CHPC Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage met at 3:32 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 Scott Simms, it was agreed, — That Gary Schellenberger be elected Chair of the Committee.

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

On motion of Carole Lavallée, it was agreed, — That Scott Simms be elected First Vice-Chair of the Committee.

On motion of Pablo Rodriguez, it was agreed, — That Carole Lavallée be elected Second Vice-Chair of the Committee.

Gary Schellenberger took the Chair.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, welcome the Honourable James Moore to speak to the Committee Members on February 9th, to introduce himself to the committee as the new Minister of Canadian Heritage, to share with the committee the work he has undertaken since becoming the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and to discuss the future business of the committee.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, by unanimous consent, the motion was allowed to stand.

On motion of Pablo Rodriguez, 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.

On motion of Charlie Angus, it was agreed, — That all matters related to the Committee's business agenda and procedure be taken up in the committee of the whole.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — 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 (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition.

Debate arose thereon.

Rod Bruinooge moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “that at least (3) members are present, including one member of the opposition” with the words “that at least (4) members are present, including a member of each party”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Rod Bruinooge 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 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 (4) members are present, including a member of each party.

On motion of Charlie Angus, it was agreed, — That witnesses be given 10 minutes for their opening statement; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated (5) minutes for the first questioner of each party; and that in the second round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal, the Bloc Quebecois and the Conservative Party; and that in the third round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal, the Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party; and if time permits, in the fourth round five (5) minutes be allocated to the Liberal and the Conservative Party.

On motion of Dean Del Mastro, it was agreed, — That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnessses not exceeding two (2) representative per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.

Pablo Rodriguez moved, — 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.

Debate arose thereon.

Dean Del Mastro moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the word “languages.” the following: “, and that the witnesses be informed of this requirement.”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Dean Del Mastro 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 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 the witnesses be informed of this requirement.

On motion of Rod Bruinooge, 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.

On motion of Charlie Angus, it was agreed, — That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept in the Committee Clerk’s office for consultation by members of the Committee.

Pablo Rodriguez moved, — 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.

Debate arose thereon.

Carole Lavallée moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “48 hours'” with the words “24 hours'”.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the amendment of Carole Lavallée and it was negatived.

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

On motion of Rod Bruinooge, it was agreed, — That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting as well as one staff person from each Party.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Dean Del Mastro, — That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, welcome the Honourable James Moore to speak to the Committee Members on February 9th, to introduce himself to the committee as the new Minister of Canadian Heritage, to share with the committee the work he has undertaken since becoming the Minister of Canadian Heritage, and to discuss the future business of the committee.

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

Carole Lavallée moved, — That the Committee discuss the recent elimination of federal government funding programs for arts and culture, and that the Committee hold meetings on the recent elimination of federal government funding programs for arts and culture, and that the members of the Committee send the Committee Clerk a list of witnesses no later than Friday, February 6, at noon.

Debate arose thereon.

At 4:59 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.