Let's be realistic for a change--
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.
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.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Bloc
Daniel Paillé Bloc Hochelaga, QC
I would like Mr. Wallace to stay in the room.
Mr. Chair, I do not want to rehash the conversation about Wednesday, but since we have invited witnesses, I think we should talk with them on Wednesday at the beginning of our meeting. Then we could try to see if we can reach an agreement on this motion. My impression—and I say this with all due respect to my colleague to the right—is that if we go too fast, the proposal might be rejected because it may not get presented very well.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
I appreciate Monsieur Paillé's comments, and I certainly support Mr. Wallace's reasonable request. If Mr. Brison cares to listen to my comments--I guess he doesn't--I think that's only reasonable.
That's his opinion, and his opinion only. The committee asked for a response and the committee got a response. One individual said it wasn't adequate. I don't think the entire committee felt that it was not adequate. Mr. Brison has suggested that his own presumption is the assumption of this committee, which it's not.
I think the request Mr. Wallace put forward--that we not be rude to our witnesses--was a fair and reasonable request. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has said publicly that he'd be here on November 4. I would suggest we go ahead with that. We'll be more than happy to debate this motion when we get back on the Monday following the Remembrance Day break.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Liberal
Paul Szabo Liberal Mississauga South, ON
Colleagues, it is the worst possible outcome to have witnesses come but not be heard. I think we all agree on that.
I would suggest, Mr. Chairman, that because this is just notice of motion, there's time for Mr. Brison to have discussions with all parties to see if there's a consensus on how to address this. I don't think we're going to resolve it right now, but I would encourage everybody to work hard to come up with a reasoned position.
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
6:35 p.m.
Bloc
Daniel Paillé Bloc Hochelaga, QC
The simple fact that Mr. Menzies said that Mr. Wallace's remark was reasonable is a solid argument because that is rare.
6:35 p.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
6:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Rajotte
Order, order.
Colleagues, if I could just indulge you for 30 seconds, to give some guidance.... I appreciate Mr. Szabo's comments.
The motion for Wednesday is Mr. Pacetti's motion, so I think we ought to respect that motion and respect the witnesses for Wednesday. This is a very long motion, and it's going to have, I suspect, based on the comments made here, a very long debate. As the chair, it's easier for me if I get guidance from the committee as to how you want to proceed. Perhaps we can have some discussions and you can give me some guidance tomorrow. But, frankly, I agree with Mr. Szabo that inviting witnesses here and then having a two-hour debate is not appropriate.
I appreciate all of your comments. Let's talk off-line.
Thank you.
The meeting is adjourned.