Evidence of meeting #73 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A video is available from Parliament.
6:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
I'm advised you have to decide, Mr. Fergus, whether you wish to proceed with G-11 or G-12.
6:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Do you wish to address it, Mr. Fergus, or are you done and we'll go to Ms. Vignola?
6:10 p.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
I'm really done. It speaks for itself. This is an amendment that would allow the bill to come into force through the Governor in Council, taking into account all the elements that are here. Things that are done that can be implemented quickly will get implemented quickly. Those that require some working out of whatever budget implications that there are would come into force later.
6:10 p.m.
Conservative
6:10 p.m.
Bloc
Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I'll be brief.
On amendment G‑12, I feel two years is a very long time. I would prefer six months to 12 months. If it were six months, it would probably mean that the bill would receive royal assent around June of next year, after third reading and consideration by the Senate.
As for amendment G‑11, I don't agree, because the decision could be postponed indefinitely. I can't accept that the order be postponed indefinitely.
By setting a date for royal assent, whether it be six, 12 or 24 months, depending on what we decide, that would enable the machine to put in place what it needs to enforce the provisions set out in the bill. It would also set out a clear timeline. If the date were set by order in council, the timeline wouldn't be as clear. We would rely on the goodwill, or ill will, of the government in power at the time.
I certainly don't agree with amendment G‑11. I am more open to amendment G‑12 than amendment G‑11.
6:15 p.m.
Conservative
6:15 p.m.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Mr. Chair, can I just ask for a precision?
G-11 is coming into force by GIC, which Mrs. Vignola was against. Is that correct?
6:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
That's correct, but we're voting now, Mr. Housefather.
I'm sorry. You missed your opportunity, because we're voting now.
6:15 p.m.
Liberal
Anthony Housefather Liberal Mount Royal, QC
Thank you.
(Amendment negatived: nays 6; yeas 4 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
6:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
We'll try to get to G-12 before we have to adjourn in a couple of moments.
Mr. Fergus.
6:15 p.m.
Liberal
6:15 p.m.
Conservative
6:15 p.m.
Bloc
Julie Vignola Bloc Beauport—Limoilou, QC
I just stated my opinion. I feel that 24 months is a long time. I could move a friendly amendment to make it six months. Under the current bill passage process, it would receive royal assent around September. That would give the officials time to put in place what they need.
Do I need to draft the motion?
6:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kelly McCauley
Mrs. Vignola, I'm going to suggest, seeing as we're past our hard stop of 6:15, that perhaps you put that in writing, and we will address that at our next meeting.
Colleagues, before I adjourn, I'm going to seek some resources to see if we can fit in some time tomorrow. I'll advise everyone late tonight, or first thing tomorrow morning, if we can continue Bill C-290.
If there's nothing else, we will adjourn, and I will see everyone on Wednesday, or perhaps tomorrow. I'll let everyone know first thing in the morning. Watch your emails. Thank you very much.
Thank you again for your help, Ms. Laroche, Ms. Stevens and legislative clerks.
The meeting is adjourned.