INDU Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology met at 3:31 p.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Rob Anders, it was agreed, — That David Sweet be elected Chair of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, the Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of David Sweet, it was agreed, — That Brian Masse be elected FirstVice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Mike Lake, it was agreed, — That Geoff Regan be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

David Sweet took the Chair.

On motion of Brian Masse, 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.

Mike Lake moved, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of 5 members, including the Chair, the 2 Vice-chairs, the Parliamentary Secretary, and a member of the Conservative Party. Quorum of the Subcommittee shall consist of at least three (3) members with at least one being from the Official Opposition. Each member of the Subcommittee shall be permitted to have one assistant attend any meetings of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure. In addition, each party shall be permitted to have one staff member from a House Officer attend any meetings.

Debate arose thereon.

Peter Julian moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “and a member of the Conservative Party” the following: “and a member of the Official Opposition”.

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

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Mike Lake 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 four (4) members are present, including one member from the government and one member of the Opposition. In the case of previously scheduled meetings taking place outside the Parliamentary precinct, the Committee members in attendance shall only be required to wait for 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.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

On motion of Brian Masse, it was agreed, — That when the Chair and Vice-Chairs are unable to act as Chair at or during a meeting of the Committee, the Chair shall designate a member of the Committee to act as Chair at or during the said meeting and that such an acting Chair shall be vested with all the powers of the Chair at or during the said meeting.

Mike Lake moved, — That the witnesses from any one organization shall be allowed ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement. During the questioning of witnesses, there shall be allocated seven (7) minutes for the 1st round of questioning and thereafter five (5) minutes shall be allocated to each questioner in the 2nd and subsequent rounds of questioning.

The Order of questions for the 1st round of questioning shall be as follows: Conservative, NDP, Conservative, Liberal. Questioning during the 2nd round shall alternate between the Government members and Opposition members in the following fashion: Conservative, NDP, Conservative, NDP, Conservative, NDP, Conservative; based on the principle that each committee member should have a full opportunity to question the witness (es). If time permits, further rounds shall repeat the pattern of the first two at the discretion of the chair.

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

On motion of Mike Lake, it was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee any documents, including motions, and that all documents which are to be distributed amongst the committee members must be in both official languages. The Clerk shall advise all witness appearing before committee of this requirement.

On motion of Mike Lake, it was agreed, — That the Committee hereby authorize the Clerk of the Committee, in consultation with the Chair, to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals, as may be required, and that the cost of these meals be charged to the Committee budget.

On motion of Brian Masse, 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.

Mike Lake moved, — Each Committee member in attendance shall be permitted to have one staff member attend any in camera meetings. In addition, each party shall be permitted to have one staff member from a House Officer attend in camera meetings.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 4.

Mike Lake moved, — That in camera meetings be transcribed and that the transcription be kept with the Clerk of the Committee for later consultation by members of the Committee or Members of Parliament who attended the specific meeting.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Mike Lake moved, — That forty-eight (48) hours notice shall be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee; and that the motion shall be filed and distributed to members by the Clerk in both official languages. Motions that are received by 5:00 p.m. shall be distributed to members the same day.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 6; NAYS: 3.

At 4:55 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.