//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1640)[English] Thank you.Thanks to our witnesses for being here today. In this very important study we're talking about Ecuador and trade. There have been lots of great conversations and some insights. I understand that representatives from the council joined Minister MacAulay in Manila to officially launch the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. In your news release you called it a pivotal moment for Canadian pork producers. I believe that came from Mr. Roy and his organization. Moving on, we know about this investment, but could you maybe share more about the Canadian pork producers' being able to reach such a large market and more broadly about why having an expanded presence around the world, in the Indo-Pacific and in Ecuador, is important for you and your members.KyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonRenéRoy//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Thank you for that. I'm going to turn now to Ms. Proctor. In your submission to the department's consultations, you mentioned how you support the Canadian government's pursuit of a progressive trade agenda when it comes to topics such as environment and gender. Today, in your opening, you mentioned that you support our government's progressive trade agenda. Could you expand on what you see as a progressive trade agenda, what it means for you and your members, and the benefits and the results of this approach?RenéRoyJaneProctor//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1650)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll be splitting my time with my colleague down the way.My question is for you, Ms. Proctor. I know that you were cut off. I have less than two minutes. Ecuador is seeing a steady increase in its food exports in the last five years. With that in mind, what benefits do you see for the Canadian fresh produce industry and Canadian consumers by Canada pursuing a free trade agreement with Ecuador?KyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonJaneProctor//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1650)[English] Thank you for that, Ms. Proctor.I'll turn the floor now to MP Arya.JaneProctorChandraAryaNepean//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1550)[English]I want to apologize to the witnesses here today.Let's just go to a vote so we can hear from our witnesses. Judy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1555)[English]I have a point of order, Madam Chair.Where's the relevance?Committee businessTonyBaldinelliNiagara FallsTonyBaldinelliNiagara Falls//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1555)[English]I have a point of order, Madam Chair.We want to be respectful to our witnesses. The member opposite said that we'd go to a vote. We want to go to a vote. Let's get to a vote, so that we can move on and hear from our witnesses here today.TonyBaldinelliNiagara FallsKyleSeebackDufferin—Caledon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1605)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.Look, I know we want to get to our next study. I believe it's CARM. We heard about how important CARM is to the member opposite. Delaying CARM by another couple of days is not going to be beneficial to industry experts. I believe we have those witnesses lined up as well. This is not only impacting our witnesses here today; it's going to impact our witnesses for the next two or three days. Therefore, I believe we need to go to a vote and get through this so we can hear from our witnesses today. I think we need to be mindful of their time today, as well.An hon. member: [Inaudible—Editor]Judy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1655)[English]Madam Speaker, I move to adjourn the meeting today.Committee businessJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1635)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.Thanks to our witnesses for being here today.As we all know, South America is a very important, growing region in the world for Canada. Having travelled to the region over the last two years as parliamentary secretary at Global Affairs, I've heard first-hand from Canadian companies operating in the region, and I understand that there are tremendous growth opportunities. Two-way trade is over $20 billion and supports thousands of jobs here in Canada. We have multiple free trade agreements with countries in the region: Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and Peru, to name a few. Trade in the region creates opportunities for many Canadian sectors, as we heard today, including clean tech, energy, science, technology and innovation, life sciences, and agriculture and agri-food.We heard Mr. Walker, in his opening remarks, mention that our trade agreement supports over 370,000 jobs directly and indirectly in the sector he highlighted through trade and local as well.In the growing clean tech and renewables sector, we have jobs that are growing exponentially here in Canada, and our government is focused on building on that growth and momentum to unlock even more markets around the world.Mr. Walker, you mentioned in your opening remarks that Ecuador presents potential for Canadian trade and industry. Can you speak to the impacts that our ambitious free trade agreements have had that have helped your industry achieve growth and trade diversity through markets around the world?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekMarkWalker//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]You mentioned that your organization has travelled to Ecuador almost yearly. What are you seeing on the ground there in terms of your conversations with industry stakeholders?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsMarkWalkerMarkWalker//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Do you support the agri-food industry, other than wheat, as well? In the city I represent, Brampton, we have a huge agri-food industry. What are you seeing there? Is there potential there, as well?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsMarkWalkerMarkWalker//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Thank you for that.Madam Chair, how much time do I have left?MarkWalkerJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Okay.My next question is for Ms. Price.Ms. Price, you mentioned the importance of including indigenous peoples in trade agreements to ensure that those groups also benefit from economic prosperity. In our Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement, we do have a chapter on indigenous peoples. How would you feel about that if it was to be included in something to do with the Ecuadorean government?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekKathyPrice//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1650)[English] While we wait for Mr. Sheehan to come back, I'll ask a question.Mr. Walker, I've heard great things about the lab, and I hope to visit one day when I'm in Winnipeg. Can you maybe speak to the innovative work that you're doing to innovate Canadian products for markets around the world?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekMarkWalker//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1650)[English] You mentioned 84 countries around the world that your members ship to. What are the latest countries that you've been opening up markets in?EcuadorFree Trade Agreement between Canada and EcuadorTrade agreementsMarkWalkerMarkWalker//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1640)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair, and thanks to our officials for joining us here today for this very important study.I represent Brampton East, which is a large agri-food processing community that supports thousands of jobs in our city. It's encouraging to hear about the Indo-Pacific strategy and how the new agriculture and agri-food office that's opening up in Manila in the Philippines is going to help our Canadian businesses access new export markets around the world.In addition, I heard about the national trade corridors fund, which is going to enable more trade to flow to supply chains, and the $5-million investment we made at the Peace Bridge, where we see 1.1 million trucks cross every year. We see investments to our cargo terminals and ports across Canada, so that's very encouraging to hear. I want to know more about the emerging markets in the Indo-Pacific. We did hear at the very beginning about the impacts this could have on Canadian businesses. Maybe I can hear from agriculture first.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekTomRosser//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Before you do turn over the floor, you mentioned a number in your opening statement in terms of a 12% increase over the previous years. Was it $92 billion?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsTomRosserTomRosser//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English]Maybe I can hear from Kathleen. TomRosserKathleenDonohue//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Thank you for that.I'll turn to the CBSA now.You mentioned in your opening statement about CARM and digitizing trade and how it will help businesses access new markets and facilitate the flow of goods.Can we expand on that a little bit? Can we hear more about how this would help?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKathleenDonohueMikeLeahy//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]I have about a minute left. I'll turn it over to Transport Canada to speak more in regard to the trade corridors fund. You mentioned $100 million for the port out in B.C., $100 million for the Edmonton airport and roughly $20 million for the the food grain terminal in Windsor, I think. These are things that will help Canadian businesses get their goods to market.Maybe you can expand on that a little bit.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsMikeLeahyRobertDick//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1700)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair, and thanks to our witnesses for being here today.My question is for Mr. Nowlan. You mentioned in your opening remarks about the Atlantic trade and investment growth strategy and how it's helped over 150 projects. Can you maybe give members of this committee some examples of successful businesses that have participated in this program? What kinds of services has ACOA has provided to them?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekDaryellNowlan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1700)[English]I have less than 45 seconds. Are there any business examples or maybe some stories you can give us?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsDaryellNowlanDaryellNowlan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you so much.Madam Chair, I'm going to turn the remainder of my time over to Mr. Arya.DaryellNowlanJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]I'm sorry, Madam Chair. I know time is short, but maybe we can get something in writing in terms of business success stories from both Mr. Nowlan and the Quebec agency.Thank you.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1640)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thanks to our witnesses for joining us here today.As you guys all know, I am in the city of Brampton. It's a supply chain hub of Canada with many different industries. Trade has an impact on so many of my constituents, our residents in Brampton. One in five jobs is impacted directly or indirectly by trade, whether that's in Brampton or across Canada.This government is making the critical investments, whether you're talking about the CPTPP or that we signed CETA, and we signed the new CUSMA and many other initiatives. In terms of infrastructure investments, we can speak about the Gordie Howe bridge, which is a very important corridor, as we all know. Trade with the U.S. is at an all-time high of, I think, $1.3 trillion now, so that's a record. We'll continue investing in infrastructure. Out in B.C., we've approved the expansion of the port in Delta, which will help increase trade by about 60% at that port alone. These are very important issues that our government remains focused on, especially those in my riding and across Canada.I really want to turn this over to some of my recent travels to Calgary, Kelowna and Montreal, where I met with representatives from the regional airport, the municipality, the chamber of commerce and business owners.I would like to know, because you guys represent members across the country, are there certain trends or challenges in certain parts of the country that you're not seeing in the other parts of the country? Maybe we can start with Mr. Holmes.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—BagotMatthewHolmes//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Thank you.Ms. Campbell.RobinGuyKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]You mentioned there is a grace period for importers. I don't know if that's if you register by March, then it's six months, so you don't have to get a bond and you can still continue on the custom broker's bond.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]What date is that?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]As long as they've signed on by May 13, they have a six-month grace period where they don't have to get the final security and they can continue working with their broker.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]So you have an additional six months of flexibility.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Yes, signing on is a few steps, but I think we should encourage importers to sign on.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Thank you for that. I've heard from members in terms of awareness. I think we need to continue working with industry partners to get more awareness out on this new system. When I was in Washington for APEP, we were discussing supply chains and customs regulations. A lot of the folks there were looking to Canada saying, “How are you doing this so well?”, because there are countries in South America that cannot trade with each other as we do with our neighbours. People are looking to Canada and some of our regulations and some of our techniques, but there's always room for improvement. We all know that.Turning to Ryan, would you like to speak to some of the regional challenges that you're seeing across the country?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—Bagot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English] Thank you.RyanGreerSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—Bagot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.As many of our witnesses may know, Minister Ng and Minister Champagne are leading a renewed team Canada engagement effort with the United States, working in collaboration with our ambassadors. We all know that the supply chain between Canada and the United States is one of the most integrated supply chains in the world.I want to hear from some of you what you would recommend to help improve North American supply chains and resilience.