THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Thursday, November 27, 2025
(15)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 10:29 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 Adler, Al Zaibak, Ataullahjan, Boehm, Coyle, Deacon (Ontario), Gerba, Harder, P.C., Hébert, MacDonald, Ravalia, Wilson and Woo (13).

Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Cardozo, Muggli, Pupatello, Robinson and Youance (5).

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, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study of foreign relations and international trade generally.

APPEARING:

The Honourable Anita Anand, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs.

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

Sandra McCardell, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs;

Alexandre Lévêque, Assistant Deputy Minister, Europe, Middle East and Arctic Branch;

Cheryl Urban, Assistant Deputy Minister, Africa Branch;

Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister, Indo-Pacific Branch.

The minister made a statement and answered questions.

At 11:33 a.m., the committee suspended.

At 11:36 a.m., the committee resumed.

Alexandre Lévêque, Cheryl Urban and Weldon Epp answered questions.

At 12:08 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Chantal Cardinal

Clerk of the Committee