House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2019, with 55% of the vote.
Foreign Affairs March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I could not disagree more with my hon. colleague. As we have said several times this afternoon, Canadians set Canadian foreign policy whether it is in the Arctic, in Afghanistan, in Haiti or as we lead the discussion on child and maternal health at the G8 conference in June.
Rights & Democracy March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would agree with my colleague. Rights & Democracy is indeed a creation of this House and Parliament, and Rights & Democracy is also a arm's-length organization. This government does not have any involvement in the organization's day-to-day operations.
I would remind my colleague that to ensure the future stability of Rights & Democracy, this government has appointed an extremely capable and welcomed new president to lead the organization.
Rights & Democracy March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I would encourage my colleague to be patient. It is true that yesterday the House foreign affairs committee did hear some issues presented by some former employees regarding Rights & Democracy, but tomorrow, I understand, the committee will be hearing the board's side of the story. As I am sure my colleague will agree, there are two sides to the story at Rights & Democracy.
Maternal and Child Health March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as we have made clear, we will be focused, as we lead the G8 discussion on child and maternal health, on how to save the lives of mothers and children around the world. We have clearly said that we are open to all options to save lives including contraception.
Maternal and Child Health March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, as the Prime Minister reminded the House moments ago, Canadians set Canadian government policy, whether it is in Afghanistan, whether it concerns Arctic sovereignty, whether it is helping with the reconstruction and relief in Haiti, or in terms of our agenda item at the G8 in June.
Canada will lead the G8 discussion on child and maternal health. We will not, as the opposition is attempting to do, reopen the abortion debate.
Rights & Democracy March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, that is simply not true.
To ensure the future stability of Rights & Democracy, the government has appointed an extremely capable and competent individual to lead it out of this period of turmoil.
The member should be proud of the fact that another recent government appointee to the board of Rights & Democracy is now on the long list of the Nobel Peace Prize nominees this year.
Rights & Democracy March 31st, 2010
Mr. Speaker, my colleague should know that Rights & Democracy is an arm's length organization. The government is not involved in the organization's day to day activities.
It is true the House foreign affairs committee is currently studying Rights & Democracy issues and I understand the committee will hear the board's point of view tomorrow.
I would like to say that the government has appointed an extremely capable and competent individual as president of Rights & Democracy.
Aboriginal Affairs March 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question, but I fear she exaggerates. The question has been completely explained, but I will add that building a strong Canadian north is an essential part of building our nation. The government clearly understands the potential of the north more than any other government before it.
While the previous government talked an awful lot about the Arctic, we are taking action.
Aboriginal Affaires March 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, the answer remains the same.
Northerners do indeed play a fundamental role in Canada's Arctic sovereignty strategy. This includes indigenous peoples and all others who live in the Arctic.
Aboriginal Affaires March 30th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we have been through this several times this week, but for my colleague's information, this meeting was convened for nations that have coastlines along the Arctic Ocean.
The Arctic Council chair, Denmark's foreign minister, will brief those members, and of course, our Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with our territorial premiers and the indigenous leaders and will debrief them after this meeting.