Foreign Affairs Committee on Feb. 7th, 2024

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Randy, the issue of the two Michaels was a not partisan issue. We all stood behind them. Michael Kovrig's reputation has been affected by this allegation. That is why I am mad that you're referring to this question, because I know that that must not be your intent. It cannot be your intent. No Canadian would try to have a negative impact on this Canadian hero.

As to the GSRP, the global security reporting program, we believe that there is no issue with it being a GAC program. We do not think that it is a national security problem. We think that this completely abides by the Vienna convention. We think that all our diplomats who are working around the world under this program need to be protected, and that is why we will continue to work on this issue.

Maybe, David, you would want to continue.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Just before we go there, I only have so much time, unfortunately, Minister. I want to be respectful here.

This report was done in 2020. It was released in 2023 and we're into 2024. Can you tell me that in the last three years you've addressed the issues that were raised in this report?

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Once again, I would remind all the members to put their questions in the context of the topic—

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

It is in the context of the departments working together and the training of individuals within the department. That talks about it. There's been no legal guidance, no risk assessment, no security process and insufficient training.

Have you addressed those issues that were in the report?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Yes, I have answered your committee on this.

Maybe, David, do you want to add to it? I know you've been very much involved.

[David Morrison]

The short answer is yes. We received the report. We acted on it. We accepted the recommendations. If you look at the letter that my predecessor, Marta Morgan, wrote in response to the report, which is in the public domain, you'll see that we took some issue with the characterization of the Vienna convention, but we accepted the recommendations and we have actioned them.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Minister, we're seeing 64 elections happen across the world this year. Those are a lot of changes, possibly changes in government.

One of the complaints I get from diplomats here in Canada is that they don't have an audience with the minister. They can never get an audience with the minister. We did an Order Paper question on that. You've met with only one ambassador here in Canada, and that is the ambassador from the U.S. Why is that? Is it normal protocol for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to not meet with the diplomatic corps from other countries here in Canada?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

That's not the right information. I've met with many ambassadors here.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Again, in the Order Paper question—

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I've met with all of them.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

But have you had individual, one-on-one meetings, with—

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I've had many. I've met with all the Arab League ambassadors. I've met with all the EU ones. I've met many times with the head of the EU. I've also met, of course, with the U.S. ambassador many times, and the Indian ambassador. I've met—

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

In what capacity? I'm not going to second-guess you on that.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Not only that, I've gone to so many countries around the world. Usually when I do a bilateral visit, the ambassador from the country goes. For example, the Macedonian ambassador was there—

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Explain to me then, minister, why an Order Paper question that asks specifically about that issue came back with these results. Is it a capacity issue with the Global Affairs that they can't get the information?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Listen, Randy, I don't know the specific answer on that. Clearly there is an issue with the answer, so we'll follow up. I must reassure you that we've been in close contact.

I'm not the only one doing that. I know that Rob Oliphant, my parliamentary secretary, has been meeting with so many of them, and also Pam Damoff—

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

I am repeating what ambassadors have been telling me in my meetings.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

You're out of time, considerably out of time.

[Randy Hoback, Conservative, Prince Albert, SK]

Thank you, Minister. I appreciate your time.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

Next we'll go to MP Zuberi. You have five minutes.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Minister, for being here today.

There is so much happening in the world today. I know that your job is extremely challenging at this time. I recognize that and appreciate what you're doing in these difficult circumstances.

Top of mind right now is the Middle East. A lot of Canadians are watching what is happening and have loved ones who are there. Some Canadians are still stuck in Gaza and are trying to get out, along with their families. Our government has made a commitment to help families of Canadians come to Canada. A lot of Canadians have come back. They have been able to leave Gaza, which is very positive. You described it as the worst place on Earth right now, and I have no doubt that this is true.

Can you let us know what the challenges are around getting the remaining Canadians and their families out of Gaza? What are the challenges that you are facing? Before—

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

MP Zuberi, I would once again remind all members of the significance of relevance. If you could try to put it in a mould that's relevant to the topic the minister is here to discuss, it would be much appreciated.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

I hope I get that time, Mr. Chair, that 20 seconds.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ali Ehsassi]

You most definitely will, but I would ask that you keep your questions relevant.

[Sameer Zuberi, Liberal, Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC]

Excellent.

I was about to get to the question, but I wanted to thank you for the work you did around Mansour Shouman, who is a Canadian citizen and is now not detained. I know your ministry did a lot.

To my question, Mr. Chair, through you, with respect to the challenges that are being faced to get Canadians and their families out, what are they?