Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs
Issue 5 - Minutes of Proceedings
OTTAWA, Tuesday, September 26, 2006
(11)
[Translation]
The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs met this day at 5 p.m. in room 160-S of the Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Hugh Segal, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Corbin, Dawson, De Bané, P.C., Di Nino, Downe, Mahovlich, Segal, Smith, P.C. and Stollery (10).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Dallaire, Nancy Ruth, Poy and Prud'homme, P.C. (4).
Also present: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Allison Goody, Analyst.
In attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the committee continued to examine the development and security challenges facing Africa; the response of the international community to enhance that continent's development and political stability; Canadian foreign policy as it relates to Africa; and other related matters. (For the complete text of the Order of Reference, see Issue No. 1, Tuesday, May 16, 2006.)
WITNESS:
National Defence:
General R.J. (Rick) Hillier, CMM, MSC, CD Chief of the Defence Staff.
The Chairman made a statement.
The General made a presentation and answered questions.
At 6:13 p.m., the committee suspended its proceedings.
At 6:22 p.m., the committee reconvened in camera.
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered a draft agenda.
It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to attend this meeting.
The committee discussed future business, including the fact-finding mission to Africa and Europe.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the following three motions to the Senate:
(1) That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was authorized to examine and report on issues dealing with the development and security challenges facing Africa; the response of the international community to enhance that continent's development and political stability; Canadian foreign policy as it relates to Africa; and other related matters, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from October 31, 2006 to December 22, 2006;
That the committee retain until January 31, 2007 all powers necessary to publicize its findings.
(2) That, notwithstanding the Order of the Senate adopted on Wednesday, June 28, 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which was authorized to study and report on the Canada-United States agreement on softwood lumber, be empowered to extend the date of presenting its final report from October 2, 2006 to November 30, 2006.
(3) That the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament be authorized to examine and report on the following:
That rule 86(1)(h) of the Rules of the Senate be amended to read:
"The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, composed of twelve members, four of whom shall constitute a quorum, to which shall be referred, if there is a motion to that effect, bills, messages, petitions, inquiries, papers and other matters relating to foreign and Commonwealth relations generally, including:
(i) treaties and international agreements;
(ii) external trade;
(iii) foreign aid;
(iv) territorial and offshore matters."; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than December 22, 2006.
It was agreed that Senator Stollery attend an international conference in Moscow this coming October 31 and November 1.
At 6:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
OTTAWA, Wednesday, September 27, 2006
(12)
[Translation]
The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs met this day at 4 p.m., in camera, in room 160-S of the Centre Block, the Chair, the Honourable Hugh Segal, presiding.
Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Corbin, Dawson, Di Nino, Downe, Mahovlich, Merchant, Segal and Smith, P.C. (8).
Also present: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Allison Goody, Analyst.
Pursuant to the Order of Reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday May 9, 2006, the committee continued to examine the development and security challenges facing Africa; the response of the international community to enhance that continent's development and political stability; Canadian foreign policy as it relates to Africa; and other related matters. (For the complete text of the Order of Reference, see Issue No. 1, Tuesday, May 16, 2006.)
In accordance with rule 92(2)(e), the committee considered a draft agenda.
It was agreed that senators' staff be permitted to attend this meeting.
The committee discussed future business.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to table the following motion to the Senate:
That the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs be authorized to examine and report on the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon in July 2006; and
That the committee submit its final report no later than March 30, 2007, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings until April 30, 2007.
It was agreed that the chair be authorized to take the necessary steps to accept the offer of the Council of the Russian Federation.
At 4:50 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
ATTEST:
François Michaud
Clerk of the Committee