LIAI Committee Report
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INTRODUCTIONEach year, parliamentary committees undertake numerous studies based on permanent or specific mandates given to them by the House of Commons. They are a critical step in the legislative process where they study bills and may amend them before sending them back to the House of Commons; are involved in the financial process by examining departmental estimates, reports on plans and priorities (RPPs), and performance reports; and participate in the review of order in council appointments by calling nominees to appear. Committees may also initiate their own studies on issues related to the subject area of their mandates. In conducting these studies, committees will hear from witnesses, and, in most cases, will present a report of their findings and recommendations back to the House of Commons. Given the number and scope of their duties it is clear that committees play an essential role in the work of the House of Commons. The Liaison Committee, composed ex officio of the Chairs of all the standing committees and the House Co-Chairs of standing joint committees, is empowered to deliberate on administrative matters relating to the standing committee system. Its main responsibility is to apportion funds to standing committees from the money allocated for that purpose by the Board of Internal Economy. A global envelope for committee activities of $2.3M, temporarily increased to $3.1M for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, is available to committees for regular operational, study and travel budgets, as well as professional services. To this end, in June 2013, the Committee approved creation of the Committee Activities and Expenditures reports. As their name suggests, these reports, which are presented three times per fiscal year, present cumulative financial information on the committees’ expenditures and the work they are doing. This is the final step in the life cycle of committee activities after the committees have been delegated their mandate, have identified their objectives and determined how to fulfill them, prepared studies or travel budgets, secured the necessary funding from the global envelope for committee activities and completed their studies. The reports presented by the Liaison Committee serve three purposes. First, they give members of Parliament—especially committee chairs—and the House, information to ensure better financial planning, and provide a summary of their work. Second, they complement the information provided to committee chairs on a monthly basis and serve as a consolidated information source for the public. Special committees, funded directly by the Board of Internal Economy, are also included in the report. By summarizing and consolidating in a single document statistics regarding the number of meetings, meeting hours, reports and witnesses for each of the committees, these reports provide readers with a concise summary of the committees’ activities, presented in an format that helps readers better understand the work of committees. Third, these reports serve as essential reporting and accountability mechanisms, not only for activities, but also for the use of the resources at the committees’ disposal. They are among the many reports available to Canadians, including the Members’ Expenditures Report, the Report to Canadians, the Financial Statements of the House of Commons and even the Public Accounts of Canada. It is important to note that in certain instances there may be minor discrepancies between the expenditure amounts in this report and those of a previous report from the same fiscal year. These differences can be attributed to a number of things. For instances, invoices for a trip or a study may have been received following the preparation of the report and would therefore only show in the following report. In other cases and as permitted by the Liaison Committee, a committee may have used its basic operational budgets as interim funding for a study awaiting budgetary approval and once approval was received, the expenditures were then transferred from the basic operational budget to the study budget. In these latter instances, the expenditures remain the same but are allocated to a different budget. We hope this report, which covers the period April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, will provide invaluable information on the activities of committees, thus giving a better sense of their important work on behalf of Canadians. For further information, please contact the Liaison Committee at LIAI@parl.gc.ca. STANDING COMMITTEESSTANDING COMMITTEE ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION, PRIVACY AND ETHICS (ETHI)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee undertook a study on the Access to Information Act, hearing 44 witnesses over the course of 13 meetings. It presented a report on the subject on June 16. The Committee also held two meetings on a study of the Privacy Act. In addition, the Committee considered the votes of the Main Estimates 2016-17 that were referred to it by the House. It dedicated two other meetings to hearing from the four commissioners concerned before presenting a report recommending that the proposed votes be adopted. Finally, the Committee spent one meeting with the Minister of National Revenue and two officials on the issue of the Transfer of Information to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS). From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued and completed its review of the Privacy Act. It held 12 meetings, during which it heard from 45 witnesses. These witnesses included ministers, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, provincial information and privacy commissioners, government officials and privacy experts from legal firms, universities and advocacy groups. On December 12, the Committee presented its Fourth Report, Protecting the Privacy of Canadians: Review of the Privacy Act. It also undertook a study of the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act (SCISA). The Committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17 and reported them to the House on November 25. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Blaine Calkins (Chair), Joël Lightbound (Vice-Chair), Daniel Blaikie (Vice-Chair), Bob Bratina, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Matt Jeneroux, Pat Kelly, Wayne Long, Rémi Massé, Raj Saini EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON ACCESS TO INFORMATION, PRIVACY AND ETHICS (ETHI) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD (AGRI)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee studied the Trans-Pacific Partnership and carried out the Canada Transportation Act Review—Grain Sector in April. In May, the Committee reviewed Canada’s Preferential Status under the United States Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) and presented its third report, entitled Supply Management, Dairy Producers and the Canadian Dairy Industry, to the House on Tuesday, May 17. The Committee also studied Bee Health Monitoring in Canada. In June, it began a study on the Next Agricultural Policy Framework. In the period from September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee held 21 meetings. It continued hearing witnesses as part of its study of the Next Agricultural Policy Framework. It also undertook a study on Genetically Modified Animals for Human Consumption, culminating in the Fourth Report of the Committee, which was presented to the House on December 12. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and departmental officials appeared before the Committee on the Subject Matter of Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17. The Committee also received a briefing on Bovine Tuberculosis in Alberta. