ENVI Committee Meeting

    I see a quorum.

    I must inform members that the clerk of the committee can only receive motions for the election of the chair.

    The clerk cannot receive other types of motions, entertain points of order or participate in debate.

    We can now proceed to the election of the chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the government party. I'm ready to receive motions for chair.

    Monsieur Choquette.

    I nominate Michelle Rempel.

    No, no.

    Voices: Oh, oh!

    I won't second that, with respect.

    Ms. Rempel.

    I have the great honour to nominate my fellow colleague, Mr. Harold Albrecht, as chair.

    It has been moved by Ms. Rempel that Mr. Albrecht be elected as chair of the committee. Are there any further motions?

    Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?

    (Motion agreed to)

    The Clerk: I declare the motion carried and Mr. Albrecht duly elected chair of the committee.

    Some hon. members: Hear, hear!

    The Clerk: I now invite Mr. Albrecht to take the chair.

    Thank you very much, fellow committee members, for the trust you've placed in me.

     Everything I've heard about this committee in terms of its working relationships has been very positive. It's my intention to continue in that tradition, and I'll look to you for cooperation in that regard. Again, thank you very much. Let's work together productively. I ask for a little bit of patience. I haven't chaired a standing committee of this size before, so I would welcome your cooperation as we proceed in that.

    My understanding, Mr. Clerk, is that we have one item of business we need to take of. There has been an informal meeting arranged with a parliamentary delegation from the Northwest Territories. There are 22 participants, and we have here the list of all those participants. We need to agree today to defray the hospitality expenses related to this meeting.

    Do we have a motion to that effect?

    Ms. Rempel.

    I so move.

    That's seconded by Mr. Choquette. Is there any discussion? All in favour?

    (Motion agreed to)

    The Chair: It's my understanding that there has been a consensus that there be no meeting this Thursday. Next Tuesday, as you know, we're meeting with the environment commissioner in our lock-up meeting. The subcommittee on agenda will meet on February 7. The full committee will meet on February 12. That's my understanding.

    Ms. Rempel.

    It has come to my attention that one of my colleagues who sits on our subcommittee will be away on February 12. I'm hoping that there would be consent to move the subcommittee meeting to Tuesday, February 12, with the full committee to follow on Thursday, February 15.

    Would you mind repeating that?

    For the benefit of my colleague, I note that Ms. Duncan will be away on Thursday, February 7, so the proposal is that we would have our subcommittee for future business on February 12 and a full committee to confirm the results of that meeting on February 15.

    Is it February 14? I think it would be probably two days away....

    Oh, it's my birthday—yes.

    Well, February 14.... That just fits with the love that's around here already. That's the day to start this committee, I'm sure. I'm convinced now.

    Are we agreed?

    Some hon. members: Agreed.

    The Chair: So ordered. I think that concludes the meeting.

    Can you just mention that there's a lunch?

    Yes. I guess I assumed that, by virtue of the fact that we approved hospitality expenses. There will be a lunch at the meeting with the Northwest Territories, from 12 to 1 p.m., in room 268, right here in La Promenade. The invitation and information regarding the delegation have already been sent to your offices this morning. You should all have that information. If you don't, contact the clerk as soon as possible to make sure you have all the details regarding that meeting.

    Again, thank you for your cooperation today. This meeting is adjourned.