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—BagotMatthewHolmes//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English]I'm running out of time, but I wanted to share the remainder of my time with my colleague.MatthewHolmesSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—Bagot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.As we know, Parliament will soon be casting an important vote on the modernized Canada-Ukraine agreement, which was signed by our Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy. We're speaking about supply chains and the impacts of world events. Could you comment on how the conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated supply chain challenges both here domestically in Canada and around the world? That is for anybody who wants to take it and speak to supply chains and how we're all....Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—BagotMatthewHolmes//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Thank you for that. It's important that we continue to be there to help Ukraine. We heard from industry here in Canada. I heard directly from industry and the Ukrainian community in Kelowna when I was there about the importance of this modernized trade agreement. We need to make sure we get it through the House as soon as possible.Ms. Campbell, you were cut off at the beginning of your opening remarks. I'm not sure if you have some things to add.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsMatthewHolmesKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]You added that the financial security before was $5,000 for importers, and now it's $20,000 currently.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Okay.KimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]The number of importers registered on CARM right now, is it 50,000 or 2,000?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]About 25% of the community has registered.Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsKimCampbellKimCampbell//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Perfect.Thank you, Mr. Chair.KimCampbellSimon-PierreSavard-TremblaySaint-Hyacinthe—Bagot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1620)[English]Could we bring back our second panel another day?ChandraAryaNepeanJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1640)[English] Thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks to our witnesses for taking the time to join us here today. I want to say thank you to EDC and, of course, all the trade commissioners across the world and here in Canada. They do exceptional work on the ground. I've seen this first-hand. I want to give Ms. Wilshaw a chance to highlight some of the services that the trade commissioner service provides to businesses, both here in Canada and across our network abroad. Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekSaraWilshaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Definitely. There are some great stories and progress in terms of helping businesses expand into new markets around the world. Within our Indo-Pacific strategy, a $2.3-billion strategy that we launched last year, we committed to team Canada trade missions. You highlighted some of the trade missions that Minister Ng has been doing, the most recent being in Japan. Can you speak about some of the successes from that trade mission and the impacts it's had on the ground?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSaraWilshawSaraWilshaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English]Thank you.I understand that, in 2018, the trade commissioner service created a team to help Canadian businesses harness the impacts of Canada's free trade agreements. As you may be aware, this government has signed a record number of trade agreements, unlocking markets around the world and billions of consumers for Canadian businesses to access.Could you speak more about this work that the TCS team is doing?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSaraWilshawSaraWilshaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1645)[English] Thank you for that.I'll turn to Ms. Lavery. Thank you so much for being here today. Part of my role, before politics, for 13 years as an international trade consultant, was making sure that businesses knew how to utilize these trade agreements. Within our Indo-Pacific strategy, we've announced an agriculture and agri-food office opening in Manila, Philippines. Could you speak to how that would be a benefit to some of your clients?Canadian companiesDistribution and service industriesForeign marketsSaraWilshawMaireadLavery//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1250)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.Thanks to our witnesses for taking the time to be with us this morning. My first question is for Ms. Kuzeljevich. Many of your members are based in the Peel region. I know that many of my constituents work at the good companies that your association represents. I also had the pleasure of working in the trade industry for 13 years before my journey into politics here, so I'm very familiar with and appreciative of your work and the work that your members do.Could you share with the committee your feedback on what you were hearing in real time during the labour negotiations? How quickly did your members bounce back?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJuliaKuzeljevich//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1250)[English]I understand that, in the coming April 2024, your organization will hold the 75th anniversary conference with the theme “Leading the Path Forward”. Could you provide the committee with an overview of this event and the value of bringing the industry together to help shape the future of supply chains in Canada?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsJuliaKuzeljevichJuliaKuzeljevich//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1250)[English]Thank you. My next question is for Ms. Martin. As you know, Canada exports almost 70% of its pork production and 50% of its beef production to more than 90 countries. Could you share with our committee your organization's position on free trade and how agreements like the modernized Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement can help your industry reach more markets and expand their reach?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsJuliaKuzeljevichLaurenMartin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1255)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.LaurenMartinJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1140)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair, and thanks to our witnesses for taking the time to join us here this morning.My first question will be for Mr. Kingston.You mentioned that over 300,000 vehicles went through the port of Vancouver. A quarter of Canadian vehicle sales went through this port, as we heard. You mentioned a decrease in vehicle cargo even before this strike, over the last number of years.What is behind this decrease when, overall, Canada's trade numbers are up?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekBrianKingston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English]There was a global shortage of semiconductors that led to the decrease in these ports, even before the strike.You mentioned a few recommendations in your opening remarks. I'm hoping you can expand on recommendation three.Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsBrianKingstonBrianKingston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English]You mentioned that trade volumes are down at the port of Vancouver.Are you seeing other ports with the same trend line?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsBrianKingstonBrianKingston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English] Mr. Adams, you mentioned climate change, the impacts it's having on our supply chain ecosystems, and the importance of our addressing that—whether it's through investing $1 billion in charging infrastructure, promoting electric vehicles or putting more funding toward research and innovation—and working with industries to help combat climate change.You also mentioned the bottlenecks in our supply chain. Some of that is being addressed through our national trade corridors fund, with billions of dollars to help relieve some of the pressures in the ecosystems, whether we're talking about rail lines, trucking or air cargo.What more can be done to relieve some of these pressures, in your opinion, Mr. Adams?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsBrianKingstonDavidAdams//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1145)[English]In your conversations with stakeholders from within the ecosystem, are they looking at innovation that perhaps other countries are bringing in at their ports? Is that part of the conversation?Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsDavidAdamsDavidAdams//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1145)[English]I have a minute left, if you want to add anything else.DavidAdamsDavidAdams//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1145)[English]I was in Washington for APEP, where leaders from the western hemisphere convened to talk about supply chain resiliency and how we can work together to relieve some of these pressures on our supply chains. As we know, the pandemic had a global impact on many of our supply chains, so we are working with other countries. I think it's important to have those conversations, as you are having within your ecosystems, but again, it's important that we work collaboratively with all our partners.Thank you so much, Madam Chair. DavidAdamsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1135)[English]Thank you. Thanks to the witnesses for being here today. We all know Canada's ports play a significant role in the lives of Canadians, handling more than 90% of Canada's marine traffic. More than 343 million tonnes of cargo were shipped through our ports in 2021 alone. It's Canada's port authorities, or CPAs, that advance the growth and prosperity of the Canadian economy by managing these key marine infrastructures and services. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of addressing the Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters. We heard directly from them about the value ports add in terms of getting their products to market around the world and the economic value of creating jobs right here in Canada. I'd like to hear more from the witnesses here. Could you share with our committee how Bill C-33 would optimize traffic management by Canada's port authorities, and the benefits that could be realized through this important legislation?C-33, An Act to amend the Customs Act, the Railway Safety Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, the Marine Transportation Security Act, the Canada Transportation Act and the Canada Marine Act and to make a consequential amendment to another ActPort of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekSonyaRead//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English]Thank you for that. As part of the study, we're also looking at port-related innovation that could help with efficiency and performance. Based on your expertise, I'm wondering if there are other ports in Canada or across the world that we can look to and learn from in terms of innovation.Port of VancouverPorts and harboursStrikes and lockoutsSonyaReadSonyaRead//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1235)[English]Before we get to the witnesses, I want to put out there that I have to leave, and some of our members have to leave, because we have QP prep at one o'clock. We have to get out of here.Judy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1950)[English] We don't. Agreements and contractsAmendments and subamendmentsAutomotive industryBatteriesFactoriesKerry-LynneFindlayHon.South Surrey—White RockKerry-LynneFindlayHon.South Surrey—White Rock//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1115)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.I find it outrageous that, again, the Conservatives are using delay tactics, so I suggest we just go to a vote, Madam Chair.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementClause-by-clause studyGovernment billsMotionsTrade agreementsUkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1125)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you to all the witnesses for joining us here today.Mr. Roy, you mentioned the pork industry stands to benefit from this trade agreement with Ukraine. You spoke about markets that you used to have in Russia and the importance of finding additional markets, such as the 80 countries around the world your members currently ship to.Perhaps you could speak about how your members are increasing trade with Ukraine, so members on this committee can understand why trade with Ukraine is important to you and your members.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsTrade agreementsUkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekRenéRoy//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English] Thank you for that.What I understand is that your members are looking forward to doing more trade with Ukraine through agreements like this, so I think that's important for members to understand.I'm going to turn to Mr. Soule on the labour side. Our government recently introduced legislation to ban replacement workers in federally regulated sectors. The Harper Conservatives, on the other hand, repeatedly introduced anti-union legislation. How do you feel that the federal government can best engage with labour on macroeconomic issues broadly, and more specifically on trade issues?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsTrade agreementsUkraineRenéRoyGeorgeSoule//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1130)[English]Thank you for those insights.We've known for a decade that the Harper Conservatives took a binary approach to trade agreements, where labour rights were always sacrificed. I don't believe labour unions are anti-trade, but of course they want comprehensive and progressive trade deals that work for workers. Can you expand on how labour's view of trade deals has evolved over the course of many years, and why including labour rights in trade agreements isn't as woke as the opposition claims, but is a common-sense approach to encouraging trade in the 21st century?