*>> Hon. Jack Layton: In 2009, remains a very dangerous PERIOD OF TIME, Mr. SPEAKER.
( Voice of Translator ): THERE Are a lot of problems choosing -- with choosing nuclear technology. Exporting it is not a good idea. The possibility of environmental damages are high, and there is no solution for nuclear waste. Without talking about the risk for it represents to people. Is that where the government is? It's at a point where it's abandoning canadian principles like sustainable development, and nuclear non-proliferation, simply to make money. Is that where we're at?
>> ( Voice of Translator ): The honourable minister of transport.
( End of translation )
>> Hon. John Baird: -- like-minded democracy, and respects democracy, and human rights, and shares our values with respect to the environment and one of the benefits of nuclear is produces electricity in a non-emitting form, and something better than dirty coal which is proliferating greatly in that part of the world, and we commited to working our friends in india, and commited with working the responsible and respected international government in India, and committed to getting the job done.**
The Globe and Mail picked out the most important exchange between the two:NDP Leader Jack Layton, sounding a little hoarse after missing two days because of a cold, pointed out that the last time the Canadian government sold nuclear technology to India, which was in the 1970s, “India took the opportunity to build a bomb.”
Transport Minister John Baird told Mr. Layton to get real: “We have great faith in our Indian friends and partners. We are not living in the 1970s. We are living in 2009.”
The Problem with the NDP***
Jack Layton and the NDP are content to exists as a party without any coherent foreign policy. The NDP are against free-trade and anti-war but when you examine the rest of their foreigh policy they offer no new ideas. On almost every issue the NDP remains in the past and that is especially true in regards to nuclear power. Nuclear power is safe, clean, efficient and reliable. Nuclear power will create jobs and help the environment. The NDP act as if more than 40 years of technological advancement didn't happen. Canada should be ecstatic that India wants to work with us and not France. We should also be encouraging countries developing as rapidly as India to invest in nuclear power instead of other forms emissions producing power sources that are cheap, like coal. Prime Minister Harper should have started engaging China and India 4 years ago but his recent trip was still a good idea.
The Bigger Problem
Jack Layton was so tremendously wrong that he made John Baird look reasonable. When I was watching Question Period I thought "Hell Ya" when Minister Baird finished speaking. I sided with John Baird, that thundering oaf! This is one of the most nefarious acts committed by the NDP, getting me to support Mr. Baird, I don't think I can forgive the leader of the NDP.
Update (Nov 19):
The Equivocator would like to clarify that his agreement with Minister Baird has very narrow perimeters. Mr. Baird is correct when he asserts that India wants nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. It should be noted that India has many homophobic/anti-homosexual laws and practices (these words don't go far enough to illustrate the horrible treatment of gays in India.) India is also behind in the rights of workers and the tolerance that is the cornerstone of Western Liberalism. India is a developing country with many problems both economical and social. As a firm believer in Development theory the Equivocator believes that Canada can help India create jobs (especially with this nuclear energy deal) but we can also show India how the Canadian model of multiculturalism and tolerance helps create a stable and prosperous society.
*John Baird is a frightening man so to avoid scaring the children and so that no one can accuse me of purposefully posting a terrible picture of Minister Baird the Equivocator has decided to imitate one of his favourite bloggers and post this adorable picture.
** I would like to thank my colleague Liberal Arts and Minds for providing me with the hansard. This was a huge help.
*** I should have put: "One of the many problems with the NDP."
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