I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number eight of the House of Commons Special Committee on Afghanistan, created pursuant to the order of the House of December 8, 2021.
Today’s meeting is taking place in hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021.
I would like to remind all those present in this room to please follow the recommendations from public health authorities, as well as the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on October 19, 2021, to remain healthy and safe.
Should any technical challenges arise, please advise me, as we may need to suspend for a few minutes to ensure all members are able to participate fully.
Witnesses should also be aware that translation in English and French is available through the globe icon at the bottom of their screen.
As we had discussed during meeting number seven on March 28, I want to outline for the members the tentative schedule for the next few weeks following the break weeks.
On April 25, we will have Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Sean Fraser and his officials. He will be here for the first hour. For the second hour we will have Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and department officials.
For the May 2 meeting, in the first hour, the tentative witnesses will be Afghan interpreters Masood Matin Hotak, Jamy Kohistany and Zareef Mayar. For the second hour, we tentatively have witnesses Warda Shazadi Meighen from the International Association of Women Judges, and Robert St. Aubin from Rainbow Railroad.
On May 9 for the first hour, we will have Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence and her department officials. For the second hour, we will have Canadian Armed Forces members and department officials.
After May 9, we will begin report consideration beginning with the drafting instructions on May 16 and, hopefully, report consideration on May 30 and June 6. We have been instructed by the House to present our report by June 8, as per the motion creating this special committee.
Is everyone okay with that plan?
Madam Kwan.