John Baird

[Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve Act, December 11th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I listened with great interest to the speech of my friend from Northwest Territories. I want to refer to some of the things he said.

He should acknowledge that it is this government that has increased protected space in Canada by 40%. We quadrupled the size of Nahanni National Park, something that conservation experts and environmentalists had pushed for years. It was not the Liberal government; it was this government.

The hon. member is very correct that the Nahanni National Park is a phenomenal place, the first UNESCO world heritage site in the world. It was the first one designated. For years there was even mining allowed in these great areas. I think that is an example of where we can work together and accomplish great things.

There were new financial resources put to the park, never as much as anyone would like, but we have seen some good success. The bill before us, I think the member would acknowledge, is another step in the right direction, keeping up the momentum that has been building in recent years.

I found his speech quite entertaining, and I do not like Christmas pudding.

[Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve Act, December 11th, 2014]

The Prime Minister quadrupled the size of it.

[Foreign Affairs, December 9th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, we are prepared to work to support young people all over the world, but this government makes no apologies for the tough sanctions regime it has put in place. However, we have real concerns about the human rights record of this regime. It has deteriorated.

Canadians can be very proud of the leadership of this Prime Minister, this government, and the important work that we do to press the case for human rights in this country.

[Official Languages, November 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, that is a ridiculous question. The Twitter campaign was designed to promote our values, our country, our culture, our foreign policy and our development strategies. We created two Twitter accounts, one in French and one in English, to reflect Canada's two official languages.

[Official Languages, November 27th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the question is—

[National Defence, November 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the men and women of our armed forces are very focused on their current mission, which is twofold: to provide support and advice and assist on the ground around Erbil and, of course, the air mission.

We are also working on things like ensuring that we cut off financing. We are also working on the humanitarian side. We are also working to ensure that there is inclusive government with an inclusive program, and we are making good progress on all of those.

[National Defence, November 24th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is focused on the current mission that the Canadian men and women in uniform are conducting. That includes air strikes against ISIL in Iraq, and soldiers performing an advise and assist function in and about Erbil.

This is the extent of Canada's mission, and all Canadians should be tremendously proud of the Canadian Armed Forces.

[Foreign Affairs, November 18th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, my worst day as foreign minister was the day a diplomat in Nairobi who was at the Westgate shopping mall was killed in a terrorist attack.

I want to say very directly and very forcefully to the member opposite that the safety and security of our diplomats abroad is our top priority. There is absolutely no plan whatsoever to balance the budget on the backs of the security and safety of our diplomats abroad. They are a top priority.

[Foreign Affairs, November 18th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who came under attack. When people go to worship at a synagogue, a church, or a mosque they expect to be able to do so in peace. We stand with the people of Israel against this barbarous attack.

However, we are tremendously concerned about the incitement and want to speak out very strongly against all the incitement, which only contributes to these types of barbaric terrorist attacks.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Israeli people.

[Presence in Gallery, November 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order with respect to a matter arising out of question period.

I have served in this place for almost nine years. I have great respect for the member for Wascana. I know him to be an honourable man. The member for Wascana is free to criticize this government, its ministers, its policies, and the record of this government. However, on the very day that the late Jim Flaherty's friends, neighbours, constituents, and community are going to the polls to elect a successor, I think Canadians deserve better than the cheap shot we saw from the member for Wascana. He should be ashamed of himself.