Ottawa, Ontario… Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was pleased to confirm with the Minister of National Defence, the need for Canada to remain engaged internationally to bring about peaceful regime change in Libya. CFB Petawawa is in the Riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
Hansard September 26, 2011.
Mrs. Cheryl Gallant (Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, Conservative):
Mr. Speaker, Canada has played an active role in the UN-mandated, NATO-led mission in Libya. In light of recent events showing the anti-Gadhafi forces gaining strength across the country, could the Minister of Defence tell us why the continued mission in Libya is necessary?
Hon. Peter MacKay (Minister of National Defence, Conservative): Mr. Speaker, as the member for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke said, the Canadian Forces are playing a key role in the enforcement of the international community’s mission to support the people of Libya and protect them from the brutal Gadhafi forces. In fact, today parts of Libya still remain under the iron fist of Gadhafi. On the weekend, his daughter gave a broadcast that indicated such.
Our government is very proud of the brave men and women in uniform, and their families, whose leadership and efforts have been instrumental in this mission’s success to date.
We will continue to work with our NATO allies and partners who enforce the terms of UN Security Council resolutions, and I urge all parliamentarians taking part in today’s debate to support Canada’s continuation with this important work protecting innocent Libyan civilians.
MP Gallant is urging the Official Opposition to not so quickly abandon the legacy of their former leader. “Support for our women and men in uniform was evident when the Official Opposition chose to cooperate with the Conservative Government when the motion to extend the mission in Libya was presented to Parliament last June,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. “The decision to revive the hostility to our Canadian military is unwelcome to my constituents as it should be by all Canadians.”
“Peace in Africa depends on countries like Canada stepping up to fulfill our international obligations. The anti-Canadian Forces tone I am now hearing from the official opposition is disturbing. I am pleased to be a member of a Government that supports our men and women in uniform. That includes standing by our Allies in NATO when called upon to do so.” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.