February 12 – February 16, 2018

Protest in Iran
MP O’Toole (Durham) raised the issue of the Prime Minister’s silence regarding the death of a Canadian professor, Seyed-Emami, in an Iranian prison on the weekend and regarding the protest in Iran which Amnesty International confirmed led thousands to be imprisoned. Prime Minister Trudeau stated that the government has clearly stated their desire for an independent investigation into the death of Seyed-Emami. MP Genuis (Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan) called for the Prime Minister to fully support the cause of the protesters. Prime Minister Trudeau stated that the government is deeply troubled by the deaths and detentions of protesters during protests in Iran and said Canada rallied more countries than ever before at the United Nations in November on a resolution calling on Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations.

February 26 - March 2 2018

International Development
MP Eva Nassif brought attention to the several disasters and crises that occurred around the world in 2017. She spoke of Africa, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the Caribbean and Myanmar and explained that there would be a need to address the humanitarian needs. She asked whether the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie could explain to the House how the government would aid in addressing these challenges.

Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau stated that Canada would grant an extra $2 billion over five years for international aid, which would be the greatest increase that occurred in 10 years. This money would be used to increase the effect of Canada’s feminist policy empowering vulnerable women and girls in the world to become driving forces of change, development and peace.

Foreign Affairs
MP Hélène Laverdière stated that Canada must pressurize Syria and Russia to respect the ceasefire not simply for a fraction of the day but for the entire time. She continued to bring attention to the crisis in Syria and observed that the sole manner in which peace would be brought was through finding a peaceful solution and to bring accountability to those who had caused the atrocities. She inquired about what Canada was doing to ensure this solution.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Matt DeCourcey stated that the UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire and permitting for humanitarian access needs to be implemented.  He voiced condemnation to what was occurring in Syria, specifically in Eastern Ghouta and stated that Canada would persist in their actions and speech towards this issue as well as fund first responders in Eastern Ghouta.

Immigration and Refugees
MP John Aldag spoke about Bill S-210 and that the proposal was to repeal the short title which is found in section 1 of Bill S-7, an act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Civil Marriage Act and the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other acts. He stated that Bill S-7 needlessly coupled the words “barbaric” and “cultural” insinuating that the kinds of practices suggested in the act were present in cultures outside of Canada while these kinds of practices also happen within Canada regardless of culture. He affirmed that this Bill was labeled so as a divisive technique and that Bill S-210 was a commitment to openness, acceptance and generosity in Canadian immigration policies. Further, he declared that diversity is what makes Canada strong and that he was proud to be part of a government that welcomed over 40, 000 Syrian newcomers during one of the greatest present-day crises.