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Pat Finnigan (Chair), Bev Shipley (Vice-Chair), Ruth Ellen Brosseau (Vice-Chair), David Anderson, Pierre Breton, Francis Drouin, Jacques Gourde, Alaina Lockhart, Lloyd Longfield, Joe Peschisolido EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD (AGRI) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON CANADIAN HERITAGE (CHPC)During the period from April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee held 16 meetings. It continued its study of The Media and Local Communities, for which it held nine meetings and heard 49 witnesses. The Committee also launched a study on The State of Canadian Museums, for which it held three meetings and heard 13 witnesses, including officials from the Department of Canadian Heritage. It also considered Bill C-210, An Act to amend the National Anthem Act (gender), at one meeting, hearing from one witness. The Committee reported the bill without amendment on June 3. On April 14, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities appeared before the Committee to report on their respective ministerial mandates. The same day, the Committee considered the Main Estimates 2016-17 and reported them to the House on April 20. The Committee also received briefings on the Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Museum of Nature, as well as on the activities of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Between September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of The Media and Local Communities and released some of its findings on December 8 in an interim report, its Third Report. The Committee undertook a study of Canadian Women and Girls in Sport and heard from 27 witnesses. The Committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17, and held a meeting on the Reinvestment Plan of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Hedy Fry (Chair), Larry Maguire (Vice-Chair), Pierre Nantel (Vice-Chair), Pierre Breton, Julie Dabrusin, Seamus O'Regan, Darrell Samson, Dan Vandal, Hon. Peter Van Loan, Kevin Waugh EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON CANADIAN HERITAGE (CHPC) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. STANDING COMMITTEE ON CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION (CIMM)April 1 and August 31, 2016, the Committee held 22 meetings. It considered Bill C-6, An Act to amend the Citizenship Act and to make consequential amendments to another Act, which it reported back to the House on May 5, with two amendments. The Committee completed its study of the Situation Facing Nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe and presented its Fourth Report to the House on May 16. The Committee considered the Main Estimates 2016-17, the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-17, and the 2016 Immigration Levels Plan. The Committee began a study on the Federal Government’s Initiative to Resettle Syrian Refugees to Canada, and has heard from 57 witnesses during this period. On June 19, the Committee adopted a motion to conduct a study as soon as possible on Immigration Measures for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups. The study took place July 18 to 20, and included the testimony of 41 witnesses. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee held 17 meetings. It continued its two studies on the Immigration Measures for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups and on The Federal Government’s Initiative to Resettle Syrian Refugees to Canada. The Sixth and Seventh Reports relative to these studies were presented to the House on October 5 and November 1, respectively. During this period, the Committee also devoted nine meetings to a study on Family Reunification and heard from 51 witnesses. The Members also agreed to initiate a study on Resettling Yazidi Women and Girls. The Committee also conducted studies on the Subject Matter of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17, and Canada’s 2017 Immigration Levels Plan. Finally, just prior to the December adjournment, the Committee began a study on the Modernization of Client Service Delivery, hearing from officials from the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Borys Wrzesnewskyj (Chair), David Tilson (Vice-Chair), Jenny Kwan (Vice-Chair), Julie Dzerowicz, Ali Ehsassi, Hon. Michelle Rempel, Randeep Sarai, Bob Saroya, Marwan Tabbara, Salma Zahid EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION (CIMM) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ENVI)In the period between April 1 and August 31, 2016, the Committee concluded its study of the Federal Sustainable Development Act and presented its Second Report to the House on June 17. The Committee commenced a study on Federal Protected Areas and Conservation Objectives and continued its study on the Review of the Canadian Environment Protection Act, 1999. Furthermore, the Committee considered the Main Estimates 2016-17 and reported them back to the House on April 22. Additionally, it considered the Subject Matter of Supplementary Estimates (C) 2015-16, held a Briefing by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change on her Mandate Letter, and held a meeting on the 2016 Spring Reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development. During the period of September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of Federal Protected Areas and Conservation Objectives. During this study, the Committee travelled to Vancouver, Masset, Queen Charlotte, Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Sandspit, Victoria and Sidney, British Columbia, and to Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Edmonton, Alberta, for site visits. The Committee continued its Review of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Furthermore, the Committee considered Bill C-238, An Act respecting the development of a national strategy for the safe disposal of lamps containing mercury, and reported it back to the House with amendments on November 16. The Committee also considered Bill C-18, An Act to amend the Rouge National Urban Park Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act and the Canada National Parks Act and reported it back to the House without amendment on December 14. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Deborah Schulte (Chair), Jim Eglinski (Vice-Chair), Linda Duncan (Vice-Chair), John Aldag, William Amos, Mike Bossio, Hon. Ed Fast, Darren Fisher, Mark Gerretsen, Martin Shields EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ENVI) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE (FINA)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee held 18 meetings. In April, the Committee considered Bill C-2, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, and reported it back to the House without amendment on May 2. The Committee then heard the Governor of the Bank of Canada on the Report of the Bank of Canada on Monetary Policy, as well as the Parliamentary Budget Officer on his Economic and Fiscal Outlook. In May, the Committee began a study of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Efforts to Combat Tax Avoidance and Evasion. It also considered Bill C-15, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 22, 2016 and other measures, and reported it back to the House with an amendment on June 1. The Committee also held a meeting on the Main Estimates 2016-17. Finally, the Committee heard from the Parliamentary Budget Officer on the Cost Estimate of Bill C-239 and the Cost Estimate of Bill C-241, as well as recent reports from his office. On September 9, the Committee held a meeting at the request of four members to discuss the Canada Pension Plan Agreement, inviting the Minister of Finance and departmental officials on the Canada Pension Plan Agreement to appear on this matter on September 19. The Committee completed its study of the Canada Revenue Agency’s Efforts to Combat Tax Avoidance and Evasion and presented its Sixth Report to the House on October 26. The Committee began its Pre-Budget Consultations in Advance of the 2017 Budget by hearing from representatives from each regional development agency and then heard witnesses in Ottawa and in nine Canadian cities (Kelowna, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Halifax, Québec and Toronto). Periods of time were dedicated to audience remarks at the end of each meeting held outside Ottawa. On December 7, the Committee presented the results of its consultations in its 11th Report, Creating the Conditions for Economic Growth: Tools for People, Businesses and Communities. The Committee also heard from the Governor of the Bank of Canada on the Report of the Bank of Canada on Monetary Policy and from the Parliamentary Budget Officer on his Economic and Fiscal Outlook. It also studied the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and heard from its President and Chief Executive Officer. In November and December, the Committee studied the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17, Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act and the Income Tax Act, Bill C-29, Budget Implementation Act, 2016, No. 2, and Bill S-4, Tax Convention and Arrangement Implementation Act, 2016. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Wayne Easter (Chair), Ron Liepert (Vice-Chair), Guy Caron (Vice-Chair), Dan Albas, Gérard Deltell, Raj Grewal, Steven MacKinnon, Jennifer O'Connell, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, Francesco Sorbara STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE (FINA) (CONT’D)EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE (FINA) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES AND OCEANS (FOPO)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee received a Briefing of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on his Mandate Letter and considered the Main Estimates 2016-17. The Committee also finished its study of the Closure of the Comox MCTS Station of the Canadian Coast Guard and presented its report to the House on Friday, May 6. It subsequently began a study of Wild Atlantic Salmon in Eastern Canada. In June, the Committee studied the Relevance of the Principle of Adjacency and the Owner-Operator and Fleet Separation Policies in the Pacific Region and received a Briefing on the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s Priorities Regarding New Investments in Science and Assignments for New Scientists. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee concluded its study and adopted a report on Wild Atlantic Salmon in Eastern Canada. For this study, it travelled to Miramichi, New Brunswick, for public hearings, as well as Port de Grave and Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, for site visits. The Committee also commenced its study on the Northern Cod Stock and heard from 31 witnesses in Ottawa and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17, and presented its Fourth Report on November 25, 2016. Finally, it commenced its Review of Changes to the Fisheries Act, holding ten meetings and hearing from 50 witnesses, including the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Scott Simms (Chair), Robert Sopuck (Vice-Chair), Fin Donnelly (Vice-Chair), Mel Arnold, Todd Doherty, Pat Finnigan, Ken Hardie, Bernadette Jordan, Ken McDonald, Robert J. Morrissey EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES AND OCEANS (FOPO) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (FAAE)On April 14, the Minister of Foreign Affairs appeared before the Committee to discuss his mandate letter and the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie appeared to discuss her mandate letter on April 21. On May 5, both ministers also appeared before the Committee as part of its study of the Main Estimates 2016-2017. On May 31 the Committee received a Briefing from Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. During the meeting of June 9, the Committee received a briefing as part of its studies on Women, peace and security, and Canadian Government's Countries of Focus for Bilateral Development Assistance. The Committee received permission to travel from the House on June 17 as part of its study on Women, peace and security and on the Canadian government's countries of focus for bilateral development assistance. Seven members of the Committee and necessary staff traveled to Guatemala City and Cobán, Guatemala, and Bogotá and Villavicencio, Colombia, at the end of August for visits that will conclude in early September. From April 1 to August 31 2016, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights held meetings on the Human Rights Situation in Iran and the Human Rights Situation in Honduras. The Subcommittee also issued a statement on the Human Rights situation in Iran. In addition, the Subcommittee produced a report on the Human Rights situation of the Rohongya in Myanmar entitled Sentenced to a Slow Demise: The Plight of Myanmar’s Rohingya Minority, which was presented to the House on June 17. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee held meetings on the Statutory Review of the Freezing Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act and the Special Economic Measures Act and on its Case Study – Guatemala and Colombia – Women, Peace and Security, and Countries of Focus for Bilateral Developmental Assistance. From September 1 to 8 the Committee traveled to Guatemala and Colombia to conduct its case study. The Committee presented its Fifth Report on December 1 on this subject. It also completed its studies of Women, Peace and Security and of Canadian Government’s Countries of Focus for Bilateral Development Assistance, and presented its Third Report and Fourth Report on these subjects on October 6 and November 3, respectively. The Committee began a study of the Human Rights Situation in China in December. The Committee also began a study of The Situation in Eastern Europe and Central Asia 25 Years After the end of the Cold War, by receiving a briefing on December 7 from officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, in relation to a visit the Committee will undertake in January to Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Latvia and Poland. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Subcommittee on International Human Rights held meetings on its studies of the Human Rights Situation in Burundi; the Situation of Yezidis, Christians and Other Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Syria and Iraq; and the Situation of Human Rights Defenders. The Subcommittee held a Briefing on Critical Issues and Situations in Relation to International Human Rights on September 27. It also held a Briefing on the Situation in Aleppo on November 1, issuing a joint statement on this topic on November 1 and a news release on November 24. It held a Briefing on Allegations of Organ Harvesting in China on November 3, and on November 23, a Briefing on the Situation in Tibet. FAAE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Robert D. Nault (Chair), Dean Allison (Vice-Chair), Hélène Laverdière (Vice-Chair), Peter Fragiskatos, Hon. Peter Kent, Tom Kmiec, Michael Levitt, Marc Miller, Raj Saini, Jati Sidhu SDIR SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Michael Levitt (Chair), David Sweet (Vice-Chair), Cheryl Hardcastle (Vice-Chair), David Anderson, Iqra Khalid, Marc Miller, Marwan Tabbara STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (FAAE) (CONT’D)EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (FAAE) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESTIMATES (OGGO)During the period from April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee completed consideration of the Main Estimates 2016-17 and presented its Second Report to the House on May 18. The Committee also studied the Reports on Plans and Priorities 2016-17. The Committee completed consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-17 and presented its Third Report to the House on June 8. The Committee continued its study of the Estimates Process, and commenced studies of Shared Services Canada, of the Mandate and Operations of Selected Crown Corporations, and of the Defence Procurement Strategy. Also, on July 28, the Committee met at the request of four Members to discuss the situation surrounding the Phoenix payroll system. The Committee then began a study of the Phoenix Payroll System. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee began and completed its study of Canada Post, during which it heard from 196 witnesses and held 33 meetings, including 22 public consultations across the country. As part of these consultations, the Committee traveled to the following cities, in order: Montréal, Blainville, Toronto, Kitchener, Windsor, Dryden, Corner Brook, St. John’s, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Bathurst, Québec, Lévis, Surrey, Edmonton, Calgary, Yellowknife, Moose Jaw, Regina, Winnipeg and Scanterbury. On December 13, in relation to the study, the Committee presented its Fourth Report entitled “The Way Forward for Canada Post”. It also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17 and continued its studies of the Estimates Process, Shared Services Canada, and the Phoenix Payroll System. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Tom Lukiwski (Chair), Yasmin Ratansi (Vice-Chair), Erin Weir (Vice-Chair), Ramez Ayoub, Alupa A. Clarke, Francis Drouin, Raj Grewal, Kelly McCauley, Brenda Shanahan, Nick Whalen EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS AND ESTIMATES (OGGO) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH (HESA)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee began a study entitled Development of a National Pharmacare Program. During this period, the Committee heard from 45 witnesses and held nine meetings on this study. The Committee also began consideration of Bill C-224, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Furthermore, the Committee studied the Main Estimates 2016-17, as well as the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-2017. Finally, the Committee adopted and presented two reports from the previous Parliament: the First Report entitled Vaping: Towards a Regulatory Framework for E-Cigarettes and the Second Report entitled Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Health of Canadians. