Ms. Guergis.
Evidence of meeting #42 for Status of Women in the 39th 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.
Evidence of meeting #42 for Status of Women in the 39th 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.
5 p.m.
Conservative
Helena Guergis Conservative Simcoe—Grey, ON
I want to again clarify that a chair writes to a minister on behalf of the committee. You can't write to the minister to clarify a conversation that happened with just an individual member off-line. I appreciate that you've recognized that.
5 p.m.
Bloc
Nicole Demers Bloc Laval, QC
Madam Chair, I believe there is a little confusion. I'm having a little trouble with the unease there appears to be here. I don't think Ms. Mathyssen wants to clarify what the minister told her; I think she wants the minister to clarify the position of Status of Women Canada with regard to the contracts that were started by the researchers. I think that's her position. I don't think it relates to the conversation she had. She had a conversation. During that conversation, things were said. I think she just wants to clarify the position of Status of Women Canada with regard to the researchers who have already begun their...
I don't understand what problem there would be in asking the minister whether or not they are continuing their work. I don't understand.
5 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
The question here, Madame Demers, is Ms. Mathyssen had a conversation with the minister.
The chair's responsibility is to take committee issues forward. The committee has not had this discussion with the minister. Yes, she came here in front of the committee as a witness and we've been through that process. But once you have a conversation with a minister and you need clarification, due process demands that you get the clarification yourself first. And if you feel that the response is not helping the cause of women, then perhaps bring it over and then we will have a look at it. That's what's I'm saying.
The first step is for Ms. Mathyssen to follow the process, and then, if she's not satisfied, bring it forward and then the chair and the committee can discuss this issue. And I'll take it under advisement at that time.
Ms. Guergis. Agreed?
Ms. Mathyssen.
5 p.m.
NDP
Irene Mathyssen NDP London—Fanshawe, ON
That's fine, Madam Chair. I recognize that the time of the committee is limited and that the minister coming here to clarify might not necessarily be possible, but I do most definitely want clarification on this. And if I can't get it through a letter, I will most certainly be bringing it back and requesting the minister to come here to provide that clarity.
5 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Fair enough. Thank you.
Is there any other business?
Hearing none, the meeting is adjourned.
