House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 45% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs November 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, our government takes a principled foreign policy. Whenever we address foreign policy priorities, we are never afraid to do so, even when we do it alone.
Our government promotes job creation. Our government promotes economic growth. We have focused on the economy, so that we have more dollars to pay for important priorities like health care and education. We will continue to promote Canadian values and Canadian interests in every corner of the globe.
Foreign Affairs November 27th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Our government stands up for Canadian values, and our government stands up for Canadian interests, whether it is human rights abuses in Iran, where Canada led last week at the United Nations in getting, once again, 83 countries to stand with Canada in condemning the terrible human rights practices, or whether it is standing up for the human rights situation in Sri Lanka with the leadership of our Prime Minister. That has been noted right around the world.
Canadians can count on our government to always stand up and do the right thing.
Foreign Affairs November 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite talked about the elections in Iran and about Canada's policy. We had concerns about those elections because the first decision that was made with respect to eligibility was that women were not allowed to contest the presidency. No election where women are not allowed to present themselves as candidates will be supported by this party and this government.
Foreign Affairs November 25th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I think all Canadians want to see a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear program.
We are deeply concerned about nuclear proliferation. For 40 years, we have seen significant efforts to meet with success to reduce the number of countries with nuclear weapons. This would, of course, see many more.
We will support any reasonable measure that actually sees Iran take concrete steps back from its nuclear program. Regrettably, we do not have a lot of confidence or a lot of trust in the regime in Tehran.
National Capital Commission November 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, the National Capital Commission does a phenomenal job at managing not only Gatineau Park, but the greenbelt on the Ottawa side of the Ottawa River.
It has numerous initiatives for responsible environmental policies and responsible environmental management. We have a lot of confidence that it will continue to do an extraordinary job managing these important assets, not just in the national capital regional but they are the pride of all Canadians.
Foreign Affairs November 21st, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I was very surprised that the Liberal Party wanted to abandon our partnership with the Obama administration for world peace and security. That is terribly disturbing.
I am also proud to say that Canada has never used or produced cluster munitions. As part of our leadership on this issue, not only will we fully ratify and honour all the obligations in the cluster munitions treaty, we will also spend $10 million over the next 18 months to support assistance in demining efforts of these terrible weapons.
Foreign Affairs November 18th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have served for eight years in this place, and that is the best question I have had from a member outside the government caucus.
Under this government, the air is cleaner here than it is in China. Under this government, we have seen unprecedented land conservation. Under this government, we have a tremendous amount to be proud of: expanding the Great Bear Rainforest; expanding many green areas; and especially, that we do it all under having a democracy. That is a rather extraordinary accomplishment, and we should remind the Liberal leader of that.
Foreign Affairs November 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I have visited the victims of these cluster munitions. More than 30 years after wars have ended, these weapons continue to take limbs and lives. We want to do everything we can to rid the world of the scourge of these weapons.
Not all countries have adopted the position that Canada has. There are a small number, which could be counted on one hand, per year. The Obama administration has not signed on, and we wish it had, but we are prepared to work with the opposition to create as strong a bill as possible, at the same time supporting the training of our military leadership when they have interoperability measures with the United States.
Foreign Affairs November 8th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for this thoughtful and important question.
Obviously, these weapons cause devastating effects on civilian populations. Some 30 years after the war in Vietnam, Laos still has more than 80 million unexploded ordinances, and this is killing people each and every week, maiming them, taking their limbs.
We want to implement this convention as effectively as possible. We are always very pleased to work with the opposition. I can guarantee that the Canadian Forces would never use these types of munitions and we are prepared to eliminate the stockpiles that we have.
Justice November 7th, 2013
Mr. Speaker, Canada is playing a leading role around the world in pushing for an end to early and forced marriage. This is an abhorrent practice, and Canada is taking the lead at the United Nations by tabling a stand-alone resolution this fall. The issue with respect to what we can do in Canada to prevent young girls from being taken out of this country and forced to marry is a serious one. I know colleagues will be considering it, and I am prepared to work with the member opposite on this important issue.