Deepak Obhrai

[Foreign Affairs, February 10th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we are very pleased to announce that the government's intervention has paved the way for three Canadian doctors to participate in the International Medical Commission to independently assess the health of the former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko. While this is a welcome development, we hope that all outstanding issues can be resolved expeditiously to allow these doctors access to Ms. Tymoshenko and to ensure that her health, diagnosis and treatment remain the primary focus of all involved.

[Foreign Affairs, February 10th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, this matter relates to national security so I have no further comment.

[Foreign Affairs, February 10th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as this matter relates to national security, I have no further comment.

[Human Rights, February 10th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, human rights is the cornerstone of this government's foreign policy.

Our government has had constructive discussions with China on a full range of human rights issues. We have also highlighted the priority Canadians place on religious freedom and the freedom of expression.

Our government will continue to take a principled approach on foreign policy and promote Canadian values around the world.

[Canadian Punjabi Community, February 10th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, Canada notes that state elections are taking place in India, the world's largest democracy. With a Punjabi background, I note with great satisfaction the massive turnout of over 77% in the State of Punjab.

Punjabis, both of Hindu and Sikh religion, exercised their democratic right to chart their own destiny.

Here in Canada, the Punjabi community, again made up of Hindus and Sikhs, plays a vital role in our country's destiny. I am very happy to be a member of that community as are my colleagues in the House of Commons.

However, there are certain groups that would like to create discord among these communities. To them, there is a clear message coming from communities all over the world: ”Stop it, let us move on toward addressing the issues that are of far more importance, like prosperity in this country”.

[Human Rights, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, let me correct the member's information so that she can have the right information.

This government has been very clear in reference to Syria. The killings must stop now. Assad must go. That information has been made very clear.

As far as human rights and the issue of Syria are concerned, the Prime Minister has raised the issues with his Chinese counterpart, giving Canada's position.

I hope the member now has the right information that she was looking for.

[Human Rights, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, human rights is one of the government's core principles of foreign policy. Our government will continue having constructive discussions with China on a full range of human rights issues. It is the government's policy to try to develop closer ties with China, as it is vital to Canada's economic prosperity.

I can say in no uncertain terms that human rights remains one of the government's core principles. We will continue constructive engagement with the Chinese on this issue.

[International Trade, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, whatever the member says, but let me say it once more quite clearly that this is pure speculation. As of yet, no decision has been made. Foreign Affairs and Canadian diplomats around the world will continue to do Canada proud by protecting Canada's interests and promoting Canadian values.

[International Trade, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I want to get it straight what the member is saying. The New Democrats are now saying that we should be promoting trade ties with the U.S.A. when they were the ones opposing the Keystone pipeline. They will need to make up their minds as to what they want to do.

However, as I said before, what she said is pure speculation. As of yet, no decision has been made.

[International Trade, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, that is pure speculation. As of yet, no decision has been made. Foreign Affairs and Canadian diplomats around the world will continue to do Canada proud by protecting Canada's interests and promoting Canadian values.