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsTrade agreementsUkraineGeorgeSouleGeorgeSoule//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1130)[English]Thank you for that.Since you mentioned steel production and the importance of green steel, as you know, our government has made historic investments in the steel sector, including at the Dofasco plant in Hamilton and the Algoma plant in Sault Ste. Marie. I want to know why the sector is pivoting towards green steel production. Do you believe reducing carbon emissions is important for Canada, and even for Ukraine, to remain economically competitive in the 21st century?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsTrade agreementsUkraineGeorgeSouleGeorgeSoule//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1245)[English] Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to put this on the record. This is another veiled delay tactic designed to save face after the Conservatives voted against the trade agreement yesterday. This is simply ridiculous. They continue to be called out by the business community, the trade community, industry groups, media, the UCC, Ukrainians and many other stakeholders across the board. This is something that we've heard from witnesses, who all spoke in favour of this. They said they were in support of this trade agreement being ratified as soon as possible. There are many benefits to be seen by industry groups across the board. It's not only going to help Canadian businesses. It's going to help Ukraine rebuild.Minister Ng was at the Rebuild Ukraine Business Conference on Monday and Tuesday, and she also heard directly from stakeholders who came up to her and thanked Canada for the support because, frankly, this is what Ukraine has asked for. This is what the business community in Canada has been in favour of, and we are going to continue to push forward with this. I don't know what the Conservatives' obsession with carbon pricing is when these are the same folks who had this in their campaign promises in the 2021 election. Many of their members were talking very proudly about carbon pricing and the impacts it can have: to save our environment, to keep future generations safe, to provide clean drinking water and to make sure we are able to fight pollution. Here you have the Conservatives frankly obsessed with something that's not even factual. They're making things up on the fly as they go along. It is important for those who are listening and those who are here today to see this. It's just a veiled tactic designed to save face and waste time. Ukrainians are asking for us to be there. We'll continue to be there. Canada's FTA with Ukraine has very little to do with the adoption and development of a carbon tax with Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine has been using carbon pricing for many years and now with alignments with the EU emissions trading system. Since 2011 Ukraine put forward a carbon tax that applies to CO2 emissions from stationary sources in the industry, power and building sectors, so this is nothing new. In November 2018, as we heard, their parliament decided to steadily increase the carbon tax rate. It is important that we put on record that it's nothing new to Ukrainians. I'm not sure where this fake outrage is coming from.We spoke about defence assistance to Ukraine. Canada has provided billions of dollars in defence assistance, from Leopard tanks to armoured vehicles, missile defence systems and training for officers. In fact, we'll continue to be there, as the Prime Minister said, as our government has said, but it's the Conservatives who are delaying support to Ukraine. It is important for the public to see this. I don't know how Conservative members with the Ukrainian diaspora can go out and speak to the Ukrainian community after this, after they are blocking support for Ukraine. We see it. Industry groups see it. Business groups see it, and I think it is important for those who are watching today to see this fake outrage. I don't know where it's coming from. It seems similar to what's happening in the U.S. with the far right, but they need to actually put their thoughts on the stage because carbon pricing, hiding behind carbon pricing or a carbon tax, is not the way to go, because we all know that Ukraine knows about carbon pricing. They have been using carbon pricing for many years. AmmunitionC-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementEnergy and fuelGovernment billsMotionsTrade agreementsUkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1215)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.I think what's ridiculous is what's being held up by the Conservatives. This is what the UCC wants. This is what the ambassador said she wants. This is what the Canadian business community wants. I'm not sure where this is coming from, to be honest with you, but it seems like, if we're going to be talking about what Ukraine wants and what Ukraine asks for, this is exactly what they said. Frankly, we're being very disrespectful to the witnesses we invited here today to hear from. These are the experts we want to hear from, but instead, now we have a sideshow going on, with a random motion being presented saying that we want to study this even more. I don't think Canada wants this, and I think it's important that Ukraine doesn't want this. They said it. We heard from the ambassador a few weeks ago, when she said quite frankly that they would like to see this passed as soon as possible so support can be provided on the ground to those in Ukraine and those in Canada who are working to help Ukraine. We all need to be mindful that this goes against everything we've heard so far on this study. I want to put that on the floor as well.AmmunitionC-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsMotionsTrade agreementsUkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.I want to give Mr. Vaillancourt a chance to share his views on this modernization of the trade agreement. You said some things in your opening remarks, but as the course of the conversation has evolved, I wanted to hear your thoughts on what stands out to you and what's important for Ukraine and Canada.Judy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekClaudeVaillancourt//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]The conversation has evolved, and I really wanted to hear your thoughts on what is best at this time within this modernization agreement for Ukraine and Canada. In your opening remarks, you spoke a bit about it, but if you want to expand on that, you can.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementGovernment billsTrade agreementsUkraineClaudeVaillancourtClaudeVaillancourt//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English] I think that chapter on the environment is important. Climate change is no doubt something that is a challenge for all of us. It's important on this side of the floor that we recognize that climate change is real and Canada needs to do its part. It's practical and it's important that we continue working with our partners around the world to help protect our environment. I appreciate your words on the environment.Thank you, Madam Chair. That's all I have today.ClaudeVaillancourtJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1235)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.We've heard from multiple parties that this is intended to delay Bill C-57, the support that Ukraine and the ambassador asked for. I think it's important to put that on the record. I think it's clear where our party stands, and we should vote today.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1140)[English]Thank you, Ambassador Kovaliv.I want to thank you for taking the time to join us here today.Let me be very clear: Our government has stood by Ukraine, as you know, since day one of this unjust war and will continue to be there with Ukraine until they win this war. When that day comes, the task of rebuilding Ukraine's economy will begin.In our discussions, you mentioned that everyone, including leadership in Canada, Ukraine and the business community, is fully in support of this modernized trade agreement. Also, speaking of the Ukraine rebuilding conference next month that you mentioned, many sectors are looking forward to the conference and, of course, the role of this modernized trade agreement with Ukraine to help rebuild their economy. I get that the opposition has to do its part, but this fake outrage and delay tactic that's coming from the Conservative side is not helping Ukraine rebuild at the end of the day.I would also like to add that, as per the Canadian Press news article, “A search of parliamentary records suggests Poilievre has never spoken directly about the Ukraine invasion in the House of Commons”. It's important to know where the leader of the official opposition stands on this, but I would like to mention that our government will continue to be there to help Ukraine rebuild, grow both our economies and add jobs, as the ambassador mentioned in Her Excellency's opening remarks.Having said that, what is your vision, Ambassador, for the Ukrainian economy in the next five or 10 years and how will this modernized trade agreement between Ukraine and Canada help Ukraine to rebuild?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonYuliyaKovalivH.E.//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you.Thanks to our witnesses for joining us here today in this very important discussion on the modernization of the trade agreement. I met with the UCC recently. It's a well-respected voice in the Ukrainian diaspora and the business community. Your advocacy is critical in helping Ukraine rebuild, as well as assisting both our economies and sectors create jobs here in Canada and in Ukraine, as we heard from the ambassador earlier today.I'd like to know from the UCC how important it is to you at the UCC and in the business community to have this modernized trade agreement adopted without delays.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonIhorMichalchyshyn//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for sharing those insights. Mr. Waschuk, turning to you, I really enjoyed the insights you provided into technology companies and mutual co-operation in both Ukraine and Canada. I know your opening remarks got cut off, but I'm hoping you'd like to finish some of those. I'm really intrigued to hear what more you have to say.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineIhorMichalchyshynRomanWaschuk//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for those insights.Turning back to the UCC, we mentioned agriculture and the importance that agricultural technology can play as we move forward to help Ukraine rebuild. Can we speak to that sector and some of the importance around the sector? Maybe give some examples of how Canada and Ukraine are working together.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineRomanWaschukIhorMichalchyshyn//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1235)[English]Thank you for your insights. I really appreciate it. IhorMichalchyshynKyleSeebackDufferin—Caledon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1135)[English]Thank you, Minister, and thank you to the officials from Global Affairs Canada for joining us here today.I've heard from many stakeholders and they're looking forward to this. They know this agreement will provide them that basis to make investments in Ukraine and to make investments in Canada, so we can continue to grow industries in both of our countries. Whether we're talking about clean technology or the environmental impacts that businesses can have, I think this agreement really strives to promote that. Minister, when you introduced this bill, you also mentioned your intention to lead a business delegation to Ukraine. I know those trade delegations and business delegations that are sent abroad are very impactful and very resourceful for many businesses. Could you share more of your hope of what impact leading a business delegation to Ukraine would have? C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekMaryNgHon.Markham—Thornhill//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English]Thank you for that.To follow up on that with officials, we hear from business leaders and organizations on how they can get involved in some of these trade delegations. I am hoping to learn more about how they can potentially participate. Is there information you can provide on how they can get involved in this process of going on a trade delegation?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineMaryNgHon.Markham—ThornhillMaryNgHon.Markham—Thornhill//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1140)[English]Thank you, Minister. In the CUFTA, I was happy to see a chapter dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses. What is the objective of this chapter, and how will it help businesses in my riding of Brampton East benefit from further opportunities?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineMaryNgHon.Markham—ThornhillMaryNgHon.Markham—Thornhill//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1250)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thanks again to our witnesses for taking the time to be here today.I understand that the government conducted public consultations on the possible modernization of CUFTA back in 2020, and I know you heard from a wide array of stakeholders. Could you update our committee on the feedback that was received from business stakeholders, and maybe the agriculture sector? How will this agreement benefit them?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineKyleSeebackDufferin—CaledonBruceChristie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1255)[English]Thank you for that.What about civil society and labour unions? How will this agreement benefit them? I know there's a chapter on that as well.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineDeanFosterDeanFoster//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1255)[English]Could you provide our committee with an overview on the updated chapter on digital trade, and how it will improve trade between Canada and Ukraine?