House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 48% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs April 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, as I have stated on many occasions, Mr. Omar Khadr faces serious charges. As the news reports have indicated, Mr. Omar Khadr was seen setting up the IED bombs that killed Canadians soldiers.
At this current time, this matter is being reviewed by President Obama's commission. We will await the results of the commission before we make any further comments.
Foreign Affairs April 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, as we know, Mr. Omar Khadr faces serious charges. Mr. Omar Khadr has been charged with killing an American medic. In this capacity, we are waiting to see what President Obama will do.
However, as we have stated on many occasions, he is facing a very serious charge and we will await the outcome of the tribunal review set forward by President Obama.
Foreign Affairs April 28th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, this government takes its responsibilities very seriously. One of the priorities that the Prime Minister has set is the human rights of Canadians. This government ensures that all consular cases, all rights of Canadians, are respected. That is the position of this government as stated by the Prime Minister.
Foreign Affairs April 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I have said on many occasions in the House, and I will repeat it, Omar Khadr faces very serious charges. He is accused of killing Sergeant Christopher Speer, an American medic in Afghanistan, the same country Canadian troops are fighting today.
President Obama has started a process and we will respect his decision by allowing the committee to run its course.
As I said, we are reviewing the court's decision and considering an appeal. I cannot say any more.
Foreign Affairs April 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker Omar Khadr faces very serious charges. A news report showed media footage of Mr. Khadr allegedly building and planting the improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, the very devices that have taken the lives of dozens of Canadian men and women.
We are contemplating the appeal of this decision and we will be reviewing the court decision.
As the matter is still before the court, we cannot speak any further on that.
Sri Lanka April 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I want to tell the hon. member that this government has been engaged in the file on Sri Lanka. In fact, the hon. member on the other side has publicly stated that this government has done an excellent job on the file on Sri Lanka.
Let me also tell the hon. member that the foreign affairs minister has called the foreign ministers of India and all the other countries. We are working internationally to address this issue.
Again, let me remind members, the hon. member said we are doing a good job.
Sri Lanka April 27th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, which has endured for over two decades, is very tragic, as the hon. member knows. On April 26, Canada, together with other G8 nations, issued a statement calling on all parties in the conflict in Sri Lanka to take all necessary actions to avoid further civilian casualties, and strongly condemning the use of civilians as human shields by the Tigers.
I must also say, as the hon. member would know, that the foreign ministers of Britain, Sweden and France are going to Sri Lanka, with full support from this government as well in that engagement, to tell the--
North Atlantic Treaty Organization April 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, April 4 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty that established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As one of the alliance's founding members, Canada is proud to celebrate NATO's 60th anniversary and to highlight its accomplishments in promoting peace and security.
The Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the chief of the defence staff are in Strasbourg-Kehl this weekend to join with the other 27 NATO allies at a summit to commemorate this achievement.
The NATO summit is a useful opportunity to reconfirm the commitment of NATO and its allies to securing and stabilizing Afghanistan, as NATO's top priority, and to ensure that allies commit sufficient resources to ensure success.
As we mark this historic milestone, I invite all members of the House to join with me in paying tribute to the men and women serving in Afghanistan.
Foreign Affairs April 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, we are deeply disappointed at the reports that a Saudi court has upheld its decision to sentence Mohamed Kohail to death. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has requested an official review of the Saudi court decision when it is issued.
Canada continues to express its concern for a fair and transparent review of the wording and the sentence. Since 2007, we have remained in regular contact with the Kohail family, including their lawyer.
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the hon. member that it is the Conservative government that is still in power. Their attempt to become a coalition fizzled out due to opposition from Canadians.
However, again I want to point out that this government's position has not changed. We are waiting for the review that is taking place by the U.S. government. As soon as that review is done, we will then take the next step as appropriate based on that review.