HUMA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities met at 11:07 a.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, the Chair, Dean Allison, presiding.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

Tony Martin moved, — That, in consideration of the government funding cuts to Human Resources and Social Development Canada Department, announced Sept. 25, 2006, that the Human Resources, Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee immediately asks, to appear before the Committee: -the Minister to explain the rationale behind the cuts to the Department, -the department staff to explain the impact of those cuts on program delivery -and individuals of organizations adversely affected by those cuts .

Debate arose thereon.

Mike Lake moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “by those cuts.“ the following: “-and individuals of organizations adversely affected by ineffective and inefficient government spending” .

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Mike Lake and it was negatived on the following recorded division: YEAS: Patrick Brown, Mike Lake, Brian Storseth, Lynne Yelich — 4; NAYS: France Bonsant, Bonnie Brown, Yves Lessard, Tony Martin, Shawn Murphy, Geoff Regan, Roger Valley — 7.

It was agreed, — That the second part of the French version of the motion be amended and read as follows: “-la Ministre, afin qu’elle explique les motifs derrière ces compressions au ministère, - le personnel du ministère, afin qu’il explique l’impact de ces compressions sur la livraison des programmes -et des individus et des organisations touchés par ces compressions afin qu’ils expliquent l’impact de ces compressions.” .

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: France Bonsant, Bonnie Brown, Yves Lessard, Tony Martin, Shawn Murphy, Geoff Regan, Roger Valley — 7; NAYS: — 0.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, in consideration of the government funding cuts to Human Resources and Social Development Canada Department, announced Sept. 25, 2006, that the Human Resources, Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee immediately asks to appear before the Committee: -the Minister to explain the rationale behind the cuts to the Department, -the department staff to explain the impact of those cuts on program delivery -and individuals of organizations adversely affected by those cuts .

Geoff Regan moved, — That, in consideration of the funding cuts to the Human Resources and Social Development Canada Department announced September 25, 2006, that the Human Resources, Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee recommend that the government continue funding the Adult Learning and Literacy Program at the 2005-2006 level and that the chair report the adoption of this motion to the House forthwith .

Debate arose thereon.

Yves Lessard moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the word “the Adult Learning and Literacy Program” with the words “all Human Resources and Social Development Canada programs” .

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Yves Lessard and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 3; NAYS: 8.

Mike Lake moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “at the 2005-2006 level” with the words “while recognizing and respecting provincial and federal responsibilities”.

The question was put on the amendment of Mike Lake and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 6.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division: YEAS: France Bonsant, Bonnie Brown, Yves Lessard, Tony Martin, Shawn Murphy, Geoff Regan, Roger Valley — 7; NAYS: Patrick Brown, Mike Lake, Brian Storseth, Lynne Yelich — 4.

At 1:21 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.