Evidence of meeting #20 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was counsellor.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
No one wants to leave early.
Mr. Dewar, let me just say this. We decided that we would offer to have committee business at 5:15. The deal isn't that we are going to 5:30 and then to committee business.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
Well, we could. It's up to the committee, I believe, Mr. Chair, is it not?
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
No, the committee begins at 3:30 and ends at 5:30.
Mr. Dewar, if you're really that concerned about 10 minutes, then be here on time next week.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
Mr. Chair, I don't know what game we're playing today, but it's good to see you, Minister. I'm glad we're able to have you here and I'm glad that I'm able to ask questions. I'll get right to them.
I'm going to ask about a Canadian in Sudan—no surprise. The fact is, Minister, that this committee has invited Abousfian Abdelrazik to come to committee. This is a very quick question and very straightforward: will you allow him to come to committee? We've asked him to come to committee in person. So I'm just going to ask you very directly, Minister, will you issue a special travel document so he can come before the foreign affairs committee?
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
Lawrence Cannon Conservative Pontiac, QC
As members are aware, Mr. Dewar, the appearance of all witnesses before the committee is up to the clerk, who executes the committee's requests. In this case, I've been told the clerk has been in touch with our mission in Khartoum—and I think the clerk does an excellent job in arranging the appearance of witnesses.
Now, as my colleague is aware, Mr. Abdelrazik is on the United Nations 1267 list as an individual associated with al-Qaeda and is therefore subject to a travel ban and assets freeze. This government strongly supports the fight against terrorism and takes seriously its international legal obligations to the United Nations. So this includes our responsibilities when it comes to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
Well, then that's a no. I just want that to be clear, because you gave me—
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
I have to ask you this, Minister, because you know, or I hope you know, that resolution 1267 allows a foreign national, a Canadian in this case, to return to their country of origin. Are you aware of that?
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
Lawrence Cannon Conservative Pontiac, QC
Mr. Dewar, if you keep cutting me off, we're not going to have a constructive discussion.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
Lawrence Cannon Conservative Pontiac, QC
I'm aware of Canada's obligations. I'm aware of the 1267 list.
5:25 p.m.
Conservative
Lawrence Cannon Conservative Pontiac, QC
I'm also aware of what you indicated to me. But that is, of course, not up to me; it's up to the 1267 committee.
5:25 p.m.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
That's not true. With respect, Minister, can I just let you know that we've received information saying that you can allow him to come here, but it's up to you, though. We've heard that from the person who chairs the 1267 committee. In fact, Minister, you know, or should know, that the way resolution 1267 was designed, other countries have had their foreign nationals come home.
Let me put it this way, Mr. Chair. We've had the RCMP, we've had CSIS, and we've had the Government of Sudan all clear Mr. Abdelrazik of any security risk. In fact, the only person who's standing in his way, with respect, Minister, is you, because when a travel document was applied for—