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of the Development of a National Pharmacare Program. It held seven meetings and heard from 34 witnesses. The Committee undertook a study of Current Blood Donation Restrictions on Men Who Have Sex with Men. It also undertook a study of the Opiod Crisis in Canada, during which it heard from 26 witnesses. The Committee presented its Fourth and Sixth reports on this subject on November 18 and December 12, respectively. In addition, the Committee held a Briefing on the Opioid Summit. It considered Bill C-224, An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (assistance — drug overdose), and reported it to the House without amendment on September 28. The Committee also considered Bill C-233, An Act respecting a national strategy for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and reported it to the House with amendments on December 1. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Bill Casey (Chair), Len Webber (Vice-Chair), Don Davies (Vice-Chair), Ramez Ayoub, Colin Carrie, Doug Eyolfson, Rachael Harder, Darshan Singh Kang, John Oliver, Sonia Sidhu EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH (HESA) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES, SKILLS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (HUMA)Between April 1 and August 31, 2016, the Committee first considered the Main Estimates 2016-17, presenting its report on the subject to the House on April 21. The Committee also completed its study of Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act, and reported it to the House without amendment on May 12. The Committee continued its study of the Impact of Recent Changes to Employment Insurance and of Access to the Program, reporting to the House on June 15. Finally, the Committee undertook a study of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It devoted five meetings to this study and heard from 47 witnesses. Between September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee presented its Fourth Report to the House on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It then undertook a study on Poverty Reduction Strategies and held 14 meetings and heard from 83 witnesses. The Committee also selected the recipient of the 2016 Centennial Flame Research Award. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Bryan May (Chair), Bob Zimmer (Vice-Chair), Niki Ashton (Vice-Chair), Wayne Long, Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Yves Robillard, Dan Ruimy, Ramesh Sangha, Filomena Tassi, Mark Warawa EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES, SKILLS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (HUMA) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS (INAN)From April 1 to August 31, 2016 the Committee studied the Declaration of Health Emergency by First Nations Communities in Northern Ontario and presented its Third Report to the House on May 19. The Committee also commenced its study of Suicide Among Indigenous Peoples and Communities, hearing testimony from 12 witnesses over five meetings. The Committee considered the Main Estimates 2016-17 and presented its Second Report to the House on May 12. It also studied the Subject Matter of Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-17 and the Plans and Priorities 2016-17 of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. The Committee held the following briefing sessions: Ministerial Mandate of the Minister of Natural Resources; Ministerial Mandate of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Briefing with the Native Women's Association of Canada; Briefing with the Office of the Auditor General of Canada; Briefing with the Office of the Correctional Investigator; Briefing with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada; Briefing with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation; Briefing with the Specific Claims Tribunal Canada; and Briefing with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch. Finally, on April 21, the House concurred in the Eighth Report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, which amended Standing Order 104(2) and changed the name of the Committee to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of Suicide Among Indigenous Peoples and Communities, hearing evidence from 65 witnesses over ten meetings. During the course of this study, the Committee held public hearings in Iqaluit and Vancouver, and conducted site visits in Kuujjuaq and Sioux Lookout. The Committee also launched an e-consultation in view of this study that targeted health professionals and community members working with First Nations, Inuit, or Métis communities entitled “Availability and Quality of Mental Health Services in Indigenous Communities”. The Committee held a Briefing session with the Minister of Health on her Ministerial Mandate Letter and considered the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17. Finally, the Committee studied the Subject Matter of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of sex-based inequities in registration), hearing from over 30 witnesses over the course of four meetings. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Andy Fillmore (Chair), David Yurdiga (Vice-Chair), Romeo Saganash (Vice-Chair), Gary Anandasangaree, Mike Bossio, Rémi Massé, Cathy McLeod, Michael V. McLeod, Don Rusnak, Arnold Viersen EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDIGENOUS AND NORTHERN AFFAIRS (INAN) (CON’T)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (INDU)The Committee members completed their study entitled Overview of the Organizations under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, which began during the previous period. In all, the Committee held eight meetings and heard 38 witnesses on the subject. The Committee launched a study of the Manufacturing Sector, in accordance with the motion adopted on March 10, 2016. It met eight times on this topic, heard from 27 witnesses and travelled to the Montréal area, where it conducted site visits at Bombardier, District 3 (Concordia University), CAE and MDA Corporation. The Committee issued a news release inviting Canadians to submit briefs on this issue. Finally, the Committee considered the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016–17, and presented its report on June 9. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of the Manufacturing Sector and began consideration of a draft report. The Committee also completed its study of the Review of the Government of Canada report entitled “Fresh Start: A Review of Canada’s Insolvency Laws” and presented its Second Report on December 12. On November 2, the Committee considered the Order in Council Appointment of Anil Arora to the Position of Chief Statistician of Canada. On November 23, the Committee held a meeting with the Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honorable Robert R. McLeod, to discuss infrastructure initiatives in the North. Finally, it considered the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Dan Ruimy (Chair), Earl Dreeshen (Vice-Chair), Brian Masse (Vice-Chair), Chandra Arya, Frank Baylis, Majid Jowhari, Ben Lobb, Lloyd Longfield, Alexander Nuttall, Terry Sheehan EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (INDU) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIIT)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee continued its Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) Public Consultation. The Committee devoted 15 meetings to this study during this period. In addition to holding meetings in Ottawa, the Committee travelled to eight Canadian cities (Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montréal, Quebec, Windsor and Toronto) to hear from witnesses. As a result, in three months the Committee heard 244 witnesses as part of its consultation. This total includes a number of people who shared their views on the TPP during dedicated audience comment periods in Montréal, Québec, Windsor and Toronto. The Committee also completed its study of the Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the United States and presented its Second Report to the House on June 15. For this study, the Committee held four meetings and heard 11 witnesses. In April, the Committee held a meeting to discuss Report 2—Controlling Exports at the Border, of the Fall 2015 Report of the Auditor General of Canada. In addition, the Committee considered the Main Estimates 2016-17 and reported them to the House on May 20. Finally, in August the Committee launched a study of the Canada Border Services Agency’s Duties Deferral Program as well as Other Issues such as Diafiltered Milk and Spent Fowl and received a Briefing on the ongoing softwood lumber negotiations between Canada and the United States. