Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for your presentation today, Mr. Ferguson.
I am especially concerned about Canadians who are arrested or detained abroad. There seem to be a number of problems in this regard. First, in two thirds of cases, these individuals are not contacted within 24 hours. They are often contacted by email only, and not in person. I think it would be very difficult to assess potential torture or mistreatment, for example, without meeting the individual in person. This relates to the lack of ongoing training of foreign service officers.
What is the problem? I consider this a fairly serious matter. I am amazed that Global Affairs Canada does not provide that training and does not address prison visits. What is the problem?
Could you go back to your recommendations in this regard please?