Deepak Obhrai

[Celebrations in Alberta, October 21st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, this was a challenging summer in Calgary.

The floods impacted southern Alberta, including the communities of Inglewood and Riverbend in my riding. Immediately after the flood, Calgary hosted the greatest outdoor show, the Calgary Stampede. The flood had extensively damaged the grounds, but the hard work of the Stampede board and the volunteers ensured a successful Calgary Stampede.

The floods did not dampen the celebration at GlobalFest. GlobalFest was held in my riding, and this year the Minister of Canadian Heritage was there. It was named in the 2000 top 100 events by the American Bus Association, and it attracted over 100,000 people this year. Each year multiple countries compete, through incredible pyro-musical displays as well as showcasing their culture through many pavilions that are set up during the five days of competition.

The civic, provincial and federal authorities all rose to the challenges of the flooding. Most importantly, residents of southern Alberta showed remarkable resilience. They all deserve a big thanks.

[Foreign Affairs, October 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled Amendments to Annexe I of the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, notified 27 September 2013; an Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution, Preparedness and Response in the Arctic, done at Kiruna on May 15, 2013; Amendments to Appendices I and II on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, adopted at Bangkok from March 3 to March 14, 2013; Amendments to Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, notified on January 27, 2011, September 23, 2011, January 4, 2012, June 27, 2012, and March 14, 2013; and an Exchange of Notes between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America concluding amendments to the Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port Privileges, done at Washington on June 17 and 18, 2013.

An explanatory memorandum is included with each treaty.

[Foreign Affairs, June 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government is proud to have participated actively in the negotiations of the Convention on Cluster Munitions. We were one of the first countries to have signed on to the convention in 2008.

The prohibiting cluster munitions act would fully implement Canada's commitment to the convention and would strike a full balance between humanitarian obligations, while preserving our national security and defence interests.

[Foreign Affairs, June 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our legislation fully implements Canada's commitment to the convention and is in line with our key allies, including Australia and the United Kingdom. The Canadian Forces will make its policy to prohibit its members from using cluster munitions.

This legislation preserves Canada's ability to work alongside our allies.

[Fighting Foreign Corruption Act, June 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to the hon. member's response to this bill. Although that party is supporting the bill, I want to tell him quite clearly that this government has provided strong leadership not only around the world but also in Canada, and every given time the NDP opposes it.

The member talked about Canada being named and shamed internationally. The record is that the NDP leader goes overseas and has no shame in condemning Canada. What a pity. What kind of official opposition goes overseas to condemn Canada?

Most importantly, when I raised the point that three companies had been convicted, I received very strong laughter from members on the other side. They may think Canadian companies are corrupt and they may think Canadian companies are bad, but we are confident that Canadian companies are doing well. That we have few convictions for bribery speaks very well for Canada. Those members should not laugh at these things.

[Fighting Foreign Corruption Act, June 18th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I was quite interested to understand that the NDP is going to be supporting the bill. To get the NDP to support any bill that deals with the growth of trade or business is quite welcome by our government, considering its opposition to all trade deals. However, we note also that, as usual, it has its caveats.

What is important is that this is a bill that would make Canadian companies accountable. We are talking about a public registry. Whenever a Canadian company is not accountable and it becomes a public issue, it is a message to other Canadian companies that the government and Canadians are very serious about transparency. That, by itself, would ensure that businesses comply with the legislation.

We are thankful that the NDP will be supporting it. Three convictions have already happened, and the publicity would ensure that Canadian companies will comply with transparency, as expected by all Canadians.

[Foreign Affairs, June 14th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for his question and his engagement on this case.

Consular assistance is being provided to the two Canadians who have been arrested in the Dominican Republic for allegedly injuring another Canadian citizen. Although the Government of Canada cannot exempt them from local laws, consular officials are advocating for fair treatment and due process, and will remain in contact with the families.

[Foreign Affairs, June 14th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has taken a leadership role at the United Nations to make sure that we work for this treaty. Canada believes in keeping arms out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and those who abuse fundamental human rights. That is why we were among the 154 countries that agreed to move this treaty forward.

At the same time, it is important that such a treaty should not affect lawful and responsible firearms owners, nor discourage the transfer of firearms for recreational use such as sport shooting and hunting.

[Foreign Affairs, June 14th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, this government will deliver results. The Prime Minister is over there and he is delivering results, unlike that member's leader who berated a female officer of the RCMP. If those members want to think about running government, they should start improving their behaviour.

I know who the hon. member is. We will deliver results.

[Foreign Affairs, June 12th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled Agreement on Social Security between Canada and the Republic of Serbia, done at Belgrade on April 12, 2013; Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean, done at Tokyo on February 24, 2012; Extradition Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Hellenic Republic, done at Ottawa on November 3, 1999; and Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, done at Dar es Salaam on May 16, 2013.

An exploratory memorandum is included with each treaty.