House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 48% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs June 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as I have just stated, Canada already has one of the strongest export controls in the world. This treaty actually brings countries up to our control standards.
As I stated, we will consult, and when it is appropriate, we will make the decision.
Foreign Affairs June 9th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, Canada already has one of the strongest export controls in the world. The ATT actually brings these countries to our export control standards.
It is important that such treaties not affect lawful and responsible firearm owners or discourage the transfer of firearms for recreational uses, such as sport shooting and hunting.
We will consult and we will act accordingly.
Foreign Affairs June 2nd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I agree with the hon. member that this requires a concentrated international approach, and that is exactly what Canada is doing. We are working with our allies in helping the Nigerian government attain the capacity to fight this war.
We are concerned as much as you are about the situation in Nigeria with Boko Haram, which Canada has listed as a terrorist organization. We will continue working with our allies to assist all African governments fight terrorism, which is a scourge on the continent.
Foreign Affairs June 2nd, 2014
Mr. Speaker, we are very happy that the nun has been freed and we want to thank everyone involved in getting her released.
As for other areas, as we have said on numerous occasions, we have a program helping the Nigerian government. We are assisting the Nigerian government with our allies in working toward the security situation of the region. Canada is very much concerned about those areas and will continue helping the Nigerian government with our allies in whatever capacity we can.
International Development May 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, yesterday Canada stood up on the world stage for international development, and we pledged $3.5 billion for child and maternal health for poor people in developing countries.
As far as education is concerned, yes, Canada has contributed and will contribute towards education. It is part of our development budget, and we will continue doing that.
International Development May 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I would say first to the member that, yes, we do agree with her that education is very important. Part of our international aid budget is directed toward making education one of the priorities of international development, and more specifically, education for girls, as we have done in Afghanistan and as we continue to do in Nigeria and other countries.
As to the other question, I will advise the member in due course.
International Development May 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for his question. It gives me a tremendous sense of pride in our government to see how the Prime Minister continues to rally global support in Toronto to save the lives of mothers and children.
Yesterday our government pledged an additional $3.5 billion over five years towards the Prime Minister's maternal, newborn, and child health initiative. These funds will expand on our existing policies and up our game in critical areas of immunization, nutrition, and birth and death registration.
This is good work, and Canada is making a difference between life and death, so the work must not stop.
Ethnique Media May 30th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge the rise of the Ethnique Media in Canada. It is filling the niche that mainstream media has ignored. It caters to the needs of the ethnic community not only by acting as a link to the home country but also by highlighting the achievements of members of the ethnic community.
Some of those involved, like Shan and Jaya Chandrasekar, have been recognized by their entry into the hall of fame.
For all those from coast to coast who work in the ethnic media, I sincerely thank them for their hard work and dedication, despite numerous barriers and hardship. These media highlight our Canadian diversity.
Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act May 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, as I said in my speech, when Canada signs this convention and more and more countries sign the convention, it would become, as the member of the Green Party said in her speech, a moral obligation for other countries to sign the convention as well.
If they did not sign they would stand out when the whole world, including Canada, is looking to ban this kind of weapon around the world. There would be a moral pressure on other countries to sign this convention.
Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act May 29th, 2014
Mr. Speaker, if the member would go deeper to understand the tremendous co-operation we have with our closest ally, the U.S.A., he would understand why we need a very narrow definition. It is to protect Canadian soldiers so that they do not break our laws.
In the larger frame of things, where possible, as was made very clear in my speech, Canadian soldiers would comply with the requirements of this convention. The need for what this convention is talking about is the bare essence of what Canadian soldiers would apply. However, should it happen that the U.S.A. does not sign this treaty, and we have such massive co-operation with each other, this is to protect Canadian soldiers. We agree with the member that we want to ban these munitions.