Jean Rioux

[Operation UNIFIER, March 21st, 2017]

Mr. Chair, I am surprised by the question because until now, when we talked about RADARSAT-2 people wanted to know why it is no longer being used.

I do not think it is an issue of capacity. It has more to do with need. First, the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, is engaged in ongoing secure discussions with the Government of Ukraine regarding Ukraine's security and defence needs. For a one year period ending in May 2016 and as a result of a request from the Ukrainian President, Canada shared satellite imagery products with Ukrainian authorities.

Before doing so, Canada and Ukraine agreed on how the imagery would be used, namely to strengthen Ukraine’s awareness of threats to its sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity. After consideration on how best to address Ukraine’s evolving security assistance needs, and this is the answer to the question, it was decided that resources could be re-directed to other areas and the supply of satellite imagery ended.

Military assistance is one component of Canada’s support to Ukraine across development, security, democracy, and humanitarian aid.

[Operation UNIFIER, March 21st, 2017]

Mr. Chair, I thank the hon. member for Etobicoke—Lakeshore for sharing his time with me.

Almost exactly two years ago, we stood in this House to debate Canada’s support to Ukraine following Russia's attempt to redraw Europe's borders. We spoke of the importance of NATO solidarity in the face of this aggression and Canada's military contributions to the collective defence of eastern Europe. A lot has happened since then, but our support of Ukraine remains steadfast.

As the ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs made clear earlier this month, we will continue to advance democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Ukraine. We will continue to provide critical military assistance in Ukraine through the end of March 2019. We will continue to promote economic stability and growth in Ukraine.

Through Operation Uunifier, Canada has already trained more than 3,200 Ukrainian soldiers. More specifically, we have taught Ukrainian personnel how to use weapons and hit targets with greater accuracy and consistency. We have taught them how to communicate effectively on the battlefield, how to survive in combat, and how to make ethically sound decisions in conflict situations.

In addition to providing tactical soldier training, we have helped the Ukrainian Armed Forces develop highly specialized skills. We did this through several training programs, four of which are worthy of mention.

First, in 2016, we trained more than 140 Ukrainian combat-support specialists in modern logistics, in other words, we taught them how to ensure people, equipment, and supplies get where they are needed when they are needed.

Imagine trying to coordinate the movement of hundreds, even thousands of people in a conflict zone while ensuring that enough fuel is available for the equipment, that everyone has food, and that anything needed should they have to fight, is available. It is a tremendous undertaking and Canadian Armed Forces members are among the best at it.

In Ukraine, logistics specialists learned everything from convoy operations to vehicle-recovery procedures from Canadian experts who have first-hand experience in supporting military operations.

Second, we trained more than 120 military members on how to safely dispose of explosives and improvised explosive devices. These NATO standard procedures were taught through a series of increasingly complex scenarios.

Third, we trained and mentored nearly 800 Ukrainian soldiers in combat first aid, which can dramatically reduce the number of battlefield-related deaths.

Fourth, our military police trained more than 240 of their Ukrainian counterparts in basic investigative techniques and the use of force.

Using both classroom theory and practical exercises, participants covered all the duties and responsibilities typically assigned to a field military police platoon, from controlling traffic and handling detainees, to policing in failed and failing states.

Our women and men in uniform are helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces better defend their borders. I am proud the government has ensured that Canada will continue this critical work. As part of our whole-of-government support to our trainers and the people of Ukraine, Canada will provide up to $7.25 million in non-lethal equipment assistance, as well.

Since the crisis began, Canada has unequivocally condemned the Russian Federation’s clear violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We have been clear, principled, and resolute in our response. And we will continue on that path. We will continue to stand by our Ukrainian allies as they work toward their goal of interoperability with NATO by 2020.

As we have heard tonight, the ongoing unrest in Ukraine has created instability in the region. It has raised concerns from many of our European allies. That is why, in the spirit of collective defence, we have taken measured and concrete steps to demonstrate our commitment to the defence of our allies.

