Finance Committee on May 8th, 2006

[Massimo Pacetti, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

What happened the last time is that we tried to insert it, and most members got taken advantage of. I agree with what Mr. Loubier said: if there is time, we will.... I don't think there is any problem. There was proof of it today, when the NDP did get a second chance. It's just that when the schedule is tight, there are a lot of arguments that go on, and I don't think this committee needs to be going through that. I think it's appropriate. This is the breakdown of the committee. I think it's fair for everybody. Everybody gets a first round of seven minutes, and five minutes following that. When the minister appears, if you'll notice, the Conservatives even drop off one of their members. It has worked in the past, and I don't see why it wouldn't work now.

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

I wish to thank the members for their comments.

I would just observe that I noted on at least three occasions today where members of committee followed up on other members' questions. I think that's a good habit to get into.

That being said, your point has been well made and I've noted it. Certainly we'll endeavour to have fairness in the chair.

Any other questions on any other item on the agenda?

Mr. Pacetti, the former chairman.

[Massimo Pacetti, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

On the main estimates, when you have FINTRAC and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, I just want to make sure we are covering the annual report as well, because I think the information will be pretty dry for those two departments.

The other thing we spoke about was having the Minister of Finance here to discuss the independent parliamentary budget office. We'd like to have him sooner rather than later, before he's already decided what he's going to be doing.

You were also supposed to let us know whether the Governor of the Bank of Canada was going to be available sooner rather than later.

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

On the Governor of the Bank of Canada, I think we've had a communiqué that it will be difficult to get him in the very near future. On the independent parliamentary budget office, that's in the works.

We're scheduled until a week this Wednesday, and we will follow the advice of the steering committee on the other items we've noted.

[Massimo Pacetti, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

You don't think we can get the minister before our break for Victoria week?

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

I'd be guessing and I don't want to guess. I know we're okay until a week Wednesday, and through our steering committee discussions the other day we outlined these priorities. You've just restated them, and that's what I'll be working on.

[Massimo Pacetti, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

But just to repeat what we said, the estimates were only going to be fillers for this week so that the next week we could get the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Canada. I think that's more important than doing the estimates, because these estimates are not due until the end of May.

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

We've tried to get the minister for next week and he's not available.

Mr. Loubier, the floor is yours.

[Yvan Loubier, Bloc, Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC]

I would prefer to invite the Minister of Finance to appear twice, three or even four times throughout the year. His appearances are always most enjoyable.

But seriously, Mr. Chairman, we should discuss this matter. The Finance Minister appears once a year before the Standing Committee on Finance, whereas in the case of provincial legislatures and Quebec's National Assembly, finance ministers put in appearances almost every week to answer questions about bills that have been tabled.

In Quebec, for example, I find it ludicrous that the Minister of Finance may be compelled to testify twice or even three times a week for several hours. However, we could agree on a solution that falls somewhere between the two extremes. Since all legislative decisions flow from the Minister of Finance, we should hear from him more often. Besides which, we enjoy his company!

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

We will endeavour to fulfill the wishes of the members of this committee.

Any other comments?

Mr. Pacetti, back to you.

[Massimo Pacetti, Liberal, Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, QC]

I'd like to get back to a comment made by my colleague Mr. Loubier. We're asking that the Minister of Finance appear before us to discuss two completely different items, namely the Main Estimates and the creation of an independent parliamentary budget office. We want to know where he stands before the independent office is set up. Perhaps we can invite him here next Tuesday. I realize we're not scheduled to meet then, but we could convene a special meeting for that very purpose.

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

We already know he's not available next week. The week following we could endeavour....

Thank you. Are there any other comments or questions? Do I have to get a formal acceptance?

I need a mover.

[John McCallum, Liberal, Markham—Unionville, ON]

I so move.

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

Can we have a recorded vote, please?

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

We will have a recorded vote on the adoption of the first report of the subcommittee on agenda and procedure.

Just for clarification, we're adopting the steering report recommendations, and we're having a recorded vote at this time.

(Motion agreed to: yeas 8; nays 1) [See Minutes of Proceedings]

[The Chair, Conservative, Brian Pallister]

The recommendations are adopted.

The meeting is adjourned.

Thank you.