FINA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Finance met at 9:03 a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That James Rajotte be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That Massimo Pacetti be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Robert Carrier, it was agreed, — That Jean-Yves Laforest be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

James Rajotte took the Chair.

On motion of Mike Wallace, 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 Ted Menzies, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, two Vice-Chairs, a member of the other opposition party and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance.

Ted Menzies moved, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least four (4) members are present including one member of each recognized Party.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 5.

Ted Menzies moved, — That for scheduled meetings taking place outside of the parliamentary precinct, committee members in attendance shall only be required to wait 15 minutes following the designated start of the meeting before they may proceed to hear witnesses and receive evidence, regardless of whether opposition or government members are present.

Debate arose thereon.

By unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

On motion of Jean-Yves Laforest, it was agreed, — 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.

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

On motion of Mike Wallace, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses 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 Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff member and one other staff person per party present at an in camera meeting.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, 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.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That thirty-six hours (36) notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the substantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

Mike Wallace moved, — That witnesses be given up to ten (10) minutes on their opening statement; that the order of questioners be as follows:

1st round
1. Liberal 5 minutes
2. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes
3. NDP 5 minutes
4. Conservative 5 minutes
2nd round
5. Liberal 5 minutes
6. Conservative 5 minutes
7. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes
8. Conservative 5 minutes
9. Liberal 5 minutes
10. Conservative 5 minutes.

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

On motion of Thomas J. Mulcair, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given up to ten (10) minutes on their opening statement; that the order of questioners be as follows:

1st round
1. Liberal 7 minutes
2. Bloc Québécois 7 minutes
3. Conservative 7 minutes
4. NDP 7 minutes
2nd round
5. Liberal 5 minutes
6. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes
7. Conservative 5 minutes
8. Liberal 5 minutes
9. Conservative 5 minutes
10. Liberal 5 minutes
11. Conservative 5 minutes
12. NDP 5 minutes

That when a Minister appears:

Fifteen (15) minutes for opening remarks per hour of appearance

1st round
1. Liberal 7 minutes
2. Bloc Québécois 7 minutes
3. NDP 7 minutes
4. Conservative 7 minutes
2nd round
5. Liberal 5 minutes
6. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes
7. Conservative 5 minutes
8. Liberal 5 minutes
9. Conservative 5 minutes
10. Liberal 5 minutes
11. Conservative 5 minutes
12. NDP 5 minutes.

On motion of Massimo Pacetti, it was agreed, — That all meetings of the Finance Committee be held in Centre Block and televised whenever possible.

At 10:01 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.