efforts. We look forward to working with the government of Kenya in facing the challenges ahead for the country.
Mr. Speaker, again, I want to tell my hon. colleague that we are committed to supporting UN resolution 1769 and the UN hybrid force.
As I have stated, and he must understand this, the request to member states will come from the UN peacekeeping centre as to when and how it wants to do it. Therefore, when the request is made, at that given time, Canada will evaluate its situation to see how we can best supply what the UN is requesting, with the resources that are available in Canada.
The decision will be made when the request is made. However, I can assure him and Canadians that this government is fully supportive of the UN mission in Sudan.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for Ottawa Centre for his question.
The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in Sudan and Darfur.
Canada's approach toward Sudan is three pronged. First, we are using diplomatic channels to pursue sustainable political solutions to address the root causes of the conflict. Second, Canada provides humanitarian reconstruction and peaceful assistance to the affected population. Third, Canada supports both the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Sudan, UNMIS in southern Sudan and UNAMID, and a UN-EU hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur. As part of a coordinated international effort, Canada's support to Sudan on the peacekeeping front has totalled over $440 million since 2004.
Specifically with respect to the member's question about helicopters and all these things, I would like to advise the member that in September of last year I attended a high level conference on Sudan at the United Nations, which was called by the Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon. It was to talk about the UN hybrid force and the UN mission in Sudan. There are 26 countries over there as well. All these countries were working together to ensure that this force could take off.
What my hon. colleague has to understand is that the UN peacekeeping force by itself is run by the UN. The UN has its own way of running the UN peacekeeping force. To do that, it is up to the UN to request from its member states what it wants to do.
We offered the UN the helicopters that we had already purchased or we had already leased which were given to the African Union. We offered to the UN the same helicopters to carry on and they accepted that during the period of transition while they were looking to other sources for what they needed. The UN has now advised us that they no longer need those helicopters and have thanked Canada for its contribution.
However, as it was explained in the committee today, under the UN all member state countries are assessed for peacekeeping operations. Canada will also be assessed. Canada will be there to provide that money to ensure that hybrid force carries on.
Additionally, there are 50 personnel currently working there supporting the UNMIS and UNAMID peacekeeping missions in an effort to bring security and stability to Sudan. In addition, there is the loan of 105 armoured personnel vehicles that were used by troop-contributing countries and will be used in UNAMID. Canada is there.
Canada believes that full implementation of the CPA agreement signed in 2005 represents the cornerstone of efforts to achieve a lasting peace for all of Sudan.
I do understand my colleague's concern. We are all concerned in Canada about the situation in Sudan. I can assure him that this government, with the help of the opposition as well, as discussed with me in the foreign affairs committee will continue to provide all the needed support for this peacekeeping mission in Sudan. However, we also will continue working toward bringing the parties to the table to talk about peace.