Mr. Bob Dechert (Mississauga—Erindale, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I am very saddened to report that tragically today in the West Bank a school bus carrying up to 50 children as young as four years old overturned and burst into flames. More than 40 children have been injured and there are fears that at least 8 children may have been killed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those children and on behalf of all members of the House, I offer our hope for a full and speedy recovery to the families of those injured in this tragic incident.

In the face of tragedy such as this, people rise beyond their differences for the common cause of humanity. We commend the sincere gestures made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

We stand united with those affected during this most difficult time and we wish them solace in the face of grief.

“Our government is focused on creating conditions to promote jobs and economic growth,” said Minister Ambrose.  “That is why we’re committed to supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who help to keep the Canadian economy moving.”

“Supporting Canada’s economy is our number one priority, and today’s announcement is great news for the workers at Temporal Power Ltd., said MP Dechert. Our Government is putting its support behind their innovation designed right here in Mississauga and bringing them one step closer in moving their innovations into domestic and international markets.”

Temporal Power Ltd.’s innovation, Long Duration Flywheel Energy Storage, is a breakthrough energy storage system based on a proprietary flywheel design, which can store energy for days and provide continuous power for hours.

“Temporal Power is very pleased that the Government of Canada selected our company to be part of this program. This news is important for our company, the innovation sector and the local economy,” said Cam Carver, CEO, Temporal Power Ltd..

The CICP is a $40-million pilot program launched as part of the Economic Action Plan. Successful companies may see their pre-commercial products and services tested within government operations, and will be given relevant feedback from participating departments.

CICP demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to building the jobs and industries of the future by creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.

In total, 27 innovations from Canadian companies pre-qualified for funding under the CICP’s first round and 36 innovations under the second round.

The CICP is managed by PWGSC’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, whose mandate is to improve accessibility to government procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises.

Launched as part of the Government of Canada’s Budget 2010, the CICP is a new initiative to promote Canada’s economic growth.

For the complete list of the successful innovations, please refer to the backgrounder.

For more information, please visit www.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation or look for upcoming Calls for Proposals on www.merx.com. You can also contact the CICP team by email at innovation@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca or via the toll-free line at 1-800-811-1148.

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Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For more information, media may contact:

Michelle Bakos
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.

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

Mr. Bob Dechert (Mississauga—Erindale, CPC): “Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my best wishes to all Canadians who have recently celebrated the Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean Lunar New Year Tet and Spring Festival in Canada and around the world.”

“As many Canadians of Asian heritage gather with family and friends to mark the beginning of the new year I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments and all they wish to achieve in the new year in our great country. I encourage all Canadians to participate in the many new year’s festivities that will be celebrated across Canada.”

“I am pleased to see that our government is continuing to foster positive relationships between Canada and China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Republic of Korea by expanding trade and cultural ties. Our government’s new year’s commitment is to continue working hard on the economy and to create the jobs and economic opportunities that will help ensure that the year of the dragon will indeed be a year of prosperity and wellbeing for all.”

“Happy New Year.”

“Xie Nien Kwai Le.”

“Chuc mung nam moi.”

“Gong Hey Fat Choy.”

“Sabok Mani Baduseyo.”

“I was pleased to visit Haiti today and meet with President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Garry Conille. I conveyed to them Canada’s commitment to continuing to support the Haitian people.

“During these meetings, I took the opportunity to underscore Canada’s continued concern with political stability in Haiti. Combatting corruption, support for an independent judiciary and the establishment of a capable and professional police force are key for the long-term development of Haiti.

“These challenges have hampered Haitian development over the past 25 years; the earthquake of two years ago only compounded existing problems. I am pleased to see Haiti’s leaders demonstrating the political will to tackle these challenges. I also made clear to the Haitian leadership that the Canadian government does not support the re-establishment of the Haitian army and will not provide any financial contribution to that end. We fundamentally believe that the basic needs of the Haitian people should take priority.

“I also had the opportunity to visit a police commissariat, a facility that Canada is helping to rebuild. We are proud of the Canadian police officers, Canadian Forces members and corrections officers supporting the development and the professionalization of the Haitian National Police to help improve the safety and security of the Haitian people.

“Finally, I also held good discussions with Canadian companies working in Haiti. Employment is a top priority for the Haitian government, and Canada is committed to working with them and the private sector to facilitate and support investment in Haiti.”

Minister Baird was accompanied by his Parliamentary Secretary, Bob Dechert, as well as New Democrat Foreign Affairs Critic Hélène Laverdière and Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Dominic LeBlanc.

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“Laureen and I and our family would like to extend our warmest wishes to all Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas.

“It is a time of peace and unity, where friends and family gather together to celebrate their faith by observing rich cultural customs and traditions. It is also a time to reflect on the year gone by and give thanks for all of the blessings we enjoy in Canada.

