We'll call the meeting to order.
Today we have the 15th meeting of the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan. Pursuant to the order of reference of Tuesday, February 10, 2009, and the two motions adopted by the committee on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, the committee commenced its study of the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities as part of its consideration of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. I'm going to read the two motions.
Today we have two witnesses, two different panels. We'll start with Richard Colvin, the first secretary of the embassy of Canada to the United States of America at the moment. As an individual, we have Lori Bokenfohr, legal counsel. The second panel will consist of Peter A. Tinsley, chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission. Then we have to go in camera to deal with the fifth report of the subcommittee on agenda and procedure.
These are the motions I referenced at the opening. The motion moved by Mr. Bachand states: “That the committee review the laws, regulations and procedures governing the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities, including section 37 and 38 of the Canadian Evidence Act, and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House of Commons”. Mr. Dewar's motion, as passed, states: “That the committee hold hearings regarding the transfer of Afghan detainees from the Canadian Forces to Afghan authorities”. Those are the two motions under which the committee will operate today.
Mr. Colvin, welcome, sir.