Lawrence Cannon

[Nuclear Non-Proliferation, April 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada indeed has played a leadership role. In fact, last week the Prime Minister was at the nuclear summit that was convened by the President of the United States in which Canada played an important role. We will also be participating quite actively in the nuclear non-proliferation discussions that will take place in a short time at the United Nations. This is the five year review plan.

Canada indeed has assumed its responsibility. I am very proud to see that we are taking that leadership role about which the member is talking.

[Democratic Republic of the Congo, April 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I answered a similar question from another colleague earlier this week. I said then that Canada was one of the nations to which the UN Secretariat was considering offering a command position.

At present, Canada has to consider its capacity. We are analyzing this request and will pass on the information as soon as we have completed our analysis.

[Afghanistan, April 23rd, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Hoffmann was clear in his response during his appearance this week before committee. The provisions of the letter had neither standing nor effect. The chargé d'affaires did sign the letter but the contents of the letter were never implemented.

Immediately after reviewing the letter, Ambassador Hoffmann reiterated Canada's long-standing new transfer policy to the NDS, that officials would conduct unannounced visits with considerable frequency, and the NDS did know that.

[International Aid, April 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada deplores the ongoing violence in eastern Congo, particularly against civilians, notably women and children, and strongly supports MONUC's efforts to end the impunity.

Canada supports stabilization and the reconstruction efforts in the DRC, and has contributed well over $124 million in long-term humanitarian and aid development since 2006.

[International Aid, April 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, Canada's participation in MONUC, which is the UN-led mission in the Congo, is an integral part of our regional commitment in Africa, particularly in the great lakes region, totalling more than $250 million over the last 10 years. Long-term stability in this region hinges on the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the DRC.

Canada is one of the countries asked by the UN Secretariat to consider providing a candidate for the position, and we are currently analyzing that question.

[Access to Information, April 21st, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, I have had a chance to meet with the Information Commissioner and we discussed this issue. As hon. members know, an extraordinary volume of work has been done over the past few months by people in my department. We are reviewing the Commissioner's recommendations.

[Transportation, April 20th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, clearly we sympathize with all the travellers who have been inconvenienced by this volcanic eruption but, as members know, it is a natural phenomenon that nobody could have predicted.

Canadian officials are closely monitoring the ash cloud and I have directed officials at Canada's embassies overseas to help Canadians in practical ways. We are encouraged by signs that the situation might be improving. As we speak, eight aircraft are flying Canadians home from Europe.

[Transportation, April 20th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, naturally we empathize with all those in these circumstances because of this natural phenomenon.

As I mentioned yesterday, we are monitoring the situation very closely. As we speak, our embassies are on alert to provide assistance to those who truly need it. However, I am encouraged by signs that are emerging throughout Europe. At this time, about eight aircraft are bringing Canadians home.

[Transportation, April 19th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, we are aware, obviously, that the volcanic ash over Europe has left millions of travellers stranded across the globe. We are monitoring the situation very closely and officials in my department are ready to provide consular services.

We hope the air space will reopen so that affected Canadians can return safety to Canada. I encourage travellers to check our website with our advisories, as well as to verify with the airlines.

[Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, April 16th, 2010]

Mr. Speaker, with leave of the House and pursuant to Standing Order 32, I would like to table, in both official languages, the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of South Africa regarding Mutual Assistance between their Customs Administrations, signed in Johannesburg on October 30, 2009.