Committee Information – Profiles

Shafqat Ali

LPC – Brampton Centre (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2022 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – Present).

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021 – Present); Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (9 December 2021 – Present).

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During meetings of the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), Mr. Ali asked questions on Afghan refugees, and inquired about the visa and refugee applications processes.
• During the appearance of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 8, 2023 before the CIMM Committee, Mr. Ali inquired about what the government has been doing to work with neighbouring third countries to ensure safe passage out of Afghanistan.

Immigration:

• Mr. Ali often questions witnesses with regards to immigration processes and possible improvements. In March 2022 during a CIMM meeting, he asked witnesses about the impact of islamophobia in their application for immigration to Canada.
• Mr. Ali frequently asks questions about Pakistani immigrants and how Canada could increase the number of accepted applications.

Other interests

Muslims / Islam:

• Mr. Ali is a passionate advocate for Muslims in Canada and rose in the House on multiple occasions to recognize special events or to denounce islamophobia.

Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe

BQ – Lac Saint-Jean (QC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, refugees and citizenship (2021 – present); Human Rights (2021 – Present); National Defence (2020 – 2021); Canadian Heritage (Francophonie, International) (2019 – 2021); Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (International Cooperation) (2019 – 2021); Citizenship and Immigration (2019 – 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – 2021)

Committee membership

• Vice Chair: House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (14 Dec 2021 – Present); Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (7 October 2022 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: House Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 Dec 2021 – 8 June 2022); House Standing Committee on National Defence (14 October 2020 – 15 August 2021)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on National Defence (6 October 2020 – 15 August 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• As part of his role in the Special Committee on Afghanistan, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe’s singular focus was on the humanitarian assistance response of Canada. During these meetings, he also questioned witnesses about the implementation of UN's resolution 2615, the list of terrorists entities, and how this impacts the work of NGOs.
• During the appearance of the Minister of National Defence in May 2022 before the AFGH Committee, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe inquired about meetings with the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan.
• On February 8, 2023, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe asked the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the amendments to criminal code in order to facilitate the humanitarian aid. He also inquired about the implementation of the recommendation 3: creating an emergency mechanism.

Sexual Misconduct:

• Asked witnesses during the Standing Committee on National Defence's study on sexual misconduct whether the duty to report leads to the under-reporting of inappropriate sexual behaviour within the Armed Forces. Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe also asked what the CAF should prioritize when it comes to inappropriate sexual behaviours, and whether witnesses thought the Minister of National Defence had “assumed his responsibilities and done his duty” to ensure that sexual misconduct allegations would be dealt with appropriately at the highest levels of the CAF.

Mental Health:

• Asked witnesses during the Standing Committee on National Defence's study on access to mental health services whether the CAF keeps data on attempted suicide or self-harm, and if so, whether they use that data to establish policies. He also asked whether the CAF is proactive in dealing with mental health issues and suicide, and how superiors respond to physicians’ findings related to mental health.

Reserves:

• During Standing Committee on National Defence’s meetings, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe often stated that the reserves are very important to him. He questioned witnesses about recruitment in the reserves, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recruitment and Retention:

• During a House debate on an Opposition Motion (April 2022) regarding defence spending, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe argued that the CAF needed to invest in personnel recruitment and retention, and voted in support of the opposition motion calling for Canada to meet the NATO 2% GDP threshold for defence spending.

Fighter Jets:

• During an NDDN meeting, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe asked the Minister of National Defence how much money has been put into the interim fighter capability and future fighter capability projects, and asked for an explanation of the decision to purchase 88 new fighter jets instead of a different number of aircraft.

Uyghurs :

• During House debate, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe has denounced repeatedly the persecution of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang by the Government of China. He is a vocal advocate for human rights and has pressed the government at numerous occasions to recognize the Uyghurs human rights situation as a genocide.

Sukh Dhaliwal

LPC – Surrey-Newton (BC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2020); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – 2020); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2020); Canada-China Legislative Association (2016-2020); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2016 – 2020); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2016 – 2020); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2016 – 2020); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2016-2020); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – 2020)

Committee membership

• Chair: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 December 2021 – Present)
• Former Chair: Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 December 2021 – 8 June 2022)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (17 June 2020 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on International Trade (2007 – 2008 / 2016 – 2021); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2009 – 2011); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2006 – 2008)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During meetings of the AFGH Committee and the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), Mr. Dhaliwal asked questions on Afghan refugees, and inquired about the difficulties faced by the departments in this process.

