Peter Goldring

[International Cooperation, October 17th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, October 8 marked the first anniversary of the earthquake that hit south Asia and particularly Pakistan.

Canada was quick and successful in responding to relief efforts. We gave support for health care and emergency shelters that saved lives by preventing the spread of disease and protecting people from winter conditions.

The Minister of International Cooperation met with the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan this morning and showed once again Canada's compassion toward the people of Pakistan.

Would the minister outline Canada's new contribution to the people of Pakistan?

[Payday Loan Industry, October 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, for years many provinces called upon the federal government to suspend the application of the Criminal Code section on interest rates for payday loans. This would allow them to regulate the industry and better protect consumers throughout Canada.

Could the justice minister please let us know when he plans to address this very important issue?

[Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, October 5th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize 20 youthful delegates from Ukraine who have visited with us for the past three weeks. They are here in members' offices to gain knowledge of the value and perspectives of Canada's most important democratic institution, the Parliament of Canada.

These young people, representing the Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program, embody the highest ideals of achievement and community service. They are the future leaders of Ukraine, young people like Olga Zhdanova from my office.

Canada and Ukraine are inextricably linked forever by prior migration. Fully one in 30 Canadians are of Ukrainian descent, as are my wife and daughters.

Ukraine holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. Canada was the first country in the western world to accord diplomatic recognition in 1990 to an independent Ukraine.

As the young emissaries depart, we wish them well and say mnohaya lita, best wishes.

[Afghanistan, September 22nd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, reconstruction in Afghanistan is key to creating lasting security in that country. Our government is committed to helping Afghanistan stand on its own as an independent, stable and prosperous nation.

Could the Minister of International Cooperation please tell the House how the government is supporting development efforts in Afghanistan?

[Committees of the House, June 19th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I move that the first report of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament, presented on Wednesday, June 14, be concurred in.

(Motion agreed to)

[Criminal Code, June 14th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, if the House gives its consent, I would move that the first report of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament presented to the House earlier this day be concurred in.

[Committees of the House, June 14th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the first report of the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament regarding its mandate and quorum.

If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence in the first report later this day.

[International Aid, June 6th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, the government was one of the first countries to offer immediate emergency funding to the victims of the earthquake in Indonesia. The devastation in that country is profound and there is much work still to be done in rebuilding.

After further examination of the needs of the Indonesians, would the Minister of International Cooperation update the House of additional funding that might be needed?

[Darfur, June 2nd, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, citizens of Darfur have faced years of war, strife and hardship. The international community has an obligation to contribute aid to the innocent victims of the ongoing war in that region. Canada has a long history of providing humanitarian aid to people in crisis.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation tell us what contributions the government will make to the people of Darfur?

[Foreign Affairs, May 30th, 2006]

Mr. Speaker, Liberal MPs and staff have hurled insults at international leaders with little regard to the fallout for their actions. Sitting in opposition has not changed this attitude. A few weeks ago, the Liberals snubbed Australia's Prime Minister Howard. Only yesterday, Liberal senators called Afghanistan's President Karzai a stooge.

Would the foreign affairs minister point out to the opposition how damaging these insulting remarks are and how this government is working to build strong relationships with international leaders?