Evidence of meeting #59 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was afghanistan.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
What you're describing is the best case scenario. The worst case scenario would be, we don't agree and we've wasted our time. Can we agree on that?
Head of Policy, World Vision Canada
We are, 100%. It's not the place to filibuster.
Liberal
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Thank you, Chair.
The representatives here are from larger organizations that do this work. In fact, all that did the briefing note are relatively large organizations.
Do you worry at all about the implications on smaller organizations that work in the field? Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan is a perfect example of a small organization. This is a very burdensome process for smaller organizations.
Would anyone like to comment on that?
Chief of Emergency Management and General Counsel, Canadian Red Cross
We do agree, and that's something we're concerned about. As a sector, it is in keeping with other kinds of application-based regimes that they have to contend with. This isn't unique; it is something we're familiar with, and we do believe we will support one another in the process.
I would say to the earlier comment that the express humanitarian carve-out won't solve that problem. Those aren't the small organizations. What we're talking about isn't going to solve that problem for them. It will not.
NDP
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
I know. This legislation in itself will be a barrier for those organizations, in that we are asking them to go through additional bureaucratic processes in order to be able to work in some of these regions.
Ms. Avis, there's one other question I have for you. We have received testimony from the Canadian Red Cross. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not support this legislation and actually says that it is in opposition to international humanitarian law.
Why the discrepancy?
Chief of Emergency Management and General Counsel, Canadian Red Cross
I think we're actually aligned. I think we both submitted that an express humanitarian carve-out is something we would all want. I think we're aligned that we need to systematize neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance.
I think the Canadian Red Cross is subject to domestic Canadian laws and is unable to operate in Afghanistan, and this bill is a reasonable step forward.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
What I'm hearing from that is because the International Committee of the Red Cross is not part of the legislative framework of Canada, they look at this legislation and say that it's bad, but because you need to work within the Canadian legislation, you're willing to accept this legislation.
Chief of Emergency Management and General Counsel, Canadian Red Cross
No. As I said, we all believe in a blanket carve-out for international humanitarian law. That's their submission. If that was considered or taken forward, which we also have in our testimony today and in our written submission, we're completely aligned on that point. That would solve their problem, essentially.
Head of Policy, World Vision Canada
If I can just.... I'm obviously not speaking on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross, but I think the conversation has evolved over the last few days to say that just Bill C-41 is insufficient. In my interpretation of the position from ICRC, if there were not room for an additional humanitarian carve-out and if Bill C-41 passes unamended, then that's not ideal. I think that's where consensus has emerged from all witnesses. I think that's fair.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
Thank you. Thank you, Ms. McPherson.
I want to thank the witnesses for your great testimony and the great service that you and all your organizations do for humanitarian efforts around the world. It's very commendable.
I want to thank all my colleagues here in the room, especially those visiting, for being very timely and being able to adjust even with the votes in between. We were able to get a good, decent round of questions. Thank you very much.
The meeting is adjourned.