Balkan Devlen and Martin Théberge made statements and, with Véronique Mallet, answered questions.

At 12:00 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:04 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Charles Burton, Ardi Imseis and Colin Robertson made statements and answered questions.

Robert Oliphant moved, — That, pursuant to standing order 108(2), following the establishment of a dedicated mission and permanent observer to the African Union; recognizing Canada’s shared interests and cooperation with countries on the African continent within multilateral organizations including La Francophonie, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations as well as strong people-to-people ties between Africans and Canadians; and with a view to continuing to strengthen Canada’s efforts to collaborate with African partners on shared priorities, the committee undertake a study on Canada’s approach to Africa;

That such a study examine:

(a) Canada’s diplomatic and geopolitical engagement with countries on the African continent, including how such engagement coordinates with Canada’s International Assistance Program and Canada’s work on a Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy,

(b) the political and security situation in the Sahel including the impacts on Canadians and Canadian interests, and

(c) Canada’s development and humanitarian assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa;

That it consist of a minimum of six meetings;

That the committee report its findings to the House; and

Debate arose thereon.

Michael D. Chong moved, — That the debate be now adjourned.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Ziad Aboultaif, Stéphane Bergeron, Michael D. Chong, Dave Epp, Randy Hoback, Heather McPherson — 6;

NAYS: Omar Alghabra, Sophie Chatel, Hedy Fry, Robert Oliphant, Sameer Zuberi — 5.

Stéphane Bergeron moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee study diplomatic relations between India and Canada; that it allocate a minimum of four meetings to hear witnesses; and that the committee report its observations and recommendations to the House.

Debate arose thereon.

It was agreed, — That the debate be now adjourned.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

On motion of Robert Oliphant, it was agreed, — That the committee do now adjourn.