John Baird

[Foreign Affairs, March 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we are tremendously concerned about three things going on in Iran. Obviously the enrichment and the IEA report of its nuclear activities cause all of us substantial concern.

We are concerned about the deteriorating human rights record of the Iranian regime, and that is why Canada has led efforts at the United Nations to bring light to this huge problem. We are also concerned by the intervention that Iran takes in neighbouring countries supporting international terrorism.

We will work to take every diplomatic effort necessary, in concert with our allies and others, to ensure that Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.

[Foreign Affairs, March 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his interest in this regard.

I think all Canadians are appalled at the deteriorating situation in Syria. Today, for the sixth time, we increased the severity of our sanctions against the Syrian regime, to be some of the toughest in the world. Effective immediately, we have announced that all of our Canadian diplomats have left Damascus. The safety and security of Canadian personnel is our top priority and that is not a decision we took lightly.

We will continue to work with others, including the Arab League, to bring every diplomatic pressure to bear to ensure that the people of Syria are protected.

[Canada-Israel Relations, March 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, a tough question, but fair. I am very pleased to report to the House that Canada-Israel relations are strong and are getting even stronger. We were very pleased to welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu to Canada early today. He was especially pleased that the member for Nepean—Carleton could be there at a very early hour for that. He will be here meeting with the Prime Minister and others to discuss international security issues, the Arab Spring and the global economy. Israel, like Canada, is one of the few industrialized countries where the economy is growing and creating jobs. We want to work with the international community to create even more jobs to have more hope, opportunity and prosperity in this country.

[Foreign Affairs, March 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, Canada supports a two state solution where we can have a young Israeli child and a young Palestinian child growing up in peace and security, living side by side. That is exactly the same Canadian policy, and we will continue to pursue it.

I think all parties agree that this issue is best settled at the negotiating table where both parties can come together without precondition. We will continue to strongly support that initiative.

[Foreign Affairs, March 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I would agree with the leader of the Liberal Party, and I am surprised that is his question.

We obviously do not want to see any military action, which is why we are working hard with the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and others to take every diplomatic effort necessary to ensure that Iran does not achieve nuclear weapon status. We are working hard to ensure that we address its abysmal human rights record and to address its support for international terrorism.

We believe that the best course to take right now is every diplomatic action, and that is exactly what Canada is doing.

[National Defence, March 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, our government participated actively in the negotiation of this important treaty and was pleased to be among the first countries in the world to sign the treaty.

Preparations are well under way for ratification. In fact we tabled it in this House on February 15. In order to fully ratify the treaty, legislation is required, which we will be introducing shortly for full debate by my colleague opposite.

[Canada-Jordan Economic Growth and Prosperity Act, March 1st, 2012]

Madam Speaker, one human right which is incredibly important is the right for people to provide for themselves and their families, to have the resources to put roofs over their heads and food on the table. Our great hope with this free trade agreement is that it will help spur economic growth in Jordan. That is tremendously important.

I should note that Jordan, under the king's leadership, has made great strides. He has sped up some of the reforms that he had already undertaken in the Arab Spring. We welcome that. He has been a great constructive partner for peace throughout the region. This government has taken a strong stand on human rights all around the world. The Prime Minister, in a recent visit to China, brought up these issues at every senior meeting and discussed them forcefully, as Canadians would expect him to do.

When I spoke at the United Nations on behalf of Canada, I raised the plight of various groups around the world, whether they be women, religious minorities, gays and lesbians, people seeking political reform around the world, or people seeking justice, freedom and democracy. That is essential. We have sought human rights in Sri Lanka and Iran, which has an abysmal human rights record, and we will continue to do that.

I appreciate the member's thoughtful comments on wanting to get this bill to committee so that it can be studied more thoroughly.

[Rights & Democracy, February 28th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the challenges of this agency have been well known for some time. When I appeared before the foreign affairs committee a few months ago, I indicated to the member opposite that we would be reviewing the mandate of this organization going forward.

[Privilege, February 27th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I saw the interventions by the hon. member from Windsor—Tecumseh and the government House leader.

At times emotions get strained in this House. I think they get particularly strained when one has a friend and colleague who is under attack. Sometimes one rushes to judgment and believes certain media reports.

I heard the comments from the opposition House leader. I want to unequivocally and unconditionally apologize and retract my comments to him and to anyone in the New Democratic Party who may have taken offence.

I think I went out of my way to not single anyone out, but I unconditionally retract those comments. I unconditionally apologize to the hon. member, his caucus and the members of his party who were offended.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to retract the comments I made about the Liberal Party on the last Friday the House was sitting as well, in which I said I was not accusing it of anything.

[Foreign Affairs, February 27th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, let me be clear. All Canadian-based companies and their subsidiaries are subject to and are required to follow Canadian laws and Canadian sanctions.

Canada has worked with our allies, with the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and others, to have some of the toughest sanctions in the world when it comes to Iran and the huge problems that exist there.

We are certainly prepared to do anything we can to strengthen those sanctions, to make them tougher and to try to ensure that peace and security is protected in the world.