FEWO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on the Status of Women met at 9:08 a.m. this day, in Room 705, La Promenade Building, the Chair, Judy Sgro, presiding.

On motion of Anita Neville, 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 Patricia Davidson, 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 Anita Neville, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

Joy Smith moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a representative from the Bloc Québécois, and that the quorum of the Sub-committee consist of at least three (3) members one of whom must be from the government.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: Diane Bourgeois, Irwin Cotler, Patricia Davidson, Nina Grewal, Helena Guergis, Irene Mathyssen, Maria Minna, Maria Mourani, Anita Neville, Joy Smith — 10; NAYS: — 0.

On motion of Patricia Davidson, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding one representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair and that, if requested, reasonable childcare expenses of witnesses be reimbursed.

On motion of Anita Neville, 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 the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members in both official languages. Upon receipt of notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee's next meeting.

On motion of Maria Minna, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee.

On motion of Anita Neville, 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, and that no document provided by a witness be distributed without the authorization of the Clerk of the Committee.

On motion of Anita Neville, 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 Irwin Cotler, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given 10 minutes to make their opening statement; that during the questioning of witnesses, the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: on the first round of questioning, 7 minutes to a representative of each party in the following order: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party, New Democratic Party. On the following rounds of questioning, 5 minutes per party in the following order : Liberal Party, Conservative Party, Bloc Québecois, New Democratic Party, Conservative Party.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to future business.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That a proposed work plan be discussed at the next meeting.

Joy Smith moved, — Whereas, the equitable split of matrimonial property is guaranteed for both spouses when divorcing under Canadian law; and whereas, this guarantee does not apply to Status Indians living on reserves where property is split in favour of the male spouse; that, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study of matrionial property rights of Aboriginal women.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

It was agreed, — That officials from Status of Women Canada be invited to provide a briefing on issues related to women's poverty, violence against women, and matrimonial property rights.

It was agreed, — That officials from Statistics Canada be invited to provide a briefing on a statistical overview of the status of women in Canada today.

At 10:18 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.