It gets worse, because I find nothing in here at all about the overseas development budget, nothing. We know it was cut by over $670 million in the last two years. Is it frozen? Is it going up? Is it going down? Where are we on humanitarian assistance?

Christian Paradis: Mr. Speaker, on the contrary, we have been at the forefront in the Middle East in terms of humanitarian assistance. Only last year humanitarian assistance increased 62% compared to the year before. Canadians expect us to deliver aid in an accountable way that is effective for people in need, and this is exactly what we are doing.

On top of that, the budget creates the development finance initiative that will help to put more investment money into developing countries helping them to create and sustain economic growth.

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When he speaks of presentations this evening that were thoughtful and calming, I must say his was one. It was thoughtful and it took into account what we all feel, that we must not be imagining for one moment that Canada wants to engage militarily in Syria. It is nice to reaffirm that there is consensus in this place on that. I also appreciate his recognition of the toolkit of statecraft and diplomacy of the United Nations, and our other relationships.

I would ask him very specifically if it would not make sense for us in this House to agree by consensus that there is more we can do in humanitarian effort, particularly in those very significant humanitarian crises that exist in refugee camps in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, by providing more assistance directly through humanitarian relief in the camps and by offering that assistance to those governments that are hosting all those refugees.

Erin O’Toole: Mr. Chair, I thank the leader of the Green Party for her nice remarks in welcoming me. Certainly we have shared some time at Dalhousie Law School together, although not at the same time.

Her questions are good ones. We are working with other states in the region to address the refugee crisis caused by the Syrian civil war in the last two years. Members on this side have expressed that we need to do more and to particularly watch how that evolves.

There is also security ramifications caused by a refugee exodus under these circumstances. Importantly, I have also heard some discussion in the chamber tonight about NGOs and actions by non-state actors on the ground in Syria, and I think we have to express some words of caution.

We are not even at the halfway point in 2013. I would remind this House that Syria is in a state of war, and as I said in my remarks, with very hard to identify teams within that war. There is certainly a united front against a regime, and then there is the regime. There have been five journalists killed this year in Syria, and we are only days past Press Freedom Day. Last month, two archbishops were abducted. It is a country with which we have to proceed cautiously, even with non-state actors on the ground.

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In today’s increasingly tumultuous world – with problems ranging from climate change to economic meltdowns to wars – humanitarian aid workers are active daily assisting millions of people no matter who they are or where they live.  They don’t exclusively respond to emergencies.  They also help communities rebuild their lives after crises and become more resilient; they act as advocates so that victims’ voices are heard, and try to build genuine peace in conflict areas.

According to the UN, humanitarian aid must be offered without discrimination based on nationality, social group, religion, sex, race, or other factors.  It is based on several founding principles, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.  Although aid workers reflect all cultures, ideologies, and backgrounds, they are united by their commitment to humanitarianism.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “I Was Here” – aimed at promoting the concept that anyone can help others anywhere.  It also promotes better international cooperation at a time when globalization has made the planet smaller and more interlinked.  Of course, Canadians must recognize, too, that the people being most negatively affected by contemporary problems are almost always the world’s poorest, most marginalized, and most vulnerable citizens.   Canadians must also realize that our humane international reputation is being steadily eroded by the Harper Conservatives abandonment of our past heroic peacekeeping role; our cruel treatment of desperate refugees; our cuts to development aid to the poorest countries, and more.  Make today a day when you commit to stopping the downward slide of Canada while celebrating the great generosity of many Canadians both here and overseas.

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