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 Iranians have a deep yearning for freedom. In Farsi, it’s called Azaadi. A simple, but powerful word.

As Simin Behbani, the great Persian poet said, “…it takes a thousand years before a word, among the thousands of words, dies away in a language or changes its meaning.”

Our job then, is to make sure that Azaadi never dies from the Farsi language, or from the hearts of Iranians.

For those of you inside Iran right now, listening from somewhere safe…where the regime cannot suppress your curiosity…where it cannot control your conscience, or profit from your oppression…I want you to know that Canada stands with you.

I know this seems counterintuitive coming from a government that suspended relations with the regime last year.

But our decision to close the Canadian embassy in Tehran was not directed at the people of Iran. It was not an attack on Shi’a Islam and its rich contribution to global civilization.

It was about the protection of our courageous men and women who were serving their country in peace.

We saw what the IRGC and Basij were doing to Iranians.

We saw the strengthening of a regressive clerical, military dictatorship.

As we condemned this regime’s actions, our diplomats’ lives were increasingly at risk.

We simply lost, what little faith we had, in this regime.

But we have never lost faith in the people of Iran. In fact, we want to expand our relations with Iranians, free from the regime’s filters.

Which is why we’ve gathered here today.

We gather to demonstrate that the bonds between peoples of distant places can grow stronger and more resolute…Bonds that tear down walls…Bonds that as we’ve seen before, pierce through the regime’s most elaborate firewalls.

Four years ago, the people of Iran showed tremendous courage and resolve. Outraged by a stolen election that mocked their right to choose…frustrated by a broken economy that robbed them of their creativity and enterprise…millions of Iranians took to the streets.

They stood up to decades of brutal repression.

They demanded the right to determine their own future.

For weeks the world watched in awe, inspired by their bravery. Watching from afar our people held their breath…wondering if tyranny would fall again – as it eventually does.

As I look back, I confess that freedom-loving nations like Canada should have been more vocal in supporting this movement. We could have done more.

From our desktops, we did modest things to stand with you. But at the end of the day, while we may have changed the face of Twitter avatars, you changed the face of freedom.

Yes, the Green Movement had its first beat in Iran. But its pulse was felt the world over.

It provided hope for those who suffered under oppressive regimes.

It gave them a model to follow.

And follow, they did.

Now, they’re changing the face of places that have suffocated at the hands of dictators and strongmen.

The kind of strongmen that took the life of Neda Agha-Soltan – an innocent, defenseless young woman, brutally shot dead by the Basij. As her last moments were uploaded to YouTube, the world watched in horror.

It was disgusting. Abhorrent. And it revealed what the regime fears most: not the West. Not liberal democracies. No. The regime fears the courageous people of Iran.

Under the burden of escalating repression, the regime is forcing activists to leave. As they do, others take their place, subjected to the full force of this regime’s anger.

They can take solace, knowing that Iranian democratic voices exist outside of Iran.

They can take comfort, knowing that Iran’s democratic voices have begun the hard, patient work of bringing about a free and open society in Iran.

On this, we all agree: the people of Iran deserve free and fair elections.

Not another version of the Ayatollah Khamenei’s never-ending shell game of presidential puppets.

Not the rise of a regressive clerical military dictatorship.

But robust elections which take power out of the hands of puppet masters and place it in your hands, the hands of the people.

And so, I say to the Supreme Leader: rather than waste your precious resources trying to scramble this video feed…or trying to shut down the people’s websites…or trying to subject your people to the oppressive veil of tyranny…open up.

Listen to the Iranian people.

Roll back the apparatus of fear.

Allow dissenting voices.

Embrace freedom of expression.

Expand the pursuit of knowledge.

Unshackle the people.

End your tyranny.

Imagine.

Imagine an Iran with a political culture based on inclusiveness and freedom.

Imagine an Iran where people are free to advocate a point of view and have the courage to test them against opposing views.

Imagine an Iran that affords the strongest protections for freedom of expression, freedom of conscience, freedom of assembly, the rule of law.

Imagine an Iran that has rigorous checks and balances against abuse of power and corruption…where the rules are the same for every person.