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineDeanFosterBruceChristie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1255)[English] Mr. Christie, you had mentioned that the Ukrainian leadership, Canadian leadership here in Canada and business community stakeholders want us to pass this ASAP to help with the reconstruction. Is that the case that you'd want to amplify here as well?C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineBruceChristieBruceChristie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1255)[English]It's pretty much unanimous—I know the opposition here has to do their job as well—that stakeholders, governments in both countries and the Ukrainian community want this to pass right away. I think that's important for the record and for those who are watching at home.Thank you so much for your time.C-57, An Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and UkraineCanada-Ukraine Free Trade AgreementTrade agreementsUkraineBruceChristieKyleSeebackDufferin—Caledon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1225)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks to the witnesses for taking the time to join us here today.My question is for Ms. Shannon Coombs.I'd like you to respond to the perspectives shared by other witnesses. Would you agree or disagree? I just want to hear your thoughts.BiocidesInternational tradeRegulationJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black CreekShannonCoombs//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]I'll let you choose.ShannonCoombsShannonCoombs//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for that insight.We talk about updated regulations in terms of innovation. Do you believe that the updated regulations will result in more innovative products entering the Canadian marketplace? If yes, could you share some of the types of products?BiocidesInternational tradeRegulationShannonCoombsShannonCoombs//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for that.ShannonCoombsJudy A.SgroHon.Humber River—Black Creek//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (2025)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us here today. I'm very curious to hear more on the Indo-Pacific strategy and how it fits with FinDev. I know that there are ample opportunities in the region, as it's the fastest-growing region in the world. Canadians expect us to diversify in the region, so I'm really looking forward to hearing more about that.Ms. Émond or Mr. Martelli, you spoke about operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. You mentioned over 40 clients and helping with climate mitigation and women and economic empowerment. When you look at the Indo-Pacific region, what types of opportunity do you see? I know Canada is a big player in clean tech, and climate mitigation is important. Can you give some examples? I know that you're in the exploratory stages, but can you shed some more light?Canadian investments abroadCaribbeanChinaDevelopment Finance Institute Canada (DFIC) Inc.International relationsLatin AmericaKenHardieFleetwood—Port KellsPauloMartelli//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2030)[English]Thank you for that.Ms. Émond, I noticed that you weren't able to finish your opening remarks. Is there something we missed that you may want to take some time to say right now?Canadian investments abroadCaribbeanChinaDevelopment Finance Institute Canada (DFIC) Inc.International relationsLatin AmericaRisk managementPauloMartelliStéphanieÉmond//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2030)[English] Yes, please. I know Canadians would love to hear some success stories, whether they're from Latin America or the Caribbean, of FinDev's operations.Are there some examples you can share of some success stories?Canadian investments abroadCaribbeanChinaDevelopment Finance Institute Canada (DFIC) Inc.International relationsLatin AmericaStéphanieÉmondStéphanieÉmond//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2030)[English]Thank you.I know it's very important, when I speak to constituents from the Caribbean region in Brampton. We have a large diaspora from the Caribbean region, and fighting climate change is of the utmost importance to them. What can Canada do to help? I think it's important that we be there.You spoke about gender equality. It's at the forefront of what we do in our foreign policy. I know it's very important to our Prime Minister and to our foreign minister, so we will continue working in the region.I don't think I have much time left, but I will just say thank you once again for your tremendous work.StéphanieÉmondKenHardieFleetwood—Port Kells//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1735)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thanks to our witness for being here today.Mr. Cappe, you said you wanted to clarify something or finish off previous remarks that got cut off. You can finish those now, if you want.Charitable organizationsEndowment fundsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestMelCappe//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1735)[English]Thank you, Mr. Cappe.You mentioned public servants. It's National Public Service Week, so I want to take a moment to thank you for your service to Canadians and to thank all of our public servants.Mr. Cappe, with your wealth of experience in the Canadian public service, I want to know if you have any advice that you would provide to parliamentarians regarding how best to protect elections and Canadians from foreign interference, especially in your previous roles.Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesForeign influenced activitiesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationMelCappeMelCappe//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1740)[English]Thank you for that information.Mr. Cappe, you proudly mentioned that you mentored two Ph.D. graduates. I want to hear more in terms of your belief in the work of the foundation and why it's important for Canadian researchers.Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationUniversity researchMelCappeMelCappe//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1740)[English]Really quickly, we've heard from previous witnesses at this committee about the foundation and its important work. Many of them firmly believe that the foundation is completely non-partisan. Is that something that you also believe?Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPartisanshipPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationMelCappeMelCappe//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1740)[English]I'll just thank the witness, once again, for his time today.Thank you, Mr. Chair.MelCappeJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1120)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thanks to our witnesses for taking the time to be with us here this morning.Mr. Rosenberg, I'd like to start off by thanking you for your service to Canada. For those watching these proceedings at home, it's important to note that Mr. Rosenberg has served in very senior positions, as deputy minister and in other senior positions in both Conservative and Liberal-led governments, including as deputy minister of foreign affairs.Mr. Rosenberg also received the Order of Canada in 2015 for his commitment to our country, and I know many members on this committee are grateful for his service.Mr. Rosenberg, my question is directed to you. As someone who has been involved with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation for a number of years, would you be able to provide a summary of the foundation's mandate and how its mandate and operations have evolved over the years? I think it's important for those listening to know this.Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1120)[English]Thank you for that, and thanks for the details in your response.You spoke about people from all walks of life. Now, when scholars are vetted by the foundation, are they vetted according to their partisan or ideological leanings? Is that taken into account? BursariesCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationStudentsMorrisRosenbergMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English]That's good to know. How many students have been supported by this foundation and the wonderful work that the foundation does?BursariesCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationStudentsMorrisRosenbergMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English]Thank you. In terms of the $125 million endowment, is that the primary source of the foundation's revenue? Are there other sources of revenue?Charitable organizationsEndowment fundsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationMorrisRosenbergMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English]Thank you. How big was that donation?Charitable donations and donorsCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationMorrisRosenbergMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English]My last question, sir, is in regard to when the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation was created. Did all political parties support the creation of this foundation?Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationMorrisRosenbergMorrisRosenberg//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1125)[English]Thank you very much.Thanks, Mr. Chair.MorrisRosenbergJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1240)[English]My colleague, Ms. Shanahan, will be taking the floor.JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestBrendaShanahanChâteauguay—Lacolle//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1650)[English]I can start.Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will be splitting my time with Ms. Bradford.Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for being here today with us. I want to know more about the important work the foundation does to provide support for students and their education. Can you speak a little bit more about how many students have been helped over the number of years and what the impact has been on the youth across Canada?BursariesCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationStudentsValerieBradfordKitchener South—HespelerEdwardJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for being here with us today.When I think about Pierre Elliott Trudeau, I think about my parents who came to Canada in the early 1980s. I know what that means to my father and my family. It was an opportunity to come to a country to build a future. That's something my parents will never forget.JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestEdwardJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Yes. It's an honour to sit here and represent my community and my family at this table.What I want to ask is this: What does the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation name mean to the students who have gone through the scholarship programs? Why does that name have such a significant value?BursariesCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationStudentsEdwardJohnsonEdwardJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you for that. It's very important.You spoke about the close to 300 scholars who went through this foundation. Where do these scholars end up? Are they across Canada? Are they imparting the Canadian message abroad? What is it?BursariesCharitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationStudentsEdwardJohnsonEdwardJohnson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English] That's good to see that the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.... The name Pierre Elliott Trudeau represents opportunity for not only immigrants but also for scholars here in this country. It really provides that opportunity to grow, to give back and to share Canadian values with those who are like-minded.I'm going to turn to my colleague to finish off the last minute and a half.Charitable organizationsEthics and ethical issuesPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationEdwardJohnsonPeterFragiskatosLondon North Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1245)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thank you to our witnesses for being with us here today.I have a question for Mr. Gallagher.Mr. Gallagher, in your opening, you briefly mentioned improvements that could be made to our sanctions regime. Now that we have a bit more time to delve into this, what are some of your suggested improvements or changes to Canada's sanctions regime and to its respective legislation that you would suggest to our committee here today?Economic sanctionsAliEhsassiWillowdaleKelseyGallagher//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1245)[English]Thank you for sharing your thoughts.Mr. Nazary, do you have anything to add to this?KelseyGallagherAli MaisamNazary//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1245)[English]No worries. Thank you.You spoke briefly about Afghanistan and the humanitarian situation that's happening there. I know we are working with humanitarian multilateral organizations to ensure that we're able to provide assistance. Education in Afghanistan, that's something I'm hearing a lot about from constituents and other Canadians. The Taliban regime there is preventing women from getting an education.Do you have any thoughts on this and on what Canada can do to help?AfghanistanEconomic sanctionsEducation and trainingWomenAli MaisamNazaryAli MaisamNazary//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1245)[English]Thank you.Mr. Chair, how much time do I have left?Ali MaisamNazaryAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1300)[English]If I may, I would ask the witnesses for final thoughts on improving SEMA or the Magnitsky act?I know that time is running late, but could someone add some comments on that, perhaps Mr. Gallagher?Economic sanctionsJustice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law)AliEhsassiWillowdaleKelseyGallagher//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1300)[English]That's correct.KelseyGallagherKelseyGallagher//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1300)[English]Mr. Nazary, do you have anything to add to this before we wrap up?AliEhsassiWillowdaleAli MaisamNazary//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1540)[English]To my colleague across the way, it's not a tactic to delay. It's about a level of respect among colleagues. I believe that's what the issue is here.GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1540)[English]My point of order is that I don't think the chair recognized that, when we're online and we put our hands up.... There's a precedent set about who speaks first, I think, on the Zoom systems. Whether I'm in the room or online, my hand is up. JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1540)[English]Mr. Chair, when we put our hands up on Zoom, there's an order that's set. I was speaking—GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I don't want to get into this coffee spill, but I want to make sure that the carpet is okay. Coffee does stain, and I want to make sure that the call was made to the janitor. I know there was an accident over there. I have great respect for public property and this sacred institution.JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1715)[English] Getting into the discussion here on the floor, I'll speak to what my colleague mentioned. We are going really fast from inviting to summoning somebody. What I've seen in some of the other committees I've been on is that sometimes invitations