TRAN Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Transport met at 3:33 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 Bev Desjarlais, it was agreed, — That Roger Gallaway be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Rob Nicholson, it was agreed, — That Jim Gouk be elected ''in absentia'' as Official Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Bev Desjarlais, it was agreed, — That Caroline St-Hilaire be elected as Opposition Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Roger Gallaway took the Chair.

On motion of Rob Nicholson, it was agreed, — That the Committee retain the services of one or more analysts from the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament, as needed, to assist the Committee in its work, at the discretion of the Chair.

Joy Smith moved, — That the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and a representative of the other opposition party do compose the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

Debate arose thereon.

Bev Desjarlais moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words “the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Bev Desjarlais and it was agreed to.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to and reads as follows:

That the Chair, the two Vice-Chairs and a representative of the other opposition party do compose the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

On motion of Rob Nicholson, 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 five (5) members are present, including two (2) members of the opposition.

Bev Desjarlais moved, — That witnesses be given up to 10 minutes for their opening statement; that at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated 7 minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner alternating between Government and Opposition parties.

Debate arose thereon.

Rob Nicholson moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words “alternating between Government and Opposition parties”.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Rob Nicholson and it was agreed to.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to and reads as follows:

That witnesses be given up to 10 minutes for their opening statement; that at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated 7 minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that thereafter 5 minutes be allocated to each subsequent questioner.

On motion of Andrew Scheer, it was agreed, — That, except for amendments to bills, 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 Caroline St-Hilaire, 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 Bev Desjarlais, 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 Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

On motion of Caroline St-Hilaire, 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 from a witness be distributed without the Clerk's approval.

On motion of Jim Karygiannis, 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 Raymond Bonin, 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 4:11 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.