Deepak Obhrai

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, since we are expressing thanks, I am sure my colleague on the other side, the Liberal foreign affairs critic, will join me in thanking our chair of the foreign affairs committee for doing a wonderful job.

As for the question, which is extremely important and timely, I would like to first point out that after 13 years of neglecting the Americas, Canada is back and playing an active role. We are re-engaging with the region.

There are indeed security challenges in the Americas. Because of our desire to protect Canadians at home and abroad, as well as our neighbours in the hemisphere, we have developed a multi-pronged approach.

On health and pandemic concerns, Canada is focused on building regional solutions to the leading health issues. Working with Health Canada and the Pan American Health Organization, we are developing national policies and programs that reflect the commitment of countries to work with us toward viable and effective programs. We will achieve results by providing the required training and expertise to ensure countries are better equipped to address these concerns on their own and for the long term.

My colleague is quite correct in referring to the unfortunate events that have taken place in Burma. Canada is very concerned by the frequency and the increasing impact of natural disasters, including those that occur in the Americas. We are working to actively promote and support disaster risk reduction activities in the hemisphere.

For instance, in 2007 Canada announced a $20 million program to help communities, governments and regional institutions in the Caribbean enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities, as well as another $20 million for the new Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility.

Canada also has a history of responding rapidly and appropriately to natural disasters around the world and is working to further strengthen the international disaster response system. Over the last two fiscal years, for instance, Canada has provided $7.5 million in humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the areas in the Americas affected by natural disasters and has been working with regional and international agencies to enhance response capabilities in the Americas.

These are examples of this government's actions which demonstrate that we are well positioned and motivated to respond to the security challenges in the hemisphere.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, I would like to spend some time telling members about our government's most focused attention to our neighbours in the Americas. The Americas are a priority for our government. The Americas are a region of exciting opportunity, a region where we can make a real difference.

As honourable members are aware, our government is committed to Canada's long term re-engagement with the hemisphere, based on three mutual reinforcing themes: prosperity, democratic governance, and security.

There is much that Canada can do, and that is why our government has sent representatives at the highest levels to visit the region on a regular basis. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade , the Minister of International Cooperation, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as myself have made numerous visits to the region over the past two years, along with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.

Building these personal relationships is important because it contributes to stronger ties among our countries. Enhancing Canada's access to emerging markets in the hemisphere is a key focus for us.

The Americas are clearly in a region of dynamic, economic potential. We know that Canada is the third largest investor in the region and our trade flows are growing rapidly. That is the good news.

Canada's experience with the United States, Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica has shown that free trade makes a major contribution to economic development. That is why we are pursuing a robust regional free trade agenda.

We are building on an established presence in the region by working with like-minded states. Chile is one such partner. We have celebrated 10 years of free trade and look forward to continuing our close relations. In doing so, we are providing Canadian companies with the chance to secure new opportunities in dynamic markets.

Mexico is one of our largest suppliers of temporary foreign workers. These foreign workers are essential to our agriculture sector, and both Canada and Mexico benefit greatly from this mutually beneficial arrangement.

We are also engaging Brazil, a regional powerhouse. It is the eighth largest economy in the world, and I am happy to report that our relationship is defined by a growing partnership and cooperation.

In addition, our bilateral relationship is improving based on a two-way investment, cooperation in Haiti and a growing personal rapport between government leaders.

My colleagues, the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as the Parliamentary Secretary of International Trade, have already informed the House about the many negotiations under way and the progress we are making.

At the same time, as we look to these countries for opportunity, we must be mindful of our commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Canada's second objective in the Americas is to bolster the hemisphere's commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

I am pleased to report today that we have already accomplished a great deal. However, the maturity and the depth of democratic governance varies across countries. That is why the Prime Minister has offered to share the Canadian model of democratic freedom and economic openness, combined with effective regional and social support.

Building a safe and secure hemisphere is our third objective. That is why we have worked with partners in the region to enhance the law enforcement and judicial capacities.

In Colombia, Canada has active programming to promote stability and peace. As stated in the Speech from the Throne, the best way to foster development and security is through bolstering international trade. That is why we are also currently negotiating a free trade agreement with Colombia.

