Lawrence Cannon

[Sri Lanka, May 25th, 2009]

The hon. former prime minister knows full well—

[Sri Lanka, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. minister knows very well from the beginning of this—

[Sri Lanka, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure it is welcome news for all of our colleagues in the House that there is an end to hostilities in Sri Lanka, which has endured over two decades. I have spoken with the American secretary of state. We have called on the government of Sri Lanka to give the United Nations and other international humanitarian agencies immediate access to affected populations. Equally we call upon the government of Sri Lanka to move forward immediately with the president's promise to launch a political process that is inclusive of all communities in Sri Lanka.

[Foreign Affairs, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, my friend from the opposition always sees problems and there is no problem here. My colleague, the Minister of National Defence, was there to admit Pakistan as a member of the military training assistance program, which will allow Pakistan's senior army officers access to Canadian military training courses.

A secure and safe Pakistan is important for the long-term regional stability and we will continue to pursue that objective.

[Foreign Affairs, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, Canada is determined to support the Government of Afghanistan in building a strong, democratic society and nation.

Moreover, my colleague, the Minister of National Defence, was recently in Pakistan in connection with the military training assistance program, which provides training for senior officers in the Pakistani army.

Clearly, a stable and secure Pakistan, especially in the long term, is important to the stability of this region.

[Afghanistan, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada shall respect the will expressed by the majority of MPs in this House.

[Afghanistan, May 25th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, there has been no change in the Canadian government's position. Its position is unchanged and reflects the will of the members of the House of Commons expressed in a motion that was passed, establishing six priorities and the end to our combat mission in 2011.

[Foreign Affairs, May 7th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are not relying on excuses, or on a convoluted definition that the hon. member would like us to reveal. The fact remains that this person is on a list that is said to include the names of individuals who are suspected of being with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. That person remains on that list, which is made up by the United Nations. We will respect our international commitments and we will state our views before the courts.

[Foreign Affairs, May 7th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I have mentioned on a few occasions, this individual's case is going to be heard by the courts. Representations will be made by both sides. I should add that the fact that this individual's name is on list 1267 does not change anything. He is suspected of being involved with the Taliban and with al-Qaeda. For this reason, he has not been removed from the list. His name is still on that list, regardless.

[Foreign Affairs, May 7th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I want to reassure the colleague that we take our responsibility in terms of safety and security and in terms of our international obligations very seriously. In that regard, we will assume our responsibilities. The case is now being pleaded in front of the courts and we will wait for a decision on that.