ACVA Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs met at 3:33 p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, for the purpose of electing a Chair, pursuant to Standing Order 106(1).

On motion of Peter Stoffer, it was agreed, — That David Sweet be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Peter Stoffer, it was agreed, — That Judy Sgro be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Judy Sgro, it was agreed, — That Peter Stoffer be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

David Sweet took the Chair.

It was agreed, — That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist it in its work.

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

It was agreed, — That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least three (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute to members of the Committee only documents that are available in both official languages.

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

It was agreed, — That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the Committee, unless the susbstantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration; and that the notice of motion be filed with the Clerk of the Committee and distributed to members in both official languages.

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 made at the discretion of the Chair.

Greg Kerr moved, — That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; That during the questioning of witnesses the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: The first round of questioning in the following order: Liberal, seven (7) minutes, Bloc Québécois, seven (7) minutes, NDP, five (5) minutes and Conservative, seven (7) minutes, on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, Conservative.

Peter Stoffer moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, Conservative” with the words “on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Conservative, NDP and that the third round be the same as the second”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Peter Stoffer and it was agreed to.

After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That witnesses be given ten (10) minutes to make their opening statement; That during the questioning of witnesses the time allocated to each questioner be as follows: The first round of questioning in the following order: Liberal, seven (7) minutes, Bloc Québécois, seven (7) minutes, NDP, five (5) minutes and Conservative, seven (7) minutes, on the second round of questioning, five (5) minutes per party in the following order: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc Québécois, Conservative, Conservative, NDP and that the third round be the same as the second.

On motion of Peter Stoffer, it was agreed, — That a letter be drafted and sent to Rob Anders thanking him for his previous work as Chair of the Committee.

At 3:53 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.