SDEV Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on Human rights and International Development of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 11:09 a.m. this day, in Room 307 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Navdeep Bains, it was agreed, — That David Kilgour be elected Chair of the Subcommittee.

On motion of Peter Goldring, it was agreed, — That Stockwell Day ''in absentia'' be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee.

David Kilgour took the Chair.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Subcommittee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, 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.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given 10 minutes for their opening statement; that at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated 7 minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Subcommittee ; and That the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Subcommittee and circulated to members in both official languages. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Subcommittee’s next meeting.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Subcommittee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, 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 Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Subcommittee documents only when they exist in both official languages and that no document from a witness be distributed without the Clerk's approval.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Subcommittee.

On motion of Diane Bourgeois, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Subcommittee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Subcommittee.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk conduct consultations amongst all Members in order to find a suitable date and time for the Subcommittee to meet.

It was agreed, — That Members do provide the Clerk with a list of subjects that they would like the Subcommittee to study, before the next meeting.

It was agreed, — That, when necessary, and to avoid duplication, the Subcommittee could hold joint meetings with the Subcommittee on International Trade, Trade Disputes and Investment to consider issues of mutual interest.

At 11:35 a.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.