Stephen Harper

[Foreign Affairs, November 20th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, it is exactly the opposite. I recently attended the Summit of the Francophonie in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I stated our position concerning the violation of human rights. In that country, I met with representatives of civil society and the opposition to show our support.

We have also announced the creation of programs to support peace and aid measures for vulnerable peoples. These priorities are still very important to the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries.

[Foreign Affairs, November 20th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact, the leader of the NDP is quoting a document that is not government policy. In any case, the government's policy when it comes to Canada's international position remains clear. It is a policy based on several pillars: creating prosperity, and not just for Canadians here at home but obviously through international assistance spreading that elsewhere in the world; and as well, promoting peace and security and our democratic values. These are three very important pillars of our foreign policy and our government pursues them in every one of our international relationships.

[Foreign Investment, November 1st, 2012]

Once again, Mr. Speaker, as we have known for some 20 years now, Canada has been trying to secure protection for job-creating Canadian investments in the Chinese marketplace. This is something that those who create jobs in this country have long wanted. We have been pleased we have been able to take this step forward, and I notice there has been universal good reception to this agreement from those who are creating jobs for Canadians. Obviously, this government is going to move ahead and make sure we are able to access that important market and build jobs throughout this country.

[Budget Implementation Legislation, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, traditionally I do not get involved in procedural matters, as committees traditionally are the masters of their own business. As is very well known, the government tabled the budget in March of this year, with a range of very important measures for the strength of the Canadian economy. We are in a period once again of some global slowdown and we need to be doing everything we can to keep our economy moving forward. I know that these things have been before Parliament for a very long time, so I would obviously encourage all members to continue their study of them and to act expeditiously in a way that is in the interests of jobs and growth.

[Correctional Service Canada, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, once again, we are not in a position to interfere in legal disputes. What I can say is that this is a great tragedy.

Some actions are obviously unacceptable, and the government will continue to invest in mental health programs in our prisons in order to prevent such tragedies.

[Correctional Service Canada, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Ashley Smith case is obviously a terrible tragedy, and information has come to light that is completely unacceptable to the way the Correctional Service of Canada is supposed to do business. At the same time, there is a coroner's inquest under way. There are arguments between lawyers on some of the procedural matters and we will let those get resolved in due course. However, we will be looking carefully, as we always have, at what additional investments need to be made in the mental health aspects of our corrections policies.

[Foreign Investment, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, that is just completely and utterly wrong. Under this particular agreement, the government's powers and prerogatives under the Investment Canada Act are protected. We will continue to evaluate whether investments are in the net benefit and best interests of this country.

At the same time, Canadians who are allowed to make investments in China would have a framework, the rule of law, which would protect them. In that way, they would be able to promote Canadian interests and promote job creation for Canadians in China. It is very important that we have these rights. The Chinese have long had the protection of the rule of law in this country; we need the same thing in China.

[Foreign Investment, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is completely wrong.

The Investment Canada Act will remain in place under this new agreement. We have been trying to sign this agreement for quite some time, in order to protect Canadians who are trying to create investments and jobs for Canadians in the Chinese market. This is an important step towards protecting the Canadian economy and our jobs.

[Foreign Investment, November 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the government will make its decision on these matters when it has all the information necessary to evaluate what is in the net benefit of this country. That is the government's policy.

In terms of the Investment Canada Act, the government has already made several changes to bring in additional criteria on national security, to bring in additional criteria on state-owned enterprises, and to improve transparency.

The government will continue going forward in the changing investment environment in which we live. The government will continue to evaluate foreign investments and assess whether or not they are in the best interests of this country.

[Foreign Investment, October 31st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, once again, we have had an important objective, and that has been for the very first time to ensure that there is a legal framework enabling and protecting Canadian investment in China. There has long been that in Canada, given the nature of our system, and any such arrangements in this agreement are reciprocal.

However, it is important. This is a big market and an expanding market. We are ensuring we are creating jobs. We are prepared to act on this side of the House, and that is what we are going to do.