“Last year, violence and persecution of Eastern Christians – in particular the violence against Iraqi Christians and a terrorist attack on a Coptic Church in Egypt – cast a dark shadow over Christmas celebrations, which should be a time of peace and joy.

“Recognizing that religious pluralism is inextricably linked to democratic development, our Government has committed to creating a special Office of Religious Freedom to monitor and help ensure religious minorities can practice their faith without fear of violence and repression.

“To help commemorate this celebration, the Government of Canada’s Lights Across Canada Program, which illuminates Confederation Boulevard and Parliament Hill, will remain lit until January 7.

“Again, Laureen and I wish you a very merry Christmas, and health, happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.”

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PMO Press Office: 613-957-5555

This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca

Mississauga, Ontario – Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erindale applauds Canada’s response to victims of the recent floods in the Philippines.

“I was very concerned to hear about the terrible floods in the Philippines which have resulted in the tragic loss of lives and suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this disaster and their friends and families at this difficult time,” said Dechert.

On January 4, 2012, the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada is providing immediate humanitarian assistance, such as food, clean water, shelter and non-food relief items, to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by Tropical Storm Washi in the Philippines.

“We commend the local communities, non-governmental organizations, and the Government of the Philippines for their rapid response. Today, Canada is responding to calls for needed supplies and further assistance to help those affected restore their strength and livelihoods,” said Minister Oda.

Recent reports indicate the storm displaced more than 500,000 people in 13 provinces of the country. The Government of the Philippines undertook a major emergency rescue, evacuation and relief response operation in southern Philippines.

Canada’s response, through the Canadian International Development Agency, will support the efforts of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Oxfam Canada in the affected area.

The IFRC will provide safe water, food and non-food relief items to 5,000 families currently in emergency evacuation centres. WFP will provide immediate lifesaving food assistance to approximately 220,000 people and targeted distribution of high-energy food to 15,000 children under five. IOM will provide emergency shelter repair kits, which include items such as tarps, lumber and ropes, for as many as 23,550 families and non-food relief items, including essential household items, for 47,000 affected families. Oxfam Canada will improve access to safe water for approximately 8,000 families, as well as set up latrines and shower blocks in evacuation centres and in communities hosting evacuees.

Canada will provide up to $1.25 million to carry out this work. Canada will also continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond to further humanitarian needs as appropriate.

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For more information:

Travel report for the Philippines: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=239000.

Canadian embassy in Manila: (2) 857-9000.

DFAIT’s Emergency Operations Centre: 1-800-387-3124 or sos@international.gc.ca

For further information, media may contact:

Office of Bob Dechert, MP

Office: (905) 897-1952

“Mr. Speaker, Last November, the Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement concerning Asia Bibi’s incarceration in Pakistan under their blasphemy law. At the time, the Government of Canada registered its concerns with Pakistan at high levels.
We have also called on the Government of Pakistan to repeal laws criminalizing blasphemy, which restrict religious freedom and expression and have disproportionately targeted religious minorities.
Mr. Speaker, we remember the brave stance taken by Governor Taseer and Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, both of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their promotion of; the rights of religious minorities, tolerance, and legal reforms.

The promotion and protection of human rights are an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada continues to stand up for human rights and take principled positions on important issues to promote freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, I call on Pakistan to release Ms. Bibi and to ensure equal rights and equal protection for all members of minority communities.”

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For further information contact:
Office of Bob Dechert, MP
Office: (905) 897-1952

I hope that this season brings you close to family and friends.

On behalf of my wife Ruth, and my staff, I would like to take this opportunity to express our warmest wishes to you for happiness, health and prosperity in 2012.

And please remember, if you choose to drink over the holidays, please have a designated driver.

~ Bob

Mr. Bob Dechert (Mississauga—Erindale, CPC): Mr. Speaker, this week His Holiness Pope Shenouda III celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination as Pope of the Coptic Orthodox  Church. Anniversary celebrations recently took place in Egypt.

I would like to congratulate Pope Shenouda and his followers, many of  whom live in my riding, on this very special occasion.

Our government remains very concerned about the recent violence in Egypt.  Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right. I am so proud to see that our  government is following through on its promise to create an office of religious freedom. While still in its planning stages, the process of establishing this office is well under way.

I am also pleased to highlight that last week our government communicated directly to the UN Secretary-General the motion which was unanimously adopted by this House and that called for an investigation into the recent violence. Canada has been clear that the violence must stop.

Our government will continue to advocate on behalf of all people of faith around the world in order that they may be able to worship in peace and security.

“I am very concerned about the violence in Egypt over this weekend. On behalf  of all Canadians, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims.

“Religious extremism has no place in modern society and the new Egypt. Canada  urges all involved to work together to build a society where religious  communities can live and prosper together and build a new Egypt.

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right and a vital building block for healthy democracies. People of faith must be able to practise and worship in peace and security.”

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Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International
Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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