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

Issue 18 - Minutes of Proceedings - November 28, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, November 28, 2012
(44)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 5:05 p.m., in room 160- S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable A. Raynell Andreychuk, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, De Bané, P.C., Downe, Finley, Fortin- Duplessis, Lang, Mahovlich, Nolin, Wallace and Wallin (10).

In attendance: Natalie Mychajlyszyn and Brian Hermon, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, the committee began its examination of Bill C-24, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Panama, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Panama and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Panama.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Ed Fast, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

WITNESSES:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

Cameron MacKay, Director General, Asia-Pacific Trade Policy Bureau.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:

Pierre Bouchard, Director, Bilateral and Regional Labour Affairs.

Environment Canada:

Mollie Johnson, Director General, Americas.

Department of Finance Canada:

Alain Castonguay, Senior Chief, Tax Treaties.

The chair made an opening statement.

The minister made a statement and, together with Messrs. MacKay, Bouchard, Castonguay and Ms. Johnson, answered questions.

At 6:22 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee