MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

The Standing Committee on Industry met at 9:05 a.m. this day, in Room 536, Wellington Building, the Chair, Susan Whelan, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Sue Barnes, Eugène Bellemare, Antoine Dubé, Rahim Jaffer, Marlene Jennings, Stan Keyes, Francine Lalonde, Walt Lastewka, Ian Murray, Jim Pankiw, Janko Peric, Alex Shepherd and Susan Whelan.

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: Daniel Brassard, Antony Jackson and John Craig, Research Officers.

Witnesses: From the Office of the Auditor General of Canada: Douglas Timmins, Assistant Auditor General; Nancy Cheng, Principal, Audit Operations Branch.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), consideration of Chapter 19 (Electronic Commerce: Conducting Government Business Via the Internet) of the December 1998 Report of the Auditor General of Canada.

Mr. Douglas Timmins made an opening statement, and with the witness, answered questions.

At 10:15 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:23 a.m., the sitting resumed.

At 10:23 a.m., the Committee proceeded to sit in camera.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), a study on Information Technology: Preparedness for Year 2000.

The Committee proceeded to the consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, - That the Draft Report, as amended, be concurred in.

Ordered, - That the Chair present the Thirteenth Report as amended to the House at the earliest possible opportunity.

It was agreed, - That pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Committee requests that the Government table a comprehensive response to this report within one hundred fifty (150) days.

It was agreed, - That the Chair be authorized to make such typographical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the Draft Report to the House.

It was agreed, - That 1100 copies of the Report be printed in both English and French in tumble format.

It was agreed, - That the Committee authorize the printing of the dissenting opinion of the Bloc Québécois as an appendix to this report, immediately following the signature of the Chair.

It was agreed, - That any dissenting opinions be limited to no more than two (2) pages.

It was agreed, - That any dissenting opinions be received by the Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, 1999.

At 12:30 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.