INDU Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology met at 3:30 p.m. this day, in Room 308 West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That Brent St. Denis be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Michael Chong, it was agreed, — That Werner Schmidt be elected as Official Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Serge Cardin, it was agreed, — That Paul Crête be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Brent St. Denis took the Chair.

On motion of Larry Bagnell, 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 John Duncan, 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 four (4) members are present including two (2) members of the opposition.

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That when the Chair is unable to act in that capacity at or during a meeting of the Committee, the Chair shall designate a member of the Committee to act as Chair at or during the said meeting and such an acting Chair shall be vested with all the powers of the Chairman at or during the said meeting.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the time limits for witnesses' statements and questioning be postponed until the next meeting.

On motion of Lynn Myers, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses 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 Paul Crête, 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, and that no document be distributed in Committee without the Clerk's approval.

By unanimous consent, 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, and that the cost of these meals be charged to the budget of the Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to have one (1) staff person present at in camera meetings.

By unanimous consent, 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 and be disposed of at the end of the session.

Paul Crête moved, — That, except for amendments to bills, twenty-four (24) 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.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: Serge Cardin, Paul Crête, John Duncan, Werner Schmidt, Bradley R. Trost — 5; NAYS: Michael Chong, Denis Coderre, Lynn Myers, Andy Savoy — 4.

Paul Crête gave notice of the following motion: — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study on the impact of international competition on Canada's manufacturing industry.

Brian Masse gave notice of the following motion: — That a subcommittee be established to conduct public hearings to receive the views of Canadians and stakeholders specifically on the current Government processes of foreign investment review and generally on the political, economic and social issues stemming from the increasing globalization of investment and trade in Canada; and that the subcommittee prepare a report summarising the views of those heard with recommendations to this committee by February 2005.

At 4:12 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.