Imagine an Iran where government protects people’s lives…where government does not silence, imprison and murder ethnic, religious and cultural minorities for their beliefs.

Imagine democracy. Just imagine it.

The people of Iran have. And they have imagined it because they want what the world wants: prosperity and freedom.

And we know the historical truth about democracies: they are far less likely to go to war with one another. And when a country is not at war, it prospers.

This is the test against which Iranians will measure the regime.

To get there, I call on the international community and fellow foreign ministers to join me in taking a stronger stand in support of the Iranian people.

We can do so in three ways.

The first is by calling on the regime to address the demands and hopes of the Iranian people ahead of next month’s elections. To the regime listening to us now, here’s how you can respond to what your own people have asked for:

Lift censorship of the Internet and other media.
Release political prisoners.
Allow election observers.
Let candidates connect with the people freely.
The second way the international community can take a stronger stand in support of the Iranian people is to reach out to Iranian activists, as we’re doing today:

Engage these activists directly, even as we isolate the regime.

• Give them the attention and dignity they deserve as the democratic voices of a great country with a long and proud history.
• Protect and encourage activists inside Iran.
• Find ways to protect dissenting voices…and those who have the courage to tell the truth about the Basij…about IRGC assets…and about the regressive clerical tyranny that rules Iran today.
• Demonstrate, with political support, that these views are legitimate.

And the third way we can stand with the people of Iran is to support human rights defenders who take such tremendous personal risks in trying to protect others.

• We should invest in them…
• Make sure the regime knows that we’re in regular contact with them…
• Make them famous…
• And wedge this regime against its own rhetoric.

I recognize that those of you seeking to expand democratic space inside Iran are running the greatest risk.

I am committing to you – to all of Iran’s democratic voices – that you have a friend in Canada.

And know that the tensions that exist between the Islamic Republic and the International Community will cease once Iran embraces human rights and democracy.

Until that day comes, the international community will do what it must to protect itself from the current regime.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and I are absolutely resolute in this view: the Ayatollah Khamenei regime remains the greatest threat to international peace and security in the world today.

That’s why we listed the Iranian regime as a state sponsor of terrorism…

Why we made the IRGC Qods Force and Hezbollah terrorist entities in Canadian law…

And why we have implemented tough economic sanctions.

The world must target the IRGC’s assets, and expose the wealth they’ve been amassing at the expense of the people.

We are taking every effort to halt the reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities while maintaining exemptions that reduce the impact on the Iranian people.

The regime claims that international alarm over its nuclear program is a “cover for sanctions.” I can promise you that our grave concern with the regime’s nuclear program is absolutely sincere. And so are the efforts of the international community.

President Obama has extended his hand, using every diplomatic tool at his disposal to get the regime to reverse course.

Catherine Ashton and the P5+1 have patiently worked with Iran in good faith.

We all want a peaceful resolution to this crisis.

And yet for each new offer of compromise, the regime responds with escalation and provocation…with false promises and empty gestures.

I refuse to believe that the clerical military dictatorship of Ayatollah Khamenei, his enforcers in the IRGC and Basij, or his agents in Hezbollah, represents the future of Iran.

The regime is hollow. It does not have the depth, the intellect, the humanity, or the humility to bring about a better future for its people.

Let me be clear: we understand the vast system of domestic repression and human rights abuses of Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime. We bear witness to the brutal tyranny run by the Basij and the IRGC, who rape and torture the Iranian people.

I believe the Iranian people want change. Whether change comes quickly or gradually, the Iranian people will not forever tolerate the hypocrisy and corruption of the regime; the wanton waste of its resources; and the transformation of a proud nation into a pariah.

Today is not about Canada, or Canadian policy. You may agree with our policies. You may take issue with them. That’s quite alright. This is a democracy after all.

But this Global Dialogue is about you, the people of Iran, and the future that should await you in a free and open society.

You will hear from a wide range of voices today and tomorrow – sharply differing views on the future of Iran and the choices that confront it.

Some of these will be heated debates. Others might get testy. Don’t let that discourage you. You should watch Question Period in the Canadian Parliament!

