ABBOTSFORD ISSUES

Your Canadian government is committed to defending our national interests at home and abroad, taking a leadership role in world affairs, and standing up against terrorism and tyranny around the world.

CANADA'S ARMED FORCES - FIGHTING TERRORISM

Canada has lost brave men and women as they defended us against terrorism and served the cause of democracy and peace around the world.  We are constantly reminded that our precious freedoms have been won and preserved only at great cost. Regrettably, terrorism has raised its ugly head in many parts of the world, most notably in India, London, Spain, Indonesia, Bali, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel.  Even Canada is not immune to the scourge of tyranny and intolerance.  As the Air India inquiry and the arrest of 18 suspected terrorists in the Toronto area demonstrate, even among us there are those who resent and despise the values that Canada stands for — values such as tolerance, freedom, democracy and basic human rights. 

Terrorism places extremist ideology and religious fanaticism above the value of a human life.  Sadly, those espousing such a belief are prepared to sacrifice countless innocent civilians in their quest to impose their destructive ideals on us. 

Defending Canada and the rest of the world against terrorism and tyranny takes great courage, determination and sacrifice.  Let's not forget the many thousands of Canadians in two World Wars and other world conflicts who paid the ultimate price to defend our rights and freedoms. 

Today, Canadian men and women again place themselves in harm’s way to defend and protect the country they love.  In doing so, they also contribute to building and preserving other democracies around the world.

DIPLOMACY, DEFENCE, DEVELOPMENT

Canada, together with many other countries and supported by the United Nations, has been invited by the Afghan government to assist it in stabilizing and supporting its fledgling democracy.  We are committed to protecting Afghani civilians against Taliban terrorists and providing reconstruction aid by building schools, hospitals and a basic justice system.

Achievements:

• New Constitution
• Democratic Presidential and Legislative Elections
• Over 6 Million Children in School, 1/3 of whom are girls
• Defence, Justice, Finance Reforms
• Re-integration of 3 Million Refugees
• Significant Progress in Removing Landmines
• Economic opportunities for women that did not exist before
• 80% of Afghanistan is relatively peaceful and safe from Taliban attacks (the southern provinces are the focus of most of the fighting against Taliban insurgents)Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay meets with Afghan Parliamentary Officers