Haiti is another good example of where we are working in close cooperation with others like the United States, Brazil, Chile and Argentina, to enhance security. As the Prime Minister noted when he travelled to the region last summer, Haiti is “a test case for the Americas; for our capacity as neighbours and friends to get together in the common endeavour”. The Prime Minister is right.

During a visit to Brazil last year, my colleague, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, had an opportunity to thank that country for the strong support it had been providing through its leadership in the UN stabilization mission in Haiti.

All Canadians can take pride in the government's unprecedented financial commitment to Haiti: $555 million over five years to 2011. Haiti is the second largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the world after Afghanistan.

My colleague, the hon. Minister of International Cooperation, is an expert in how this money is addressing immediate needs and laying the foundation for Haiti's long term development.

Canada is also among the top donors in advancing security reforms in Haiti. The government recently announced an additional $19 million for police reform and border management to support the recruitment, training and operations of the Haitian national police.

We have also invested in the Caribbean. In 2007 Canada contributed some $7 million in aid in response to numerous storms affecting the Caribbean islands.

Canada is the largest donor to the World Bank's Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility with a $20 million contribution. I am happy to report that CIDA is developing a $20 million natural disaster risk management insurance facility to strengthen the central agency's capacity to respond.

Another tool we have to help accomplish our Americas strategy is sport. Sport promotes democratic principles, fosters social cohesion, and supports individual and institutional development. Throughout the Americas there is a clear appetite for increased Canadian leadership within sport in the region.

I am happy to inform the House that Canada has been very instrumental in the development of the Sport Council of the Americas, an organization whose main objective is to facilitate a broad intergovernmental discussion and cooperation on sport issues in the Americas.

Our government has recently signed sport bilateral agreements with countries such as Brazil and Peru to develop projects. These agreements will enable our countries to cooperate in the areas of sport governance, anti-doping, women in sport, and sport for development and peace.

On another front, we are working through regional organizations and international financial institutions to advance our goals.

Last week, the vice president of Colombia visited Canada. He conveyed his thanks for our ongoing support for peace and human rights in his country. He spoke of the work that Canadians are doing in assisting children and women affected by the longstanding conflict, and he thanked the Prime Minister for supporting a free trade agreement which will bring new opportunities for Colombians.

In conclusion, in reply to the Speech from the Throne, the Prime Minister said:

Many nations in Latin America and the Caribbean are pursuing market reform and democratic development, but others are falling back to economic nationalism and protectionism, to political populism and authoritarianism.

That’s why it’s so important for countries like Canada to engage — to demonstrate there are alternative models that can meet people’s aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, Canada can make a difference in the world.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, a couple of nights ago the hon. member asked me that question and at that time I answered that we had made representations to the government of the U.K. to revisit this issue about the Commonwealth scholarships.

I would also like it if he could write a letter to the foreign minister's secretary of the British government and have his party tell the British government to revisit the subject.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, as the Minister of Justice has stated, there is no death penalty in Canada and this government will not revisit that subject. However, in reference to Canadians abroad, we will examine each case, as the Minister of Justice has stated, and that will remain the policy of the Government of Canada.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, we are aware of this case. I do not understand the hon. member's question. Is he asking about the cost of repatriating him while he is still in Sudan? I cannot comment much on it as there is currently a court case going on.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, we are extremely delighted that this matter has been successfully resolved and that Brenda Martin is back in Canada. Like all Canadians, we were all worried about her state. She is fine now that she is back in Canada.

As far as the cost is concerned, I will get back to the member in due course with the details.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, I would like to acknowledge once more the hard work the Minister of International Cooperation has done on the Africa file, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I want to give them credit for taking this file and moving it forward.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, in reference to Sudan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has listed what Canada was doing to help Sudan. However, both the former minister of foreign affairs and I travelled to Khartoum earlier this year and both of us saw firsthand the work that is needed to be done. I am very glad and proud of Canada's commitment which is working toward peace in Sudan.

In reference to the peace process in Uganda, during the visit by the former foreign affairs minister and myself, we met with the chief mediator of the northern Uganda peace process. The minister emphasized the need for the Lord's Resistance Army to sign and to begin implementing the final peace agreement without further delay. Canada has contributed $8 million, including $3.5 million toward the peace process.