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) Public Consultation. In addition to holding meetings in Ottawa, the Committee traveled to four Canadian cities to hear from witnesses: Saint John, Charlottetown, St. John’s and Halifax. As a result, in a two-month period, the Committee heard from 138 additional witnesses as part of its consultation. This total includes a number of people who shared their views on the TPP during the meetings in the Atlantic Provinces and during a period set aside for audience remarks. In September, the Committee completed its study of the Canada Border Services Agency’s Duties Deferral Program as well as Other Issues such as Diafiltered Milk and Spent Fowl. The Committee also considered Bill C-13, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, the Hazardous Products Act, the Radiation Emitting Devices Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Pest Control Products Act and the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and to make related amendments to another Act. It reported the Bill with amendments to the House on October 7. The Committee heard from 27 witnesses, including the Minister of International Trade, and held six meetings as part of its consideration of Bill C-30, An Act to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union and its Member States and to provide for certain other measures. After Bill C-30 was referred to the Committee on December 13, 2016, it conducted a clause-by-clause study and amended the Bill. Lastly, the Committee began its study of The Canadian Steel Industry’s Ability to Compete Internationally and the Subject Matter of Bill C-31, An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Mark Eyking (Chair), Randy Hoback (Vice-Chair), Tracey Ramsey (Vice-Chair), Sukh Dhaliwal, Peter Fonseca, Linda Lapointe, Karen Ludwig, Kyle Peterson, Hon. Gerry Ritz, Dave Van Kesteren STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIIT) (CONT’D)EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CIIT) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (JUST)During the period of April 1 until August 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study on Access to the Justice System. The Committee also studied Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying), and reported the Bill back to the House with amendments on May 12. The Committee also considered the Main Estimates 2016-17 and reported the same to the House on May 18. During the summer recess, the Committee held one meeting on August 11 for an appearance by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada with regard to the new process for the nomination of Supreme Court Justices. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of Access to the Justice System. On September 19, the Committee presented an interim report on the first aspect of that study, the Court Challenges Program. The Committee then began the second aspect of that study, Legal Aid. The Committee considered several bills: Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (inflicting torture), reported on October 17 with a recommendation that it not proceed further; Bill C-247, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (passive detection device); Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, reported without amendment on November 4; and Bill S-201, An Act to prohibit and prevent genetic discrimination, reported with an amendment on December 5. The Committee held a meeting on October 24 for an appearance by the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, with regard to the nomination of Mr. Justice Malcolm Rowe as Supreme Court Justice. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Anthony Housefather (Chair), Ted Falk (Vice-Chair), Alistair MacGregor (Vice-Chair), Chris Bittle, Michael Cooper, Colin Fraser, Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Iqra Khalid, Ron McKinnon, Hon. Rob Nicholson EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (JUST) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENCE (NDDN)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee continued the study of Canada and the Defence of North America. During the course of the study, in May, the Committee traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, to visit the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) headquarters and meet with Canadian and American NORAD officials. On May 19, the Committee held a Briefing by Reserves 2000 on the Reserve Force of the Canadian Army and also a Briefing on the Ongoing Activities of the Communication Security Establishment. From September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee continued its study of Canada and the Defence of North America. During this period, it also held a Briefing on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces and a Briefing by the National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces Ombudsman. As well, the Committee received a Briefing by the Chief of the Defence Staff on Current Operations. The Committee also considered the Subject Matter of the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17 and began a study of Force Protection. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Stephen Fuhr (Chair), Cheryl Gallant (Vice-Chair), Randall Garrison (Vice-Chair), James Bezan, Darren Fisher, Mark Gerretsen, Pierre Paul-Hus, Jean R. Rioux, Sherry Romanado, Sven Spengemann EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DEFENCE (NDDN) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES (RNNR)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee held 14 meetings, mainly for its study on The Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas, Mining and Nuclear Sectors: Innovation, Sustainable Solutions and Economic Opportunities, which it divided into three parts: (1) The Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector; (2) The Future of Canada’s Mining Sector; and (3) The Future of Canada’s Nuclear Sector. During this period, it held 11 meetings and heard 24 witnesses in relation to this study. On June 16, the Committee adopted a report on the first part of its study of The Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas, Mining and Nuclear Sectors (limited to the oil and gas sector) entitled The Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector: Innovation, Sustainable Solutions and Economic Opportunities. One meeting was also devoted to the Main Estimates 2016-17 to hear from the Minister of Natural Resources and three officials. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee cheld 21 meetings and ontinued its study on The Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas, Mining and Nuclear Sectors. The Committee presented its Second Report on the Future of Canada’s Oil and Gas Sector, relative to the first part of the study, on September 21. The Committee continued studying the second and third parts of the study, hearing from the Department of Natural Resources and representatives from industry groups, First Nations and civil society. The Committee heard from 133 witnesses over the course of this study. During this period, the Committee also studied the Subject Matter of the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)James Maloney (Chair), John Barlow (Vice-Chair), Richard Cannings (Vice-Chair), T.J. Harvey, Denis Lemieux, Michael V. McLeod, Marc Serré, Mark Strahl, Shannon Stubbs, Geng Tan EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES (RNNR) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (LANG)During the period from April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee studied a number of subjects. Its main study concerned the Translation Bureau. The Committee held seven meetings and heard 18 witnesses on this topic. It then presented a report to the House on June 16. The Committee subsequently held four briefings with the Commissioner of Official Languages regarding the status of the official languages in minority communities across the country, his recent annual report and his special report on Air Canada, among other matters. The Committee received two briefings on the respective mandates of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the President of the Treasury Board under the Official Languages Act. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee conducted a study on the Roadmap and Immigration in Francophone Minority Communities and heard from 43 witnesses, representing various organizations, stakeholders and governmental departments. The Committee concluded its study by presenting its Third Report to the House on December 14. During this period, the Committee also devoted one meeting to the Annual Report on Official Languages 2014-15 during which the Minister of Canadian Heritage appeared along with her officials, and one meeting on the Translation of Quebec Jurisprudence. Finally, the Committee received a Briefing on accountability measures for official languages from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and the Treasury Board Secretariat. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Denis Paradis (Chair), John Nater (Vice-Chair), François Choquette (Vice-Chair), René Arseneault, Sylvie Boucher, Bernard Généreux, Linda Lapointe, Paul Lefebvre, Darrell Samson, Dan Vandal EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS (PROC)Between April 1 and August 31, 2016, the Committee held 16 meetings and presented five reports to the House. Its Seventh Report, presented and concurred in on April 18, dealt with changes to committee memberships and its Eighth Report, presented and concurred in on April 21, dealt with a change to the Standing Orders pursuant to the Committee’s mandate under Standing Order 108(3)(a)(iii). Over two meetings, the Committee examined and approved three Votes in the Main Estimates 2016-17, reporting to the House on May 18. The Committee also continued its study entitled Initiatives toward a family-friendly House of Commons, hearing from 29 witnesses over 14 meetings. The Committee presented to the House on June 15 an interim report on this matter, its 11th Report. In addition, the Committee received two orders of reference from the House in relation to questions of privilege. On the matter of the Question of Privilege Related to the Matter of the Premature Disclosure of the Contents of Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying), referred on April 19, the Committee held five public meetings and heard from three witnesses. On the matter of the Question of privilege related to the matter of the physical molestation of the Member from Berthier—Maskinongé, referred on May 19, 2016, the Committee held one meeting and agreed to consider the matter resolved, in light of the Prime Minister’s apology and the statement of the Member from Berthier—Maskinongé. The Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business (SMEM) met pursuant to Standing Order 91.1 to examine the votability of some private Members’ bills and motions; the Committee’s Ninth Report, reporting the Subcommittee’s recommendations was presented to the House and deemed concurred in on May 16. Between September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee held 17 meetings and presented six reports to the House. On September 29, the Committee continued its study of the Question of Privilege Related to the Matter of the Premature Disclosure of the Contents of Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying). Over the course of ten meetings, the Committee studied the Chief Electoral Officer’s report entitled "An Electoral Framework for the 21st Century: Recommendations from the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada Following the 42nd General Election". The Committee also held two briefings on the Parliamentary Protective Service and examined the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17, reporting the same in its 15th Report, presented to the House on November 16. On December 8, pursuant to an order of reference that followed a debate held in the House on October 6, the Committee began a study of the Standing Orders and Procedure of the House and its Committees. On December 13, the Committee heard from the Minister of Democratic Institutions in relation to the Subject Matter of Bill C‑33, An Act to Amend the Canada Elections Act and to Make Consequential Amendments to Other Acts. The Subcommittee on Private Members’ Business met pursuant to Standing Order 91.1 to examine the votability of some private Members’ bills and motions. Two of the Committee’s reports in this period contained recommendations of the Subcommittee; the 14th Report was presented to the House and deemed concurred in on October 19, while the 16th Report was presented to the House and deemed concurred in on November 16. PROC COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Larry Bagnell (Chair), Blake Richards (Vice-Chair), David Christopherson (Vice-Chair), Arnold Chan, David de Burgh Graham, Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Scott Reid, Ruby Sahota, Jamie Schmale, Anita Vandenbeld SMEM SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor (Chair), Arnold Chan, Irene Mathyssen, Blake Richards STANDING COMMITTEE ON PROCEDURE AND HOUSE AFFAIRS (PROC) (CONT’D)EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS (PACP)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee adopted seven reports from the 2nd Session of the 41st Parliament and presented them to the House on May 12. During this period, the Committee also studied the 2016–17 Report on Plans and Priorities and the Main Estimates 2016-17. The latter was the subject of its Eighth Report, presented to the House on May 12. In addition, the Committee received a Briefing with the Canadian Comprehensive Auditing Foundation (CCAF) and held a Briefing session with the Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel. The Committee completed two studies of the Fall 2015 Report of the Auditor General of Canada, namely, on Chapter 4, Information Technology Shared Services, and Chapter 5, Canadian Armed Forces Housing, for which it presented its Ninth and Tenth Reports to the House on June 1. The Committee also met to study two other chapters from the Fall 2015 Report of the Auditor General of Canada: Chapter 6, Canada Pension Plan Disability Program, and Chapter 1, Implementing Gender-Based Analysis. The latter was the subject of the Committee’s 11th Report, presented on June 13. The Committee undertook a study of the Spring 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada. Of these reports, the Committee studied Report 2, Detecting and Preventing Fraud in the Citizenship Program, Report 4, Drug Benefits—Veterans Affairs Canada, and Report 5, Canadian Army Reserve—National Defence. As part of these studies, the Auditor General of Canada and senior officials from the audited departments appeared before the Committee. Representatives of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail Canada, as well as senior officials from the latter, appeared for the study on Via Rail Canada Inc., Special Examination Report of the Spring 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada. Finally, the Committee carried out a study of the Public Accounts of Canada 2015, for which it presented its 12th Report to the House on June 16. The Committee also travelled to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, in August 2016 for the Annual Conference of the Canadian Council of Public Accounts Committees and the Canadian Council of Legislative Auditors. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee held 18 meetings. It considered the Spring 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada, presenting six reports to the House on this subject, and reviewed the Public Accounts of Canada 2016. The Committee also held in camera meetings with the Auditor General and the Canadian Comprehensive Auditing Foundation in order to better prepare its activities, and it undertook a Review of the Plan of the Department of National Defence to Record and Value Inventory. Lastly, the Committee began a study of the various Fall 2016 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Kevin Sorenson (Chair), Alexandra Mendès (Vice-Chair), David Christopherson (Vice-Chair), Chandra Arya, Joël Godin, T.J. Harvey, Paul Lefebvre, Phil McColeman, Brenda Shanahan EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS (PACP) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY (SECU)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, The Committee continued its study on Operational Stress Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Public Safety Officers and First Responders. The Committee studied the Main Estimates 2016-17 as well as the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-17. The Committee also received a Briefing on the Annual Report 2014-15 of the Office of the Correctional Investigator. It finally considered Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board Act and other Acts and to provide for certain other measures, and agreed on Thursday, April 21, 2016, to report it with amendments. