May 4, 2006

Senator Percy Downe of Charlottetown has been reappointed to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Committee is currently undertaking a study on Canadian foreign policy as it relates to Africa.

The study will examine the development and security challenges as well as the response of the international community to enhance that continent’s political stability. The Committee will advise the Government of Canada of its findings and make recommendations to improve Canada’s assistance strategy for Africa.

“This is a difficult, complex and challenging study and I am pleased to have the opportunity to have input into shaping Canada’s foreign and developmental policy for Africa,” stated Downe.

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs has the mandate of examining legislation and matters relating to foreign and Commonwealth relations, including treaties and international agreements; external trade; foreign aid; defence; and territorial and offshore matters.

The core of Senate work takes place in the Senate Chamber and its committees. The Senate has a responsibility to examine and revise legislation and represent regional and minority interests. To this end, the Senate often receives representation from many Canadians on proposed bills.

For the fiscal year 2004-2005, Senate Committees met 408 times and heard from over 1,200 witnesses.