About
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is a permanent committee established by the Standing Orders, the written rules under which the House of Commons regulates its proceedings. The Committee studies and reports on matters referred to it by the House of Commons or, under Standing Order 108(2), topics chosen by the Committee itself. Legislation, departmental activities and spending, and other matters related to the Committee’s subject area may be referred to it by the House.
The subject area of the Committee includes matters pertaining to:
- Canadian foreign policy and development assistance, including Canada’s relations with other countries, regions and international organizations;
- International affairs and diplomacy, international development, international security, and international human rights, including events or crises in specific regions or countries;
- International and regional organizations (e.g. the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization of American States, etc.).
The major government department under the Committee's scrutiny is:
The Committee is also empowered to study and report on the mandate, management and operation of the following autonomous agencies and Crown Corporation which report to Parliament through the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
The Committee may at its discretion also consider the work of any government department and agency that has an international dimension, which reflects the expansive and multifaceted nature of foreign affairs today.