don't work for the person. We should be a bit flexible and humane. There could be some circumstances we're not made aware of that we need to look into. It could be for health reasons; it could be for travel. It's important we do give the witnesses another chance to get back to us before we demand or summon. Through you, Mr. Chair, it's very important to make sure we do remain flexible. We want to be respectful and give them that chance.What we're discussing now is the motion at hand. I don't believe it falls within the mandate of our committee. We're here to review Auditor General reports and report back to the House. I know there are many, many reports pending. The list is growing very long. We have colleagues in the House asking us when we'll be getting to certain reports they're interested in. I believe there was one on indigenous drinking water, before I got on this committee. That one is very important to some of our colleagues here, as well, and important to me. We have constituents who have reached out on that one, as well. I know that within our mandate.... My wife is a teacher, and her students discuss indigenous drinking water availability, so it is important to my constituents. Students have written to my office about this. That's something I know is very important to so many of us.Going back to the motion at hand, I don't think it falls within our mandate. We need to stay on track here to make sure the committee is focused on the mandate we're given. We should focus on the reports we're tasked to review. It's very important to have that on the record, for those who are watching, that we need to focus on our mandate. We need to focus on what we're put on this committee to do.I know many of my colleagues here will have more to add to this, but I do believe we need to give witnesses another chance before we demand or summon. Sometimes, as I said, the circumstances may not have worked the first time. There are other committees where we ask witnesses to come, and they're not available. Sometimes we select 20 witnesses, and 10 are not available. We figure out a way. We need to remain flexible in terms of asking our witnesses to come. That's what we should be going forward with, having that invitation sent out again to see what the flexibility is and what we can do.Thank you, Mr. Chair.Charitable organizationsCommittee businessEthics and ethical issuesMotionsPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1115)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. With all due respect to my colleague, in terms of [Technical difficulty—Editor].JohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1115)[English]We're not talking about women's reproductive rights around the world. That could go on for a few days coming from the Conservatives, but let's get back to what we're talking about here. I want to talk about—GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1115)[English]I would love to. I was saying, in respect to my colleague, that there are no delay tactics here. Every committee conducts important studies. When we see from my colleague.... We're talking about women's reproductive rights around the world. For those watching, go back and watch the colleague who just talked about delay tactics. I'm going back to what we're talking about, which is our mandate. It's important for Canadians to know what each committee's mandate is. I think we need to stay on our mandate, and on our mandate, I'm reading from the House of Commons website: “The mandate of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is to review and report on the Public Accounts of Canada and all reports of the Auditor General of Canada.”I know this study may be important to some colleagues, but I don't believe this is the committee to do it on. We have important work in front of us, and we need to stay and work towards the mandate that Canadians have given us on this committee. Committee businessEthics and ethical issuesMotionsPierre Elliott Trudeau FoundationJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1600)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thank you to the minister for taking the time to be with us here today.I know that when I'm speaking to residents in my riding of Brampton East, there are concerns around housing for the most vulnerable—affordable housing. I know that the minister was in Brampton East just recently to announce affordable housing units in my riding. I know that the Prime Minister was recently in Brampton to announce over $100 million for 300 units for those in Brampton who are the most vulnerable.When we speak to women who are victims of domestic abuse, we need to be there for them, and I see that we are making progress on this. The progress we're making is in our relationship with local municipalities and the provincial governments, because we know we alone, at the federal government level, cannot tackle this.Minister, I'm hoping you can share some of your views on what your insights might be and how the federal government is working with other levels of government to help tackle this problem.Homelessness and homelessHousingReport 5, Chronic HomelessnessJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestAhmedHussenHon.York South—Weston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1605)[English]Thank you, Minister.You spoke about rapid deployment of housing. I see your advocacy efforts and your time in meeting with local municipalities, with mayors of different cities across the country. Can you speak to how we're using innovation or how local municipalities are using innovation with builders and contractors on prefabricated homes to get homes up faster?Building and construction industryHomelessness and homelessHousingHousing Accelerator FundReport 5, Chronic HomelessnessAhmedHussenHon.York South—WestonAhmedHussenHon.York South—Weston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1605)[English] Mr. Chair, do I have time for one more question?AhmedHussenHon.York South—WestonJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1605)[English]Okay, perfect.When I'm travelling across the country and speaking to friends and family.... There is a project, I think in downtown Toronto, with prefabricated housing. It's something very unique. The zoning and some of the permitting processes take a long time. We're looking forward to seeing some of the funding through the housing accelerator fund from the federal government being used at the municipal levels. We know there's a bottleneck there on the municipal side to get some of those permitting processes to be more efficient and faster. A lot of my constituents are looking forward to that. Can you speak to some of the innovation you've seen across the country?Building and construction industryHomelessness and homelessHousingHousing Accelerator FundReport 5, Chronic HomelessnessJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestAhmedHussenHon.York South—Weston//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1125)[English]On a point of order, Mr. Chair, when a member moves a dilatory motion, there should not be any time for debate.GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1210)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to our witnesses for taking the time to join us here on this rainy Monday morning in Ottawa.I have a quick question for the Canadian Transportation Agency.Reading the news, we often see reports about wheelchairs or other mobility devices being damaged by airlines when they're in transit. I want to know what the obligations of airlines are when it comes to preventing this type of damage or providing compensation when it does occur. How is this enforced?Access for disabled peoplePersons with disabilitiesReport 1, Accessible Transportation for Persons With DisabilitiesTransportationWheelchairsJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestFrancePégeot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1210)[English]Thank you for that. The Minister of Transport recently announced additional funding for the Canadian Transportation Agency, to increase its complaint processing and regulatory enforcement capacity. The question is, are some of these funds going to be allocated towards improving monitoring and enforcement activities related to accessible transportation?Access for disabled peopleOversight mechanismPersons with disabilitiesReport 1, Accessible Transportation for Persons With DisabilitiesTransportationFrancePégeotFrancePégeot//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1210)[English]Thank you. I'm now going to turn to Via Rail Canada.I want to know more about fleet transition to enable better access...to the needs of Canadians with disabilities. Is the fleet evolving? Could you shed a little more light on that?Access for disabled peoplePersons with disabilitiesReport 1, Accessible Transportation for Persons With DisabilitiesTrainsTransportationFrancePégeotMarie-ClaudeCardin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1210)[English] Thank you for that.In terms of fleets and consultations—you mentioned that there's some consultation going on—are we looking at other countries to see what they're doing? Are we looking at other companies around the world that are seen as leaders in terms of fleet management and making sure that those with disabilities can access their services? Access for disabled peopleForeign countriesPersons with disabilitiesReport 1, Accessible Transportation for Persons With DisabilitiesTransportationMarie-ClaudeCardinMarie-ClaudeCardin//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1215)[English]Thank you for that answer. It's very inspiring to know that we are looking at other companies and learning from countries around the world in terms of giving better access to those with disabilities.Mr. Chair, I don't have any further questions. Thank you so much.Access for disabled peoplePersons with disabilitiesReport 1, Accessible Transportation for Persons With DisabilitiesTransportationCatherineLangloisJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1535)[English]I have a point of order, Mr. Chair. I'm not hearing the translation.RajivGuptaJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thanks to the witnesses for being with us here, today. I know cybersecurity is something our government is very seized with. Many different departments and ministers are involved.Mr. Gupta, you mentioned we need to continue to invest in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is included in our recently announced $2.3-billion Indo-Pacific strategy. I'm not sure whether you're able to shed a little more light...in terms of allies or friendlies that are doing a good job and from which we can learn best practices. Are there countries we can look to, when we talk about cybersecurity?Cloud computinge-SecurityForeign countriesReport 7, Cybersecurity of Personal Information in the CloudJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestRajivGupta//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Wonderful.Is there something that stands out to you that the U.S., Australia, the U.K. or one of these countries is doing, perhaps, which you think we can bring to Canada?Cloud computinge-SecurityForeign countriesReport 7, Cybersecurity of Personal Information in the CloudRajivGuptaRajivGupta//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Thank you.Ms. Luelo, you mentioned there are roughly 800 services under cloud management at this time. You said that's a very small fraction. How many programs are there that need to be brought in?Cloud computinge-SecurityReport 7, Cybersecurity of Personal Information in the CloudRajivGuptaCatherineLuelo//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Thank you for that.In terms of cost efficiencies, I know that, when we're looking at a server room, the equipment ages and there's more maintenance. I'm guessing that's one of the reasons why we're looking at the cloud for longevity and savings. Is that your approach?Cloud computinge-SecurityModernizationReport 7, Cybersecurity of Personal Information in the CloudCatherineLueloCatherineLuelo//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Mr. Chair, how much time do I have?CatherineLueloJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick Southwest//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1720)[English]Okay. I'll give our witnesses here some time, since this is the last round. Minister, you got cut off. Is there something you want to highlight before we end today?Cloud computinge-SecurityReport 7, Cybersecurity of Personal Information in the CloudJohnWilliamsonNew Brunswick SouthwestSonyPerron//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1425)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I'd like to thank our witnesses for joining us here today to share your insights. It was International Women's Day a couple of days ago, so thank you for your work and your inspiration. I know my daughters are very inspired by the work you guys do.My question to you is this. We heard in your opening remarks, Secretary General, about the importance of protecting human rights defenders and the need to do more. We heard from Ms. Ravon as well. She mentioned maybe expediting visa processing. Secretary General Nivyabandi, do you have any thoughts in terms of what more we can do, or any further insights you can provide on what we can do?Civil and human rightsImmigration and immigrantsWomenSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardKettyNivyabandi//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1430)[English]Thank you for that.Ms. Ravon, I'll turn next to you. You mentioned difficulties and challenges in many countries around the world. I wanted to hear more about the work your organization does in some of these countries, projects that you think stand out that need to be amplified. I'd like to give you a moment to talk about some of those programs, if you don't mind.Civil and human rightsWomenKettyNivyabandiLaurenRavon//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1230)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thank you, Madam Dubé, Mr. Grant and Mr. Tolland, for joining us here today. I know Canadians are deeply concerned by the events and the situation currently unfolding in Peru, so today's testimony is greatly appreciated.I want to know more from you, Mr. Grant, or any of the witnesses here, in terms of the situation on the ground. What were you hearing from the mission yesterday, this week and last week about more recent events? Can you go into some more details there?PeruAliEhsassiWillowdaleMichaelGrant//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for that.Can you speak to the committee in terms of the steps that Canada is taking to ensure or assist in a free and fair transparent election whenever that happens?Electoral observation