Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament

Mississauga, ON – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale, and Mississauga’s Senator Victor Oh helped welcome Canada’s latest newcomers from China, Er Shun and Da Mao at the opening ceremony for the Giant Panda’s exhibit at the Toronto Zoo.

“Canada and China enjoy a strong relationship. It is a great honour to be entrusted with
Er Shun and Da Mao, two of China’s national treasures,” said Dechert.

“The presence of Er Shun and Da Mao in Canada today and for the next 10 years will remind us of the strong and growing relationship between our countries. This exhibit is a wonderful addition to family fun in the Greater Toronto Area. I encourage you and your family to visit the Toronto Zoo to explore the attractions and experience the charismatic giant pandas.”

“They seemed hungry enough to eat a whole bamboo forest,” observed Dechert.

The two pandas will be staying in Canada for the next 10 years and will be splitting their time between the Toronto Zoo, who will host them first, and the Calgary Zoo. The pandas will spend five years in each zoo.

Giant pandas are unique to China and serve as unofficial national mascots. They are seen as symbols of peace, friendship and good fortune.

May 2, 2013 – Ottawa, ON – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale met with students from Mississauga’s St. Rose of Lima Elementary School during their trip to Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

As part of their educational experience, students travel to our National’s Capital to learn about democracy and Canada’s parliamentary system of government. I was pleased to meet with the students, their teachers and principal from St. Rose of Lima school during their parliamentary tour.

Visiting the buildings and grounds of Parliament Hill is rewarding. As a site of architectural beauty, historical significance and federal decision-making, the visit to the Hill is certain to be a memorable experience and I was glad to greet the enthusiastic students from Mississauga.

Ottawa, Ontario – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale made the following statement today in the House of Commons:

“I rise today to recognize the upcoming celebration of Easter in the Orthodox Church calendar.

During the Easter season many Canadians from the Orthodox Christian faith celebrate and pray with family and friends.

Easter is the most significant and sacred time within the Orthodox Church and consists of a series of celebrations commemorating the sacrifice resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As we mark this holy period we must also recognize that not all people around the world are able to practice freely.

Through our newly appointed Ambassador of Religious Freedom our Government will continue to monitor the ability of all faith groups to practice around the world.

I was especially concerned to learn about the abduction of Metropolitan Paul Yazigi of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese and Mar Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim of the Syriac Archdiocese, both of Aleppo, Syria. It is my hope that both bishops will be returned safely for the Easter holiday.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish all of those celebrating in Mississauga and across Canada a very…

Happy Easter!
Kalo Pascha!
Fouseh majeed!

April 10, 2013 – The Hague, Netherlands – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited The Hague this week as head of a Canadian delegation for two international disarmament conferences.

Mr. Dechert led the Canadian delegation at the third review of the Chemical Weapons Convention at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, was present at the opening of the conference and addressed the issue of chemical weapons as it relates to Syria.

“The timing of the OPCW meeting was very important in relation to what is going on today in Syria,” said Mr. Dechert. “We will continue to warn the Syrian regime, and all parties in the Syrian conflict, against any use of chemical weapons.”

During his recent visit to the Middle East, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, John Baird, announced that Canada will be providing up to $2 million to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to assist the UN investigation into alleged chemical weapons use in Syria.

“I understand that the OPCW will use Canada’s contribution to purchase equipment and support its verification of the alleged chemical weapons use, as well as its protection of and assistance to neighbouring states.”

The Canadian Government continues to call on Assad to end the violence, relinquish power and allow a transition to a stable, democratic, pluralistic Syria that lives in peace with its neighbours.

While in The Hague, Mr. Dechert also represented Canada at the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI).

The NPDI is a cross regional group of ten countries established in order to advance non-proliferation goals.

NPDI countries include Canada, Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Mississauga, Ontario – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale issued the following statement:

“Over the weekend, mourners packed an Egyptian cathedral for prayers to honour four Copts who had been killed in sectarian clashes. As mourners left the cathedral more sectarian violence broke out which tragically lead to a number of casualties and many more injured.

Having recently visited the beautiful and historic St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo last November on the occasion of the enthronement of his holiness Pope Tawadrous II, I am shocked and outraged to hear of the violence near this sanctuary of spirituality and peace. My thoughts go out to the friends and families of the victims.” Said Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Canada believes in the fundamental right to practise one’s faith in peace and security, free of persecution and free of fear.

