CC31 Committee Meeting

The Legislative Committee on Bill C-31 met at 5:37 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Andrew Scheer, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the Committee meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

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 to assist it in its work.

It was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

It was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute documents to members of the Committee and only when such documents exist in both official languages.

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.

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 made at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.

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.

It was agreed, — That the Committee's meetings be televised.

It was agreed, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated seven (7) minutes to the first questioner of each party, starting with the Opposition parties and that thereafter, five (5) minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner, alternating between Opposition parties and Government.

It was agreed, — That the lists of witnesses be provided to the Clerk no later than Friday, January 15, 2009, and that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure submit a working agenda to the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be established and be composed of the Chair and a member of each party.

It was agreed, — That the Committee meet on Monday, January 25, 2010, with representatives of the Department of Justice.

At 6:01 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.