FAIT Committee Report

(Meeting No. 46)

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 4:10 p.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chair, Bill Graham, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Jean Augustine, Aileen Carroll, Bill Graham, Marlene Jennings, Stan Keyes, Pat O'Brien, Brian Pallister, Pierre Paquette, Bernard Patry.

Acting Member present: Mac Harb for Hon. George Baker.

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: James Lee, Gerald Schmitz, research officers.

Witnesses: From the Council on Foreign Relations (New York): Stephen Flynn, Fellow, National Security Studies. From the Business Council on National Issues: Thomas d'Aquino, President and Chief Executive Officer; Sam T. Boutziousvis, Vice-President, International Trade and Global Economics. From the Conference Board of Canada: Gilles Rhéaume, Vice-President, Policy, Business and Society; Andrew Shea, Research Associate.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its study of North American Integration and Canada's Role in the Light of New Security Challenges (See Minutes of Proceedings of Tuesday, October 16, 2001, Meeting No. 31).

Stephen Flynn, Thomas d'Aquino, Gilles Rhéaume and Andrew Shea made statements and Stephen Flynn, Thomas d’Aquino and Gilles Rhéaume answered questions.

At 5:05 p.m., the Committee proceeded to consider the Fifth Report of the Sub-committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment.

It was agreed, — That the Committee adopt the Fifth Report, Towards a Secure and Trade-Efficient Border, of the Sub-committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment, as its Thirteenth Report to the House;

— That the Chair be authorized to make such typographical and editorial changes as may be
      necessary without changing the substance of the report;

— That 1,000 copies in bilingual format be printed;

— That the Chair of the Sub-committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment be
     authorized to present the report to the House;

— That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee requests that the Government table
      a comprehensive response within 150 days to this report.

At 5:10 p.m., the Committee discussed its future business.

Brian Pallister moved,

— That the Committee hold hearings to consider and report on the Supplementary Estimates
     (A), 2001-2002, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;

— That the Committee invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs and senior officials to appear before
      the Committee on the Supplementary Estimates (A) 2001-2002 as soon as possible.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

The Committee resumed its study of North American Integration and Canada's Role in the Light of New Security Challenges.

At 5:15 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.