Evidence of meeting #42 for Finance in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was industry.
A recording is available from Parliament.
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Do you want this debated at the beginning of the meeting on Wednesday?
6:30 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Brison Liberal Kings—Hants, NS
There's a shingle blowing in the wind over there.
What did you say, Mr. Chairman?
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Order.
This may be a lengthy debate. We have witnesses for Wednesday, so do you want to debate this motion at the beginning of the meeting?
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Okay. Thank you.
When members bring forward motions, in the past we've tried to work by consensus and gain support for motions, but....
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
If we're going to have motions, it presents real challenges for the chair. I'm trying to work with all members here.
6:30 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Brison Liberal Kings—Hants, NS
The motion did emanate from the response we received from Finance to a previous....
When a committee makes requests to the government, it's not the opposition party that's making the requests; it is a committee of Parliament. When those responses are inadequate or insufficient, it's not an insult to opposition, but an insult to the entire committee.
I think it's an important motion, and it's one that, out of respect, we ought to debate thoroughly on Wednesday--
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Thank you. I don't want to get into the debate now. My understanding is that you want this debated at the beginning.
Mr. Wallace, do you want to comment?
6:30 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Wallace Conservative Burlington, ON
Can the mover of the motion consider that on Wednesday we will have our last panels of witnesses? Is that not correct?
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Wallace Conservative Burlington, ON
We have three other economists.
Is there any reason you can't have this on the agenda for the very first meeting in the next week after we're back?
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Wallace Conservative Burlington, ON
That is correct. I mean, let's be fair to the people we've already invited to come here.
I'll be happy to talk to this motion. I know from my own requests of the Parliamentary Budget Officer for feedback on private members' bills how long it has taken, and I would be surprised if 21 days is within the realm of their being able to do their work. I'd be happy to speak to that. I'd be happy to do it.
Otherwise, Mr. Chair, if we're going to debate it at the beginning of the meeting, my educated guess is that we will not hear from the witnesses we've invited. That is my educated guess.
I'd be happy to debate the issue, and my only suggestion is to do it on the Monday that we get back.
Thank you.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Okay. The suggestion has been made.
I'll go to Mr. Szabo first. Mr. Szabo, did you want to comment?
6:35 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Brison Liberal Kings—Hants, NS
This information we're requesting is actually reflective of the information that was requested earlier from the Department of Finance, which was not provided. In fact, Finance had the request for, I believe, a month, so it is not that difficult for them to go back.
Second, I agree with Mr. Wallace: there's no need to have a long debate on Wednesday. We can have a short debate and a vote and move forward.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
