QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Afghanistan Crisis
October 24, 2024
Senator Gold, despite the passage of Bill C-41 in June 2023 and the release of guidelines on the authorization regime by Public Safety Canada in June 2024, Canadian civil society organizations wishing to operate in Afghanistan and other regions controlled by designated terrorist groups continue to either refrain from engagement or remain stuck in limbo due to the ongoing confusion, lack of transparency and increased administrative burdens.
Can your government provide a clear and specific time frame for when a full, effective and transparent authorization process with the necessary procedural safeguards will be implemented?
Thank you for your question and your continued attention and advocacy on this issue. This is especially challenging for the women and people of Afghanistan. Please don’t misunderstand my comments, but it is also a very challenging issue given the forces that control and oppress the people of Afghanistan.
I will raise this with the minister at the earliest opportunity because it is an important question, and I know that lives and well-being are at stake.
Senator Gold, given the severe and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, what is your government’s plan for delivering aid to the country’s most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children? How will this aid be delivered through channels that prioritize speed, efficiency and local engagement, ensuring both immediate needs such as food, water and shelter are met, while also addressing long-term recovery efforts including education, livelihood initiatives and health care?
Well, senator, your questions identify all the appropriate steps that this country aspires to do to assist the people of Afghanistan. It also identifies implicitly the many challenges to which I referred given the authorities that control the territory in Afghanistan.
I will raise this issue with the minister, as I promised.
