Evidence of meeting #47 for Justice and Human Rights in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was need.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:30 p.m.
NDP
The Vice-Chair NDP Françoise Boivin
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here.
I also want to thank our witnesses.
I think we should first deal with a motion.
The floor is yours, Mr. Coderre.
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
3:30 p.m.
Liberal
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative Delta—Richmond East, BC
No, you had not. I asked for the chair's attention.
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
3:30 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
I had the floor, Madam Chair. I don't see why I am being interrupted.
3:30 p.m.
NDP
The Vice-Chair NDP Françoise Boivin
I recognize that you had the floor. I said “Mr. Coderre”, and you began. Immediately afterwards, Ms. Findlay spoke up.
The question has been raised, and I would like an answer.
3:30 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
I would like to move the following motion:
That the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights conduct a study on the subject matter of the section of Bill C-45, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and other measures, which directly fall within the mandate of this committee, namely Part 4, Division 9, the Judges Act, and report of its findings to the House no later than Monday, November 5.
I call for a recorded division, if I may.
3:30 p.m.
NDP
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
Kerry-Lynne Findlay Conservative Delta—Richmond East, BC
Thank you.
As Mr. Coderre may know, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance made a statement in the House yesterday that expressed our government's willingness to send various parts of the budget implementation act to the appropriate committees following the completion of second reading debate. As a result, I can say that the government members on this side of the table support the idea of having division 9 of part 4 of Bill C-45 studied at this committee.
However, it is our view that it is premature to pass any motions to this effect, because the bill is still at second reading in the House of Commons. I therefore encourage my honourable colleagues to support Bill C-45 at second reading so its various parts can be studied at the appropriate committee. Once the bill has passed second reading, our committee can collectively discuss how and when division 9 of part 4 shall be studied. As I say, we would support it at that time, but not now.
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I was just going to propose an amendment to the beginning of Mr. Coderre's motion, to read, “That the committee shall immediately go in camera to discuss, and then continue with the motion.
3:30 p.m.
NDP
The Vice-Chair NDP Françoise Boivin
I'll start by giving you my answer.
I don't think this amendment is in order, given the type of motion and the stage we are at.
That's my ruling.
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
3:30 p.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I put forward an amendment to the motion. We're discussing the amendment, as far as I am aware. Why would it not be in order?
3:30 p.m.
Liberal
3:30 p.m.
NDP
The Vice-Chair NDP Françoise Boivin
You're right—a point of order always takes precedence.
Mr. Coderre, go ahead.
3:30 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
There aren't two chairs here; there's only one chair.
Since we were already very advanced, I think this amendment is out of order. I don't know what the Conservatives have to hide again. We should continue debating my motion.
3:30 p.m.
NDP
The Vice-Chair NDP Françoise Boivin
In any case, I have made a ruling, whether you like it or not. You will act appropriately under the circumstances. I said that the amendment was out of order, considering the type of motion before us and the stage we are at. The debate has actually already begun.
Mr. Jean, go ahead.