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CANADA

September 28 2006

Albina Defends Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan Belittled by Pakistan's President

Hon. Albina Guarnieri:
Mr. Speaker, Canadians who have lost sons and daughters in Afghanistan were themselves wounded by the remarks of Pakistan's President Musharraf who belittled their sacrifice and ridiculed their courage and resolve. Amazingly, our Prime Minister responded with flattery for Mr. Musharraf.

When will the Conservative Prime Minister defend the honour of our troops and, for once, actually stand up for Canada?

Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, this government is standing up very strongly for Canadians and for the Afghan people in Afghanistan today.

With respect to these comments, clearly President Musharraf and our own Prime Minister understand that we have to work collectively. We have to work constructively and collaboratively in this mission in Afghanistan with 37 other NATO countries in a UN backed mission to help the people of Afghanistan stand on their own two feet.

Then, and only then, can we get on with the important development and good governance needed for the Afghan people.

Hon. Albina Guarnieri (Mississauga East-Cooksville, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Canadians know that the copyright for "Stand up for Canada" ran out during the election.

Earlier this summer, the Prime Minister responded to the death of a Canadian soldier on UN duty by defending those who killed him and questioning why he was even there. Why does the Prime Minister trumpet our military's effort and then fall silent when their courage and competence is challenged?

Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, I am very surprised to hear this type of rhetoric coming from that hon. member.

The reality is that we are working with 37 other countries in an important mission, an important effort to bring dignity and humanitarian efforts and rights to the people of Afghanistan. It is important to bring about good governance and democracy for the people of Afghanistan.

The member knows full well that Canada is there doing important work on behalf of this country, on behalf of Afghanistan, because she voted for it when she was a member of the previous government that sent our soldiers there.

For Further information contact:
Robert Cline
(905) 566-0009
guarna@parl.gc.ca