Evidence of meeting #61 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was subamendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:35 p.m.
Bloc
Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
The Conservative subamendment was just carried on division, without a recorded vote, but no one here was consulted. Do you understand what I mean?
I would like a recorded vote, please.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
12:35 p.m.
A voice
Yes.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Thank you.
(Subamendment agreed to: yeas 6; nays 5 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Thank you.
Do you have a subamendment, Mr. Anandasangaree?
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
I believe that Madam Clerk has circulated the subamendment. It's related to the amendment to (v). I'd like to move it.
It essentially says “other actions taken by the Government of Canada to support prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders, including those detained or experiencing treatment in contravention to human rights standards”.
That's been circulated in both official languages.
12:35 p.m.
Conservative
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
Clerk, I just have a clarification.
Contrary to what was distributed, it should read, “other actions taken by the Government of Canada to support prisoners of conscience including those detained or experiencing treatment in contravention to human rights standards”.
12:35 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Do we have unanimous agreement?
(Subamendment agreed to)
We now go back to the amendment itself. Did anyone want to speak to that?
We'll just proceed to a vote.
(Amendment as amended agreed to: yeas 6; nays 5 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
12:40 p.m.
Liberal
12:40 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
What's happening? We have 20 minutes left, Chair. What's the issue?
The amendment was adopted. Is that correct? Okay.
12:40 p.m.
The Clerk
It carried.
12:40 p.m.
Liberal
Gary Anandasangaree Liberal Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON
Have we passed clause 2 yet? I believe that's next.
12:40 p.m.
NDP
Matthew Green NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
We have a subamendment here. I want to note that we're eliminating the last line, so it should read, “The Minister must develop and maintain a government-wide international human rights strategy”, and that is it.
I think, if you seek it, you might find unanimous consent.
I just jinxed myself.
12:40 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
On a point of order, Mr. Chair, if you seek it, I think you will find unanimous consent to deem this amendment in scope and adopted.
(Subamendment agreed to)
12:40 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Mr. Green, the legislative clerk has asked you to read it into the record, please.
12:40 p.m.
NDP
Matthew Green NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
I will happily do it.
It is:
The Minister must develop and maintain a government-wide international human rights strategy.
It is fairly non-controversial.
12:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Mr. Green, clause 2 of Bill C-281 amends the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to add an obligation to publish a report outlining measures taken by the minister “to advance human rights internationally as part of Canada's foreign policy” and listing “the names and circumstances of the prisoners of conscience detained worldwide for whose release the Government of Canada is actively working.”
The amendment seeks to add a new obligation to the minister to develop and maintain a government-wide international human rights strategy. This is a new concept that was not envisioned in the bill when it was adopted at second reading.
As House of Commons Procedure and Practice, third edition, states on page 770, “An amendment to a bill that was referred to a committee after second reading is out of order if it is beyond the scope and principle of the bill.”
In the opinion of the chair, and for the above-stated reason, the amendment is a new concept that is beyond the scope of the bill.
Therefore, I will rule the amendment inadmissible.
12:45 p.m.
NDP
Matthew Green NDP Hamilton Centre, ON
I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate your learned interpretation of that. I also would present to you that committees are masters of their own domain. Therefore, respectfully, with the deepest and utmost respect for you and our legislative clerks, I am going to challenge the chair, with deep respect and admiration for your hard work and adherence to the Standing Orders.
I'm going to challenge you. We're going to test the will here.
12:45 p.m.
The Clerk
Shall the ruling of the chair be sustained?
(Ruling of the chair overturned: nays 6; yeas 0 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
12:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ali Ehsassi
Let me say that we very much look forward to Ms. McPherson's return to this committee.