MP David Tlson speaks at interparliamentary meeting in Strasbourg
Bolton, ON – Member of Parliament, David Tilson, was recently in Strasbourg, France, leading an all-party parliamentary delegation to the 34th Annual Inter-parliamentary Meeting between the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association and the European Parliament’s Delegation Responsible for Relations with Canada.
In his role as President of the Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association, Mr. Tilson was invited to speak on topics selected as subjects for debate and information sharing between the Canadian and European parliamentarians. Mr. Tilson spoke on the topic of foreign affairs and security with an emphasis on Canada’s current and future involvement in Libya and Afghanistan.
When addressing the European delegation, Mr. Tilson elaborated on Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan, “Canada’s overall goal is to leave Afghanistan better governed and self-sustaining; more stable and secure; and never again a safe haven for terrorists. In 2011, Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan transitioned to a non-combat mission that is centred in Kabul and focuses on four key themes: investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through development programming in education and health; advancing the rule of law and human rights through the training of the Afghan National Security Forces; promoting regional diplomacy; and delivering humanitarian assistance.”
Mr. Tilson then shifted his attention to Canada’s engagement in Libya, wherein it is providing the NATO mission with military support in the form of both air and sea assets, including: seven fighter aircraft (CF 188 Hornet Fighters), three refuelling aircraft (one CC-150 and two C-130s), and two maritime patrol aircraft (CP-140s), in addition to the HMCS Vancouver, a multi-role patrol figure. He then highlighted Canada’s achievements, “According to the officials from the Department of National Defence, the NATO mission has achieved considerable success, as large portions of the country are now in the control of the Transitional National Council.”
Mr. Tilson also went on to highlight Canada’s additional contribution of, “$10.6 million to experienced humanitarian assistance partners, including: the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Organization for Migration, UN agencies, and other actors providing food, water, medical services, and supplies.”
Following the discussion sessions in Strasbourg, Mr. Tilson and the delegation traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, for the final portion of the program. While there, the delegation met with Canadian Ambassador, Peter Lundy, as well as the Danish State Secretary for Foreign Policy, Michael Zilmer-Johns. The trip concluded with visits to the Danish Chamber of Commerce, the Danish Institute for International Studies, and the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions.