Deepak Obhrai

[Democratic Republic of Congo, November 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is deeply worried by the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We strongly condemn the occupation of territory by the M23 rebel group.

We are extremely concerned by the displacement of almost 650,000 civilians since the beginning of the year due to confrontations between armed groups and the military, and by the grave human rights abuses committed by these groups, including systematic and widespread rape and summary executions.

Canada has contributed up to $41.9 million since 2011 to help meet humanitarian needs in the DRC, including $3.75 million since October in response to the worsening conflict. As per the decision made by the regional leaders, M23 troops must complete their withdrawal from Goma. We call on all support to M23 to cease immediately.

Canada continues to call for an end to the violence and for all parties to respect human rights and the protection of civilians.

[Foreign Affairs, November 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our officials have previously been in touch with Mr. Fawzy. We assured him that we have been working with Egyptian authorities on this issue, and we will continue to do so.

We are pleased that Mr. Fawzy has been in touch with local authorities, as we urge anyone to do should they feel their safety and security is in any way jeopardized.

[Diwali, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, this year Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated all over the world on November 13. Here in Canada, we will be having the 12th national Diwali celebration on Parliament Hill this evening.

Tonight, an overflowing crowd of South Asians from all across the country will join the Prime Minister and me to celebrate this festival at the Government Conference Centre, the seventh by the Prime Minister. More than 26 Hindu and Sikh temples and community organizations will be represented at tonight's festival. I am happy also to be joined by my colleagues from this esteemed House.

Diwali symbolizes victory of good over evil. May I wish you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and all Canadians a happy Diwali.

[Southeast Asia, October 29th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is a staunch advocate of the protection and promotion of human rights throughout the world, including in southeast Asia. There have been welcome improvements in the human rights situation in the region in recent years. We have seen significant reforms under way after decades of military rule and dictatorship. Of course, there is still significant work to do in ensuring that human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, for example in Burma and Vietnam to name a few.

Canada collaborates with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, both bilaterally and multilaterally, on projects aimed at enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will continue to speak up whenever we have human rights concerns.

[Foreign Affairs, October 22nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2) I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaty entitled, ”Exchange of Notes between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America constituting an agreement amending Chapter 4 of Annex IV of the Treaty between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America concerning Pacific Salmon”, done at Washington on October 15 and 16, 2012. An exploratory memorandum is included with the treaty.

[Democratic Republic of Congo, October 16th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister was in the Democratic Republic of Congo this past weekend for the summit of la Francophonie, where he emphasized the importance for all member states, including the DRC, to guarantee respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Canada has voiced our concerns over the situation in the DRC, including the number of human rights violations, the need to improve democracy and the deterioration of the security situation in the east. The Prime Minister made it very clear that concrete progress in these areas must be made.

While visiting, the Prime Minister announced funding of $20 million over four years to help developing countries manage their natural resource industries responsibly and transparently while fostering prosperity and job creation.

We will continue to express our deep concern with the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[Questions on the Order Paper, October 15th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all questions be allowed to stand.

[Pakistan, October 15th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the world was horrified to learn of the brutal attack against Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old Pakistani girl hunted down and shot at close range for speaking out for girls' rights and against the Taliban.

Although Malala remains in critical condition, we are pleased by the reports today that she is getting the intensive and comprehensive medical treatment she requires. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and others injured in this abhorrent attack.

Canada welcomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan's quick condemnation of this attack and the recent reports that the Taliban gunmen who shot Malala have been identified. We urge the Pakistani authorities to take the necessary steps to hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible and cowardly attack.

[Business of Supply, October 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons I do not listen to the member is that he just talks about the Minister of Industry, and not in nice terms. It shows how biased he is, and if there is that much bias, why we would take any advice from that party? Not only that, but this is the party that wants a carbon tax and has economic policies that are very dangerous for this country.

We have a very proud record. Apparently the member did not listen to what I was saying. This country is the envy of the world, one of the best in the G8. Our banking system is very sound. Our tax rate is very low. Those are absolutely the conditions for investment this government has put in place.

In 2003 we were not in power. Maybe he should ask the Liberals about their investment record. Under our government, the investment climate is there, and therefore we are seeing investment coming in. However, we will make a decision that is in the best interests of this country.

[Business of Supply, October 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the member mentioned two facts. She is from Alberta; so am I. She talked about the oil patch. If she indeed is representing real Albertans, the member should talk to her leader as to why he talks about the oil sands as a disease in this country and why New Democrats are opposed to the development of the oil sands.

Of course, after he got slapped in the face by the rest of the country for this, the leader of the official opposition backtracked and now says that he supports the oil patch. The member should educate her leader on this. If she is an Albertan, she should oppose a carbon tax, because it would destroy investment in this country. If she is really interested in the development of the oil patch, then she should be standing up for the oil patch, not for her leader and the carbon tax.

As for the question she asked, I would repeat that the Minister of Industry will make the best decision for Canada, after going through the investment review according to the act. We have full confidence in that.