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee presented its Fifth Report, on its study of Operational Stress Injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Public Safety Officers and First Responders. The Committee also began a study of Canada’s National Security Framework, traveling to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax. It held two public meetings in each city, one with invited witnesses and one with audience remarks. The Committee also considered the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17. It held a meeting on the Retention of Data by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Federal Court Decision of Thursday November 3, 2016. Finally, it considered Bill C-22, An Act to establish the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts, reporting it with amendments on December 9. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Robert Oliphant (Chair), Larry Miller (Vice-Chair), Matthew Dubé (Vice-Chair), Hon. Tony Clement, Pam Damoff, Nicola Di Iorio, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Marco Mendicino, Sven Spengemann, Dianne L. Watts EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY (SECU) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (FEWO)In the period from April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee concluded
its study on Gender-Based Analysis, presenting its Fourth Report to
the House on June 15. In the course of this study, the Committee held eight
meetings and heard from 29 witnesses, among them officials from 13 federal
departments and agencies. During the same period, the Committee presented its
Third Report to the House challenging all Members of Parliament to complete
the online course entitled Introduction to Gender-Based Analysis Plus. In
addition, the Committee resumed its study on Violence Against Young Women
and Girls in Canada. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee held 17 meetings. It continued its study of Violence Against Young Women and Girls in Canada, and heard from 99 witnesses. On November 28, the Committee studied the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2016-17, and presented its Fifth Report to the House, relative to this study, on November 29. The Committee also heard from the Minister of Status of Women on the government response to its Fourth Report entitled Implementing Gender-Based Analysis Plus in the Government of Canada. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Marilyn Gladu (Chair), Pam Damoff (Vice-Chair), Sheila Malcolmson (Vice-Chair), Sean Fraser, Rachael Harder, Karen Ludwig, Eva Nassif, Marc Serré, Anita Vandenbeld, Karen Vecchio EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES (TRAN)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee met 14 times. It continued its study of Rail Safety, eventually hearing 40 witnesses and considering 23 briefs before presenting its Sixth Report in June. It had to suspend its study to consider Bill C‑10, An Act to amend the Air Canada Public Participation Act and to provide for certain other measures, which it reported back without amendment on May 12. It also considered the Votes of the Supplementary Estimates (A), 2016-17 referred to the Committee and reported the same to the House. The Committee also undertook a study entitled Certain Provisions of the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act during which it considered the coming into force of Subsections 5.1(2), 6(2), 7(2), 8(2), 9(2), 10(2), 11(2) and 12(2) of the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act. This study resulted in the Fifth Report of the Committee which was presented to the House on May 31 and debated and concurred in on June 15. Finally, the Committee met once to hear evidence on the report of the review of the Canada Transportation Act. Between September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee met 26 times. It considered the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17 and reported them to the House. It continued its study of Certain Provisions of the Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act, and reported to the House after hearing 19 witnesses and considering seven briefs over seven meetings. After three meetings to study Bill C-227, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (community benefit), the Committee reported the Bill with amendments in its Eighth Report. It also enquired into Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Regulations. The Committee also reviewed the Navigation Protection Act, hearing 18 witnesses and receiving briefs from 121 organizations and 156 individuals. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), Luc Berthold (Vice-Chair), Robert Aubin (Vice-Chair), Vance Badawey, Kelly Block, Sean Fraser, Ken Hardie, Angelo Iacono, Alain Rayes, Gagan Sikand EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITIES (TRAN) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS (ACVA)From April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Committee held meetings on the ministerial mandate of the Minister of Veterans Affairs. It also examined and approved the votes in the Main Estimates 2016-17 referred to the Committee, presenting its Second Report to the House on April 18. The Committee continued its study of Service Delivery to Veterans, hearing 51 witnesses in total, and holding 14 meetings during this reporting period. In addition, the Committee traveled to London (Ontario), Toronto (Ontario) and Montréal (Quebec) to conduct site visits and hold public hearings. Between September 1 and December 31, 2016, the Committee completed its study of Service Delivery to Veterans, presenting its Third Report to the House on December 9. The Committee also began its study of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Among Veterans, hearing testimony from 26 witnesses over eight meetings. Furthermore, the Committee met once to consider the Subject Matter of Supplementary Estimates (B), 2016-17. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Neil R. Ellis (Chair), Robert Kitchen (Vice-Chair), Irene Mathyssen (Vice-Chair), John Brassard, Bob Bratina, Doug Eyolfson, Colin Fraser, Alaina Lockhart, Jean R. Rioux, Cathay Wagantall EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 4 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS (ACVA) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. LIAISON COMMITTEE (LIAI)The Liaison Committee consists of the chairs of all the standing committees and the House co-chairs of the standing joint committees. Its main responsibility—apportioning funds to standing committees from the money allocated for that purpose by the Board of Internal Economy—is usually delegated to the Subcommittee on Committee Budgets (SBLI). The Committee met twice during the period from April to August 2016 to discuss various administrative issues, including committee travel and a request for additional funding from the Board of Internal Economy. The Committee adopted its second report on committee activities and expenditures for the period from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2016, and presented it to the House on June 6. The Subcommittee met six times to consider budget submissions related to committee studies and travel. During the period from September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee met once. During that meeting, the Committee adopted its third report on committee activities and expenditures for the first five months of the fiscal year. The Committee also agreed to request that the Board of Internal Economy allocate an additional $600,000 to the global envelope for committee activities for the current fiscal year, and to approve the use of the existing funds reserved for experts’ services be available to fund all other committee activities. In addition, the Subcommittee met six times to consider budget submissions related to committee studies and travel. LIAI COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), Tom Lukiwski (Vice-Chair), Harold Albrecht, Hon. Larry Bagnell, Blaine Calkins, Bill Casey, Hon. Wayne Easter, Neil R. Ellis, Hon. Mark Eyking, Andy Fillmore, Pat Finnigan, Hon. Hedy Fry, Stephen Fuhr, Marilyn Gladu, Anthony Housefather, James Maloney, Bryan May, Hon. Robert D. Nault, Robert Oliphant, Hon. Denis Paradis, Dan Ruimy, Deborah Schulte, Scott Simms, Hon. Kevin Sorenson, Borys Wrzesnewskyj SBLI SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (as of December 31, 2016)Hon. Judy A. Sgro (Chair), Tom Lukiwski, Blaine Calkins, Hon. Wayne Easter, Stephen Fuhr, Deborah Schulte EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. LIAISON COMMITTEE (LIAI) (CONT’D)MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. STANDING JOINT COMMITTEESSTANDING JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT (BILI)