Immigration:

• Mr. Dhaliwal often questions witnesses with regards to immigration processes. During a CIMM meeting in March 2022, he inquired about Ukrainian immigration, as well as Sikh and Hindu refugees from Afghanistan.
• During a CIMM meeting in November 2022, Mr. Dhaliwal asked a question on the Indo-Pacific region, sharing concerns about the visa offices in this region.
• In February 2021, during a CIMM meeting, Mr. Dhaliwal inquired about the immigration processes in Hong Kong.

Capacity Building:

• During the 2016 debate of the Government’s contribution to the fight against ISIL, Mr. Dhaliwal argued that the CAF’s efforts in the region were best—and most effectively—directed towards a strengthened training mission, rather than through airstrikes against ISIL.
• During the same debate, Mr. Dhaliwal referenced the CAF’s work training the armed forces of Afghanistan, noting that the effort was seen as “a landmark achievement”.

Other interests

Sikhs / Sikhism:

• Mr. Dhaliwal sponsored Private Member’s Bill C-376, which designated April Sikh Heritage Month. The bill received Royal Assent on April 30, 2019.

Fayçal El-Khoury

LPC – Laval—Les Îles (QC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Member: Panel of Chairs for the Legislative Committees (February 2022 – Present)
• Member of the Executive: Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: House Special Committee on Afghanistan (9 December 2021 – Present); House Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021 – Present)
• Vice Chair: Joint Committee on Scrutiny of Regulations (2 March 2021 – 15 August 2021)
• Former Member: House Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (6 October 2020 – 15 August 2021)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During meetings of the AFGH Committee, Mr. El-Khoury repeatedly demonstrates his concern for the safety and security of Afghan women and girls, often questioning witnesses to provide detailed information regarding the measures taken to ensure their protection and safety.
• During the appearance of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 8, 2023 before the CIMM Committee, Mr. El-Khoury inquired about the government’s work with neighbouring third countries to ensure safe passage out of Afghanistan (recommendation 15), and on the implementation of an emergency mechanism (recommendation 3).
• During the National Defence Minister appearance in May 2022, Mr. El-Khoury asked about the role played by the Canadian Armed Forces with regards to humanitarian assistance. He also inquired about the airlift evacuation challenges.

Operation IMPACT:

• During the 42nd Parliament, Mr. El-Khoury vigorously defended the Government’s decision to withdraw Canada’s CF-18s from Operation IMPACT, and re-focus efforts on training local forces and humanitarian aid.

Sexual Misconduct:

• During a meeting of the National Defence Committee, Mr. El-Khoury spoke about the need to ensure that sexual misconduct is eliminated from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Other interests

Armenian Genocide:

• In Committee, Mr. El-Khoury repeatedly speaks to the Azerbaijani forces’ genocide of the Armenian people, often mentioning that “through multilateralism, Canada will continue to make a constructive contribution to the peaceful and just resolution of this conflict, while ensuring that Armenians and other minorities live in peace, free from hatred and discrimination.”

Arielle Kayabaga

LPC – London West (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2022); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2022); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2022); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2022); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022); Canada-China Legislative Association (2022); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2022); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2022); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2022); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2022).

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021 – Present); Standing Committee on Official Languages (9 December 2021 – Present).

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During a CIMM meeting in November 2022, Ms. Kayabaga inquired about what the government has been doing “to leverage the skills of those who are already here on a temporary status and ensure that they are able to contribute to our economy.”

Immigration:

• Mrs. Kayabaga frequently asks questions about immigrants, foreign students and application processes. Mrs. Kayabaga advocates for francophone immigrants and denounces discrimination in immigration processes.
• During CIMM meetings, Mrs. Kayabaga tends to question witnesses on backlogs and uses an African standpoint. She is also concerned about the use of AI in the immigration processes.

Climate Change:

• Mrs. Kayabaga is a strong advocate for climate change. In December 2021, she rose in the House to denounce the lack of action, stating that we “must all act immediately to ensure that future generations have a place to live.”

