HERI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:34 p.m. this day, in Room 269 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Chair.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That Sarmite Bulte be elected Chair of the Committee.

The Clerk of the Committee presided over the election of the Vice-Chairs.

On motion of Gary Schellenberger, it was agreed, — That Jeannot Castonguay be elected as Government Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Clifford Lincoln, it was agreed, — That Gary Schellenberger be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Sarmite Bulte took the Chair.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analyst(s) from the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of John Harvard, 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 (3) members are present including a member of the opposition.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given 15 minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated 5 minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner.

On motion of John Harvard, 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 at the discretion of the Chair.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — 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.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That the Committee be authorized to purchase documents for the use of the Committee.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee, in consultation with the Chair, be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees (if applicable).

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one staff person present at in camera meetings.

On motion of John Harvard, 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.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, or unless there is unanimous consent, forty-eight (48) hours’ notice be given before any substantive motion is considered by the Committee; and That the motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and circulated to members in both official languages. Upon receipt of the notice, the Clerk shall put the motion on the agenda of the Committee’s next meeting.

On motion of John Harvard, it was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee ensure, if possible, that all sitting to which a Cabinet Minister is invited are televised.

By unanimous consent, on motion of Wendy Lill, it was agreed, — That the Minister of Canadian Heritage be invited to appear before the Committee at the earliest opportunity.

By unanimous consent, on motion of Gary Schellenberger, it was agreed, — That whenever the Main Estimates or Supplementary Estimates are referred to the Committee, the Committee invite the Minister and any relevant Senior Officials of a Department to appear at a meeting of the Committee and, if possible, that it be televised.

At 3:58 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.