Foreign Affairs Committee on June 17th, 2010

[Peter Goldring, Conservative, Edmonton East, AB]

Absolutely. Given that the minister has just been here and this is sort of the pre-eminent aid project that we have in the region, and given the catastrophe there and the relative amount of time since the earthquake, I think early in the agenda, or early in the fall period of time, if it's the committee's wish to visit and see what is happening on the ground, I think that should have a priority.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

Okay.

I've got Madame Lalonde and then Dr. Patry.

[Francine Lalonde, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

I just wanted to say that I agree with Mr. Goldring. I tried to get an emergency debate in the House of Commons. That tragedy took place five months ago. We know that the assistance received, until now at least, has not allowed us to really change the lives of a lot of people.

The risk right now is that Port-au-Prince will become a tent city. That is not what we need.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

Okay, thank you.

Dr. Patry.

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

I agree also with Haiti; it's in our own back yard.

I would like to take Africa into consideration, because the G-8 and G-20 will look at Africa, and the thing is, in the Sudan there will be a referendum next year. The consequences of the referendum will affect all the surrounding countries. It could be a major problem for the world. If my colleagues would agree, not officially, it could be something to study the Sudan very carefully.

I would like to move it, if you agree, Deepak, because I think we could--

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

I agree with Sudan.

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

You agree? I really think....You know more than me about the Sudan. I know Glen has also been in the Sudan a few times. I think this is of great consequence for the world.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

I think we've got a lot of great things we can study, when we look at it once again.

I'll suggest that as soon as we get back we meet with the subcommittee right away. If there are any other motions that come in--

[Bernard Patry, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

If others have a motion, they could send it by e-mail and they could start looking at it. You don't study the Sudan without great preparation.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

Okay.

Once again, there's no shortage of great things to study, just a consensus of what we need.

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

You're tabling the R and D report?

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

It's already been done, committee. Dr. Patry did it at ten o'clock.

[Paul Dewar, NDP, Ottawa Centre, ON]

Thank you, sir.

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

Just before we leave, I do want to thank all the staff once again, the support staff and translation people, for all the great work they do. I hope they have a good summer, a restful summer.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear.

[Deepak Obhrai, Conservative, Calgary East, AB]

Do we have a new clerk?

[The Chair, Conservative, Dean Allison]

No, just an understudy. We work together.

So once again, thanks to all the staff for all their work. I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

Thanks.

The meeting is adjourned.