The Minister made a statement and, with Aaron Fowler, Matthew Smith, Mary-Catherine Speirs and Rob Stewart, answered questions.

Tom Kmiec moved, — That, given the large workload the committee has on the docket, the committee instructs the chair to book five meetings between July 8 and September 13, to deal with unfinished business and pressing matters facing Canadians, such as the impact of the government's cap-and-trade system, and EV plant fabrication using offshore steel and other pressing matters as they emerge.

Debate arose thereon.

It was agreed, — That debate be adjourned on the motion of Tom Kmiec until 5:15 p.m.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

The committee resumed consideration of the motion of Tom Kmiec.

The question was put on the motion and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Tony Baldinelli, Jasraj Singh Hallan, Tom Kmiec, Richard Martel — 4;

NAYS: Jenica Atwin, Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Richard Cannings, Francis Drouin, Darren Fisher, Terry Sheehan, Maninder Sidhu — 7.

Maxime Blanchette-Joncas moved, — That, whereas the Duty Free Shop Regulations under the Customs Act clearly state that goods in duty free stores are for immediate export only, and must be declared under the Act if returned to Canada; and whereas duty-free stores are subject to strict location, inventory, declaration and storage requirements to ensure that all products sold there are exported for consumption outside Canada; the committee recommend that the government recognize duty-free as an export industry, that a clear indication of the nature of this industry be conveyed to all federal agencies concerned, and that it report back to the House before the end of the current session of Parliament.

Debate arose thereon.

The committee resumed consideration of the motion, as amended.

It was agreed, — That, whereas the Duty Free Shop Regulations under the Customs Act clearly state that goods in duty free stores are for immediate export only, and must be declared under the Act if returned to Canada; and whereas duty-free stores are subject to strict location, inventory, declaration and storage requirements to ensure that all products sold there are exported for consumption outside Canada; the committee recommend that the government recognize duty-free as an export industry, that a clear indication of the nature of this industry be conveyed to all federal agencies concerned, and that it report back to the House.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

ORDERED, — That the Chair present the report to the House.