Evidence of meeting #1 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
Wayne Long Liberal Saint John—Rothesay, NB
Thanks, Chair.
The minister will be here for one hour. I'm of the understanding that he did reach out to the Conservative Party critic directly and other parties, too, about his travel schedule with respect to appearing before the committee. That was my understanding.
Was there no dialogue at all?
11:55 a.m.
Conservative
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
No, we did not hear from the minister at all relative to his appearance today or his availability over this week.
11:55 a.m.
St. John's South—Mount Pearl Newfoundland & Labrador
Liberal
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
Mr. Minister, you still have not been invited to the committee yet, so—
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
We'll just hold for a moment.
Committee members, you've heard Mr. Long's explanation. We have the minister, who may be available. What are the wishes of the committee?
Mrs. Kusie.
11:55 a.m.
Conservative
Stephanie Kusie Conservative Calgary Midnapore, AB
Perhaps, since the minister is here, he could check his schedule for availability and confer with the committee if he has another opportunity within his schedule to return to us later in the week, please.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
We're getting ahead. We still have not agreed to have the minister appear before the committee. I'd prefer to deal with that, Mrs. Kusie, and then you can question him on anything when he's here.
Before we go to that, my colleague....
Yes...?
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC
Thank you.
Again, I would like us to vote on my colleague's motion.
Time is running out. I think that everyone wants to know what the minister has to say. We could also ask him questions about the bill. If, in the spirit of the holidays and for everyone's benefit, the committee wants to adopt this bill quickly, it would be nice if we could ask the minister our questions promptly. If necessary, the minister may even be willing to come back to the committee. Why not? After the initial questions today, we'll see if we have any more questions for him afterwards.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
The last question is from Ms. Zarrillo, and then we will vote on the motion before the committee.
11:55 a.m.
NDP
Bonita Zarrillo NDP Port Moody—Coquitlam, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We weren't necessarily expecting this today. I have a colleague who was working on C-3 before it was brought to this committee. I would like to step away now to make room for Mr. Boulerice.
It's nice to see everybody today. I wish I could have stayed with you, but we'll see what happens. I might come back.
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
Welcome to the committee, Mr. Boulerice.
We'll have one last question, and we'll go to a vote.
Noon
Conservative
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
My question is for you, Chair. I didn't realize cutting off debate on this or any discussion on it was possible. Is it possible for me to move an amendment to the motion to call the minister later this week? We definitely want to see him here.
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
It's my understanding we will vote on the motion, and you can vote it down or accept it.
Noon
Conservative
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Chair, my question was whether I can move an amendment or not. It's a procedural question.
Noon
Liberal
Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC
Sorry, Mr. Chair.
Before my colleague can move a motion to amend, I've asked that the original motion be put to a vote.
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey
Honourable member, there was still debate on the motion. Now in the debate we have an amendment that was moved.
Would you repeat that?
Noon
Conservative
Alex Ruff Conservative Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, ON
Thanks, Chair.
I move that the minister appear at a later time this week.