missionsPeruMichaelGrantMichaelGrant//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1230)[English]Thank you for that. I know I have only about a minute left. Can anybody here explain what you foresee coming up with the current situation?PeruMichaelGrantMichaelGrant//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1015)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair.Thank you to the witnesses for taking time to join us here today.Women's rights are human rights, and they are at the heart of our foreign policy. We heard a lot of testimony about Canada's foreign policy today, and completely agree with what the well-intentioned mandate from Minister Joly is in terms of international feminist foreign policy on the world stage.I have a few questions in terms of our international feminist foreign policy approach. I want to hear some of your thoughts on that, if you can provide some insights on that.I know Global Affairs has committed 15% of its bilateral international development assistance across all action areas to implementing initiatives dedicated to advancing gender equality and improving women and girls' quality of life. As part of her mandate letter, Minister Joly was asked to continue developing and implementing Canada's feminist foreign policy with the support of partner organizations.My question is this: How can the international community help promote and protect women and girls' human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in fragile conflict and post-conflict settings?It's open to any of the witnesses who would like to comment.Civil and human rightsInternational development and aidWomenSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardMeghanDoherty//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Thank you, Ms. Doherty.Does anyone else want to comment?MeghanDohertyJuliaTétrault-Provencher//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Thank you for that.Mr. Chair, how much time do I have left?JuliaTétrault-ProvencherSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Okay. I'll quickly get to my question.You mentioned some of the initiatives we can take, but how can the international community increase the meaningful participation of women and women's organizations and networks in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict state building?I have less than a minute, but I'm hoping to get a little bit of insight from you.Civil and human rightsInternational conflict and international conflict resolutionWomenSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardMeghanDoherty//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (0945)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to thank the witnesses for taking the time to be with us this morning.Thank you for your insights and your courage to share some of your experiences.In 2021, Minister Joly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, to convey Canada's concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and military escalation in the country. Moreover, Minister Joly urged for immediate actions by the Government of Ethiopia to draw the conflict to a peaceful end.As well, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, about the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia. Prime Minister Trudeau called for immediate cessation of hostilities and implementation of measures to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid. He underscored the importance of African Union-led peace talks that began on that day in South Africa and commended Prime Minister Abiy and his commitment to engage his government in the negotiations. I would like to ask Mr. Asfaw what your thoughts are on the efforts made by the Government of Ethiopia towards a peace process?Dr. Tihut Asfaw: Did you say Ms. Asfaw? It's not Mr. Asfaw. Is it me?Mr. Maninder Sidhu: Yes, please.Humanitarian assistance and workersTigrayWarSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardTihutAsfaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (0945)[English]Thank you.How do I pronounce your last name?TihutAsfawTihutAsfaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (0945)[English]Ms. Asfaw, as you explained, the situation is quite complex. What do you see as a path to reconciliation of the conflict? What are the solutions and the path forward?International conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarTihutAsfawTihutAsfaw//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (0945)[English]On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, who just completed his visit to Canada for the first high-level dialogue between Canada and the African Union Commission. Prime Minister Trudeau and Chairperson Faki discussed the situation in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, security and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel, and the threat of terrorism and food insecurity across the continent.This question is for Dr. Abel Giday Kebedom. Can you speak to how the ongoing conflict has affected food security in Tigray and the surrounding regions?Food supplyInternational conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarTihutAsfawAbelGiday Kebedom//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (0940)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Dr. Spears, would you like to continue and finish your answer? I'm sorry that you were cut off there.International conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardIanSpears//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (0940)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.IanSpearsSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (0940)[English]I can't get in a question and an answer in 45 seconds, so I'll just say thank you to both witnesses for their time today. It was definitely very insightful. Thank you, again.SameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1015)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.First of all, thank you to the witnesses for taking the time to be with us here on this Friday morning.Dr. Mekonen, thank you for your continued strength, and for sharing those gruesome and horrifying experiences. I definitely know that we are greatly concerned about the ongoing reports of human rights abuses and the obstruction of humanitarian access. I also understand the Government of Canada has provided roughly $40 million in humanitarian funding to help support those most in need in Ethiopia. Hearing the stories from you, first-hand, and given your experience and insights.... I'd like to hear more. Can you speak to the ongoing work, at the regional level, to find a peaceful solution to this situation?International conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardHayelomMekonen//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Thank you.Ms. Teich, I'd like to hear your views, as well.HayelomMekonenSarahTeich//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Thank you. I know that in November of last year, Minister Joly, our Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union Commission. During that conversation, Minister Joly emphasized Canada's profound alarm upon learning of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Tigray. Moreover, Minister Joly reiterated how essential it is to work toward a political solution and an inclusive national dialogue in order to ensure a peaceful resolution of the conflict.I have less than a minute left.Ms. Teich, can you speak to the latest developments in this political situation? I know you kind of did that in your opening remarks, but perhaps you can take some time now to express more on that.International conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarSarahTeichSarahTeich//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1020)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.SarahTeichSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1605)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.I've been following citizenship ceremonies very closely. I know they started in person back in July. I advise the member to kindly check. I have had constituents coming to my office and thanking the Government of Canada. That's how I know first-hand. I think it's important to note that this meeting was called on Standing Order 106(4) and the subject matter at hand. We dealt with that. I hope we can adjourn this meeting soon.Thank you.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1605)[English]Madam Chair, I move that the meeting be now adjourned.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1315)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.From my memory, if it serves correctly, a lot of the ministers went to the special committee. I know there's progress being made on Afghanistan. We just recently welcomed over 20,000 people. We've hit the 20,000 target. There are new flights coming every week or so. I think there's progress being made. We've heard from ministers on this file already.We have a subcommittee next week, I believe on Tuesday. Out of respect for the witnesses, who took time out of their busy schedules to join us today, I ask that this discussion take place there, so we can hear from our witnesses here today. We have to respect their time. We want to hear from them. We invited them here. I think it's important that we hear from them today.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1315)[English]Madam Chair, I propose we suspend for a few minutes while we await the written language.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1330)[English] Thank you, Madam Chair.I agree that it's an important topic. There's no doubt about it. I think the situation in Afghanistan is at the top of our priorities.What the member opposite is proposing is, I think, close to eight hours or six hours. We're saying, let's be reasonable here. Yes, we don't mind ministers coming to speak to this. We have no objections about that, but let's be reasonable, because there are many other immigration topics that members want to discuss as well.I think the amendment put forward by my colleague is reasonable. Again, I want to make sure it's on the record that we're not saying it's not a priority. It is a top priority for our government, and that's why we're continuing to work on the file, but I think it's also important that we be reasonable about some of the other immigration issues out there, and that's why we have witnesses to speak to some of the other issues out there.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1335)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair. Going back to what my colleague said about the importance of witnesses taking the time to be here, we all knew witnesses were scheduled to be here at this meeting. We also know that on Tuesday we're going to have a subcommittee discussion on anything that the members want to talk about. I just don't understand why we are wasting the witnesses' time, when this is such a substantial motion that's been put forward. I think we need to talk it through. We need to look at it more in depth. We've seen over 21,000 folks from Afghanistan who have now arrived in our country. We're making progress, but I do believe it's important. It's a priority to talk about it, but I think this is not the right time to do it. We need to be aware. All of us knew the schedule. We all knew witnesses were coming today, but for some reason, some members on this committee decided to bring a motion today, even though they knew we could talk about it on Tuesday. If you're saying we can rush through it, that's not the way. It's not practical. We all know that there are many other discussions, many other studies, to be had. There are many different points of immigration that we need to discuss with many different witnesses on many different motions. But pushing this forward just because you knew witnesses were going to be here today, I don't think that's sincere. I think we need to wait until Tuesday to carry on this discussion.Committee businessSalmaZahidScarborough CentreSalmaZahidScarborough Centre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1410)[English]Thank you, Madam Chair.I'll be splitting my time with my colleague Marie-France Lalonde.I understand the immigration minister and IRCC are working hard to look at efficiencies to streamline many processes, as mentioned by my colleague in the previous question. Just this morning, Minister Fraser made an announcement that international students will be able to work more than 20 hours a week, which will assist and help businesses on the ground. As we heard from our witnesses here today, businesses need support and labour. We see “help wanted” signs on almost every Main Street across the country. This is one innovative way to help our economy and businesses.You may ask, “How?” Today's announcement means that over 500,000 international students will be able to help grow our economy and businesses, so I think that's very important to mention. It's a great decision taken this morning by the minister and IRCC.Ms. Irena Sompaseuth mentioned many challenges. As you know, Canada is a top destination for individuals all over the world, and it's good to be at the top. However, this presents many challenges, given the exponential growth in applications. There have to be innovative approaches, and Minister Fraser has already put into place many solutions, but, of course, there's more to be done. There was a question that was cut short in the previous question period. Ms. Gagné or Ms. Sompaseuth may want to speak to innovative approaches that they think should be put to use.Application processBacklogsImmigration and immigrantsModernizationSalmaZahidScarborough CentreStephanieBond//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1410)[English]Madam Chair, I'll let my colleague Ms. Lalonde jump in.StéphanieValoisMarie-FranceLalondeOrléans//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1725)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm a little confused here. Mr. Bergeron, you're absolutely right in terms of focusing on recent developments, As you know, the nuclear threat, sanctions and so many other things are going on in Ukraine that are more pressing at this time. I agree with you that we need to focus on Ukraine and not just beat around the bush to try to score political points with each other. Ms. McPherson said “one meeting”, from what my understanding was, but that one meeting went to three meetings, so now I'm a bit confused again.Going back to what Mr. Bergeron said, Haiti is pressing, as are things that are going on in Pakistan, in Tigray and in Armenia. There are so many pressing issues around the world that we need to get to. Yes, we can focus on scoring political points, but we should also be focused on the human lives that matter right now in Ukraine. I don't agree with the three meetings on the turbine