President Morsi promised to launch an immediate investigation into the bloodshed, and decried the attack as an ‘attack on himself.’

I was pleased to see that President Morsi condemned this attack. I was also encouraged by his public commitment to protect the Coptic community and launch an investigation following this troubling incident.

It is our hope that increased dialogue will help quell tensions that may exist. Canada will continue to promote religious freedom and pluralism around the world through our newly established Office of Religious Freedom.”

Mississauga, Ontario – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale issued the following Statement:

“It is with great pleasure that I extend my personal congratulations to Lieutenant-Commander Albert Wong and his family for receiving from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David C. Onley an appointment to be the Chief Aide-de-Camp.

“Albert’s long and distinguished career of service to his Country and our community make him an ideal appointee for this important and prestigious post. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada and myself, we welcome this much deserved appointment and wish Albert Wong the very best for the discharge of his duties in this new post.”

More than 60 volunteers, including military, police and civilian Aides-de-Camp assist the Lieutenant Governor. Each year, volunteers contribute more than 4,000 hours (more than two full time equivalents) to a variety of functions including accompanying His Honour to community events throughout Ontario, assisting during events hosted by the Lieutenant Governor at Queen’s Park; programming the Internet
site; and helping with correspondence and mailings and archiving official documents.
Albert Wong is President of AKW Global Enterprises. Albert has over 30 years of service as an officer in the Canadian Forces with the last 15 years as a public affairs officer specializing in communications at the tactical, operational and strategic levels in Canada and overseas. He is currently the Chair of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses, a member of the Regimental Senate of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s), and an advisor to the Humber School of Emergency Management.

MISSISSAUGA, March 21, 2013 – Today, Stella Ambler, MP, Mississauga South; Brad Butt, MP, Mississauga-Streetsville; Bob Dechert, MP, Mississauga-Erindale; and Wladyslaw Lizon, MP, Mississauga East-Cooksville joined their colleagues in the House of Commons in supporting Canada’s 2013 Federal Budget which was introduced this afternoon.

“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 the Mississauga Conservative MPs. “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.”

We will build on our investments in infrastructure by introducing a new Building Canada Plan. The new plan represents the largest investment in job creating infrastructure in the history of Canada. It has a number of important components, including:

• The Community Improvement Fund – to support local community projects in cities and communities across Canada.
• The Building Canada Fund – to support major economic projects that have a national, regional, and local significance.
• The P3 Canada Fund – to support innovative ways to build infrastructure projects faster and provide better value for taxpayers through public-private partnerships.

We will increase 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.

Following the release of the Budget the MP’s commented:

MP Ambler said, “In this budget Minister Flaherty has shown that our Conservative government is focused on supporting jobs, economic growth and securing long term prosperity for Canadians. People work very hard for their money and we have great respect for that.”

MP Brad Butt said, “I am delighted to see the creation of the new Canada Job Grant, focusing on skills and development. Economic Action Plan 2013 also invests in infrastructure and housing programs across Canada. This is a great plan for Mississauga.”

MP Bob Dechert said, “Canada’s economy continues to outperform most of its major competitors. This means a brighter and more secure economic future for Canadians and their families. Budget 2013 ensures that the good economic management and sound tax and investment policies of Prime Minister Harper and Finance Minister Flaherty will continue to make Canada an attractive place to invest and create jobs and will secure the future of hard working families right here in Mississauga.”

MP Wladyslaw Lizon said, “This Conservative Government clearly has the people of Mississauga-East Cooksville in mind. The budget reflects the will to keep spending priorities on the services we need while eliminating waste so we can see the deficit eliminated.”

Some other Budget highlights include:

• 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;
• $225 million to extend and expand the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year;
• Providing $44 million over two years beginning in 2013-14 for the citizenship program to improve the processing of applications.
• 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.

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In response to Louis A. Delvoie’s piece in the Kingston Whig-Standard entitled “Canada’s fast-fading footprint” (March 9) I felt compelled to give readers and taxpayers the facts.

Since 2006 the Foreign Affairs budget has increased by 21% to $2.58 billion in 2012. I think most reasonable Canadians expect their government to constantly look at and review how taxpayers’ money is being spent. The Department of Foreign Affairs is not exempt from this process. Nor should it be.

