PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:09 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(2).

On motion of Karen Redman, it was agreed, — That Don Boudria be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of John Reynolds, it was agreed, — That Dale Johnston be elected as Official Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Yvon Godin, it was agreed, — That Michel Guimond be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Don Boudria took the Chair.

On motion of Dale Johnston, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

Judi Longfield moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

On motion of Yvon Godin, it was agreed, — That the four whips be delegated the duty to act as the striking committee pursuant to Standing Orders 104, 113 and 114, and that they be authorized to present directly to the Chair, in a report signed by all four whips, their unanimous recommendations for presentation to the House on behalf of the Committee.

Dominic LeBlanc moved, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

On motion of Dale Johnston, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding one representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

Françoise Boivin moved, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents only when they exist in both official languages.

Debate arose thereon.

Michel Guimond moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “languages” the following: “and that the Chair of the Committee ensure that the terms of this motion be respected by witnesses”.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.

On motion of Michel Guimond, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “languages” the following: “and that no document from a witness be distributed without the Clerk's approval”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

On motion of John Reynolds, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its subcommittees.

Dale Johnston moved, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That further consideration of this motion be postponed until the next meeting.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That Bernard Shapiro be invited to appear before the Committee at the earliest opportunity with regard to the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.

At 12:02 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.