May 10, 2013 – Toronto, Ontario Check Against Delivery Thank you Dr. Stein. Salam. I’m here today to deliver a simple message: Canada stands with you. We stand with the courageous activists inside Iran…with the dedicated Canadian diaspora outside Iran …and with freedom-loving people everywhere who want a brighter future for your country. We know [...]
John Baird today issued the following statement: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the loss of our good friend and former colleague Peter Kormos. “Peter was a talented and dedicated politician, who cared deeply about the well-being of not just his constituents, but all Ontarians. “As a young MPP in Toronto, Peter [...]
Since taking office in 2006, our Government has pursued a positive agenda to make Canada’s economy stronger, helping create more good, high-quality jobs. This has included lowering taxes over 150 times (lowering the average family’s tax bill by more than $3,200), supporting entrepreneurs (lowering taxes on job-creating businesses), opening more markets to Canadian goods with increased trade deals, and much more.
That Israel is still the subject of hatred is deeply disturbing and one of the forces that drives my support for the Jewish State.
In choosing not to stand idly by as the age-old hatred of the Jewish people has been transferred to the “collective Jew,” I have been speaking up against the new anti-Semitism that is so pervasive today.
We know that freedom, democracy and human rights are the values upon which pluralistic societies are built.
But we also know that pluralism will not flourish unless we embrace the diversity of our societies.
As we hope and pray for Malala’s speedy recovery, let us reflect on what she has taught us: that whatever sacrifices we’ve had to make to uphold dignity, respect and humanity – each one of us can – and must – refuse to bow before evil. It is the collective duty of our shared humanity.
While few of us in Canada will ever know what it means to be targeted for wanting to go to school, to have our basic rights repressed or to have our communities hijacked by terrorism, this is, sadly, a real and present danger in Pakistan.
The preoccupation with procedure and process must yield to the tracking of substance and results. If the UN focuses on the achievement of goals—such as prosperity, security and human dignity—then reform will take care of itself. As the international community sets its sights on a post-2015 development framework, it should not forget the work that remains to be done and the commitments it has made.
Our government is tremendously excited by the opportunities the region offers for our nation’s long-term prosperity. Yes, the economic potential is immense, but we’re also excited about the evolving political transformation and the monumental demographic shifts taking place across the Asia-Pacific region. From Mumbai to Manila, you can feel the pulse of a region undergoing profound change. And Canada must be a part of it. It’s not a choice; it’s not an option; it’s a national imperative.
Our government recognizes the many important contributions of Canadians of Indian heritage, including our vibrant and diverse Sikh community. For over 100 years, Canadians of Sikh faith have worked hard and contributed to our country in all fields, including through military service. That the Sikh community has preserved, grown, and succeeded despite the challenges the community faced is a testament to the strength and determination of men and women of Sikh background across Canada.
Without a doubt, it’s an exciting time to be a foreign minister. It’s an exciting time because we’re witnessing deep change in some of the darkest corners of the world. It’s also a challenging time because so often, the smallest, seemingly inconsequential events can bring about profound change.
