Robert Sopuck, Member for Dauphin—Swan River—Marquette (CPC): Mr. Speaker, Canadians just can't trust the NDP to stand up for what is right on the world stage. On Friday, when our Minister of Foreign Affairs and other foreign ministers visited the peaceful demonstrators in Ukraine's Independence Square, the member from Ottawa Centre said, quote, joining the protest signals that you're on one side, unquote. Well, Mr. Speaker, unlike the moral relativism we too often see from the NDP, on this side of the House we stand for a principled foreign policy. The NDP critic also said he wanted the Minister of Foreign Affairs to explain why he talked to these brave Ukrainian demonstrators. Could the Minister tell the House now. Hon. John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs: Like the member, I was shocked by these comments by the NDP Foreign Affairs critic. I'll tell you whose side this government stands on, we stand on the side of the Ukrainian people in their fight for democracy, Mr. Speaker. I am very proud to promote Canadian values, to promote a citizen's right to peacefully protest and I'm very proud to have not only met with government representatives when I was in Ukraine but very proud to have travelled to Maidan to meet with opposition leaders and to hear the voices of the people of Ukraine who are pushing for democracy and freedom in their own country.

• published: 09 Dec 2013
• views: 657