NDDN Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on National Defence met in camera at 3:36 p.m. this day, in Room 362, East Block, the Chair, Rick Casson, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in public.

At 3:42 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 3:43 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Robert Bouchard moved, — That the Committee examine the various aspects of the mission of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, such as its duration, the state of the personnel and materiel, the relationship between the mission’s combat operations and its efforts to help reconstruct the country, and the criteria for assessing its effectiveness, with a view to determining whether it is possible to complete the mission successfully while still meeting Canada’s other international obligations.

Dawn Black moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the following: “, and that the committee will submit recommendations in a report to the House based upon its examination”.

Laurie Hawn moved, — That the amendment be modified by replacing the word “will” with the word “may”.

After debate, the question was put on the subamendment of Laurie Hawn and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 7.

The question was put on the amendment of Dawn Black and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 4.

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

It was agreed, — That the Committee proceed to sit in camera .

At 4:11 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:12 p.m., the sitting resumed.

It was agreed, — That the First Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, which read as follows, be concurred in:

In accordance with its mandate pursuant to Order made May 9, 2006, your Subcommittee has considered the question of the future business of the Committee.

The Subcommittee recommends that the Committee undertake studies of the following with priority given as suggested by their order:

Canadian Forces (CF) in Afghanistan;

the situation of the CF vis-à-vis Darfur;

CF recruitment and retention;

quality of life for members of the CF and their families;

departmental and CF infrastructure;

procurement policy and process; and

force transformation.

A copy of the relevant Minutes of Proceedings (Meeting No. 1) is tabled.

It was agreed, — That the Committee travel to the National Defence Headquarters and Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Headquarters in relation to its study on Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

It was agreed, — That the Committee travel to Afghanistan in relation to its study on Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

It was agreed, — That the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Defence be invited to appear in relation to Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Assistant Deputy Minister, International Security Branch, and followed by the Commander of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, the Commander of Canadian Operational Support Command, the Commander of 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and the Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment.

At 4:34 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.