Good morning, everyone.
I call meeting 55 to order. We are continuing our study of “Afghanistan 2006: Good Governance, Democratic Development and Human Rights”.
We have with us this morning the deputy minister, Mr. Leonard J. Edwards.
Before I call upon him, when I walked in I received a copy of a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I don't know if you've seen it. I find it curious, but I'm going to pass it on.
Dear Mr. Wappel:
I am writing with respect to the scheduled appearance by officials of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), including Mr. Leonard J. Edwards, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, before the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics on June 19, 2007.
I understand that Mr. Edwards and the DFAIT officials accompanying him will answer the questions put to them by members of the Committee to the best of their abilities and explain the policies and procedures of the Canadian government in the carrying out of their responsibilities, as these pertain to the Committee's study of the access to information requests for DFAIT's internal report entitled Afghanistan 2006: Good Governance, Democratic Development and Human Rights.
I'd like committee members to listen carefully to this paragraph:
I am sure that as Chair of the Committee, you will see to it that the witnesses are treated with due courtesy and respect as public servants and citizens of Canada. I was personally distressed by the reports conveyed to me of the treatment accorded to DFAIT officials who appeared before the Committee on May 29, 2007, by a few members of the Committee, and would hope that such conduct would not be repeated.
I wish to thank you in advance for your cooperation in this respect,
Sincerely,
Peter G. MacKay
I simply bring that to your attention, as it was brought to my attention.
Before I recognize Mr. Martin, I will remind committee members that last week, in camera, we discussed this issue of the questioning of witnesses.
Mr. Martin.