Mr. Speaker, today I speak with conviction and satisfaction as I present the humanitarian aid and development and resilience programming elements of Canada's plan to address the crisis in the Middle East.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to summarize what the Minister of International Development [Marie-Claude Bibeau], the Minister of Defence [Harjit Singh Sajjan] and the Prime Minister [Justin Trudeau] himself have just expressed.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to meet with you to discuss Canada's commitment to and actions within La Francophonie, 10 months before the summit in Madagascar next November.
I am here because I am impressed by this organization and the substance of your discussions today-the panels-are exactly the areas where the Prime Minister would like us to tackle some of our biggest challenges. Allow me to set out a few challenges for you as well as some direction.
Trade can be an agent of change. Trade and the opening up of markets can have a significant impact-by helping to raise standards of living, empower women and protect the environment.