Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to move a motion. It has been submitted. I believe all committee members have it in both languages. It's concerning Pakistan and the flooding situation. As I'm sure everyone in this room is aware, one-third of the country is currently under water and 33 million people are impacted. That's an enormous amount when we think about the size of Canada and the number of people who are here.
Thankfully, our government has already done a lot when it comes to supporting the people of Pakistan. We know that Minister Sajjan was there for five days, along with a small delegation of MPs. We know that $25 million in humanitarian assistance was given immediately, along with $3 million in matching funds and $20 million to fight polio, which is a water-borne disease.
It is completely appropriate that we at this committee study this issue. Therefore, I'd like to put forth the motion, read it into the record and have a vote on it. The motion is:
That the committee hold at least one meeting on the extreme flooding in Pakistan and what support is needed by the Pakistani people during this time of need; and that witnesses include officials from Global Affairs Canada, civil society organizations providing aid on the ground, and other relevant experts.
I was there in July on a personal trip and went up north. Before the floods were really in full force, I saw the impacts of the monsoon rains, with roadways covered and bridges felled. This was before what we know now in terms of the immense flooding. I'm putting this out there and hoping that we can get broad support on it.
Thank you.