Heated debate is healthy. Democracy would be useless if we didn’t have our disagreements.

What you’ll hear in the next two days is what should be openly spoken in Iran.

We know this happens in the courtyards of mosques and at markets…in farmers’ homes and beauty salons… in the kitchens of Iranian families and at their offices.

These conversations are happening on the street just as readily as they are happening in the cloud…in Google Hangouts…on Twitter…and on Facebook.

The people mock “Halal” Internet for the ridiculous proposition that it is.

I’ll conclude with this message to Iranians – on the street and in the cloud – and especially to those who suffer in dark prison cells under the lashings of the Basij:

One day, Iran will have the institutions that allow its citizens to debate and to determine their future in freedom.

One day, the Iranian people will enjoy full access to freedom and opportunity.

One day, full integration into the global trading system will replace economic sanctions.

One day, Iran will take its rightful place in international affairs as a leading and respected regional power.

From the ashes of tyranny, Iran and Iranians will rise as a prosperous and free society.

Iranians are working each and every day to bring that future ever closer.

The courage shown by Iranians who choose human dignity over the regime’s cynical propaganda brings that future ever closer.

Every free and open contact – online or in person – that pushes back the walls of a closed society, brings that bright future closer.

Today, tomorrow and in the road ahead, I wish you all great success in your pursuit of freedom, for azaadi.

Thank you.

“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 never shied away from giving me advice and counsel on the rough and tumble nature of Queen’s Park.

“Peter will be remembered for his humor, his humility, and his dedication to our province and our country. He will be sorely missed.

“To Peter’s friends and family, I send my condolences and deepest sympathies during this most difficult time.”

Re: NCC’s party planning now Tory territory, March 23.

I generally find Joanne Chianello’s columns to be well informed and well researched. She is typically an example for other journalists to follow. Sadly, Saturday’s column was an exception. Her premise that our Conservative government has “disdain” for local residents is simply false.

Not one person in Ottawa can say that we haven’t received more than our fair share of federal infrastructure dollars. That includes millions to help protect the Ottawa River and more than three quarters of a billion dollars for the city’s light-rail project. (Note, we have supported light rail but it is up to the City of Ottawa to decide where to put the stations.)

We have worked with our professional public service to find savings as we work to eliminate the deficit – a promise we have made to all Canadians. Unlike the previous government, we have not slashed and burned. Nor have we balanced the books on the backs of Ottawa families.

Ottawa will have a central role in national celebrations in the lead up to 2017. The changes to the National Capital Commission announced in the budget reflect that, while reducing duplication and bringing better coordination. It is nothing more.

I and my Conservative colleagues from Ottawa are proud to represent this city in the caucus room and at the Cabinet table.

In both places, I can assure Citizen readers Ottawa has a very strong voice. And the evidence of that is all around us.

John Baird, Member of Parliament, Ottawa-West Nepean

To all those celebrating Passover here in Ottawa, across Canada, and around the world, I send you my warmest wishes.

At gatherings of friends and family over traditional Seder meals and readings of the Haggadah, may you reflect on the importance of freedom, family, tradition and faith.

Passover provides all Canadians with an opportunity to think about those around the world who continue to struggle for basic rights, freedom and dignity. We are reminded that dreedoms we cherish must never be taken for granted.

Chag sameach.

Recently, the Harper Government introduced Economic Action Plan 2013 – a plan to fuel job creation, generate economic growth, and secure Canada’s long-term prosperity.

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 positive agenda has kept Canada’s economy on the right path.

During the global recession and recovery, Canada’s economy performed the best among all G-7 countries – including Germany. Indeed, Canada has created more than 950,000 net new jobs since the depth of the recession, the vast majority being full-time and in the private sector – the best job growth record in the G-7.

However, as we all recognize, Canada is not immune to challenges from beyond our borders. We have been and will continue to be impacted by ongoing turbulence in the US and Europe – among our most important trading partners.

That’s why, Economic Action Plan 2013 focuses on more positive initiatives to support job creation and economic growth.

