Thank you to all of the witnesses for being here—all experts in their field.
We're talking about Bill C-41, which would open the door for humanitarian aid by Canadian organizations that are otherwise prohibited from doing work in certain areas of the world on account of Canada's strict anti-terrorist laws.
Now, generally we agree with that. However, as you heard from a number of the questioners, there is deep concern about the government's apparent slow reaction to a crisis, particularly in Afghanistan.
I'm looking at the report of the special Afghan committee, which was issued some time in June 2022, and particularly at evidence by Michael Messenger on March 31, 2021. More than a year ago, this is what he had to say: “Based on external legal advice, our understanding is that the Minister of Public Safety could provide an exemption to the restrictive provisions through section 83.09 of the Criminal Code.” That's existing legislation. He went on to say, “In fact, we believe he and his department have an urgent obligation to do so.”
My question is, why wasn't section 83.09 used? Would it have been sufficient? Did World Vision even make an application for exemption at that time?