CIIT Committee Meeting

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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 20

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Standing Committee on International Trade met at 9:13 a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Lee Richardson, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Dean Allison, Hon. Scott Brison, Ron Cannan, John Cannis, Serge Cardin, Claude Guimond, Richard M. Harris, Ed Holder, Peter Julian, Lee Richardson and Mario Silva.

Acting Members present: Bev Shipley for Gerald Keddy.

Associate Members present: Malcolm Allen.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Michael Holden, Analyst ; Jennifer Paul, Analyst . House of Commons: Mike MacPherson, Legislative Clerk ; Carmen DePape, Procedural Clerk.

Witnesses: Canadian Environmental Law Association: Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director and Counsel. United Steelworkers: Mark Rowlinson, Labour Lawyer. As an individual: Maxwell A. Cameron, Professor, University of British Columbia, Department of Political Science. Department of Finance: Carol Nelder-Corvari, Director, International Trade Policy Division; Dean Beyea, Senior Chief, International Trade Policy Division. Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: Matthew Kronby, Director General, Trade Law Bureau; Vernon MacKay, Acting Director, Investment Trade Policy Division.

Pursuant to the Order of Reference of Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Committee resumed consideration of Bill C-24, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Peru, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Peru and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Peru.

Theresa McClenaghan, Mark Rowlinson and Maxwell A. Cameron made statements and answered questions.

At 10:31 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:36 a.m., the sitting resumed.

The Committee commenced its clause-by-clause study of the Bill.

Pursuant to Standing Order 75(1), consideration of Clause 1 is postponed.

The Chair called Clause 2.

By unanimous consent, Clauses 2 to 7 inclusive carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 3.

On Clause 8,

Peter Julian moved, — That Bill C-24, in Clause 8, be amended by replacing lines 20 and 21 on page 3 with the following:

“without the consent in writing of the Attorney General of Canada, including the reasons why consent was given, to enforce or determine any right or”

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the amendment of Peter Julian and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

Clause 8, as amended, carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 9; NAYS: 1.

By unanimous consent, Clauses 9 to 56 inclusive carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

On new Clause 56.1,

Peter Julian moved, — That Bill C-24 be amended by adding after line 46 on page 31 the following new clause:

“56.1 (1) Within five years after this Act receives royal assent, the Minister for International Trade shall cause to be laid before both Houses of Parliament a report on the provisions and operation of this Act, including any recommendations for amendments to this Act.

(2) The report stands referred to the committee of the House of Commons, or of both Houses of Parliament, that is designated or established for that purpose, which shall

(a) as soon as possible, review the report and undertake a comprehensive review of the provisions and operation of this Act; and

(b) report to the House of Commons, or to both Houses of Parliament, within one year after the laying of the report of the Minister or any further time that the House of Commons, or both Houses of Parliament, may authorize.”

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the amendment of Peter Julian and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 5; NAYS: 6.

Clause 57 carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 3.

By unanimous consent, Clause 1 and Schedules 1 to 7 inclusive carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 3.

The Title carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

The Bill, as amended, carried by a show of hands: YEAS: 8; NAYS: 3.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report the Bill, as amended, to the House.

ORDERED, — That Bill C-24, as amended, be reprinted for the use of the House at report stage.

The witnesses answered questions.

At 11:00 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Jean-Marie David
Committee Clerk

2009/05/26 2:20 p.m.