For instance, we’re increasing skills and training support with the new Canada Job Grant to help more Canadians get high-quality, well-paying jobs. Under the new Grant, Canadians will be able to qualify for up to $15,000 per person to get the skills and training for in-demand jobs. Even better, the Grant will directly connect employers looking for skilled workers with Canadians who want to fill those jobs.

Our Plan also helps businesses succeed by encouraging manufacturers to invest in new equipment, extending the “hiring credit” for small business, and by making strategic investments in world class research and innovation.

But that’s not all. Economic Action Plan 2013 includes our Government’s plan to make the largest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history – $70 billion over 10 years. This investment will help build and repair roads, bridges, subways, rail, and much more in communities across Canada. Ottawa as already received more than its fair share of federal infrastructure under this Conservative government. I have made clear my priority for any future funding is protecting the Ottawa River from sewage overflows.

At the same time, our Government’s plan makes common sense changes to the way government is run and the way taxpayers’ money is spent. Not only will these changes help to create a more efficient government, but will lead the way toward returning to balanced budgets in 2015. We will work with dedicated public servants in Ottawa and across the country to make sure this happens effectively and fairly for all involved.

Finally, unlike the previous Liberal government, we will not slash transfers to healthcare and education services that hard-working Canadians families depend on. And nor will we follow the NDP’s plan for risky tax schemes, like a $21 billion carbon tax, that will raise the price on everything Canadians buy.

With Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative government continues to position Canada as a global economic leader. For more information on the Plan and how it can benefit you, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

John Baird welcomes the new federal budget – Economic Action Plan 2013 – and its continued focus on job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity as good news for Ottawa West-Nepean. The Plan, which will see Canada return to balanced budgets in 2015, keeps federal taxes at their lowest level in 50 years.

“While Canada has the best job creation record among all G-7 countries since the worst of the global recession with over 950,000 net new jobs, we recognize that the global economy remains very challenging,” said Baird. “In Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative government remains squarely focused on the number one priority of Canadians, with a forward-looking plan to help create jobs and grow the economy in Ontario and across Canada.”

Baird outlined that Economic Action Plan 2013 includes key measures to strengthen Canada’s economy, including:

• Increased skills and training support, including the new $15,000 Canada Job Grant, to help more Canadians find high-quality, well-paying jobs;
• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended ‘hiring credit’ for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of ‘import tax’ tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;
• And much more.

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Conservative government’s continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services in Ontario. In fact, in 2013-14, federal transfer support to Ontario will be almost $9 billion higher than under the former federal Liberal government.

“We all remember the former Liberal government slashed transfers for health care and education. Our Conservative government rejects that shameful practice, and is protecting and growing transfers to help support the services that Ontario families depend on,” said Baird.

Today, I would like to wish the Iranian people a happy Nowruz.

On such an important occasion, we must reflect on the deep connection between Canada and the people of Iran. They are strong ties, and a source of hope and pride.

Canada is home to many Iranians. For decades, Iranian families, and now their children, have been making lasting contributions to Canadian society.

Leaving one’s homeland in search of a better life is an incredibly difficult decision for a family to make. In the case of Iran however, thousands of Iranians each year make the choice to seek out a life that is better for their children, by escaping a system that is corrupt to its core, has chosen time and again to isolate itself from the rest of the world, and is tangled in a web of hypocrisy and hate. A regime which has turned on its own people, holding them hostage from a life of peace and prosperity.

This is why Canada chose to suspend its ties to the Iranian regime. It was the direct result of the reckless actions of this regime, against its neighbours and its own people. Canada is clear-eyed about the path to peace in the region: It runs straight through Tehran.

Nowruz is an incredibly important celebration. It marks the very moment of a new beginning. It creates an opportunity for change.

In 2009, this drive for change was viciously taken away from millions of Iranians. Four years later, in June, Iranians will have another chance to express their hopes for real change against a regime that does not have the courage to face the aspirations of its own people.

Iranians want free elections. You, Iran’s activists and human rights defenders, and all the people of Iran who are seeking out a peaceful and prosperous future for your families must stay brave. You are role models for the free world. We recognize your goals and aspirations. We admire your insistence and your perseverance.

