PROC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:03 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 104(1).

On motion of Tom Lukiwski, it was agreed, — That Joe Preston be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Michel Guimond, it was agreed, — That Marcel Proulx be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Marcel Proulx, it was agreed, — That Michel Guimond be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Joe Preston took the Chair.

On motion of Marlene Jennings, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, 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 Claude DeBellefeuille, it was agreed, — That the four (4) Whips be delegated the authority 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 (4) Whips, or their representatives, their unanimous recommendations for presentation to the House, on behalf of the Committee.

On motion of Marcel Proulx, it was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 91.1(1), the Subcommittee on Private Members' Business be composed of one (1) member from each recognized party and a Chair from the government party; and

That Harold Albrecht be appointed Chair of the Subcommittee.

Marlene Jennings 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.

Debate arose thereon.

Scott Reid moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the word “and” after the words “Vice-Chairs”; and, by adding after the words “opposition party” the following: “and one government member”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Scott Reid and it was agreed to.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, a member of the other opposition party and one government member.

Marcel Proulx 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 (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

Debate arose thereon.

Tom Lukiwski moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “opposition” the words “and a member of the government”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Tom Lukiwski and it was negatived.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Marcel Proulx, — 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 one member of the opposition.

The debate continued.

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

On motion of Michel Guimond, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding one (1) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

Marcel Proulx moved, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents and only when they exist in both official languages and that witnesses be advised accordingly prior to appearing before the Committee.

Debate arose thereon.

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

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

On motion of Yvon Godin, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

Scott Reid moved, — That 48 hours notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee; and that the motion be filed with and distributed by the Clerk.

Debate arose thereon.

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

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure meet on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 11:00 to consider matters related to Committee business.

On motion of Scott Reid, it was agreed, — That the Committee do now adjourn.

At 12:19 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.