FAIT Committee Report

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met in a televised session at 9:07 a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Jean Augustine, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Sarkis Assadourian, Jean Augustine, Aileen Carroll, Stockwell Day, Marlene Jennings, Hon. Diane Marleau, Keith Martin, Pierre Paquette, Svend Robinson.

Acting Members present: Yves Rocheleau for Francine Lalonde, Mac Harb for Hon. George Baker.

Associate Members present: Irwin Cotler, Beth Phinney

Other Member Present: Louis Plamondon.

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Gerald Schmitz, Research Officer.

Witnesses: From the Canadian Labour Congress: Ken Georgetti, President; Pierre Laliberté, Senior Economist; Steven Benedict, Director of International Department; Anna Nitoslawska, International Programme Administrator, International Department; Patricia Blackstaffe, Executive Assistant to the President.

Appearing: His Excellency Pierre Diouf, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal; Her Excellency Sallama Mahmoud Shaker, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency Philémon Yunji Yang, High Commissioner for the Republic of Cameroon; His Excellency André Jaquet, High Commissioner for the Republic of South Africa; His Excellency Youcef Yousfi, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; His Excellency Berhanu Dibaba, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Canada; Nuradeen Aliyu, Deputy High Commissioner for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed consideration of the Agenda of the 2002 G-8 Summit (See Minutes of Proceedings of Tuesday, October 16, 2001).

Ken Georgetti made an opening statement and with the other witnesses answered questions.

At 10:03 a.m., the Committee proceeded to consider reports of sub-committees.

Mac Harb presented the Eleventh Report (World Trade Organization) of the Sub-committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment.

Mac Harb moved, — That the Eleventh Report of the Sub-committee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment be adopted as a report of the Committee.

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

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to make such typographical changes as necessary without changing the substance of the report;

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That pursuant to Standing Order 108(1)(a), the Committee authorize the printing of brief dissenting opinions, to be submitted in the two official languages to the Clerk;

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair or her designate be authorized to present the report to the House;

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee request that the government table a comprehensive response.

Beth Phinney presented the Second Report (Zimbabwe) of the Sub-committee on Human Rights and International Development.

On a motion by Beth Phinney, it was agreed, — That the Second Report of the Sub-committee on Human Rights and International Development be adopted as a report of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair or her designate be authorized to present the report to the House;

At 10:15 a.m., the Committee resumed consideration of the Agenda of the 2002 G-8 Summit.

The ambassadors and high commissioners made statements and answered questions.

At 12:01 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.