I am convinced that a new day awaits the people of Iran. I believe that the people of Iran will once again enjoy prosperity, freedom, and a place of pride in the international community. Whether that day comes quickly or at the end of even greater hardship is a choice that the regime must make. But today, and everyday, Canada stands in solidarity with the Iranian people and celebrates their rich heritage and the hope of a brighter future.

On this Budget Day 2013, local MP John Baird visited Algonquin College in the heart of Ottawa West-Nepean to highlight that the Harper Government’s top priority continues to be jobs and economic growth. Algonquin’s Centre for Construction Trades and Building Sciences was built with the help of federal investments in university and college infrastructure.

Today, the Conservative government announced further investments in skills and training.

Currently, thousands of jobs are available across Canada but are going unfilled due to a lack of people with the right skills. Economic Action Plan 2013 builds on a strong record of investing in skills training for Canadians by:

• Introducing the Canada Job Grant, providing $15,000 or more per person, in combined federal, provincial/territorial and employer funding to help Canadians get the skills they need for in-demand jobs. Once fully implemented, this Grant will help nearly 130,000 Canadians access training at eligible institutions, like community colleges and trade union training centres each year.
• Reducing Barriers to Apprenticeship Accreditation by working with the provinces and territories to standardize requirements for apprentices in the skilled trades across Canada.
• Supporting the Use of Apprentices in federal projects, like investments in affordable housing, and as part of Canada’s new long term infrastructure plan.
• Strengthening Training Support for Persons With Disabilities by investing $40 million per year for the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, as well as $7 million per year for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
• Supporting the Creation of the Canadian Employers Disability Forum by providing $2 million to promote education, training, and collaboration among employers concerning the hiring and retaining of persons with disabilities.
• Extending the Enabling Accessibility Fund by providing $15 million a year, ongoing, to support community projects that improve accessibility, remove barriers and allow Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their communities.

Our government also has a strong record of support for apprentices and the employers that hire them. With grants, tax credits, and tools deductions, we’re connecting Canadians who want to work with available jobs. We’re getting real results.

For full details of the ways in which Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working for you and your family, please visit: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

At a small reception on Parliament Hill today, John Baird awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award to these outstanding individuals from Ottawa West-Nepean:

Robert Clarke
Robert joined the Centrepointe Theatre Volunteer Company while the theatre was still under construction in 1988, and will be celebrating his 25th anniversary with us this spring. He has contributed 6,805 volunteer hours to the theatre as a stage hand. He has also been the Chair of the Volunteer Steering Committee and trained and mentored many of the Stage Crew volunteers.

Doug MacKinnon
Doug has been a Leader with the 112th Nepean Scout Group for fifteen (15) years. In that time he has been the Section Leader in Colony for twelve (12) years, the Section or an Assistant Leader in Troop for four (4) years and the Section or an Assistant Leader in Company/Crew for eight (8) years. Those with strong math skills will see that Doug has managed to perform twenty-four (24) years of service in the past fifteen (15) years.

Doug’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, having been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Government of Canada in 2003, the Order of the Caribou in 2006 (Bar in 2011), the Medal of Merit by Scots Canada in early 2008, and the Order of the Bell from Nepean Area in 2011. It is clear however, that Doug’s ongoing and expanding contributions to the youth of the community, his fellow Leaders and Scouting as a movement now deserve further recognition.

Ross Saunders
In his 35th year of Service to the City of Ottawa, Ross has risen to a Firefighter Captain. He was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal as a Police Officer in 1977. In 2002, he received the Golden Jubilee. And lastly, he has also received the Canadian Fire Service Medal with the 30 year clasp.

Kevin Bush
Recognized as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals in 2010, Kevin is the current Principal at Sir Guy Carleton Secondary School.
Under his leadership, the school has been a shining example specializing in Adaptive Education, with programs modified to suit individual abilities. It also offers a General Learning Program for students with Special Education needs.

Dan De Castro
Dan De Castro is the founder of Tinig Pinoy Filipino community radio in Ottawa.
Using this medium, Dan has created a unique tool for Canadians of Filipino origin from coast to coast and around the world to maintain their heritage and cultural ties.
As well, Dan also acts as a mentor to many Ottawa area youth.