Peter MacKay

[Sri Lanka, April 20th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Foreign Affairs had the opportunity to speak directly to his counterpart from Sri Lanka as well as his counterparts from India and the United States. He also spoke to the United Nations.

On this subject matter, it appears that all high level engagements by our country and others continue to pressure the government of Sri Lanka to address this very serious and deteriorating humanitarian crisis. We continue to take every step possible to engage diplomatically.

I know that members of the House are very concerned and continue to express through any and all means to the government of Sri Lanka the efforts to aid civilians in need.

[Afghanistan, April 20th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is certainly the Conservative government’s plan to continue to put pressure on the government of Afghanistan and on President Karzai. It is absolutely necessary that the international community work together and send that clear message. It is necessary that this be seen as a step backward. We continue to send this message to the government of Afghanistan on a daily basis

[Afghanistan, April 20th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, certainly everyone in this House and, I suspect, everyone in the country shares the outrage when knowledge first was passed that this legislation was before the Afghan parliament.

I know for certain that the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke directly with his counterpart in the United States, as well as his counterpart in Afghanistan and other ministers of the Afghan government. Canada's abhorrence to moving in this direction was relayed directly to them. We continue to press upon the government, as well as President Karzai, that this law cannot come into effect. I expect the entire international community will be sending that exact same message.

[National Defence, April 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Canadian Forces, including the air force, are preparing to exercise Canadian sovereignty in northern Operation Nunalivut.

The operation will highlight the unique capabilities of the Canadian Rangers, their ability to respond in the most remote areas of the north. The Rangers are an integral part of our Arctic policy, where we are increasing their numbers to a total of 5,000.

Our government has just announced the construction of two new satellite ground stations to enhance our surveillance and security there.

Through investments under the Canada first defence strategy, we will acquire ships, a training centre in Resolute Bay, and a new deepwater facility in Nanisivik.

Our government is leading and addressing the challenges and opportunities.

[Points of Order, April 1st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order to ensure there is no confusion on a question in question period. I want to clearly state for the record that the word is “condemn” and not “condone”.

[Afghanistan, April 1st, 2009]

This particular issue has been discussed on occasion.

By the way, the enhanced agreement that this government put in place does ensure regular inspections. This requires close collaboration with the Afghan government, which ultimately bears the responsibility for this. We continue to have close contact with them on a whole myriad of issues, including this.

[Afghanistan, April 1st, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House certainly embrace the concept that the member has said. We absolutely condone the use of torture.

[National Defence, March 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of our decision to purchase new tanks. They are needed for the troops on the ground in Afghanistan. It is a good decision.

I would point out for the member opposite that it was this government's decision to buy these tanks, against the wishes of many at the time. These are now saving lives in Afghanistan. We are moving forward with a contract to up-armour those tanks and have them available to those troops for both their work in Afghanistan and the training required.

The reality is that we would not have those tanks today were it not for this government.

[National Defence, March 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I stand by the decision that was made by the previous national defence minister to purchase this important equipment. As a result of that decision, we have been able to deploy into Afghanistan, 20 of these Leopard II tanks, some of the best tanks and best equipment available in the world. We will be able to put in 20 more reconditioned tanks in the future.

The important thing to remember from the member opposite is the incredible, skyrocketing hypocrisy coming from him. He said just a short time ago that Canada did not need tanks.

[National Defence, March 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the government and I are on the same page. Our government and the department always look for the best way to protect equipment and, above all, soldiers in their important day-to-day work. We are continuing to do so. The same goes for the tanks and other equipment. That position is very clear.