House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
The Environment December 3rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I thought my hon. colleague, being so concerned about the economy, was going to talk to us about the 441,000 new jobs created in Canada since our economic action plan was introduced.
I would simply remind the member that Canada is a signatory to the Copenhagen accord. We are working very hard with the 148 countries that have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Afghanistan December 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, first let me point out that the governor of Kandahar is Governor Wesa. He is a Canadian and he is not the brother-in-law or the stepbrother of President Karzai.
Both the Government of Afghanistan and the Government of Canada agree that corruption is one of the major challenges facing Afghanistan. Our government raises concerns regarding issues of democracy, human rights, as well as the rule of law directly with the Afghan authorities and we expect our ambassadors to do exactly that.
Afghanistan December 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, our ambassadors and high commissioners are sent abroad to represent the interests of the Canadian government. The Government of Canada will continue to express its concerns about governance in Afghanistan. I was with the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence when the Prime Minister raised this issue with President Karzai a few weeks ago in Lisbon. Our ultimate goal is to leave Afghanistan to the Afghans, as a safer, more secure country that provides refuge to those who want peace.
Afghanistan December 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, in our policy we clearly indicated that we would respect the decision made in March of 2008 to end our commitment in Kandahar and withdraw our combat troops. They will be redeployed in order to help provide training to the Afghan army so that the Afghan army will eventually be able to assume responsibility for security in that country.
Afghanistan December 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, yesterday and for the past few days, I have taken the time to describe to the member the procedure followed in the case of people under 18 who are captured while attempting to injure, shoot or kill a Canadian soldier. They are taken into custody, and we have provisions in place for doing so. I want to reassure my hon. colleague. These measures are in accordance with international conventions.
Afghanistan December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as I have said in the House, our men and women in uniform and our civilians have performed admirably well and with honour in Afghanistan.
We detain only those individuals who attack or pose a credible threat to those people who are working in Afghanistan.
We transfer to Afghan partners in line with our international obligations. We monitor that transfer. I indicated yesterday that we have done close to 280 visits. These visits are done on a random basis.
Afghanistan December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is asking questions and he ought to listen a little to the answers. The Government of Canada's policy is established here. I explained the government's policy to him a few moments ago. Nine hundred and fifty soldiers, trainers, will be based primarily in Kabul.
Afghanistan December 1st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to say once again that the government is complying in every respect with the resolution that was passed here in March. We will end our combat mission in Kandahar next year, in July. We will replace that mission with a contingent of 950 Canadian soldiers who will be tasked with training. I would like to remind the hon. members that this training will be based in Kabul.
Afghanistan November 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the hon. member that there is a procedure in place. We improved this procedure, which was left to us by the former government. When the Canadian Forces intervene—and they intervene because they have been fired upon, because they have been the targets for murder—those people are sometimes transferred. And to date, we have been able to make nearly 280 visits. These visits happen at random times, in compliance with international conventions.
Foreign Affairs November 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, these are not Canadian documents. As I said, we have an excellent relationship with the American government. In fact, Secretary Clinton contacted me on Saturday. I had discussions with Ambassador Jacobson a few days ago. The relationship between Canada and the United States remains very strong.