SC28 Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on Bill C-28 of the Standing Committee on Finance met at 7:00 p.m. this day, in Room 209, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

It was agreed, — That Rob Merrifield be elected Chair of the Subcommittee.

Rob Merrifield took the Chair.

The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee 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.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be composed of the Chair, two Vice-Chairs and a member of the other opposition party.

It was agreed, — That witnesses be given up to ten (10) minutes on their opening statement; that the order of questioners be as follows:

1st round

1. Liberal Party 7 minutes; 2. Bloc Québécois 7 minutes; 3. Conservative Party 7 minutes; 4. New Democratic Party 7 minutes.

2nd round

5. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 6. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes; 7. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 8. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 9. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 10. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 11. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 12. New Democratic Party 5 minutes.

When a Minister appears:

Fifteen (15) minutes for opening remarks per hour of appearance.

1st round

1. Liberal Party 7 minutes; 2. Bloc Québécois 7 minutes; 3. New Democratic Party DP 7 minutes; 4. Conservative Party 7 minutes.

2nd round

5. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 6. Bloc Québécois 5 minutes; 7. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 8. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 9. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 10. Liberal Party 5 minutes; 11. Conservative Party 5 minutes; 12. New Democratic Party 5 minutes.

It was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding (2) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the Chair.

It was agreed, — That only the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to distribute to the members of the Subcommittee documents and only when they exist in both official languages and that witnesses be advised accordingly.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Subcommittee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Subcommittee and its Subcommittees.

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 (3) members are present, including a member of the opposition.

It was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Subcommittee member be allowed to have one staff member and one other staff person per party present at an in camera meeting.

It was agreed, — That 36 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Subcommittee, unless the substantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Subcommittee and distributed to members in both official languages.

It was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Subcommittee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Subcommittee.

By unanimous consent, the Bill carried on division.

Accordingly, Clauses 2 to 209 inclusive carried on division, the Short Title carried on division, the Title carried on division and the Bill carried on division.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report the Bill, without amendment, to the Standing Committee on Finance as the First Report of the Subcommittee.

At 7:03 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.