Since 2006, Canada has provided over $19 million in support of humanitarian operations for Somalia, as well as $4.5 million in support of regional refugee operations.

Insofar Zimbabwe is concerned, the government and myself, the former minister and now the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, we have all stated quite clearly that we are concerned about Zimbabwe. We want to see peace brought quickly. We are calling for free and transparent elections in Zimbabwe. Canada's assistance to Zimbabwe during 2006-07 amounted to $11.6 million.

I visited Kenya during the month of March to emphasize Canada's support for the political settlement and encouraged parties to implement fully the provisions of the accord. I am happy to say that the accord is now working.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, it is a great pleasure for me to rise in the House today to speak about Canada's engagement with Africa as well as our pursuit of opportunities in the emerging Asian markets.

Asia is a key focus of our efforts under our global commerce strategy. Our plan is to help Canadian businesses and investors benefit from everything the global economy has to offer.

Today, I would like to outline how our strategy is helping us pursue and build new opportunities in Asia. There is a staggering diversity of opportunity for our businesses and investors to succeed in the Asian markets, especially on the investment front.

Vietnam, for instance, is a growing and dynamic market for Canadian investors. In 2006, the stock of Canadian direct investment in Vietnam was $142 million, an almost 60% increase in one year, with more large projects planned, particularly in the natural resources sector.

To help continue forging these links, Canada is launching a new chapter in our bilateral investment relationship through the negotiation of a foreign investment protection and promotion agreement.

Our goal is a high quality agreement that will enhance the Canadian investment community and our bilateral commercial links with Vietnam.

Indonesia is another important investment destination, ranking fourth in Asia, with a stock of $3.12 billion worth of Canadian investment. Canadian and Indonesian officials have held two rounds of exploratory discussions so far toward a FIPA, and we plan to hold the first round of negotiations shortly.

Turning to Singapore, Canadian negotiators are continuing to push for a bilateral free trade agreement. As pointed out in our report, Singapore is a commercial business hub and springboard into Southeast Asian value chains.

Building more commercial links to Singapore through a free trade agreement, for example, would greatly enhance Canada's profile across the region and bring many benefits to Canadian businesses, particularly in the areas of investment and services.

China is another top priority of our commercial efforts. Over the years we have built a strong and sophisticated commercial relationship with China. Indeed, not long ago, both the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Natural Resources visited China to reinforce this.

A comprehensive market plan has been developed in cooperation with Canada's business community to continue making connections between Canadian expertise and Chinese demand in a number of sectors. We are planning to add more trade commissioners in China to give our businesses the support they need to outdo their competitors and capture opportunities in a number of key sectors.

Our global commerce strategy also places a key focus on driving more two-way investment between our countries.

Now, I would like to turn to India. Canada and India have long been partners on the world stage. As I observed during my visit to India earlier this year, Canada and India share common values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is vital that Canada maintain a strong relationship with India, the world's largest democracy and an increasingly important international partner.

This partnership extends into the commercial realm where our nations have built a sophisticated business relationship that saw our two-way trade reach an all-time record high last year.

Like China, we have developed a targeted market plan for India that emphasizes opportunities in key sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, electric power, aerospace, information and communications technology, infrastructure and service industries. Canada has a proven expertise in all of these areas and can help India as it continues its economic ascent. Two-way investment is another hallmark of the Canada-India relationship.

Last year, we concluded negotiations toward a Canada-India foreign promotion and protection agreement that will give investors in both countries the access and protection they need in each of our markets. At this point I would like to emphasize that it was the current Minister of Foreign Affairs who was instrumental in signing this agreement.

Since the signing of the Canada-India science and technology cooperation agreement in 2005, researchers from both countries have been working together to develop and commercialize tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. We also recognize the importance of a strong Canadian presence in the Indian marketplace.

We currently have commercial representation in five Indian cities and our Prime Minister recently announced the opening of two new trade offices in Hyderabad and Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, as well as additional commercial staff to our missions in Mumbai and New Delhi. An expanded presence in India will allow Canada to create even more commercial connections between our two nations and create wealth, prosperity and opportunity for both countries.

