Rob Oliphant

[Questions on the Order Paper, December 4th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.

With regard to part (a), as of October 7, 2024, Global Affairs Canada is aware of 13 Canadians in custody in Hong Kong. This data was extracted from Global Affairs Canada's consular case management system and may be updated on a daily basis. As such, caution should be exercised when analyzing data in relation to previously disclosed data. These are cases of Canadians detained abroad with a specific detention status: "in detention" or "in a medical facility".

It should be noted that Canadians may choose not to advise Global Affairs Canada of a situation of detention; moreover, in countries where dual citizenship is not recognized, dual Canadians who entered on non-Canadian documentation would not necessarily result in a detention notification from the host government. It is important, therefore, to underline that these numbers may not represent a complete picture when it comes to detention figures.

With regard to part (b), the Government of Canada’s first priority is always the safety and security of its citizens. For this reason, in addition to privacy considerations, we will not comment on or release any information on specific cases. Doing so may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of Canadians.

[Points of Order, December 4th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, it is rare for me to rise on a point of order in the House. However, as I try to keep my head down and attempt to focus on the issues being raised, I feel the need to draw your attention to the increase in name-calling during question period.

Earlier today, the Leader of the Opposition referred to the member for Burnaby South by what I would consider to be an unparliamentary moniker: two words beginning with M that I will not repeat here.

We are about to welcome athletes who have represented our country with excellence and with appropriate maturity and who are truly honourable. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you continue to be vigilant and ensure the decorum in the House is maintained, and that you ask members to apologize for using ridiculous monikers with hon. members.

[Foreign Affairs, November 18th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I think everyone in the House realizes that the situation in Gaza is dire and that the situation faced by men, women and children in Gaza is horrendous. We will continue to seek every possible way to find peace with justice in this situation.

However, rhetoric does not help. Symbols do not help. Hard work, diplomacy and engagement will be what Canada needs to do on this every day. We will continue to do our part to bring peace in the world.

[Questions on the Order Paper, November 8th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.

With regard to parts (a) and (b), the Canada fund for local initiatives, CFLI, is an international assistance contribution program under the authority of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with an annual operating budget of $26.89 million. Each year, the CFLI supports over 800 small-scale, high-impact projects with an average budget of $32,000, implemented in over 120 official development assistance, ODA, eligible countries.

The department undertook an extensive preliminary search in order to determine the amount of information that would fall within the scope of the question and the amount of time that would be required to prepare a comprehensive response. The response would require the retrieval of information stored in various databases for over 820 contributions agreements. The department concluded that producing and validating a comprehensive response to this question would require an extensive collection of information that is not possible in the time allotted and could lead to the disclosure of incomplete and misleading information.

CFLI contributions of a value above $10,000 are subject to proactive disclosure and are published on the Open Government site under proactive disclosure at the following link: https://open.canada.ca/en.

CFLI initiatives align with the six action areas established under Canada’s feminist international assistance policy and seek to contribute to advancing democracy, protecting and promoting human rights, and ensuring security and stability. The CFLI is also geared to assist in the advocacy of Canada’s values and interests and the strengthening of Canada’s bilateral relations with foreign countries and their civil societies. CFLI funding can also be deployed for humanitarian assistance in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies. By funding and supporting projects developed by local organizations that may not otherwise qualify for funding from larger donors, the CFLI program fosters stronger and more resilient civil society sectors among ODA-eligible countries.

The recipients of CFLI contributions are, with few exceptions, local civil society organizations, CSOs, active at the community and grassroots level. While the CFLI does on occasion partner with local government entities when deemed strategic to do so to meet Canadian objectives, it is rare. For example, the CFLI partnered with government entities in 1.25% of projects in programming in the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The selection of CFLI projects is performed on an annual basis by designated committees within 69 implementing missions and with initiatives being submitted through calls for proposals published on a dedicated website: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/funding-financement/cfli-fcil/index.aspx?lang=eng. Projects are selected based on criteria identified by the program’s terms and conditions, including the degree of alignment with Canada’s international assistance, as well as its foreign affairs priorities and interests. The financial authorities for the CFLI are held by the head of missions.

[Foreign Affairs, November 8th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I hope I get equal time to answer that ridiculous question.

In light of what has gone on this last week, Canadians are worried about our economy; we are worried about our relationship. There is no time like the present to have a strong presence in the United States of America. Our representatives will be working extremely hard to protect Canadians' interests and Canadians' jobs every day. It is the cost of doing business, and we will do it well. We will represent Canadians' interests in New York City, the largest city in the United States of America. We will be there to ensure that Canada's interests are protected.

[Recognition of Military Service, November 8th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, as we near the end of Veterans' Week and approach Remembrance Day, I want to take this time to recognize the brave men and women across Canada, particularly in my riding of Don Valley West, who have fought for this country.

Over the years, millions of Canadians have bravely fought in World War I and World War II, in the Korean War, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. More than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in international peacekeeping efforts in dozens of countries over the decades.

The world is dangerous. There are growing international tensions, and we as Canadians owe our security both to our courageous veterans throughout history and to the over 63,000 active military personnel who currently dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.

I encourage everyone to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony this Monday to thank veterans and to pay tribute to those who currently serve in our armed forces.

[Foreign Interference, November 5th, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, foreign interference is a danger to our country, and we all have to do everything in our power to call it out and to address it. Our government has made it a top priority. Canadians are nervous. The RCMP has evidence that agents of the Government of India are involved in serious criminal activities that undermine our democracy. There are reports of a number of other countries intimidating citizens, interfering in elections and leadership campaigns.

The leader of the official opposition needs to do his part. He needs to show that we are united in this fight. Every member of the House took an oath. Some of us have leadership responsibilities and take other measures, including getting the appropriate security clearances so that we can do our part in keeping Canada and Canadians safe.

The leader of the official opposition cannot delay any longer. He has to apply for the top security clearance so that he can do his part and let Canadians stop wondering about what he may be hiding.

[Foreign Affairs, October 31st, 2024]

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands for her compassion and for her concern for people around the world. It is well noted and respected.

My thoughts are indeed with children who have already endured so much in this particular situation. We are well aware of the reports, and we are treating the situation with the utmost seriousness and with the sense of urgency it absolutely deserves.

Unfortunately I am not able to comment further due to privacy concerns, but we will continue to keep the House updated.

[Foreign Affairs, October 4th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, the truth is simple. The fact is that the new residence that has been purchased will cut costs and save money. On this side of the House, we will always stand up for Canada and the best interests of Canadians. We will engage with international leaders. We will continue to do the work that we need to do internationally, diplomatically, while saving taxpayers' money.

[Foreign Affairs, October 4th, 2024]

Madam Speaker, I think every member of the House has raised concerns about civilians in Lebanon, as we have about civilians in Israel, in Gaza and in the West Bank. We will continue to advocate for peace. The violence and destruction in Lebanon has to end.

Canada has joined with its allies and has called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire. That is the only way we can get diplomacy to work. Wars kill people. Diplomacy will work; we have to give it a chance.