Good afternoon, committee. This is meeting number seven of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. It is Wednesday, March 4, 2009.
Today we again meet to consider the report from our steering committee, a little later on. We are continuing our review of key elements of Canadian foreign policy.
Our witness in the first hour is Paul Heinbecker, former ambassador and permanent representative of Canada to the United Nations. He is currently director of the international relations and communications program at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.
In our second hour, by video conference, we have, from the University of British Columbia, Professor Michael Byers. He holds the Canada research chair in global politics and international law.
Our committee provides time for an opening statement of approximately 10 minutes, and then we go into the first round of questioning.
Mr. Heinbecker, I don't know how many times you've appeared before our committee. I can tell you that every time you're here we appreciate it. And we appreciate your experience, your expertise in our field of study today. We welcome you to our committee.
We apologize for the late start. As I've mentioned, before the meeting today we had a number of tributes to a former Speaker of the House, Gib Parent. I know some of our committee members are still there.
We are aware you may have to leave a little early. We look forward to your comments.