HAFF Committee Meeting

Meeting No. 25

Thursday, February 10, 2000

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:24 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Derek Lee, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Eleni Bakopanos, Stéphane Bergeron, Marlene Catterall, Yvon Godin, Jay Hill, Gar Knutson, Derek Lee, Carolyn Parrish, Jerry Pickard and John Richardson.

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: James Robertson, Research Officer.

In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee considered its future business.

The Chair presented the Second Report of the Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure which reads as follows:

Your Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure met in camera at 11:28 a.m. on Tuesday, February 8, 2000 in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Derek Lee, M.P., presiding.

Members of the Sub-Committee present: Stéphane Bergeron, Marlene Catterall, Yvon Godin, André Harvey, Jay Hill and Derek Lee.

Also in attendance: From the Parliamentary Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: James Robertson, Research Officer.

Your Sub-Committee proceeded to the consideration of the Committee's future business and agreed to make the following recommendations:

1. That pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(v),, the Committee appoint a sub-committee, consisting of one member from each of the recognised parties, and a Chair, to oversee and monitor the implementation of the report on televising of Committees, and to deal with issues and problems that might arise.

• That Marlene Catterall Chair the Sub-Committee on the Televising of Committees.
• That Grant McNally and Stéphane Bergeron be named as members of the Sub-Committee and the names of the other members be provided to the Clerk following the usual consultations with the Whips of the recognized parties.

1. That pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(iii), the Committee undertake a review of the Standing Orders in order to put in place a process of modernizing the procedural practices and traditions of the House.

• That the Chair send a letter to all Members of the House inviting them to provide the Clerk of the Committee with suggestions for possible changes to the Standing Orders. To avoid repetition, Members will be encouraged to consult with their party representatives on the Committee or with the Clerk of the Committee to determine those items already on the list for consideration.

1. That the officials responsible for the renovations to the former Justice Building as well as other officials responsible for the renovations and potential changes to the parliamentary precincts be invited to brief members. The Sergeant At Arms would also be invited to discuss his proposals concerning access by the public to the parliamentary precincts.
2. That the researcher prepare a draft report on those issues raised during the Committee's consideration of Bill C-2, the Canada Elections Act and that this be circulated to members of the Committee.
3. That the Clerk be instructed to arrange an informal meeting with members of the Irish Joint House Services Committee for 15:30 on Wednesday, February 23, 2000, and that light refreshments also be provided.
4. That the Committee agree to hold meetings on the request of the Speaker of Tuesday, February 8, 2000 regarding Standing Order 87(6). Such hearings to begin on Tuesday, February 15, 2000 if possible.

At 12:22 p.m. the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair.

After debate thereon, on motion of Eleni Bakopanos, it was agreed, - That the Second Report from the Sub-Committee on Agenda and Procedure by adopted.

It was further agreed, - That should Bill C-2, An Act respecting the election of members to the House of Commons, repealing other Acts relating to elections and making consequential amendments to other Acts be scheduled for debate on Tuesday, February 15, 2000, the meeting on Standing Order 87(6) will be rescheduled for Thursday, February 17, 2000 at 11:00 a.m.

At 11:42 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Carol Chafe

Clerk of the Committee

In accordance with the mandate of the Committee concerning its responsibilities as the Striking Committee and in accordance with an Order adopted on Wednesday, October 13, 1999, the Fourteenth Report is deemed to have been adopted and the Chair is ordered to present it to the House.

In accordance with the mandate of the Committee concerning its responsibilities as the Striking Committee and in accordance with an Order adopted on Wednesday, October 13, 1999, the Fifteenth Report is deemed to have been adopted and the Chair is ordered to present it to the House.

In accordance with the mandate of the Committee concerning its responsibilities as the Striking Committee and in accordance with an Order adopted on Wednesday, October 13, 1999, the Sixteenth Report is deemed to have been adopted and the Chair is ordered to present it to the House.