Deepak Obhrai

[Foreign Affairs, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, our government is very much concerned about the situation that is going on in Syria. We have made our position very clear that Mr. Assad must go. As far as the International Criminal Court is concerned, we will let the people of Syria decide what Mr. Assad's future is, but let us be very clear: Mr. Assad must go, to bring peace back to Syria.

[Arms Trade, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, Canada continues to support the arms treaty, but let me tell my hon. colleague this: support provided to partner countries through the anti-crime capacity-building program directly improves security in our hemisphere, especially by combatting transnational crime and its work to bring guns to Canada. We will continue working with the parties responsible and ensure that our government is committed to reducing crime and improving security around the world.

[Arms Trade, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as has always been the case for international meetings, the composition of Canadian delegations for this type of international gathering is the minister's prerogative and responsibility. Our position on this treaty has not changed. Canada supports efforts to establish international standards for arms transfers in order to help prevent illicit transfers that fuel conflict and encourage terrorism or organized crime.

[Arms Trade, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, this government has an excellent record of working hard to ensure that the arms treaty is moving forward and that we work to ensure that there is legitimate civilian use of firearms for sporting, hunting and collecting purposes and not for civilian unrest. We will continue to work with others to determine how to move forward. On the ATT, Canada continues to support the arms treaty.

[Arms Trade, March 8th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, Canada already has some of the highest global standards in the export control of munitions. We believe that any treaty regarding the sale of munitions helps move the international community closer to our world-leading standards.

That said, the legitimate civilian use of firearms for sporting, hunting and collecting purposes should not be the target of the arms trade treaty.

[Foreign Affairs, March 5th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from Mississauga—Streetsville has rightly pointed out, the events at Dara, and many more since, have shown the world that Assad is completely unfit to govern and increasingly unable to rule. The actions of Assad and his thugs have so far left 70,000 Syrians dead and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Our government, and indeed all Canadians, continue to stand by the Syrian people in their time of need.

[Foreign Affairs, March 1st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, I would like to remind my colleague on the other side that two weeks ago, I led a delegation to Burma to help the Burmese government build its parliament. That was under this fund that he is talking about being cancelled. Two of his own members came on that.

I can assure the member that the foreign service will continue working and doing its best for Canada.

[Foreign Affairs, March 1st, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, we have a robust foreign service that is looking after Canada's foreign interests. I can assure the member that they will continue receiving the best service from Foreign Affairs Canada.

[Foreign Affairs, February 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, the situation in North Korea is appalling. Canada has raised concerns at the United Nations about the deplorable human rights situation in North Korea.

We have imposed sanctions and a controlled engagement policy. Some have called for a commission of inquiry. Canada will work with our allies to support any work that will shine light on the abusers in North Korea, and bring international pressure on this regime to give its citizens the rights they deserve.

[Foreign Affairs, February 15th, 2013]

Mr. Speaker, in response to direct requests from the French government, Canada has provided heavy lift aircraft and we have extended the support until March 15. Parliamentary hearings have been taking place where some witnesses have suggested that there be a Canadian combat mission. Let me be very clear that this government is not considering a combat mission and neither would it train Malian forces.