THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, December 12, 2024
(106)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 11:32 a.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Peter M. Boehm, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Al Zaibak, Boehm, Busson, Coyle, Deacon (Ontario), Gerba, Harder, P.C., MacDonald, Ravalia, Robinson and Woo (11).

Participating in the meeting: Brian Hermon and Zachariah Black, analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, October 26, 2023, the committee continued its study on Canada’s interests and engagement in Africa.

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

Christopher MacLennan, Deputy Minister, International Development;

Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister, Africa and Pan-Geographic Affairs;

Tara Carney, Director, International Humanitarian Assistance;

Susan Steffen, Director General, West Africa and Maghreb Bureau.

Christopher MacLennan made a statement and, together with Cheryl Urban, Tara Carney and Susan Steffen, answered questions.

At 12:32 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:35 p.m., pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee resumed in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

It was agreed that members’ staff be permitted to remain in the room during the in camera portion of the meeting.

It was agreed that the committee allow the audio recording of the in camera portion of today’s meeting, that one copy be kept with the clerk of the committee for consultation by committee members and/or staff, and that the audio recording be destroyed by the clerk when authorized to do so by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, but no later than at the end of this parliamentary session.

At 1:04 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Sébastien Payet

Acting Clerk of the Committee