HEAL Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Health met at 11:08 a.m. this day, in Room 269 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That Bonnie Brown be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of David Kilgour, it was agreed, — That Gilbert Barrette be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Svend Robinson moved, — That Réal Ménard be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Jay Hill moved, — That Rob Merrifield be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Pursuant to Standing Order 106(3), the election was conducted by secret ballot.

The ballots having been counted, Rob Merrifield was declared duly elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Susan Whelan, 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.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present provided that at least three(3) members are present, including a member of the opposition; and that the Chair be authorized to call a meeting to order no sooner than fifteen(15) minutes after the time indicated on the notice of meeting as long as three(3) members are present.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two(2) representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — 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.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized, in consultation with the Chair, to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — 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.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, forty-eight(48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; and that notice given on a Friday be deemed to have been given on the following Monday.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee circulate to all members of the Committee Order-in-Council appointments referred to the Standing Committee on Health.

On motion of David Kilgour, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings, only when the member, himself or herself, is absent for a documented reason.

On motion of Susan Whelan, it was agreed, — That the Committee be authorized to purchase documents for the use of the Committee.

At 11:43 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.