AFGH Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 6

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan met in a televised session at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Kevin Sorenson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Hon. Jim Abbott, Claude Bachand, Bob Dechert, Hon. Ujjal Dosanjh, Jack Harris, Laurie Hawn, Francine Lalonde, Dave MacKenzie, Deepak Obhrai, Hon. Bob Rae, Kevin Sorenson and Hon. Bryon Wilfert.

Other Members present: Paul Dewar and Cheryl Gallant.

In attendance: House of Commons: Andrew Lauzon . Library of Parliament: James Lee ; James Cox ; Christine Kostiuk.

Witnesses: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: Arif Lalani, Policy Planning Bureau; David Sproule, Legal Affairs Bureau. Embassy of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand: Ron Hoffmann, Ambassador.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, March 3, 2010, and the motion adopted by the Committee on Thursday, March 11, 2010, the Committee resumed its study on the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 5:17 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:18 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Committee business.

Laurie Hawn moved, — That the Committee begin without delay to investigate and study Canada's preparations and plans for the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan in 2011, and Canada's Whole of Government efforts and plans in Afghanistan post 2011, in light of the fact of the Leader of her Majesty's Official Opposition's inquiries in the House of Commons on March 30th, 2010, concerning the plans the government has for the Canadian mission in Afghanistan after 2011; and the Prime Minister's invitation to the opposition to share its ideas on the future of the mission; that the policy relevance and importance of these plans are clearly of immediate concern and primary importance; and that given that the Military Police Complaints Commission is continuing its own investigation, that the Committee's efforts are better engaged on the policy questions affecting Canada's development and diplomatic mission in Afghanistan post 2011.

Debate arose thereon.

At 5:35 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Carmen DePape
Clerk of the Committee

2010/10/05 10:58 a.m.