Lawrence Cannon

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, the majority of the costs are related to the security of the G8 and the G20. In that regard we are following the advice of a number of consultants who have indicated to us that the costs are in line with all the summits that have been held previously. This is exactly what needs to be done to be able to protect not only Canada's incoming visitors but to be able to protect and celebrate our reputation as well.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, the Prime Minister has indicated that we will discuss climate change. What is more, three weeks ago, the President of Mexico, Mr. Calderón, addressed the members of the House of Commons. He had a meeting with the Prime Minister, who indicated to the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the Bloc Québécois that climate change would be on the agenda. Many issues will be discussed. The economy will top the agenda, but climate change will be discussed as well.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I totally disagree. When we look at Canada's economic performance over the past few months, there is no doubt that the eyes of the world are on Canada. We will take every opportunity to promote Canada's position with regard to banks, managing the economy and job creation. This will be an excellent opportunity for Canada.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois leader may not be interested in economic recovery and economic issues, but this government has decided that the G20 meeting of heads of government and heads of state will focus on the economy. Canada has an excellent story to tell about its economic performance. Other issues will also be addressed and, as I said, climate change will be among them.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister said last week in response to a question from the leader of the Bloc Québécois, the economy is the main priority for the G20. We have said that this forum will obviously focus on the economy. Of course, a number of issues will be dealt with, including climate change.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 14th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, I do not agree with the premise put forward by my hon. colleague. We have indicated here that costs of holding both summits, a large part of the costs, are attributed to security, which is extremely important.

We have, of course, put aside some money to ensure that we can celebrate Canada and do its promotion. We have done it through our experience Canada pavilion and we are very pleased that we are doing so.

[Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan—Quarterly Report to Parliament for the Period of January 1 to March 31, 2010, June 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, a report entitled “Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan—Quarterly Report to Parliament for the Period of January 1 to March 31, 2010”.

[Colombia, June 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, this is a draft report. It was never completed, nor was it publicly released by its authors. This draft report was prepared over two years ago by Conflict Analysis Resource Center for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. It was not written by or prepared for the Government of Canada.

Canada supports the continued improvement of human rights in Colombia, which is why the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement and the labour side agreement contain strong and enforceable provisions to protect and promote human rights.

[G8 and G20 Summits, June 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague has asked two questions.

First, the Prime Minister assured colleagues in the House that this issue will be discussed at the upcoming G20 meeting. Climate change will be discussed by the leaders. As members know, the Prime Minister did meet with President Calderón.

On the issue of child and maternal health, let me tell members what Jill Sheffield, president and founder of Women Deliver, said in the Ottawa Citizen. Colleagues should know about that. In talking about the Prime Minister, she said:

“It is a wonderful thing for him to do”, said...Jill Sheffield of [the Prime Minister]'s initiative. “It puts him right in step with the secretary general of the United Nations and heads of all these UN agencies.”

[Climate Change, June 11th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, maybe the hon. member did not understand the response, but the question was asked yesterday by the Leader of the Bloc Québécois, and the Prime Minister answered by saying that notwithstanding the fact that the G20 is an economic meeting, the fact remains that a large number of topics will be addressed and discussed. The Prime Minister has met with President Calderon and, as the Prime Minister mentioned yesterday, this topic will be discussed.