Tom Kmiec

CPC – Calgary Shepard (Alberta)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (12 October 2022 – Present); Deputy House Leader and Co-Chair of Question Period Planning (4 February 2022 – 12 September 2022); Caucus Chair (6 November 2019 – 15 August 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2 December 2015 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (5 December 2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2 December 2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (20 April 2020 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (20 April 2020 – 31 March 2022)

Committee membership

• Former Chair: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (16 December 2021– 28 February 2022)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (18 October 2022 – Present); Special Committee on the Canada-People’s Republic of China Relationship (18 October 2022 – Present)
• Former Member: Subcommittee on Private Members' Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2 May 2022 – 21 September 2022); Liaison Committee (16 December 2021 – 28 February 2022); Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (5 February 2020 – 15 August 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (20 April 2020 – 18 June 2020); Standing Committee on Finance (18 September 2017 – 11 September 2019); Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (17 October 2016 – 18 September 2017); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (29 January 2016 – 17 October 2016)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Ukraine:

• Mr. Kmiec expressed on multiple occasions his solidarity with Ukraine. In October 2022, Mr. Kmiec asked in the House “what other steps the government should be immediately taking to provide arms, logistical support and the means for Ukrainians to reach the Russian Federation's true border, the international border that we recognize and is internationally recognized, to ensure this war comes to an early end with a minimal number of casualties.”

China:

• During CACN meetings, Mr. Kmiec has raised the plight of Human Rights activists on Hong Kong and mainland China and explored how Canada could facilitate their immigration directly (as political refugees) or through Taiwan.
• Mr. Kmiec has also expressed concerns about Chinese interference in Canadian universities and industry, as well as Chinese efforts to intimidate critics of the regime living in Canada.

Afghanistan:

• Mr. Kmiec has spoken in support of Afghan nationals who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and called on the government to do more to bring interpreters and LCAs (language and cultural advisors) to Canada as refugees.

Jenny Kwan

NDP – Vancouver East (BC)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship (2015 – Present); Housing (2019 – Present)
• NDP Caucus Chair: 2021 – Present
• Deputy Whip of the New Democratic Party: Mar 2019 – Sep 2019
• Member of the Joint Interparliamentary Council: Apr 2019 – Feb 2020
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – 2020); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – 2017)

Committee membership

• Vice-Chair: Special Committee on Afghanistan (13 December 2021 – 8 June 2022)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (29 Jan 2016 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (16 Feb 2016 – 11 Sept 2019)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghan Refugees:

• During a CIMM meeting on February 8, 2023, Ms. Kwan asked the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about the inclusion of cultural interpreters in the refugee program and the facilitation letters issue. She also inquired about the 40,000-refugee quota and asked the Minister if he would be able to lift the limit to include more Afghans in the program.
• During National Defence Minister appearance at the AFGH committee in May 2022, Ms. Kwan’s questions focused on the Afghan Refugees and the evacuation process, notably pressing the officials to confirm if the number of flights that left Kabul that were not filled to capacity.
• Since September 2021, Ms. Kwan has consistently raised the plight of refugees in Afghanistan. Ms. Kwan requested an emergency debate on Afghanistan on November 24th, 2021, and called on the Government to provide temporary residency permits and travel documents to Afghan interpreters and their families.
• In a 13 September 2021 press release, Ms. Kwan called on the Government to issue Afghan interpreters and their extended families—as well as Afghan human rights activists and Afghans with family in Canada—temporary residency permits and temporary travel documents to facilitate their quick resettlement in Canada.

China / Taiwan:

• During meetings of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relationship in October 2022, Ms. Kwan asked about how Canada could demonstrate support to Hong Kong, and expressed concerns with respect to China’s violations of human rights (citing the Uyghurs). Ms. Kwan also inquired about ways to support Taiwan, “given that China has launched ballistic missiles over Taiwan on multiple occasions.”

Refugees:

• Ms. Kwan frequently advocates on behalf of refugees in both the House of Commons and in committee. She has called for the Government to create special immigration streams for particular groups of refugees (Yazidis, Hong-Kongers), to broaden its definition of “family” to ease the process of family reunification, and advocated for increased resources for organizations that assist asylum seekers.

Marie-France Lalonde

LPC – Orléans (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Role: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (December 3, 2021 – Present); Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario and Official Languages) (March 19, 2021 – August 15, 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (December 2019 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2019 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2020-2021); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2019 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2019 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2019 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2019 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021– Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (15 December 2021 – Present)
• Former member: Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (5 February 2020 – 15 August 2021); Standing Committee on Official Languages (5 February 2020 – 15 August 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (20 April 2020 – 18 June 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Ukraine:

• Mrs. Lalonde comments on Ukraine are mostly centered on Ukrainian refugees. Ms. Lalonde is supportive of Canada’s efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees and answered numerous questions on the subject in the House. In May 2022, she stated that “We will continue to do more to welcome Ukrainians seeking refuge here in Canada from Putin's war as quickly as possible, and we will take care of them when they get here.”