As previous governments have before us, we are constantly evaluating our network of missions abroad. For example, we have made our intentions clear that we plan on opening a new embassy in Burma, where recent welcomed changes have allowed Canada to re-engage. Where our personnel have been in danger (Iran and Syria), or our interests were just as well served in a neighbouring country, we have closed certain missions. Had the author bothered to research the facts, he would have learned that from 2006-2013 Canada has closed 21 missions, while opening 20.

This may not fit the author’s false narrative of slashing and burning, but the facts speak for themselves.

The author also complains about Canada losing its way as an “honest broker,” as if Canada has never taken a side, or taken a principled stand, since 1867. This, too, is false. Canada has interests, Canada has values, and it is in keeping with those values and interests we conduct our foreign policy. Canadians expect no less.

Canada has great and vibrant relations with countries from the Arab world to Latin American, to Asia and beyond. Our principled stands have been noticed, and are respected.

Whether that be the leadership role Canada played in Libya, and Afghanistan, or at environmental summits where Canada would only sign on to a global climate treaty that included all major emitters. Of course it would have been much easier to sign Canada’s name to whatever the majority did – but how does that enable us to enforce our sovereignty, and the ability to act in our interests, with our values? That is how foreign affairs may have been conducted at one time, but not anymore. Not under this foreign minister and certainly not under this prime minister.

Canada is not the outlier that the author would have you believe. We have thousands of fantastic foreign service officers and public servants who are proud to continue to build on Canada’s stellar reputation abroad, and they should be commended for it.

They know that foreign diplomacy has changed because the world has changed. Change isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. Through it all, Canadians can expect our government to pursue a principled policy reflecting our interests and our values.

Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

A recent Star opinion piece by Adam Chapnick ignored several facts the author either doesn’t know or chose to ignore.

Since forming government seven years ago, our Conservative team — led by the Prime Minister — has taken a principled foreign policy position reflecting Canada’s interests and values. We’ve focused Canada’s humanitarian assistance. And we’ve restored dignity and respect to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Gone are the days when Canada lends its good name just to pander to every dictator with a vote at the UN.

Gone are the days when blank aid cheques are written blindly without demanding real results.

And gone are the days when our men and women in uniform are starved of the basic equipment they need to serve our country so valiantly.

Canada now takes principled stands regardless of whether it is popular, or convenient, or expedient.

Under our government, Canada will no longer go along to get along, and we will continue to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law around the world. Standing up for Canadian values and Canadian interests.

This is not a partisan pursuit. We do this to benefit all Canadians.

The foreign minister regularly reaches out to the opposition to offer briefings on Mali, Syria, Sri Lanka and other hot issues.

The foreign minister regularly meets with members of the Liberal party and the NDP on issues that are important to them and their constituents.

And the foreign minister has even brought and sent members of the opposition on foreign visits to Haiti, Israel, Burma and Mali (cancelled at the last minute due to security concerns).

All of these points don’t fit in nicely with the author’s warped view of “reality.” Canadian foreign policy is pitched to our clear national interests, rather than the priorities of others.

Gone are the days when Canada just went along with the crowd. Happily, these days, Canada has a respected voice on the world stage and chooses to use it to express clear positions rooted in principle and keeping Canada’s interests and values in mind.

Bob Dechert, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mississauga, Ontario – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga Erindale issued the following statement:

“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend warm congratulations to H.G. Bishop Mina. We are proud to see Bishop Mina become the first Coptic Orthodox Bishop to Canada for the diocese of Mississauga and Vancouver.”

“We welcome this decision to appoint a Coptic Orthodox Bishop for Canada as it reflects Canada’s openness, diversity, and our promotion of a core human right – freedom of religion. Canada looks forward to working with Coptic Christians and all those who are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief where this right is threatened in the world.”

On February 19, 2013, Prime Minister Harper announced the establishment of the Office of Religious Freedom within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The Office – which is now operational – will build on Canada’s proud tradition of defending human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom or belief, and promoting respect for religious pluralism as an inextricable cornerstone of democratic development.

Under the leadership of Dr. Andrew Bennett as Canada’s first Ambassador of Religious Freedom, the Office will defend freedom of religion as a core human right, encourage protection of religious minorities, and promote Canadian values of pluralism and tolerance around the world.