House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2015, with 59% of the vote.
Afghanistan April 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, our intention is to abide by the resolution adopted by this House. We are very happy to have the support of the opposition for our mission in Afghanistan. The resolution calls on the government to have clear objectives and to report regularly to the House. We will report regularly to the House about the objectives and the status of our mission in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan April 1st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my hon. new colleague for his question.
It is clear in the Manley report that we have until February 2009 to have an additional 1,000 soldiers on the ground, in theatres in Afghanistan, to help us have a mission that can achieve its objectives.
As I have said recently, I am confident and optimistic that we will be able to achieve that objective. The Minister of National Defence and the Prime Minister have worked very hard to make sure we have the troops.
Questions on the Order Paper March 31st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), the Government of Canada became aware in August 2002 that Omar Khadr, who had been captured by U.S. forces following a firefight in July 2002, was a person under control, PUC, at Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan and facing serious charges. On October 30, 2002, the government was informed by the United States, U.S., that Omar Khadr had been transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
In response to (b), the Canadian government has consistently acknowledged that Mr. Khadr was a minor at the time of his alleged offences and arrest. Accordingly, Canada has continuously demanded that the U.S. government take this into account in all aspects of his detention, treatment, prosecution, and potential sentencing. Based on a motion brought by Mr. Khadr’s defence team, the military commission judge is currently considering the impact Mr. Khadr’s apparently unlawful recruitment by al-Qaeda should have on the proceedings.
In response to (c), Mr. Khadr’s case is subject to multiple and complex litigation, both in Canada and the U.S. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the potential outcome of cases currently before the courts. As such, discussions about Mr. Khadr’s return to Canada are premature until such time as the legal process, and the appeals process, have been exhausted.
In response to (d), Mr. Khadr’s case has been raised on several occasions at the ministerial level. Canadian officials have conducted seven welfare visits to Mr. Khadr since his arrival at Guantanamo Bay and it is the government’s intention to continue these visits. The goal of these visits has been to assess his condition and provide a measure of support during his ongoing incarceration. Through these visits, officials have sought to have Mr. Khadr’s detention conditions improved and have made requests for medical treatment and educational support. Officials have also facilitated telephone calls with his family in Canada and access by his Canadian defence lawyers, and have requested repeatedly that Mr. Khadr be given an independent medical and psychological assessment.
In response to (e), Canadian officials have been present as observers at all proceedings against Mr. Khadr in Guantanamo Bay, as well as to the hearing at the Court of Military Commission Review in Washington.
In response to (f), there are no charges outstanding against Omar Khadr in Canada that could be a basis for an extradition request.
In response to (g), the government has received unequivocal assurances from U.S. authorities that Mr. Khadr will not be subject to the death penalty. Charges against Mr. Khadr were referred on a non-capital basis.
In response to (h) and (i), the government has sought and received assurances that Mr. Khadr is being treated humanely, and has repeatedly inquired into his well-being when allegations were made of mistreatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Canadian officials have carried out regular welfare visits with Mr. Khadr, resulting in, among other things, a transfer into a minimal security, communal detention facility. Government officials will continue to conduct these visits.
Questions on the Order Paper March 31st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), as of October 31, 2007, the Government has clearly stated that it will address requests for clemency on a case by case basis.
In response to (b) and (j), the Minister of Foreign Affairs has the responsibility under the Department of Foreign Affairs Act to conduct all diplomatic and consular relations on behalf of the Government of Canada, which includes any representations to a foreign government requesting clemency.
In response to (c), (d) and (e), relevant factors would include all the details of the individual case and reference to applicable international standards on the death penalty.
In response to (f), (g), (h) and (i), the Government of Canada's position has been very clear with respect to this matter. Canadian citizens detained abroad will continue to receive consular assistance. In cases where Canadians face the death penalty abroad, the Government of Canada will continue to consider whether to seek clemency on a case by case basis.
Science and Technology March 31st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my hon. colleague on his election and welcome him to the House of Commons. I appreciate his questions of interest to Canadians and to all members of Parliament.
However, as my colleague stated earlier, the Minister of Industry, and Investment Canada are responsible for this matter. He may rest assured that, under this legislation, all appropriate action will be taken to protect Canada's sovereignty, as usual.
Zimbabwe March 31st, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question.
It is very simple, since we have asked the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to release the election results as quickly as possible, which is what the people of Zimbabwe want.
We are also very concerned about the irregularities that arose during the pre-election period and we are deeply disappointed that we were not invited to supervise the election in Zimbabwe, as some other countries were invited. However, you can count on Canada. We support the people of Zimbabwe in their efforts to achieve greater freedom and democracy.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 13th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we are hiding nothing. An investigation is being conducted at present together with the PCO secretariat. This investigation will be thorough. No one has suggested that it will not be comprehensive and all-encompassing. It will be.
Foreign Affairs March 13th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question and also for his hard work on this case.
We are working to help Canadians. We are working to help her to be sure that she will be back in Canada and that she will have a process.
An important point— yesterday, we sent a very clear diplomatic note. We asked for additional guarantees from the Government of Mexico to ensure that Ms. Martin's rights are being respected.
Foreign Affairs March 13th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, Canada has one China policy. We have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet. We have consistently urged China to respect freedom: freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of religion for all Tibetans. These latest developments in Tibet are very troubling for us and for Canadians. We urge China to respect the right of Tibetans to peaceful protest and to take steps to improve the human rights situation in Tibet.
Canada-U.S. Relations March 12th, 2008
Mr. Speaker, we have a very solid relationship with the Americans. We will maintain our solid relationship with the American government. The free trade agreement signed by the three countries has been working well. It has meant prosperity for all three countries, increased wealth and raised the standard of living in the three countries. We hope to continue to build on the solid relationship we have with the United States.