House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 30% of the vote.
Mr. Speaker, with leave of the House and pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I would also like to table, in both official languages, a treaty entitled “Exchange of Notes amending the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for the Establishment of a Binational Educational Exchange Foundation”, signed in Ottawa on May 8 and 22, 2009.
Export of Military Goods from Canada June 5th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 32(2), I am pleased to table, in both official languages, the Report on Exports of Military Goods from Canada for the year 2006.
Infrastructure June 5th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, I am used to this.
Bloc Québécois: all talk, no action.
Infrastructure June 5th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, like my colleague, I heard that comment this morning, and I was a bit surprised.
While my colleague, the member for Hull—Aylmer, was in power, he managed to have a road built through Gatineau Park, at a cost to Canadian taxpayers of roughly $50 million. Just recently, Highway 5 was built, costing Canadian taxpayers $32 million. The Government of Canada has also contributed to a sports complex. It has been announced that the Palais des Congrès, the conference centre, in Gatineau will be renovated, thanks to another federal contribution.
My colleagues need to wake up once in a while and take a look at—
Questions on the Order paper June 4th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, there is no existing Alaska-Yukon boundary dispute. However, a very well managed disagreement exists between the United States and Canada regarding the maritime delimitation of part of the Beaufort Sea.
In regard to a) Since 2006, no formal steps have been taken to resolve this issue as it is well managed and neither Canada nor the United States have found formal discussions to be warranted.
In regard to b) Since 2006, no formal discussions between the governments of the United States and Canada have been held regarding resolution of the Beaufort Sea maritime boundary, as neither Canada nor the US have found it warranted. As recently as May 23, 2009, at the Seward Conference in Alaska, the US Ambassador for Oceans and Fisheries, who is also responsible for Arctic issues, described the situation in the Beaufort Sea as a well managed dispute. Canada is working cooperatively with the US in the Beaufort Sea.
In regard to c) – f) There have been no formal discussions as this issue is well managed and neither Canada nor the United States has found formal discussions to be warranted.
In regard to g) There have been no negotiations as this issue is well managed and neither Canada nor the United States has found formal discussions to be warranted.
In regard to h) Canada’s consistent and long-held position is that the 141st meridian is the proper boundary between Canada and the US in the Beaufort Sea, based on the 1825 Anglo-Russian Treaty of St. Petersburg.
In regard to i) This matter will be resolved when Canada and the United States deem it necessary to resolve it, as this matter is very well managed.
In regard to j) Canada continues to exercise its sovereignty in the Arctic. Canada and the United States consistently cooperate on Arctic issues, for example, Canada and the US are implementing an ecosystem based approach to oceans management in the Beaufort Sea and elsewhere. In addition, we are cooperating in the scientific work to delineate the extended continental shelf in the Beaufort Sea.
Sri Lanka June 3rd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, our honourable colleague has identified two issues. The first is to ensure that an independent tribunal is set up by the Sri Lankan government in order to shed light on this matter.
The other is to allow the United Nations to provide aid to those displaced by this conflict.
Canada, my colleague the Minister of International Cooperation and I are working very hard on this.
Foreign Affairs June 2nd, 2009
Mr. Speaker, as my colleague is well aware, we are delighted that this conflict, which has dragged on for 25 years, is now over. We are, moreover, absolutely in favour of the initiative he supports.
We do, however, suggest very strongly that the Sri Lankan government take responsibility for this investigation and ensure that it is as transparent as possible, and has the potential to lead to the national reconciliation that is so necessary to this process.
Foreign Affairs May 26th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, in this regard, the Government of Canada has already done a huge amount. Hon. members will recall the international aid Canada provides in this sector. The minister responsible for this aid has been extremely active in this matter. Canada continues to support a policy to permit two states to live in peace and harmony side by side.
Foreign Affairs May 26th, 2009
Mr. Speaker, Canada's position remains unchanged. Canada believes that expansion of the settlements, including through natural growth, does not help the peace efforts.
I would add that, in addition, the government also feels that not only the terrorist threat but also the refusal by some to recognize Israel's right to existence and to self defence represent two major obstacles to the peace process.
Sri Lanka May 25th, 2009
The former premier of Ontario, there we go.
Putting that aside, Mr. Speaker, we know full well that this government has been working in lockstep with our allies and like-minded countries to ensure that, first, we bring an end to the violence taking place, but at the same time that we are able to act and help those people who have been displaced.
My colleague, the Minister of International Cooperation, has been extremely active on that file. She has gone there. The people know that. She knows that we are working closely with the government of Sri Lanka to—