Afghanistan:

• During a House debate in June 2022, Ms. Lalonde underlined Canada’s effort to welcome Afghan refugees, and stated that “We remain firm in our commitment to settle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals in safety to Canada as quickly and safely as possible. We will not stop until the work is done.”
• In October 2022 while CIMM members were debating the motion to invite the Ministers of IRCC, GAC, DND and DoJ on the implementation of the Afghanistan report, Ms. Lalonde suggested to invite only the Ministers of IRCC and Justice, as the Committee’s priority should have been to focus on immigration issues, in her opinion.

Larry Maguire

CPC – Brandon-Souris (MB)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2014 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2014 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2014 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2014 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2014 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – Present)

Committee membership

• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (2017 – 2019; 18 October 2022 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Natural Resources (28 February 2022 – 18 October 2022); Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (4 February 2016 – 18 September 2017)
• Former Member: Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources (28 February 2022 – 18 October 2022); Standing Committee on Natural Resources (9 December 2021 – 18 October 2022); Standing Committee on Health (6 October 2020 – 15 August 2021); Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (5 February 2020 – 18 August 2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (20 April 2020 – 18 June 2020); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (29 January 2015 – 2 August 2015); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (29 January 2015 – 2 August 2015); Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (19 November 2014 – 29 January 2015); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (30 January 2014 – 19 November 2014)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Canadian Arctic Sovereignty:

• In February 2022, during question period, Mr. Maguire asked questions about Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. He also asked his colleagues to elaborate on the fact “that we are a neighbour to Russia and what we could do to defend ourselves in that area.”

Afghanistan:

• In December 2021 during house debate, Mr. Maguire urged the government to do more to help the Afghans.

China:

• Mr. Maguire expressed a strong support for the reinstitution of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relationship (CACN), during House debate in May 2022. He stated that even if the issues that could be studied have “not all to do with defence and those areas, I believe there are many issues that can be discussed in the committee if it is re-established.”

CIMM:

• During CIMM meetings, Mr. Maguire’s questions tend to focus on illegal migrants.

Brad Redekopp

CPC – Saskatoon West (SK)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Critic: Associate Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (12 October 2022 – Present)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (14 April 2022 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (14 April 2022 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (14 April 2022 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (14 April 2022 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (14 April 2022 – Present)

Committee membership

• Vice Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (18 October 2022 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (9 December 2021 – Present)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (5 February 2020 – 15 August 2021); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (20 April 2020 – 18 June 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• Mr. Redekopp advocates for Canada to welcome more Afghan refugees and deplored on numerous occasions how the Liberals handled the crisis in 2022. In March 2022, Mr. Redekopp deplored that the Canadian system is a “two-tiered system, where white Europeans come in faster than people from Afghanistan.”
• During the appearance of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 8, 2023 before the CIMM Committee, Mr. Redekopp questioned Minister Fraser on the facilitation letters issued by Senator McPhedran. He asked “whether IRCC had signed any instruments of delegation of authority to the [former] Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, anyone employed by the Department of National Defence” to issue documents on Minister Fraser’s behalf.

Ukraine:

• Saskatoon West has one of the highest Ukrainian diaspora of Canada. In April 2022, Mr. Redekopp tabled a petition on behalf of Saskatoon West people, which called on Canada to immediately waive all of these requirements and grant visa-free travel to Ukrainians. In March 2022, Mr. Redekopp also defended vigorously a CIMM’s motion in the House, asking the government to take in Ukrainians visa-free.
• During CIMM meetings, Mr. Redekopp frequently asked questions with regards to Ukrainian refugees and pushed for Canada to welcome more refugees in March 2022.

Ballistic Missile Defence:

• In March 2022 during House debate, Mr. Redekopp stated that Canada should join the U.S. ballistic missile defence system, as Canada “is the only NATO country not protected against Russian nuclear attack.”

Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner

CPC – Calgary Nose Hill (Alberta)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Cabinet: Minister for Western Economic Diversification (2013-2015)
• Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Environment (2011-2013)
• Critic: Shadow Minister for Natural Resources (9 November 2021 – October 12, 2022); Shadow Minister of Health (September 8, 2020 – November 9, 2021)
• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014; May 4, 2017 – present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (May 4, 2017 – March 31, 2019;
• April 30, 2021 – present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (November 2, 2012 – March 31, 2014; May 4 , 2017 – March 31, 2019; April 30, 2020 – present) Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014; May 4, 2017 – March 31, 2019)

Committee membership

• Former Vice-Chair: Natural Resources (December 15, 2021 – February 28, 2022); Health (October 9, 2020 – August 15, 2021); Industry, Science, and Technology (February 18, 2020 – August 18, 2020); Citizenship and Immigration (September 21, 2017 – September 11, 2019)
• Member: Citizenship and Immigration (January 29, 2016 – September 11, 2019; October 18 – present)
• Former Member: ; Natural Resources (December 9, 2021 – February 28, 2022); Health (October 6, 2020 – August 15, 2021); Industry, Science, and Technology (February 5, 2020 – August 18, 2020); COVID-19 Pandemic (April 20, 2020 – June 18, 2020)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghanistan:

• During the appearance of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on February 8, 2023 before the CIMM Committee, Ms. Rempel Garner questioned Minister Fraser repeatedly on the facilitation letters issued by Senator McPhedran.
• At the end of the same meeting, she moved a motion to extend the number of meetings allocated to the study on Afghanistan, and to summon National Defence officials, as well as key witnesses to appear before CIMM on the facilitation letters issue. Debate adjourned before the motion was adopted, therefore the motion was adopted during March 20th meeting.

Arctic Security:

• While appearing as an acting member at a National Defence Committee meeting on November 22, 2022, Ms. Rempel Garner expressed concern that Canada may have to rely on Russia for help should a vessel become incapacitated in the Arctic.
• She also questioned witnesses on whether Canada had a contingency plan for the potential failure of infrastructure like satellites, ships, or aircraft for monitoring.

COVID-19:

• As Shadow Minister of Health, Ms. Rempel Garner frequently criticized the government for its response to the pandemic, including over COVID-19 lockdowns, vaccine distribution (involving the CAF), and the government response to the protests against public health restrictions that occurred in January-February 2022.

Salma Zahid

LPC – Scarborough Centre (ON)

Political and parliamentary roles

• Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2016 – 2021); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2016 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present)

Committee membership

• Chair: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (18 Feb 2020 – Present); Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (15 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Member: Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (19 Sep 2018 – Present); Special Committee on Afghanistan (8 Dec 2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Committee Budgets of the Liaison Committee (22 March 2022 – Present); Liaison Committee (15 Dec 2021 – Present)
• Former Vice Chair: Standing Committee on the Status of Women (11 April 2019 – 11 September 2019)
• Former Member: Standing Committee on the Status of Women (11 April 2019 – 15 August 2021); Public Accounts (2016 – 2016); Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2017 – 2018)

Points of interest to DND/CAF

Afghan Refugees:

• Ms. Zahid has raised the importance of resettling vulnerable Afghans in Canada on several occasions during House debate. Her comments sometimes reference the Canadian Armed Forces, but her focus tended to lie on resettlement efforts.

Afghanistan Mission:

• During a House debate in 2021, Ms. Zahid suggested that Canada would benefit from a larger post-mortem of the mission in Afghanistan, not just the last several years.
• During an AFGH committee meeting in May 2022, Ms. Zahid asked how did DND work with the other departments like GAC and IRCC with regard to this evacuation of the Afghans.
• During various AFGH committee meetings, Ms. Zahid asked several questions about what Canada is doing to support women's right advocacy within Afghanistan, including their access to education.

Culture Change:

• Ms. Zahid was an active member of the House Standing Committee on the Status of Women during that committee’s study of Sexual Misconduct within the Canadian Armed Forces. Her questions tended to be of a problem-solving nature—asking about the root causes of problems, and seeking input on possible solutions from witnesses. She questioned witnesses extensively on mental health related issues.

Other interests

Palestine:

• Ms. Zahid is the Chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, which works to advance the recognition and protection of human rights for Palestinian people. In May 2021, Mr. Zahid advocated for the Government to call for an end to Israeli airstrikes within Palestine, and condemn Israeli settlements in disputed territories.

Immigration:

• Ms. Zahid champions immigration, and has risen in the House to highlight Canada’s history of welcoming “people fleeing persecution, war, and terror.”