Paul Martin

[National Defence, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc's position is totally preposterous. Back in July, it was clear what the decision should be, as well as why we were making this decision. We made that decision because we wanted to ensure the role of Norad in the future. It was all open and transparent. The leader of the Bloc may be the only person in the world who did not know.

[National Defence, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc is a little confused, I must say. The main issue is the defence of Canada.

For the defence of Canada, Norad is essential and very important. The decision we made in July unquestionably empowered Norad to provide information on the missiles. We wanted to maintain the protection not only of Norad, but also of our airspace. That was a very important decision for Canada.

[Foreign Affairs, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, again the document refers to the fact that parties will not engage in internal interference. We are essentially saying that this country will pass its laws and other countries will understand them.

Unfortunately, we have a document that in fact refutes every single point raised by the Leader of the Opposition. What I would suggest is he fire his research staff and get somebody who can read in English.

[Foreign Affairs, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, for a document that does not talk about Taiwan, let me simply say that the document says that Canada is opposed to any unilateral action by any party aimed at changing Taiwan's status and escalating tensions that would have an impact on the political stability and prosperity of Asia.

We simply said that no one should unilaterally change Taiwan's status. That means China.

[Foreign Affairs, February 2nd, 2005]

--respecting and protecting these rights. Both sides expressed support for the broadening and expansion of dialogues and exchange in the field of human rights. That is out of the document that the member obviously has not read.

[Foreign Affairs, February 2nd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure what literacy skills the hon. member happens to have, but allow me to read this. We exchanged views--

[Points of Order, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the opposition critic for foreign affairs made a reference to a supposed document in which the government said that it would not raise human rights issues. That is simply not true.

The fact is that the government has raised human rights issues and raised them extensively in China. I would ask perhaps if the hon. member would be so kind as to table the document that he was referring to.

[Foreign Affairs, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, in addition to having been the only one who met at that time with the Chinese leadership, I am also the first Canadian Prime Minister who had ever met with the Dalai Lama. I met with the Dalai Lama and we discussed this. He raised spiritual issues with me, the issues that he wanted transmitted. Those are of course the messages that I would transmit.

[The Environment, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I, the government, all members of the government, as well as our caucus, have made it very clear that we will respect our long term commitment to Kyoto and we will do so in a way that allows us to have a strong economy.

We believe that a sound economist and a sound environmentalist will come to the same conclusion, which is that we should not utilize our natural capital. That is the government's view and so we will adhere to our long term commitment.

[Parental Leave, February 1st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned about the situation of Quebec families and of all families in Canada. That is why the minister is having ongoing discussions with her counterpart. In fact, that is happening today.