Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would tend to agree with my colleague as well. We did do some research and looked at the topics we wanted to discuss. We even sent two motions to Madam Clerk, which I could read to you. I don't know if she received them. In my opinion, subcommittee members will reach a consensus on these two topics.
Have you received what we sent you, Madam Clerk? May I read them out? I imagine it's all right.
With respect to the topic of the first motion, I believe the subcommittee addressed this in the last Parliament. It concerns the situation in Tigray Province, Ethiopia. It's getting a lot of media coverage.
I would therefore like to move that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the humanitarian crisis and human rights situation in Ethiopia with particular attention to the situation in Tigray Province, that the committee hold two meetings on this issue; and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.
This is a serious humanitarian crisis. About 91% of the population in Ethiopia's Tigray Province is on the verge of starvation, and the United Nations is reporting egregious human rights violations. This is a worthwhile and important topic that we could discuss. We could also refer to the studies already carried out by the subcommittee in the last Parliament.
The second topic is timeless and significant. It concerns Haiti, a country whose people have a hard life. Since I was a child, every time we have heard about Haiti, it was because of a problem and it was always difficult. Here is the motion:
I therefore move that, pursuant toStanding Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on the humanitarian, social, political and economic crisis currently facing Haiti and the human rights situation in that country, that the committee hold two meetings on this issue, and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.
Haiti was already grappling with earthquakes and an economic crisis, and now it's street gangs who have literally taken the Haitian government hostage. That's made life harder for those most in need in an already struggling country. Then another earthquake hit. I feel there has to be a way for us to look into this and hear from some interesting witnesses.
So those are the two interesting topics that the subcommittee could discuss over the next few weeks and months.