I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 62 of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room, as well as remotely, using the Zoom application.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the members and witnesses.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone, and please mute yourselves when you are not speaking. Interpretation for those on Zoom is at the bottom of your screen. You have the choice of THE floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Members, I ask for your indulgence this morning. I was unable to make the flight for reasons beyond my control.
Today, pursuant to Standing Order 81(4), the committee will commence its consideration of the main estimates 2023-24. Votes 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and L30 under the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, vote 1 under the International Development Research Centre and vote 1 under the International Joint Commission (Canadian Section) were referred to the committee on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Now it's my pleasure to welcome to the committee today the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development. Moreover, welcome should also be extended to his officials, who will be supporting him today in the consideration of the main estimates 2023-24.
We have several officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, including Christopher MacLennan, deputy minister of international development; Anick Ouellette, assistant deputy minister and chief financial officer; Peter MacDougall, assistant deputy minister of global issues and development; Patricia Peña, assistant deputy minister of partnerships for development innovation; Annie Boyer, director general and deputy chief financial officer of financial planning and management; and Andrew Smith, director general of international assistance policy.
Minister Sajjan, thank you for once again appearing before our committee. You will be provided a maximum of five minutes for your remarks, after which we will open it to the members for questions.
Minister Sajjan, the floor is yours for five minutes.