THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, April 22, 2026
(30)
[English]
The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 4:16 p.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, Gerba, Harder, P.C., Hébert, MacAdam, MacDonald, Ravalia, Wilson and Woo (13).
Other senators present: The Honourable Senators Gignac, Lewis and Petten (3).
Participating in the meeting: Brian Hermon and Zak Black, Analysts, Library of Parliament.
Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the committee began its examination of Bill C-18, An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and Indonesia.
APPEARING:
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade.
WITNESSES:
Global Affairs Canada:
Aaron Fowler, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch and Chief Trade Negotiator.
Canada-ASEAN Business Council:
Wayne Christopher Farmer, President (by videoconference).
Canadian Labour Congress:
Elizabeth Kwan, Senior Researcher.
Canadian Cattle Association:
Jennifer Babcock, Chief Government and International Affairs Officer.
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:
Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-President, Research and Strategy (by videoconference).
The minister made a statement and, with Aaron Fowler, answered questions.
At 5:15 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:21 p.m., the committee resumed.
Wayne Christopher Farmer, Elizabeth Kwan, Jennifer Babcock and Vina Nadjibulla each made a statement and answered questions.
At 6:15 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.
ATTEST:
Chantal Cardinal
Clerk of the Committee