Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on 
Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Issue No. 18 - Minutes of Proceedings - February 16, 2017

OTTAWA, Thursday, February 16, 2017
(46)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 10:30 a.m., in room 160-S, Centre Block, the deputy chair, the Honourable Percy E. Downe, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Bovey, Cools, Cordy, Dawson, Downe, Gold, Housakos, Marshall, Marwah, Ngo, Saint-Germain and Woo (13).

In attendance: Natalie Mychajlyszyn, Pascal Tremblay and Alexandra Smith, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on March 22, 2016, the committee continued its study on the opportunities for strengthening cooperation with Mexico since the tabling, in June 2015, of the committee report entitled North American Neighbours: Maximizing Opportunities and Strengthening Cooperation for a more Prosperous Future. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 13.)

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

David Morrison, Assistant Deputy Minister (Americas);

Martin Moen, Director General, North America and Investment.

The deputy chair made a statement.

Mr. Morrison made a statement and, together with Mr. Moen, answered questions.

At 11:31 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:34 a.m., the committee resumed.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on October 5, 2016, the committee continued its consideration of Bill S-219, An Act to deter Iran-sponsored terrorism, incitement to hatred, and human rights violations. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 15.)

WITNESSES:

Iran Democratic Association:

Shahram Golestaneh.

Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights:

The Honourable Irwin Cotler, P.C., Founder and Chair.

The deputy chair made a statement.

Mr. Golestaneh and Mr. Cotler made statements and answered questions.

At 12:30 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the deputy chair.

ATTEST:

Marie-Eve Belzile

Clerk of the Committee