Operation Unifier is just part of what we have done, and what we are doing, to support our allies and partners in eastern Europe. Over and above our activities in Ukraine, we are also having a direct impact in central and eastern Europe in support of our NATO allies.

[Operation UNIFIER, March 21st, 2017]

Mr. Chair, Canada has always considered Ukraine to be a friend and our trust in and support for that country are unwavering.

I would like to know why the hon. member speaks with such enthusiasm and passion about Ukraine reaching its full potential.

[Operation UNIFIER, March 20th, 2017]

Mr. Chair, Canada is in Ukraine to ensure the stability, security, and sovereignty of that country. We have done a lot of military training, for instance to teach people how to defuse explosives and munitions. We have provided training on health care and for a mobile hospital. We have also intervened by means of new logistics models.

Canada is present in a military sense, but how can we help improve humanitarian assistance and democracy in Ukraine?

[Operation UNIFIER, March 20th, 2017]

Mr. Chair, my colleague talked about the importance of the economy in helping and supporting Ukraine.

Could he speak to the importance of the economic agreement reached between Ukraine and Canada last July?

[Operation UNIFIER, March 20th, 2017]

Madam Chair, on March 6, the government was proud to announce the extension of the mission, a mission we are conducting with our partners, primarily those from the International Joint Commission, of which the United States, Great Britain, Ukraine and other countries are members.

With our allies, we have maintained strict sanctions against Russia. We continually denounce the Russian invasion of Crimea. We have worked and talked about RADARSAT intelligence as part of our agreements with the International Joint Commission and our allies. Each party draws on its own skills and strengths.

Since strengthening the economy is the first order of business, I would like to know what my distinguished colleague thinks about the free trade agreement concluded with Ukraine last summer, in July 2016.

[Operation UNIFIER, March 20th, 2017]

Mr. Chair, if I understand correctly, the hon. member spoke in his remarks about having more lethal weapons.

We are currently part of the International Joint Commission, and agreements exist that provide for the United States and other countries to deal with that. In 2014, the Conservative Party provided non-lethal equipment. I am thinking mainly of winter equipment, including boots and coats, and various types of equipment after that.

Why would we not keep the Conservatives' approach while respecting the agreement with the International Joint Commission, of which we are part?

[National Defence, March 9th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank the Minister of National Defence, who has recognized the government’s responsibility to support the survivors, their families and the estates of those who died from the accidental explosion of a grenade at Valcartier in 1974. Six young Canadians died that day, and many others sustained terrible injuries.

I would like to acknowledge the courage of the cadets, instructors, first responders and all those who rushed to the room immediately after the explosion.

Let us recognize the team spirit of the group of cadets and advocates who worked on the claim for 43 years. Their efforts and leadership have eased a lot of suffering. They deserve the nation’s gratitude. My heart goes out to those who have shouldered the burden of this terrible chapter in Canadian history, and I can only hope that today’s announcement will help them find closure.

[Business of Supply, March 9th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Obviously, everyone in the House of Commons agrees that every member of the Canadian Armed Forces must be given fair and equitable pay.

It is a matter of ensuring that we have an impartial and transparent process. No one is denying that there is a level of risk. We are analyzing that risk. As I explained earlier, there is a process in place to re-evaluate the level of risk of every mission, and we are making adjustments as a result of that process. It is a matter of fairness.

I would like to remind members that, in this case, the status has changed but people have not seen any change in their danger pay. That will not change until the end of June. Anything can happen between now and then. However, our goal is to ensure that we have an impartial and transparent process.

[Business of Supply, March 9th, 2017]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question. Like him, we care about pay for our military. It is important to us.

As for the case he is referring to, the standards that we apply are very reliable and very transparent. They were established when my colleague’s party was in government. His party encountered this problem at the time and could have changed the standards.

The minister asked the chief of the defence staff to validate and analyze these standards and to recommend a procedure that will not operate on a case-by-case basis, but instead that will stretch out over time and probably be included in the new national defence policy.