October 8, 2004

Hon. Bill Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see that the Minister of National Defence has backed off the idea that there is no role for parliamentarians in reviewing the sub program because the other day he said it was strictly a matter for military inquiry.

I would ask the Prime Minister if he might also have a change of mind with respect to addressing the democratic deficit, and I say to the right hon. Prime Minister, if he is so convinced that there is no weaponization of space involved in the national missile defence program, why will he not allow members of his caucus to show that they are equally so convinced and allow them to vote on any decision taken by the Prime Minister?

Hon. Bill Graham (Minister of National Defence, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I--

Hon. Bill Blaikie: I didn't ask you a question, I asked the Prime Minister.

The Speaker: The Minister of National Defence has the floor.

Hon. Bill Graham: Mr. Speaker, I would ask the hon. member, please do not go ballistic over this question.

The members have had an opportunity of debating the issue on several occasions in the House and the hon. member was there.

I have shared my debating points with him. There are members in our caucus who have different points of view. The Prime Minister has encouraged an open debate over what is an issue of great importance.

The hon. member, also being a very experienced member of the House, knows full well that the ratification of international treaties is and must remain a prerogative of the government.