AFGH Committee Meeting

The Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan met at 3:29 p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Garry Breitkreuz, presiding.

David Luxton and John Inns made statements and, with Geoff Poapst, answered questions.

At 4:02 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:45 p.m., the sitting resumed.

At 5:15 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:17 p.m, the Committee proceeded to sit in camera.

It was agreed, — That the Committee ask the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs to appear to explain Canada’s position on the future of the mission in Afghanistan, as presented at the NATO Summit in Lisbon.

It was agreed, — That, in follow-up to this Committee’s trip to Afghanistan in May and June of this year, the Committee return to Afghanistan to examine the progress or completion of Canada’s three signature projects (the construction of the Dahla Dam, the construction and restoration of educational facilities, and the eradication of polio), as well as to receive a briefing from on-site government officials and a tour of various training facilities Canadian trainers and support personnel would use in Kabul, as well as any development projects, as outlined by the government’s announcement concerning Canada’s post-2011 non-combat role.

ORDERED, — That, in the event a motion to travel to Afghanistan is or has been adopted, any agreed-upon date or timeframe for the travel be omitted from the published Minutes of Proceedings, and that any such date or timeframe be disclosed only to those with a need to know of it.

At 5:33 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.