AFGH Committee Meeting

The Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan met at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Kevin Sorenson, presiding.

On motion of Claude Bachand, it was agreed, — That every meeting of the Committee be televised.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Laurie Hawn, — 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.

By unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

On motion of Laurie Hawn, it was agreed, — That the motion adopted on Thursday, March 25, 2010, concerning a study to investigate Canada's preparations and plans for the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Afghanistan post 2011, on condition that it first complete its study on the transfer of Afghan detainees, be rescinded.

On motion of Laurie Hawn, it was agreed, — That the Committee begin to investigate and study Canada's preparation 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.

At 3:43 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 3:44 p.m., the Committee proceeded to sit in camera.

The Committee commenced consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the report be entitled: Report on a Trip to Afghanistan.

It was agreed, — That the Chair, Clerk and analysts be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

It was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the House on Thursday, June 17, 2010.

At 5:29 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.