Finally, we cannot talk about our efforts in capturing more business in Asia without talking about the Asia-Pacific gateway and the corridor initiative. The initiative is a bold visionary project to boost our west coast transportation infrastructure capabilities and to create the premier gateway of choice between Asia and North America.

With our partners in the provinces and the private sector, we are making an unprecedented effort to boost our transportation and logistics systems and establish new links between North America and the Asian giants.

We are seeing solid progress with the recent opening of the new expanded Fairview Container Terminal at the port of Prince Rupert, giving it a significant advantage over key American ports. The gateway project is yet another example of Canada's commitment to our Asian partners and of our clear focus on creating two-way supply chains that will drive trade between our countries into the future.

I would now like to turn to Africa. I would like to talk about Canada's long history of dedicated commitment to Africa. Both in Canada and Africa, Canadians have worked for and with Africans to alleviate suffering and improve lives.

Today, many Canadians, and this includes a growing African diaspora, maintain this commitment. They are involved through family ties, churches, mosques, schools, and cultural and community organizations.

In spite of the often large negative impression the news headlines leave, Africa has made real progress compared with a decade ago with more reform-minded democratic leaders taking responsibility; more prudent economic management with GDP growth up and inflation down; fewer conflicts, six ended in the past 10 years; and more democratic elections, 45 elections in sub-Saharan Africa in the past five years, of which two-thirds were deemed free and fair.

However, social, economic and health challenges remain immense. Serious conflict and governance problems persist. The progress achieved is fragile and must be sustained.

The government has pursued a focused and principled approach in sub-Saharan Africa. Our values are those all Canadians cherish: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Our interests comprise major aid commitments, growing trade and investments, and dealing with key regional security risks.

At this time I would also like to acknowledge the hard work the Minister of International Cooperation has done in promoting the Africa agenda where she has made a difference and she is fighting for effective aid delivery.

Canada is meeting its commitments to Africa. We are doubling annual aid to Africa from 2003-04 to 2008-09 to $2.1 billion. We will meet this objective.

Last December, the Minister of Finance announced a $1.3 billion contribution over three years to the World Bank's International Development Association. This represents a 25% increase in Canada's contribution. About half of these funds will go to Africa.

Last year the Minister of International Cooperation announced nearly $400 million for development in Africa. This includes our contribution to the African Development Bank.

Canada is already obtaining better results and making a difference, especially in countries where we have a long term, well established aid partnership. We continue to make progress in poverty reduction, health and education, democratic governance, and peace and security.

For example, Ghana is on track to halve extreme poverty by 2015, thereby meeting a key millennium development goal.

Earlier this year I visited Sudan where our government announced a new Canadian investment of up to $275 million in security, diplomacy and aid initiatives, as was just announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for our commitment to Sudan.

Canada has played a leadership role in supporting international efforts to establish sustainable peace and long term stability in Sudan. We remain committed to those goals. All parties continue to work toward building the culture of peace and stability throughout the country and to support sustained efforts to do so.

Since we are on topic of aid, let me say that we know we must also make our aid more effective and improve results. The government will do this by bringing more focus, more efficiency, and more accountability to our programs.

The government has focused attention on the regional dimension of these issues. We are helping Africans to build and strengthen their security architecture.

We support the African Union and other regional institutions, such as the Economic Community of West African States through capacity building and peace support programs and peacekeeping operations. This will enhance the ability of Africans to resolve conflict, improve regional stability and protect civilians.

In conclusion, Canada's global commerce strategy is squarely focused on capturing opportunities, both in the most exciting global market as well as working to ensure that Canada is there standing for Africa.

[Business of Supply, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Chair, Mr. Khadr faces very serious charges in relation to being captured in Afghanistan. In fact, the charges include murder in violation of the laws of war, attempted murder in violation of the laws of war, conspiracy, providing materials for terrorism, and spying.

The Government of Canada has sought and received assurances that Mr. Khadr is being treated humanely. Departmental officials have carried out several welfare visits with Mr. Khadr and will continue to do so. Any questions regarding whether Canada plans to ask for the release of Mr. Omar Khadr are premature and speculative, as the legal process and appeals are still going on.