MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 51

Thursday, January 17, 2002

The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met in a televised joint session with the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs at 10:05 a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, David Pratt, Chair of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, and John Harvard presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Bill Casey, John Harvard, Marlene Jennings, Bernard Patry.

Acting Member present: John Godfrey for Jean Augustine.

Members of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs present: David Pratt, Stan Dromisky, John O’Reilly, David Price, Rob Anders, Leon Benoit, Cheryl Gallant, Claude Bachand, Elsie Wayne.

Acting Member present: Alexa McDonough for Peter Stoffer.

In attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: James Lee, Michel Rossignol, Research Officers.

Appearing: The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister of National Defence.

Witness: From the Department of National Defence: Gen Raymond R. Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff.

The Order of the House of Commons of October 15, 2001, being read as follows:

That this House reaffirm its condemnation of the terrorist attacks against our NATO ally, the United States of America, on September 11, 2001, and affirm its support for Canada’s courageous men and women in the Canadian Forces who are responding to defend freedom and democracy in the international military coalition against terrorism; and

That this House hereby order the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs to sit frequently, including joint meetings with ministers and officials of the government and the military.

Pursuant to the Order of the House, the Committee commenced joint consideration with the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs of matters relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the participation of Canadian Forces in the international military coalition against terrorism.

The Minister made an opening statement and with the witness answered questions.

At 11:34 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Stephen Knowles

Clerk of the Committee