issue. As Mr. Bergeron said, I believe that we need to stay focused on the broader Ukraine context and focus on the nuclear threat and sanctions.Thank you.Committee businessAliEhsassiWillowdaleAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1735)[English]It's my understanding that the minister would be coming to speak, yes, on the turbines but just on Ukraine as a subject.A voice: That's the motion.Committee businessAliEhsassiWillowdaleAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1745)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to add my voice to this.In Brampton, we have a large Pakistani community that has reached out. It wants to know what more the government is doing. We've done a lot, as my colleague Mr. Zuberi said, but I think it's well intentioned to hear from witnesses and experts who are providing assistance on the ground.I'm not sure if we can meet in the middle with what Mr. Bergeron, Mr. Zuberi and Garnett proposed. Maybe instead of three, we can have two meetings, so that we can hear from the necessary witnesses. I want to put that out there.Committee businessAliEhsassiWillowdaleAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1445)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I would like to thank the witnesses for joining us this afternoon. My first question is for Mr. Kolga. You have previously spoken to the opportunities for trade and stronger relations between Canada and the Baltic states. I was hoping you could speak to the importance of building these ties in the context of Russia's aggression in the region, and why it's key for Canada to expand its diplomatic and military presence in the region.Energy securityExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarAliEhsassiWillowdaleMarcusKolga//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1445)[English]Thank you for those insights, Mr. Kolga.Dr. Devlen, you have written about the threat posed by President Lukashenko and his grey-zone aggression against NATO and the EU. Are you able to speak to his role in the current conflict and how you see Belarus's role evolving as this conflict continues?BelarusDefence alliancesExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarMarcusKolgaBalkanDevlen//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1450)[English]Thank you, Dr. Devlen.I have a minute left. What do you see as the next critical phase of this war? What should we be watching for that would suggest positive or negative momentum for Ukraine? That's open to all panellists.ExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarBalkanDevlenBalkanDevlen//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1450)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.BenjaminSchmittAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1530)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Mr. Chair, you have a very valid point there. I believe that ministers and relevant ambassadors have appeared before our committee and have made it clear that while it was a difficult decision, it was one that was necessary to take. As our minister stated, they discussed the matter with all parties, including Ukraine, in advance of the decision being taken. The decision was supported not just by the Germans but also by our allies in the European Union and our allies to the south, the United States, and it in no way reduces our support for Ukraine and, of course, its people.I also find it very difficult to believe that had another party been in government and been faced with the clear and urgent request from a close ally such as Germany, it would have decided any other way. Given the circumstances, it was a necessary decision, and I cannot support a motion that would suggest otherwise.Thank you, Mr. Chair.Committee businessAliEhsassiWillowdaleAliEhsassiWillowdale//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1705)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.First off, I'd like to thank all the ambassadors for taking the time to join us today.I also want to take the time to commend Germany and the EU for their transition to clean energy and for their solidarity in standing alongside so many allies with Ukraine as we continue to impose sanctions and stand alongside our allies to support Ukraine in this very difficult time.Ambassador Gabrič, as you know from our previous conversations, we spoke about how Canada can help to deliver clean energy to the European Union and our allies. I want to hear more about the situation with coal-fired plants in Europe right now. We know it's going to be a tough winter ahead, and it's something that I know you're looking into.I also want to ask if you can elaborate on the short- and medium-term issues facing the EU should Russia shut off its gas supplies.Energy securityExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarMartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyMelitaGabričH.E.//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English]Thank you for that, Your Excellency.Mr. Chair, how much time do I have left?MelitaGabričH.E.MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1710)[English]That's fine. I'll wrap it up.Thank you so much, Ambassador. I appreciate it.MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyMartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1455)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll be splitting my time with my colleague Francesco Sorbara.Ms. Chyczij, thank you for being here with us today and for taking the time to share some of your thoughts and your statement in this very important meeting.Ms. Chyczij, as you may be aware, just this week, Canada imposed further additional sanctions as we continue to stand side-by-side with Ukraine. There is no doubt that Canada will continue working with our international partners and allies to explore additional measures. As stated by Minister Joly, studies show that Russia has lost companies worth nearly 40% of its GDP as a result of the many sanctions imposed by Canada and our allies.Given the significant volume of sanctions announced, it is sometimes difficult to compare. When it comes to sanctions against industries such as oil and gas and luxury goods, are you aware of any other G7 countries that have implemented measures as expansive as Canada's?Economic sanctionsExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarMartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyAlexandraChyczij//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1455)[English]As you just mentioned, you've called for Russia to be declared a state sponsor of terrorism. It's a designation that Canada has only ever used against Iran.To your knowledge, have any other G7 governments implemented similar designations against Russia?Economic sanctionsExportsOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarAlexandraChyczijAlexandraChyczij//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1455)[English]Can you speak to the importance of Canada's continued support for Ukraine with financial and military aid, and why it's important that Canadians not become fatigued as this war drags on?ExportsHumanitarian assistance and workersMilitary equipment and facilitiesOil and gasRussiaUkraineWarAlexandraChyczijAlexandraChyczij//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1455)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll now turn the floor over to Francesco Sorbara.AlexandraChyczijFrancescoSorbaraVaughan—Woodbridge//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1935)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair.I want to thank all our witnesses for being with us here today. We've heard some very tough testimony about families, young children, women and especially girls. When you share this very vivid testimony, I think it's upon all of us to take it in and really think about humanity. You think about what we can do as a country and think about what we can do as Canadians. I want to send my deep appreciation and condolences as well to the community. Know that we are with you. As I understand it, the conflict is quite complex, and I am trying to fathom the way forward. I want to hear more from our witnesses about what a true resolution of the conflict looks like. What role does the international community play in this, whether that's Canada, the U.S.A. or the UN? I want to hear more thoughts in terms of resolutions looking forward.The floor is open to any witnesses who may want to chime in on the phones.International conflict and international conflict resolutionTigrayWarSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1935)[English]Thank you for sharing that.I'm not sure if there is anybody on the phone lines who wants to—FebenEmbaye-DesstaSameerZuberiPierrefonds—Dollard//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1935)[English]You mentioned quite an extensive list of resolutions that you'd like to see, whether that's through banking, telecommunications or humanitarian work. What would be your top three out of those? It's easier for us as committee members to understand what you would like to see on this. Humanitarian assistance and workersTigrayWarSameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardFebenEmbaye-Dessta//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1925)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Minister, first and foremost, I'd like to thank you and the entire armed forces for your tireless efforts. It was not an easy situation, as you mentioned earlier. We did not have significant assets on the ground, but we were able to lean on our allies for some support as we have not had an active role in Afghanistan for some years now.Speaking about limited resources, and considering the situation during that time, can you please tell this committee how Canada maximized the number of people we evacuated? I'd love to hear from you or any of your leadership that is here with you today.AfghanistanEvacuationForeign policySukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonAnitaAnandHon.Oakville//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2005)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair and Chief of the Defence Staff General Eyre.You mentioned earlier the cost of Canadian Armed Forces being pulled out in 2014 and the impacts it had on the evacuation. When we compare that with our allies—it's easy to compare numbers—you mentioned that with all things considered, we worked with our allies very efficiently, considering that we didn't have the same number of assets on the ground, as we didn't have the same type of presence as our allies.Vice-Admiral Auchterlonie, you mentioned some of the details of the operation, and we were cut short of time in a previous round. I'd really like to hear more about the operation and the threats to our personnel, our assets on the ground, how you were able to move efficiently, with all things considered. I think it's important for this committee to know that.AfghanistanEvacuationForeign policySukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonJ.R.Auchterlonie//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2010)[English]Thank you for that.I'm not sure if anybody else on the leadership team wants to add to that.... I understand that there were a lot of complexities. To hold that 14-kilometre radius took a tremendous amount of strength, hard work and grit. If there's anything else that can be added, that would be very nice.The Chair: General Eyre.AfghanistanEvacuationForeign policyJ.R.AuchterlonieWayne D.Eyre//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2010)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd just like to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation to the armed forces. It was definitely a difficult time, but I want to express my appreciation for all of the hard work that was done during that very tense situation. Thank you. SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2035)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I think out of respect for both official languages, the norm with the committee is that these motions be presented in both official languages so we can have a look at them.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonMichaelChongHon.Wellington—Halton Hills//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2035)[English] I've been on other committees in the past, my honourable colleague, where it's happened that we had it in writing.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2035)[English]Thank you.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (2005)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.First off, I'd like to thank our wonderful team from Global Affairs Canada for your incredibly hard work and for joining us tonight. It's not easy work, and the added number of variables and challenges make your job even harder. I just want to say thank you for that.Our committee has heard about the difficulties that Afghans have faced fleeing Afghanistan and making their way to neighbouring countries before coming to Canada. As you are aware, Pakistan has welcomed a significant number of refugees. There are always humanitarian concerns with refugees fleeing areas of conflict.Just the other day, 336 Afghan newcomers arrived at the Toronto airport from Pakistan. I was at the airport earlier, a few weeks ago, with Minister Fraser to welcome over 300 Afghan refugees from another neighbouring country. Can you speak to the work Canada is doing with Pakistan and other countries bordering Afghanistan to ensure that Afghans are able to leave?AfghanistanForeign policyImmigration and immigrantsSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonCindyTermorshuizen//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2010)[English] Thank you, Mr. Chair.Deputy Minister Thoppil, can you share with the committee the multilateral work that is being done with Canada's allies to support the people of Afghanistan? We did touch upon Pakistan, but just generally in the region....AfghanistanForeign policySukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonPaulThoppil//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (2025)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Minister and your hard-working team at IRCC, for taking the time to be with us today and sharing your insights. We very much appreciate how approachable you are about joining this very important committee. Minister, in your department's news release of August 13, you listed the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation as an organization you would be working with. Can you speak to the work and legacy of this group in terms of Afghanistan? Immigration and immigrantsManmeet Singh Bhullar FoundationSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSeanFraserHon.Central Nova//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2030)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the minister for those insights.Minister, we are speaking about settlement agencies and the work that many groups here in Canada are doing. As you know, Canada has a stellar reputation of welcoming the world's most vulnerable. However, we know that getting them to Canada is only half the equation. Minister, what are we doing to ensure that Afghan refugees have the support they need in order to succeed when they start their new lives in Canada?Immigration and immigrantsSettlement of immigrantsSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSeanFraserHon.Central Nova//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2030)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. Through you, I'd like to thank the minister.I think it's important that, as Canadians, we continue to support those who are most vulnerable. I know that Canadians across the country are stepping up. From my recent visit to Vancouver, meeting with local Afghanistan groups through the chair's office in Surrey, I know a lot of good work is being done, but I want to say thank you so much for the hard work that you and your department are doing.Immigration and immigrantsSeanFraserHon.Central NovaSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2120)[English]Mr. Chair, there's some confusion here. What's going on here? I hear a lot of echo, and we're all talking. Perhaps you could just reiterate.