Jean Chrétien

[Foreign Affairs, May 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, at this moment I have no assessment that there is an immediate danger that we would be attacked, but governing is making sure that the situation is understood for years to come. It is why we are having a discussion within the government and the party.

[Foreign Affairs, May 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, we discussed it in cabinet yesterday and there was a discussion in the caucus this morning. We are consulting everybody. It is a problem. As I said, the situation changed when the ABM treaty was abrogated by the Americans. That changed the situation. There is a quasi-agreement with the Russians on that. As it is covering the North American continent, it is in our interest to look into the matter. We are discussing that at this moment. There will be a decision. I am happy that the opposition is discussing this too.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, just talk to the Americans.

[Foreign Affairs, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I have to divide that question by five. The first answer is no, so I do not have to reply to the others.

[Foreign Affairs, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I said in the House last week that I am for a strong, united NATO, but as usual the hon. member did not listen.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2003]

There is one this week. They can hold a debate this week. They need only ask the House to debate the matter. They will want to talk about other things when they really could be getting answers.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, there is an opposition day next week; the Bloc Quebecois could use that day for a debate in the House of Commons.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we are having a discussion at this very moment. He is asking me a question about it. It is amazing that it is supposed to be a big problem for them and they start to talk about it only when we, the Liberals as usual, are debating the things that are very important for the nation.

I said it is not star wars; it is something different. It is covering the territory of America. We are part of America. It is against missiles. We have not started any discussion with the Americans, but I am happy that we are having a discussion in the House. He can take an opposition day if he wants to have more debate about it.

[National Defence, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I explained yesterday that the situation has changed and that this is no longer the star wars program envisioned by former President Reagan. This is a project that is limited to American territory to defend against missile attacks. The United States has already given assurances to Russia and China that the old star wars program is not what is being considered right now. It is a different project having to do with the protection of North America. It is geographically necessary that we take part in discussions, at least, because the—

[First Nations, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, there is a bill before the House, and all members will be voting on it. Having been the Minister of Indian Affairs myself, I am convinced that the time has come to review the act, which has remained virtually unchanged for generations. It is a very difficult undertaking.

I find the Minister of Indian Affairs very courageous to assume his responsibilities and try to provide the best possible government for the first nations people of Canada.