House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 48% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs October 21st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates and they both agreed that the broader Canadian-UAE relationship should not be put at risk due to recent events.
The Government of Canada does not comment on operational matters concerning the deployment of Canadian Forces abroad. The Government of Canada is fully capable of supporting its military commitments in Afghanistan.
Foreign Affairs October 8th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, under section 32(2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, I have the pleasure to table, in both official languages, the treaties entitled: Exchange of Letters concerning an amendment of Annex V to the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of Canada on sanitary measures to protect public and animal health in respect of trade in live animals and animal products, done at Brussels on March 22 and April 16, 2010; Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of India for Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, done at Toronto on June 27, 2010; Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Canada Contributing Resources to the United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), done at New York on July 9, 2009; Exchange of Notes between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America constituting an Agreement extending the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America providing for Coordination of the Icebreaking Activities of Canada and the United States on the Great Lakes, done at Ottawa on December 5, 1980.
An explanatory memorandum is included with each treaty.
Foreign Affairs October 8th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, 2010 has truly been Canada's international year. Our government's leadership has reinforced Canada's standing as a responsible international partner. We are delivering on our commitments, from securing international agreement on our maternal and child health initiative to our fulfillment of our pledge to double aid to Africa. Canada is a leader around the globe, be it in Afghanistan and Sudan or our incredible support for Haiti and our swift and generous response to the floods in Pakistan.
Next week, Canada is up for election for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Shockingly, Canada is likely the only country standing for a seat that has one political leader actually rooting against our bid.
With the support of our friends around the world, we will serve the UN in a way that makes Canada proud.
Iran September 29th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, this government has been very active on this file for a while. We are deeply concerned about the news of this potentially severe sentence. Our embassy in Tehran is following up to seek confirmation of these reports.
If this is true, it is completely unacceptable and unjustifiable. Canada believes that no one should be punished anywhere for simply exercising one's inherent right to freedom of expression.
Our government's position has been very clear. Iran must release Mr. Derakhshan and other journalists who have been unjustifiably detained and sentenced.
Rights & Democracy September 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the member is a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. Recently she and her colleagues on that committee submitted a report to the government. The government is studying that report and will respond to it. But let me again point out that Rights & Democracy is an arm's-length organization, not a government one.
Rights & Democracy September 27th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Rights & Democracy is an arm's-length organization, which, although government funded, is not run by the Government of Canada. Our government is committed to Rights & Democracy and to working with the president, Mr. Gérard Latulippe, to secure the organization's future. The president will be expected to deliver positive results on the governance and stewardship of the organization. He is also expected to resolve internal issues in collaboration with all the stakeholders.
United Nations September 24th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to hear that the NDP is willing to help us win the seat. I am extremely confused with the position of the Bloc and the Liberal Party.
The Bloc leader said that we do not deserve a seat, and yet we get questions from the Bloc critics asking when will we get on the Security Council.
It is the same way with the Liberal Party. Its leader said that we do not deserve a seat and yet all Liberal critics are coming out and saying we must work together to get the seat.
Would someone clarify what is going on on that side? My thanks to the NDP.
United Nations September 24th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Canada will stand on its principles when it is doing its international campaign. As the Prime Minister has said, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs has said and as everybody else has said, we will continue to stand for what is important for Canada.
On the same tone, we have a very strong relationship with our partners in the European Union and we will continue to maintain that strong relationship.
United Nations September 24th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Prime Minister highlighted Canada's commitment on the international stage. We have a record to be proud of. We have been in Haiti and in Afghanistan. We have doubled our aid to Africa. We continue helping around the world.
Canadians are very proud of our international record, and that is what we stand for.
Foreign Affairs September 24th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following countries on celebrating their independence day this week: Mali, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
Since 1972, Canada and Mali have worked closely together to advance the cause of human rights and good governance.
Ukraine and Canada have maintained a deep historic friendship with one another through the generations of Ukrainians who have come to Canada and adopted Canada as their new home.
Each year Canada welcomes thousands of students from Saudi Arabia who come to learn in our fine academic institutions. These academic exchanges are an important element of our strong bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Canada and Indonesia are partners in a number of multilateral organizations, such as APEC and ASEAN. Such common memberships attest to the shared commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and multilateral co-operation.
This government will continue to work hard with our friends to ensure prosperity for all our citizens.