Deepak Obhrai

[Maldives, February 9th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the situation in the Maldives is quite concerning. Canada calls on all parties to remain calm in the wake of this week's rapid political transition.

We are also concerned with the safety of the former president, Mohammed Nashid.

We call upon the new government to ensure the safety of all citizens. We also expect that those responsible for the violence will be brought to swift justice.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, will give due consideration to calling for that instrument to meet as circumstances in the Maldives may require, and is carefully assessing developments on the ground in that respect.

I know all hon. members join me in expressing hope that all sides will exercise calm and ensure a return to order so that Maldivians can prosper and benefit from freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law for all.

[Canada-China Relations, February 7th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government's top priority is creating jobs and economic growth. To that end, the Prime Minister, senior cabinet ministers and a delegation made up of Canada's economic leaders have arrived in Beijing.

This trip will focus on deepening trade and economic ties with China, one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies. Increasing ties with China would help lay the foundation for long-term economic growth in Canada.

We recognize the value and the vitality of this important market and are building on recent successes. Under our government, Canada's exports to China have increased by 85%. Thanks to our government having secured approved destination status, the number of Chinese tourists coming to Canada this year has increased by 25%.

Indeed, there are many ties binding our two countries together. We will continue to strengthen our economic relationship with China while standing up for Canadian values, including freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

[Foreign Affairs, February 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I said, the killing must stop now and President Assad must go. That is a clear message from the Government of Canada.

I would tell the member opposite that, yes, the Prime Minister will be discussing a whole lot of foreign affairs issues with his Chinese hosts, including Syria and Iran.

We have asked all Canadians who are now living in Syria to leave Syria as soon as possible. We have reduced our staff in Syria to four personnel and we are asking all other Canadians to leave Syria now.

[Foreign Affairs, February 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, this government has sent a very clear message to the government of Syria. President Assad must go, Canada wants reconciliation and the killing must stop now. We are working with our allies to put pressure on the Syrian government.

As far as China is concerned, the Prime Minister will discuss a whole range of issues with our hosts, including the situation in Syria and Iran.

[Foreign Affairs, February 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, this government has sent a very clear message to the Assad government that the killing must stop now and to bring reconciliation, Mr. Assad has to go. That is the very clear message from the Government of Canada to the government of Syria. Our Ambassador there is passing on this message very strongly to the government of Syria.

However, Canada announced last week that we would reduce diplomatic staff at our embassy in Damascus to core personnel only. The safety of Canadian staff in Syria is our number one priority.

[Foreign Affairs, February 3rd, 2012]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the regulations amending the special economic measures, Syria, regulations, as announced on January 25, 2012, as well as the regulations amending the special economic measures, Iran, regulations, as announced on January 31, 2012.

[Foreign Affairs, February 3rd, 2012]

Madam Speaker, I would like to tell my hon. colleague that the core principle of this government is promotion of human rights and democracy, and one of them is building peacekeeping. In whatever we do this government will stand behind promotion of democracy, ensuring peace around the world.

[Multiculturalism, February 3rd, 2012]

Madam Speaker, first, I wish the residents of Calgary East a happy new year.

My riding, as others across the country, represents the Canadian multicultural mosaic. It is home to people of the first nations, English, French, Germans, Italians, Ukrainians, Fijians, South Asians, Middle Easterners, Vietnamese, Filipinos and most recently from the continent of Africa. All these people from different cultural and religious backgrounds live and work side by side in all neighbourhoods. Their priorities are the same: stable jobs, safe streets and good schools, so they can live peacefully and raise their children. Seniors want to retire peacefully.

My riding sends a strong message to the world that those who endorse a doctrine of hatred toward others will not succeed. I am proud to represent the good folks of Calgary East.

[Foreign Affairs, February 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government is tremendously concerned about Mrs. Tymoshenko's well-being. We have spoken out strongly against the manner in which her prosecution, conviction and appeal were carried out by the Ukrainian authorities.

As the member mentioned, Canada was the first country to offer medical assistance to Mrs. Tymoshenko. While we are pleased that the Ukrainian government is receptive to our offer, it will be important to ensure that the conditions are acceptable both to Mrs. Tymoshenko and to the Canadian and other international doctors who will participate in this initiative.

Canada remains committed to--

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I have the honour to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled “International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism” done at New York on April 13, 2005 and “Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material”, done at Vienna on July 8, 2005. An explanatory memorandum is included with each treaty.