INDU Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology met in camera at 3:40 p.m. this day, in Room 308 West Block, the Chair, Brent St. Denis, presiding.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Committee's proposed study on Industrial Strategy be the following:

That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study on Canada's industrial strategy and make recommendations on, among other things, modernizing Canada’s regulatory and foreign investment frameworks with the goal of ensuring that Canada remains competitive in the global, knowledge-based economy of the 21st century; and

That the study focus on the energy, manufacturing and services sectors, in particular the oil and gas industry, apparel and textile industries, and the automotive sub-sector, and address the following issues:

(1) The government’s progress in implementing its “Smart Regulation” initiative and responding to the recommendations of the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation;

(2) Canada’s inward foreign investment policy framework, including reviews of the Investment Canada Act, Canada’s investment branding strategy, measures to encourage R&D, initiatives to build a more highly skilled labour force, and Canada’s business tax regime; and

(3) Canadian outward foreign investment, including outsourcing and off-shoring activities by Canadian corporations

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the first meeting on the Industrial Strategy study be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2004, and that the relevant witnesses be invited to appear in order to provide the Committee with a general overview of Canada's industrial strategy.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That Tuesday meetings be dedicated to the Industrial Strategy study and that Thursday meetings be dedicated to the study of bills.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Committee begin its study of Bill C-19, an Act to amend the Competition Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, on Thursday, November 18, 2004, and that the Competition Commissioner and departmental officials be invited to appear.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the proposed budget for the study on Canada's industrial strategy in the amount of $22,550, for the period of November 22, 2004, to March 31, 2005, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the proposed budget for the study of Bill C-19, An Act to amend the Competition Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, in the amount of $15,200, for the period of November 22, 2004, to February 28, 2005, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Budget Subcommittee of the Liaison Committee.

At 5:13 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.