AFGH Committee Meeting

The Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan met at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Kevin Sorenson, presiding.

The witness made a statement and answered questions.

At 4:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:32 p.m., the sitting resumed.

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 that the end of Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan is quickly approaching in 2011, and that the Committee was constituted to specifically study the mission's purpose and changing nature in a whole of government context, and that the policy relevance and importance of these plans are clearly of immediate concern and primary importance.

Debate arose thereon.

Bryon Wilfert moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “begin without delay to” with the words “, on condition that it first complete its study on the transfer of Afghan detainees,”.

Debate arose thereon.

On motion of Bryon Wilfert, it was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in camera.

At 5:04 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:08 p.m., the Committee resumed sitting in camera.

It was agreed, — That the motion previously moved by Laurie Hawn concerning Afghanistan post 2011 be referred to the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure for consideration.

The Chair presented the First Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

It was agreed, — That the First Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be concurred in.

The report read as follows:

Your Subcommittee met on Monday, March 15, 2010, to consider the business of the Committee and agreed to make the following recommendations:

1. That members of the Committee submit to the Clerk, as soon as possible, their lists of potential witnesses for the study on the transfer of Afghan detainees from Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities; and that the Chair, in conjunction with members of the Committee, determine the order of witnesses into panels.

2. That, pursuant to Order made by the House on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, all members of the Committee travel to Afghanistan; and that the Clerk, in consultation with the Chair, prepare a travel budget for approval by the Committee and the Board of Internal Economy prior to seeking permission to travel from the House of Commons.

3. That the series of meetings organized as part of the study on the transfer of Afghan detainees be limited to two (2) witnesses per panel, and that fifteen (15) minutes in total be allocated per panel for opening statements in order to maximize the time available to members for questions and answers.

At 5:18 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.