Liberals would promote peace, democracy: Martin

Last Updated: Saturday, January 14, 2006 | 5:56 PM ET

CBC News

Liberal Leader Paul Martin has announced four initiatives he said would enhance Canada's role in promoting peace and democracy in the world, including one aimed at preventing the weaponization of space.

During a campaign stop in Montreal on Saturday, Martin said a Liberal government would lead an international campaign at the United Nations to establish a treaty banning all weapons in space.

He said the Liberals would also establish the Canada Centre for Peace and Democracy in the Middle East. Martin said it would be based in the region and would help Palestinians in building a state founded on democracy, the rule of law, strong public administration and good governance.

Liberal Leader Paul Martin speaks at a camapign rally in Montreal Saturday. (CP Photo)

POLLS OPEN

Advance polls are open Friday, Saturday and Monday across the country. You can find your poll location by contacting Elections Canada or by checking your voter information card.

"It is impossible to be prime minister and not feel tremendous pride when travelling across the world and seeing the extent to which Canada is respected and envied by every country in the world," he told an audience at Concordia University. "Whether it's in Haiti, Afghanistan or Darfur, Canada is there to promote peace and democracy."

Under a third initiative, the Liberals would expand the activities of Canada Corps, an agency created by the federal government in February 2004 to strengthen the country's contribution to human rights and democracy.

Young people aged 19 to 30 who complete internships under one of two new Canada Corps programs would be eligible for a tuition voucher for any Canadian university or college for two years' tuition to a maximum of $12,000.

As a fourth initiative, Martin said his government would increase spending on research into health and environmental technologies in developing countries.

Martin suggested the foreign policy of a Conservative government would hurt Canada's reputation.

"[Conservative Leader] Stephen Harper would renege on the Kyoto Accord on climate change. He would undermine the credibility of Canada in the world by removing Canada's signature from that agreement. Canada was a leader bringing together 150 countries here in Montreal to develop an ambition plan for the future, the Montreal conference on climate change."