National Defence committee  As I said, we've had no indication that North Korea perceives Canada as an enemy and no evidence that it is taking measures to target Canada. You mentioned Canada's role in the United Nations Command group of countries that took action in the Korean War. We are still a significa

National Defence committee  Yes, there is, but there has been no direct threat to Canada. In fact, on the contrary, in recent contacts with the North Korean government, including in August when our national security adviser was in Pyongyang, the indications were that they perceived Canada as a peaceful and

National Defence committee  Yes.

National Defence committee  In terms of whether we have reached our ultimate destination, we have not yet succeeded there. Diplomacy requires a great deal of patience. I would just highlight, as an example, that the efforts that resulted in the nuclear agreement with Iran took more than a decade of painst

National Defence committee  I think history is going to tell us whether we're having some effect. It's pretty hard to discern where we're at right now. I think we're in a pre-negotiating phase where both sides are trying to improve their leverage by the time they reach the negotiating table. But I think Nor

National Defence committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Honourable members, thank you for the invitation to speak to you today. Canada, like many other countries, is gravely concerned by North Korea's reckless and provocative actions in pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. This concern is n

Foreign Affairs committee  It's a very good question, Madame Laverdière, and it is an issue that is currently under discussion with our new minister with regard to an agenda related to human rights, which he may or may not wish to pursue.

Foreign Affairs committee  That very much is a question that has to be answered with “it depends.” It depends on who you are, what you're working on, and the circumstances. For example, all of our ambassadors are empowered to speak. In fact, all of our officials are empowered to speak. One has to take in

Foreign Affairs committee  I can speak for those ambassadors with whom I work most closely, including our ambassador to NATO, who, without any consultation or approvals, was speaking to the media a number of times last week on some NATO decisions. Again, it depends on the nature of the person and their c

Foreign Affairs committee  Yes, he is able to speak publicly. He has been encouraged to continue to do his excellent work, because we recognize the important work he's doing. We're working to ensure there's continuity in that regard. We are also looking at the question of human rights within a broader rub

Foreign Affairs committee  That's a fundamental policy question that I think we'd be happy to take back to our minister for consideration. It's not something we'll be able to pronounce on today, but we'll very happily bring that clear message back.

Foreign Affairs committee  I'd like to add something to your point about proliferation-related activities. Many will have followed the announcement by the government a week ago, when we lifted many of the sanctions that were in place against Iran. I should tell you that we did not lift the controls that

Foreign Affairs committee  FINTRAC would certainly be one of the partners that we work with regularly on this issue. The fact is that overall we have a relatively consistent approach with regard to the United States and our European allies when it comes to sanctions, but our lists are slightly different.

Foreign Affairs committee  If I may, I'll try to respond to your good question. I think Minister Dion said yesterday pretty clearly that we don't see the United Nations through rose-coloured glasses. It's an imperfect institution, but it is the only institution we have, and we have to work within it. You

Foreign Affairs committee  In very rough terms, it's about fifty-fifty Canadians versus locally engaged staff. I think the reason for this is that we employ local employees where possible. It's much more economical to do so when we can find qualified people who understand the country and who can provide co