Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague's impatience, but as I said, we are reviewing Canada's development and diplomatic efforts. When the time is right, we will be able to make the appropriate announcements.
House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I understand my colleague's impatience, but as I said, we are reviewing Canada's development and diplomatic efforts. When the time is right, we will be able to make the appropriate announcements.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I think the Prime Minister responded to the question in terms of length and indicated that this role would go until 2014.
As well, as we speak we are still reviewing the role that Canada will play. When we have completed that, we will be able to inform the House.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have been repeatedly clear on this particular issue. In accordance with the parliamentary motion that was adopted here in March 2008, Canada's combat mission will end in 2011. As we transition out of the combat mission, we will continue to provide aid and focus on development in Afghanistan. As I mentioned before in French, a non-combat training role will ensure that the progress made by Canadian Forces to date continues.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as members know, Afghanistan remains Canada's top international security priority. The government is reviewing Canada's development and diplomatic efforts post-2011. Regardless of the results of that review, Canada will continue its development activities and maintain diplomatic relations in Afghanistan through the Canadian embassy in Kabul.
Afghanistan November 15th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have said repeatedly that Canada's combat mission will end in 2011, in accordance with the motion adopted here in the House in March 2008. As we transition out of the combat mission, we will continue to provide aide and focus on development. A non-combat training role will ensure that the progress made by the Canadian Forces to date continues.
G8 and G20 Summits November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the feigned rage by my colleague will certainly not help these people receive what they are normally in line to receive.
Once again, the assessments of all claims will be made in co-operation with Audit Services Canada and payments will be administered in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines.
G8 and G20 Summits November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, there is a compensation policy in place and it is the exact same policy used by previous governments for past summits.
All claims must be submitted by November 18 of this year in order to be eligible.
Omar Khadr November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I believe I was sufficiently clear in my response to the member's previous question. I repeat: the protocol in question in no way prohibits the prosecution of child soldiers. I would remind the House that Omar Khadr pleaded guilty to murders and conspiracy and admitted that he was a member of al-Qaeda. If my friends on the other side of the House would listen from time to time, maybe they would understand plain common sense.
Omar Khadr November 5th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, Canada is a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Canada supports the rehabilitation of children in armed conflict who have been illegally recruited and used by fighting forces, particularly children who have been forced to commit crimes.
However, to conclude, I would say that if the hon. member took the time to read the optional protocol, he would see that it does not prohibit the prosecution of child soldiers.
Foreign Affairs November 2nd, 2010
Mr. Speaker, our government is deeply troubled by reports that Iran may be moving forward with its plans to execute Ms. Ashtiani. The appalling treatment of Ms. Ashtiani is completely out of line with international standards and the rule of law.
Once again this year our government has spearheaded a resolution at the UN General Assembly to call out Iran for its egregious human rights violations. Iran's wanton abuse of the rights of its own citizens is completely unacceptable to our government.