HAFF Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met at 11:07 a.m. this day, in Room 112-N Centre Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 104(1).

On motion of Garry Breitkreuz, it was agreed, — That Peter Adams be elected Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Judi Longfield, it was agreed, — That Marcel Proulx be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Joe Jordan moved, — That Garry Breitkreuz be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Lorne Nystrom moved, — That Chuck Strahl be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Pursuant to Standing Order 106(3), the election was conducted by secret ballot.

The ballots having been counted, Chuck Strahl was declared duly elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Dale Johnston, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a member of each of the other two parties.

On motion of Judi Longfield, it was agreed, — That the four whips be delegated the duty to act as the striking committee pursuant to Standing Orders 104, 113 and 114, and that they be authorized to present directly to the Chair, in a report signed by all four whips, their unanimous recommendations for presentation to the House on behalf of the Committee.

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three members are present, including one member of the opposition.

On motion of Marcel Proulx, it was agreed, — That, at the discretion of the Chair, reasonable travelling expenses, in accordance with the regulation issued by the Board of Internal Economy, be paid, as necessary, to witnesses invited to appear before the Committee, and that for such payment of expenses a limit of one representative per organization be set (unless otherwise decided by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure).

Judi Longfield moved, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Committee documents only when they exist in both official languages.

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

On motion of Dale Johnston, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its subcommittees.

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of all in camera meetings be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

At 11:25 a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.