Evidence of meeting #18 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was businesses.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Liliane saint pierre  Assistant Deputy Minister, Acquisitions Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
John Connell  Director General, Small Business Policy Branch, Department of Industry
Shereen Miller  Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Sector, Acquisitions Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
Denis Martel  Director, Research and Analysis, Small Business Policy Branch, Department of Industry

1 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

I get a sense that we may not be ready to conclude our study on procurement. Do any of the members have any proposals for additional witnesses or information before we nail this?

I'll go to Ms. Hall Findlay first, and then to Mr. Warkentin.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

I would just repeat my concern that we still have not seen the report. I appreciate the commitment today that this report will be coming soon, but note that there still has not been a date. I do not feel that this committee can complete its job until it has seen that report, and at that point, it would have to make a decision about whether we do need additional witnesses.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Okay.

Mr. Warkentin, and then Madam Bourgeois.

1:05 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB

I've suggested this before. I should speak with them, but I would just make our committee members aware that the Canadian federation of small businesses, the CFIB, is doing a study of their own, and they actually have some findings they may want to share with us to deal with this whole issue of procurement.

I spoke to them some time ago. They said they would have additional resources for us towards the end of our report. I don't know where they are in terms of their report, but I think they may have some helpful information in terms of their findings.

I just put that out there as a suggestion if committee members are pleased to...we have heard from them, but I think they may have some additional information for us.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

I'd better go to Madame Bourgeois. I think she was next.

Madame Bourgeois.

1:05 p.m.

Bloc

Diane Bourgeois Bloc Terrebonne—Blainville, QC

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

In light of the information we received this morning from Industry Canada, we are now aware of the fact that there are a lot of portals or departments providing services to small and medium enterprises. I tried to draw a parallel but I did not go about it the right way; so, I missed an opportunity with my question.

The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises is providing a service which seems to be provided by many other different departments. For example, Industry Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada provide services and are each supported with their own website. There is also MERX.

Would it be possible to be given a chart showing the different service offerings for small and medium enterprises? The Board of Trade and Industry in Thérèse-De Blainville tells me that there is no problem and that it, too, provides such service. So, there is clearly duplication of effort. I have nothing against the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, but I do not feel that there is any real need for it.

However, Mr. Chairman, I would like the Committee to review that matter.

1:10 p.m.

Conservative

Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON

Mr. Chair, can we have a motion to adjourn? At every meeting we seem to go well past one o'clock. I'm on House duty, I have to eat lunch--

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

I will personally allow the member to withdraw and get on to his other weighty responsibilities.

1:10 p.m.

Conservative

Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON

Well, could we somehow, in some way, find a way to end our meetings at one o'clock?

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

It would be wonderful if we could.

1:10 p.m.

Conservative

Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON

It would be wonderful. If we ask the witnesses to remove themselves 15 minutes earlier--

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

If you want to cut off Madame Bourgeois, Ms. Hall Findlay, and Mr. Warkentin, feel free to move the motion.

1:10 p.m.

Conservative

Paul Calandra Conservative Oak Ridges—Markham, ON

I would never like to cut off Madame Bourgeois--

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Ms. Hall Findlay, do you have something cogent you want to add to the record before we adjourn?

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

Well, I guess cogency is in the eye of the listener--

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Yes, we have several here.

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

First, I would actually like to concur with my colleague. In other committees, we do finish with the witnesses ahead of time so that we can deal with committee business before the end of the meeting. I agree.

I would ask Mr. Warkentin, if he's in contact with the CFIB, to ask them to produce what they have as quickly as possible so that we can actually do all of this together. I think that would be very helpful.

Thank you.

1:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Okay.

Lastly, I want to thank Mr. Warkentin for facilitating the appearance of Mr. Connell and Mr. Martel from Industry Canada. I'll thank him in advance for arranging the comprehensive response to the report, which we're just about to table.

Don't forget that we're meeting with the Pakistani delegation on May 13. All members are welcome.

Seeing no further business, we can adjourn. Thank you.