House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Rights & Democracy November 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I will remind the House very briefly that this is an arm's-length organization funded by the government. However, I see that instead of taking action, the opposition has decided to ask questions. At the first opportunity, my parliamentary assistant will ask the board of Rights & Democracy to come and table the report. We will do the job the opposition does not want to do.
Foreign Affairs November 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his question. Canada strongly condemns the artillery attack carried out by North Korea on the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, which killed two South Korean sailors.
On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed or injured in this unprovoked attack.
On behalf of Canada, I wish to reiterate our firm support to the Republic of Korea. We urge North Korea to refrain from taking further aggressive actions and to abide by the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Mining Industry November 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should actually expand the story a little bit.
This unfortunate situation in her constituency was part of a more general announcement made by Vale of a $10 billion multi-year investment in Canada, in various provinces, in various projects, I am sure creating many hundreds of jobs in those locations.
The situation in Thompson is different. There is no question about it. I have had the opportunity to brief the hon. member through my staff on the situation. I have spoken with the Manitoba government about the situation—
Foreign Affairs November 23rd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Canada and, indeed, all members of the House hopefully, we condemn strongly the discriminatory treatment of women by the Iranian authorities. Canada is deeply concerned by the case of Ms. Ashtiani and other women who have suffered egregious violations of their human rights. We also remember, with sorrow and outrage, the treatment of Canadian citizen Zahra Kazemi.
Canada opposed Iran's membership to the executive board of new UN women and its candidacy was rightfully defeated. Our government stands firmly with the people of Iran against human rights abuses—
Foreign Affairs November 17th, 2010
Mr. Speaker,with leave of the House and pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I would like to table, in both official languages, three agreements.
The first is the agreement between Canada and the Slovak Republic on Youth Mobility, done in Bratislava on July 20, 2010. The second is the Protocol amending the Convention between the Government of Canada and the Swiss Federal Council for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, done at Berne on 5 May 1997, signed on October 22, 2010. The third is the Agreement concerning the Protocol amending the Convention between the Government of Canada and the Swiss Federal Council for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, done at Berne on 5 May 1997, signed on October 21, 2010.
Afghanistan November 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the government has not misled Canadians at all. We have to distinguish between a combat role and a non-combat role. In any mission, as we have already mentioned, we are sending Canadian troops to a foreign country for a cause. It is Parliament that decides whether or not to play a role and become involved in a war. In a non-combat role, the armed forces provide advice and give courses in classrooms. This type of work is training and we will—
Afghanistan November 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I am not playing word games. It would help if the member understood what the words mean.
Canada's new non-combat, I repeat non-combat, role will focus on four key areas: investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through education and health; advancing security, the rule of law and human rights; promoting regional diplomacy; and delivering humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. That is what we are going to do.
Afghanistan November 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, the government has kept its promise with regard to the motion that was adopted here in the House. The combat mission will end in 2011, as planned.
In the coming years, as we continue to work alongside the Afghan people and the international community, Canada will continue to play an important role in supporting efforts toward a better future for all Afghans.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, again, I invite the Leader of the Opposition to bide his time. We are currently reviewing various options. When we have completed our review, we will make these options public.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I thought the Leader of the Opposition would have indicated to the members of this House his willingness to see the government consider deploying trainers to Afghanistan on a going-forward basis.
We are evaluating all of the options. When it comes time to make these options and the decisions taken by the government known, we will do so.