MEMBERSHIP FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (as of December 31, 2016)William Amos, Gordon Brown, Kerry Diotte, Todd Doherty, Angelo Iacono, Hon. Mike Lake, Michael Levitt, Eva Nassif, Anne Minh-Thu Quach, Don Rusnak, Gagan Sikand, Scott Simms MEMBERSHIP FROM THE SENATE (as of December 31, 2016)The Hon. Salma Ataullahjan, the Hon. Nicole Eaton, the Hon. Terry M. Mercer, the Hon. Pana Merchant EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE FOR THE SCRUTINY OF REGULATIONS (REGS)During the period from April 1 to August 31, 2016, the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations examined a number of statutory instruments. It held six meetings and heard from three witnesses, from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Environment. From September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Standing Joint Committee continued to examine statutory instruments. It held six meetings and heard from four witnesses, from the Farm Products Council of Canada, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Parks Canada. MEMBERSHIP FROM THE HOUSE OF COMMONS (as of December 31, 2016)Harold Albrecht (Co-Chair), Gary Anandasangaree (Vice-Chair), Pierre-Luc Dusseault (Vice-Chair), John Brassard, Nicola Di Iorio, Kerry Diotte, Ali Ehsassi, Fayçal El-Khoury, Garnett Genuis, Bernadette Jordan, Marco Mendicino, Salma Zahid MEMBERSHIP FROM THE SENATE (as of December 31, 2016)The Hon. Pana Merchant (Co-Chair), the Hon. Wilfred P. Moore, the Hon. Ratna Omidvar, the Hon. Bob Runciman EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. SPECIAL COMMITTEESSPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL REFORM (ERRE)On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, the House of Commons adopted a motion establishing the Special Committee on Electoral Reform. The Committee consisted of 12 members, including representatives of unrecognized parties such as the Bloc Québécois and the Green Party of Canada. It held its first meeting on June 21 and elected a chair and vice-chairs. From April to the end of August, the Committee held 23 meetings, heard 54 witnesses, received 99 briefs that it posted on its website, and received 467 emails and letters from members of the public. It adopted a travel budget to take it to 18 cities across Canada. It also posted an online consultation on electoral reform. At the end of the period in question, some 700 Canadians had completed this questionnaire. In accordance with the motion adopted by the House, the Committee invited all 338 Members of the House of Commons to hold town hall meetings in their ridings and report their findings to the Committee by Friday, October 14. To assist them, the Committee provided them with an information kit and a template. As of August 31, the Committee had received four reports from MPs, which were posted on its website. During the period from September 1 to December 31, 2016, the Committee concluded its study on Electoral Reform. As part of its mandate to “consult broadly with relevant experts and organizations”, and to “conduct a national engagement process that includes a comprehensive and inclusive consultation with Canadians”, the Committee heard in total from 196 witnesses over 57 meetings, including officials from Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In addition to formal hearings, the Committee also heard from 567 open-mic participants during its three-week cross-Canada tour that visited 18 cities, and connected with Canadians through social media using the hashtags #ERRE #Q, the publication of targeted media releases, and the live audio broadcast of the Committee’s meetings outside Parliament Hill. In addition, an informal meeting was held with local Indigenous leaders on the territory of Tsartlip First Nation in British Columbia. The Committee received 574 briefs from organizations, academics and citizens, and a total of 22,247 completed responses to its online e-consultation on voting and electoral systems. The Committee also received 172 Town Hall Reports from individual Members of Parliament who held various consultations with their constituents, as well a report from the Conservative Caucus and one from the New Democratic Party Caucus, for a total of 174 reports. The Committee presented its Third Report to the House on December 1, entitled Strengthening Democracy in Canada: Principles, Process and Public Engagement for Electoral Reform. MEMBERSHIP (as of December 1, 2016)Francis Scarpaleggia (Chair), Scott Reid (Vice-Chair), Nathan Cullen (Vice-Chair), John Aldag, Alexandre Boulerice, Matt DeCourcey, Gérard Deltell, Elizabeth May, Blake Richards, Sherry Romanado, Ruby Sahota, Luc Thériault EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL REFORM (ERRE) (CONT’D)TRAVEL EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Studies for which expenses were made are listed in chronological order. 2 “Other” (travel) includes expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, meeting rooms, excess baggage fees, passport and visa processing, conference fees and other minor miscellaneous expenses. 3 Differences in totals are due to rounding. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PAY EQUITY (ESPE)During the period covered by this report, the Committee continued and finished its study on Pay Equity by presenting its first report to the House on June 9. Once its report was presented, the Committee ceased its activities, as its mandate had been fulfilled. In all, the Committee held 12 meetings, heard 50 witnesses and received 11 briefs. MEMBERSHIP (as of June 9, 2016)Anita Vandenbeld (Chair), Shannon Stubbs (Vice-Chair), Sheri Benson (Vice-Chair), Dan Albas, Matt DeCourcey, Julie Dzerowicz, Marilyn Gladu, Eva Nassif, Terry Sheehan, Sonia Sidhu EXPENDITURES (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 “Other” includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. 3 “Operational Budget” contains expenditures for cases where no separate funding request has been made in relation to a study or an activity of a committee. MEETINGS, WITNESSES AND REPORTS (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
1 Number of televised meetings. 2 Number of meetings using videoconferencing. 3 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 4 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) (CONT’D)STANDING COMMITTEES (CONT’D)
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) (CONT’D)STANDING COMMITTEES (CONT’D)
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) (CONT’D)
1 In practice, most committees create a subcommittee on agenda and procedure, commonly referred to as a “steering committee”, to help them plan their work. The establishment of subcommittees is usually designed to relieve parliamentary committees of planning and administrative tasks, or to address important issues relating to their mandate. 2 Number of televised meetings. 3 Number of meetings using videoconferencing 4 Number of meetings video recorded by members of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. 5 Subcommittees are not empowered to report to the House. They only present reports to the relevant standing committees. SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016)
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) (CONT’D)
1 “Other” (studies/operational) includes expenditures such as working meals, reports, professional services, audio-visual equipment and minor miscellaneous expenses. 2 Differences in totals are due to rounding. |
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