41st PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 127
Friday, May 18, 2012
Foreign Affairs
Mr. Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, Canadians truly care about what is happening in Ukraine. Over 1.3 million Canadians are of Ukrainian heritage. They are concerned about a fair democratic system, human rights and the rule of law in Ukraine.
Canada will play a role in sending observers, we know that. Last time we sent 1,500. We anticipate in the future we are going to continue to support observers.
What more is the government prepared to do? Think in terms of the potential of a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Canada. Think in terms of the international meetings like—
The Acting Speaker (Mr. Bruce Stanton):
The hon. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada always supports free and fair elections in Ukraine. Because of our strong commitment to Ukraine, Canada will accommodate a request for election observers.
Yes, we are concerned about the recent events that have taken place in Ukraine, most specifically the imprisonment of the former prime minister.
Let me say this: Canada will continue to stand with the Ukrainian people to help them achieve their democracy.
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