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1700)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I'd like to thank all of our witnesses for taking the time to be with us today. I want to thank you for your service as well. I don't have the words to say in listening to you here today and hearing about what you're going through. It's very unfortunate that the Taliban is in charge now and making things incredibly difficult for so many in the country, including so many women and girls. We hear these horrific stories coming out of Afghanistan.I've heard about the Taliban preventing Afghans from leaving Afghanistan if they don't have travel documents. I'd like to know more from Mr. Sayed and Mr. Zahed about how many individuals from your group of friends or how many people who you know have a valid travel document and are able to leave and how many there are that the Taliban have prevented from leaving.AfghanistanImmigration and immigrantsPassports and visasSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]It doesn't have to be an exact number. I just want to get an understanding.AfghanistanImmigration and immigrantsPassports and visasSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSafiullahMohammad Zahed//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you, Mr. Sayed.I'd like to ask Ms. Reddy a question as well.First of all, thank you for everything you're doing on the humanitarian front in helping to resettle Afghan nations.Can you shed some light on roughly how many Afghan nationals are accessing your settlement services? AfghanistanImmigration and immigrantsSettlement of immigrantsAhmadShah SayedUmashanieReddy//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you for that.In your opening remarks you mentioned how corporate Canada has shown goodwill and stepped up to support resettlement of Afghan nationals and supported the many needs. You mentioned the generosity of corporate Canada. What are your greatest settlement needs at the current moment?AfghanistanImmigration and immigrantsSettlement of immigrantsUmashanieReddyUmashanieReddy//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1705)[English]Thank you, Ms. Reddy.Mr. Zahed, I come to you now. We know that many countries are operating in Afghanistan, helping out with humanitarian assistance or on the ground. Do you know of other countries that are able to help some of your colleagues and their families out of Afghanistan right now on a consistent basis, so we can get an understanding?AfghanistanImmigration and immigrantsInternational development and aidUmashanieReddySukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1845)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.I'd like to, first and foremost, welcome Minister Sajjan to our committee and thank him for taking the time to be with us today.Minister Sajjan, I had the honour to welcome many Afghan Sikh refugees a few weeks ago at the airport, including little Tanveer Kaur, who was extremely energetic and playful and looking forward to her childhood experiences in Canada, even after a lengthy flight. It was a moment that I will remember forever. I know you have working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation in their work to settle Afghan, Sikh and Hindu refugees over many, many years. Thank you for your hard work on this incredibly important initiative. I saw first-hand what it meant to the families arriving in Canada. Huge kudos to the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation for their tireless work in bringing the community together to welcome so many families from Afghanistan to a new and prosperous life here in Canada.Minister, in your opening remarks, you mentioned the inequality towards women and girls and how truly disturbing that is. Many of us on this committee saw the news out of Afghanistan just a few weeks ago that the Taliban will not allow women and girls to go to school after the sixth grade. This is extremely disheartening and needs to change.Speaking of women and girls, Minister, through the chair, can you please tell us what Canada is doing to support women's education within Afghanistan?AfghanistanEducation and trainingWomenSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonHarjit S.SajjanHon.Vancouver South//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1850)[English]Thank you for that, Minister. Minister, you spoke a bit about food insecurity in the region. We know that Ukraine, especially eastern Ukraine, is the breadbasket for a lot of Europe and a lot of developing countries. Right now one of the greatest issues facing the Afghan people is food insecurity. I know you mentioned a $50-million response. Can you speak more about that response?AfghanistanFood supplyHumanitarian assistance and workersHarjit S.SajjanHon.Vancouver SouthHarjit S.SajjanHon.Vancouver South//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1850)[English]Thank you for that.Mr. Chair, through you, we've had many witnesses on our committee come and speak to us from a lot of NGOs about access to Afghanistan in terms of aid delivery, humanitarian assistance and many different issues arising from that. We know that there are the counterterrorism provisions in the Criminal Code that don't make things as easy as we wish they were.Minister, can you tell us how Canada is still able to deliver humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan despite the provisions in place in the Criminal Code?AfghanistanAnti-terrorism ActHumanitarian assistance and workersTerrorist entities watch listsHarjit S.SajjanHon.Vancouver SouthHarjit S.SajjanHon.Vancouver South//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1855)[English]Oh, okay. Well, I'll just take some time to thank the minister and the whole team at International Development and Global Affairs for their ongoing work. It's definitely a challenging time, but I do appreciate everything you're doing. Thank you again.AfghanistanSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1855)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to welcome all the witnesses here with us tonight. Thank you for sharing your insights.I'd like to go to Ms. Moloney first. You mentioned streamlining processes for family reunification. I know on this committee we try to be very forward-looking and I think as a committee we ought to think forward and learn from the past.What processes do you think should be in place to help streamline things to help with family reunification? Please take your time.AfghanistanFamily reunificationSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonKatherineMoloney//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1900)[English]Thank you for that.Mr. Taheri, would you like to add something here?KatherineMoloneyDjawidTaheri//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1900)[English]Thank you for sharing your insight, Mr. Taheri.Ms. MacLean, I'd like to ask you a question. You shared with us the documentary on the wonderful work we're doing with the female officers in Afghanistan. You mentioned that you really don't want to see any type of money being sent to Afghanistan, and I'm well aware of why. What is your belief on sending humanitarian aid? How do you think humanitarian aid should be delivered in Afghanistan? As you know, there is a focus with gender-based violence, as you mentioned, and we want to make sure that we support women and children.I just wanted to hear your thoughts on that.AfghanistanHumanitarian assistance and workersDjawidTaheriAlisonMacLean//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (2040)[English]I have a point of order.JulianSpencer-ChurchillSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2115)[English] Thank you for that.I'll go to Mr. Spencer-Churchill really quickly to elaborate on my colleague's question.Mr. Spencer-Churchill, you mentioned that you did a lot of research in Pakistan and in the region. Would you be able to provide some insights into how Pakistan or neighbouring countries can play a wider role in assisting our evacuation efforts? I know you can't really.... You said nothing specific in terms of refugees, but in terms of neighbouring countries, with your research in the region....AfghanistanEvacuationHumanitarian assistance and workersPakistanJulianSpencer-ChurchillJulianSpencer-Churchill//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1945)[English]Yes. I agree with my colleague, Chair. In every committee that I've been on, it's always proportionate to representation, and at the discretion of the chair. I suggest we move on. I'm looking forward to hearing what witnesses have to say, but I hope this clarifies everything for the committee.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (1855)[English]Thank you, Mr. Chair.Good evening, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. It's quite a time and an experience to hear from you guys on your real journey and adventure on the ground there.I want to turn to Ms. Flokstra and Mr. Nickerson in my question. You mentioned some of the work that you're doing on the ground. You mentioned I think over 70 international team members in Afghanistan and hundreds of local individuals who are supporting your work on the ground. Can you speak more about how many of your members are there on the ground now? I don't know if that's past tense or current. Have the Taliban allowed you to continue your operations in the five provinces that I think you mentioned you're operating in?AfghanistanHumanitarian assistance and workersTalibanTerrorist entities watch listsSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonMartineFlokstra//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1855)[English]Thank you for all your hard work. It's a tremendous undertaking, so I really appreciate everything that you're doing.Your organization and Mr. Fontaine's organization may have been in touch with local Canadian organizations on the ground or organizations from other countries. Have you heard from the other organizations that are still on the ground whether the Taliban are directing where some of the aid or your help flows? I think Mr. Fontaine mentioned that you're in touch with some of the frontline teachers on the ground. Could you speak more about that?AfghanistanHumanitarian assistance and workersTalibanTerrorist entities watch listsMartineFlokstraManuelFontaine//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1855)[English]Thank you for that.Mr. Chair, how much time do I have left?ManuelFontaineSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1855)[English]Okay.I wanted to hear from Ms. Grantham, but I will let my colleagues ask those questions then.I want to hear more from Mr. Fontaine.I think you mentioned that four million children are out of school right now, and a large majority of them are girls. I really want to learn more about the education aspect. Is the Taliban allowing girls to attend school? Are they allowing the female teachers to work? Can you speak more on that angle as well?AfghanistanEducation and trainingGirlsHumanitarian assistance and workersWomenSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonManuelFontaine//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1900)[English]I want to ask Mr. Nickerson if he has anything else to add. I know you were rushed in your remarks at the end there, but I think I have 30 seconds and I just want to make sure I hear some of the important aspects of your opening remarks as well. AfghanistanAnti-terrorism ActHumanitarian assistance and workersTerrorist entities watch listsManuelFontaineJasonNickerson//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (1900)[English]Thank you for that. JasonNickersonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu (Brampton East, Lib.): (2010)[English]It's a great motion presented by my colleague. Canada was one of the top 10 donors to Afghanistan before the turn of events. There are a lot of organizations that we need to hear from about the important work that they were doing in Afghanistan, from supporting women and girls to our food program. I like the wording change suggestion of “and other organizations”. I'm just worried that.... I really want to get viewpoints from different organizations into what the situation on the ground is—because these organizations have direct ties—and how we can assist in humanitarian efforts. I understand Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe's urgency on this one. Instead of three meetings as you suggested, five meetings would be ample time. We should also set a date for when these witnesses should be submitted so that we can get to work. I don't know what date is the will of the committee for when we can submit these witnesses to the committee.Committee businessOrganization meetingSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—Newton//www.ourcommons.ca/Parliamentarians/en/members/105045ManinderSidhuManinder-SidhuBrampton EastLiberal CaucusOntario//www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Parliamentarians/Images/OfficialMPPhotos/44/SidhuManinder_Lib.jpgInterventionMr. Maninder Sidhu: (2025)[English]My colleague, Ms. Zahid, already made my point, so I'm okay.SukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonINTERVENTIONParliament and SessionDiscussed TopicProcedural TermCommitteePerson SpeakingParticipation TypeSearchResults per pageOrder byTarget search languageSide by SideMaximum returned rowsPagePUBLICATION TYPE