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

Issue 8 - Minutes of Proceedings - Meeting of February 29, 2012

OTTAWA, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
(17)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 4:10 p.m., this day, in room 160- S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable A. Raynell Andreychuk, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Andreychuk, Buth, Downe, Doyle, Jaffer, Mahovlich, Nolin, Poirier, Robichaud, P.C., Smith (Cobourg) and Wallin (11).

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 Tuesday, February 7, 2012, the committee began its examination on the establishment of a ``Charter of the Commonwealth'' as agreed to by the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Perth, Australia, in October 2011 and its implications for Canada.

WITNESSES:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

Olivier Nicoloff, Director, Democracy, Commonwealth and Francophonie;

Thomas Balint, Senior Policy Advisor.

Senate of Canada:

The Honourable Hugh Segal, Senator.

Mr. Nicoloff made a statement and with Mr. Balint answered questions.

At 5:14 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:16 p.m., the committee resumed.

The Honourable Hugh Segal made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:05 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Line Gravel

Clerk of the Committee