We are currently seeking an international consensus to curb child labour. In addressing this very important issue, I believe we can begin to move to protect and promote children's rights, as we debated in this House on a resolution I sponsored almost eight years ago, but we must first ensure that there are proper rules, laws and covenants that can ensure that children's rights are protected. This means working at the multilateral level, the commission of human rights in Geneva and through the ILO, and taking the lead in negotiating a protocol on the abolition of child sex trades in this country. We also have to ensure that those countries which are facing problems of child labour have the means and capacity to respond and change. We also have to work bilaterally, as we are now in Africa working with 15 countries on that continent to establish programs for the education of girls.
Education is the alternative to exploitive labour.
Where we can make a real difference as Canadians is to help those young children receive the education they deserve. We also need to look at the voluntary actions of Canadians and at the codes of conduct for businesses building on a consumer oriented approach like the Rugmark. We need to have an outreach among Canadians to ensure they understand that a purchase of an article created through the travails of a young child is contributing to that exploitation. I look forward to the views and suggestions of members of Parliament on this very important priority. It will take a full consensus, not just internationally but within Canada, to make this an effort that can demonstrate just how important and how effective Canada can be.