CC32 Committee Meeting

The Legislative Committee on Bill C-32 met at 9:03 a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Gordon Brown, presiding.

On motion of Dan McTeague, 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.

On motion of Dan McTeague, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be established and be composed of the Chair and a member of each party.

On motion of Dan McTeague, 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.

On motion of Dan McTeague, 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 Dan McTeague, 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 made at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Dan McTeague, 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 Dan McTeague, it was agreed, — That the Committee's meetings be televised.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — 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.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.

On motion of Dean Del Mastro, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting. In addition, each party shall be permitted to have one member of the Whip’s staff attend in camera meetings.

Carole Lavallée moved, — That the Committee meetings be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mike Lake moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “5:30 p.m.” the following: “and following a one hour break, then continue to meet from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and also meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.”.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the amendment of Mike Lake and it was negatived on the following recorded division: YEAS: Kelly Block, Sylvie Boucher, Peter Braid, Dean Del Mastro, Mike Lake — 5; NAYS: Charlie Angus, Serge Cardin, Carole Lavallée, Dan McTeague, Yasmin Ratansi, Pablo Rodriguez — 6.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “5:30 p.m.” the following: “and also from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and also Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.”.

Debate arose thereon.

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

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “5:30 p.m.” the following: “and also Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.”.

The question was put on the amendment of Dean Del Mastro and it was negatived on the following recorded division: YEAS: Kelly Block, Sylvie Boucher, Peter Braid, Dean Del Mastro, Mike Lake — 5; NAYS: Charlie Angus, Serge Cardin, Carole Lavallée, Dan McTeague, Yasmin Ratansi, Pablo Rodriguez — 6.

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

On motion of Dan McTeague, it was agreed, — That each meeting be divided into two (2) separate one (1) hour panels; that the committee invite no more than three (3) witness organisations to be present during each panel; that each organisation be given five (5) minutes to make an opening statement; that during the first round of questions and answers, seven (7) minutes will be allocated in the following order: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party, Conservative Party, and in the second round of questions and answers, five (5) minutes will be allocated in the following order: Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, Conservative Party.

At 10:59 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.