FAAE Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 3:37 p.m. this day, in Room 7-52, 131 Queen Street, the Chair, Dean Allison, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $7,550, adopted by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights for its study of human rights in Eritrea, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $4,950, adopted by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights for its study of the situation in Camp Ashraf, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That in relation to the study of the role of the private sector in achieving Canada's international development interests, the proposed budget in the amount of $39,850, for the period of 2011-12 be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to appear before the Committee to provide a briefing on the situation in Syria on Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study, consisting of a minimum of two meetings, to examine the independence of Ukraine and to discuss issues concerning democracy, human rights, the rule of law and foreign policy.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee invite officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to appear for one hour to update Members on the ongoing negotiations regarding a Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

It was agreed, — That the Committee devote at least one public session to study Canada’s overseas development assistance to Ethiopia in light of allegations made by Human Rights Watch and; that witnesses to be invited to appear at this meeting include representatives from Human Rights Watch as well as Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA); and that the Committee’s findings be reported to the House of Commons before the summer adjournment.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee, as part of the Government’s continued engagement in the Americas, undertake a study to examine ways to increase the role that Canada could play in multilateral fora, for example the Organization of American States, in order to advance our three focuses in the Americas: democracy, security and prosperity.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study to examine Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, focusing on ways in which Canada promotes its Northern Strategy abroad, including, but not limited to, economic development, scientific research, environmental protection and military operations.

At 4:29 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.