Evidence of meeting #95 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was global.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
I must say that what Mr. Bergeron has said makes eminent sense. However, the question before us is whether this motion falls within the scope of what we have been discussing.
From a practical standpoint, it's a very good point, Mr. Bergeron.
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
From my perspective, I think that it fits in, as we are actually trying to give the drafting instructions to the analysts today. That's why I think that it does make sense.
We certainly heard, or I tried to tease out, the importance throughout this study of development as part of our diplomacy. Obviously, the cornerstone of Canada's development work is the FIAP, the feminist international assistance policy. That is the policy under which all of our development is happening, so I do think it does make sense for us to bring this forward as we are providing drafting instructions to the analysts for their preparation.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
Mr. Chair, I don't believe we're in the “drafting instructions” part of the meeting. We are in “Canada's diplomatic capacity” public part of the meeting.
If we want to go to drafting instructions, that's very well and fine, but we are in the public part of the meeting.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
I would have to say that I do agree with you, Mr. Chong. I also agree with Mr. Bergeron.
Right now, all that is before this committee is to determine whether the motion that has been brought before us falls within the scope of the issue of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
Go ahead, Dr. Fry.
Liberal
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
Thank you.
I wish to say that regardless of whether or not we are drafting, this is fully within the scope of what we are talking about. We heard witnesses speak to the issue of Canada having to defend human rights as part of our diplomatic capacity.
It was decided way back in 1995 that women's rights were human rights and that sexual and reproductive rights were an important part of human rights. If we are going to talk about a diplomatic capacity that entertains human rights, then this has to be on the table.
Around the world right now, we see that the human rights of women are being denied. We are going to travel to Africa. Look at what's happening in Africa. We know that 78,000 women a year in that part of the world and in the developing world die from unsafe abortions. They also die because they're having their 20th child and their uterus is like a piece of paper, so they bleed from postpartum hemorrhages. They die and their children suffer as a result.
Liberal
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
It's an important part of our diplomatic capacity. Human rights are part of diplomatic capacity.
Thank you.
Liberal
Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON
I hate to interrupt my colleague, but I have a point order, which takes precedence.
I will just preface the point of order by saying I will be fully supportive of this motion when it comes.
I believe that right now our order of business is on a point of order on whether or not the motion is within the scope of the study. I think that is not a debatable piece. If there's a contestation to that, we can have the debate on the point of order, but not on the subject of the matter.
I would think it would be important for the chair to rule on whether it's in order. Then we could maybe have a quick discussion about whether we need to vote on this today or whether or not we need to get to our business meeting.
I think there is a question about validity and that is yours to rule on.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
I appreciate that.
We can listen to what members have to say as to whether it does fall within the scope of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
Liberal
Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON
That's on points of order, yes.
I would just challenge that we should not debate the motion at this point. It's only on whether or not it falls into the scope of the study.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
That's what I keep reminding everyone. The only question before us is whether it falls within the scope of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Yes, I think Dr. Fry actually spoke to that very issue.
Does anyone else want to say...?
I would have to say, having heard everyone, and in particular Dr. Fry—and it's not just a question of wording, but everything that has been highlighted—that yes, it does fall within the scope of Canada's diplomatic capacity.
Is everyone okay with that? Did anyone want to challenge it?
Okay. Did we want to suspend for a few minutes before coming back to committee business?
We'll take three or four minutes and then we'll come back in camera.
What's that?
Liberal
Liberal
Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON
I just want to be clear. You've ruled it's in order. That was not challenged. We have to go back to the motion. The motion needs to be dealt with before we can move to committee business.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
No, I think the chair has ruled that it's within the scope of the study. Since the next item on the agenda is to review the drafting instructions for the analysts, we're now going to move in camera, where I assume we will continue debate on the motion.
Conservative
Michael Chong Conservative Wellington—Halton Hills, ON
We would like to debate the motion.
Are we going in camera or are we staying in public? Either way is fine by me.
Liberal
Liberal
Rob Oliphant Liberal Don Valley West, ON
I just want some clarity from the chair.
I believe we are still in a public meeting. We have not moved in camera. We have a motion on the floor, which you have ruled is eligible to be debated. I think we are now in debate.