Evidence of meeting #1 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was last.
A recording is available from Parliament.
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I don't know if I can.
That, unless otherwise ordered, each Committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person, and each party be permitted to have one House officer staff at an in camera meeting.
How does that sound?
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
It's a little confusing, but I think we understand where we're going.
Is there any debate on that?
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Very briefly, for our next meeting on Tuesday, our first official meeting, I think everyone is aware that Bill C-8, An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act (railway transportation), has been referred to the committee. I know we had some discussion about that prior to the ending of the last session. I am advised that officials would be prepared to attend next week. That is to be verified, but if the committee wishes, I would suggest that....
Go ahead, Mr. Jean.
November 15th, 2007 / 9:45 a.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to let you know that the minister would also be prepared to come on Thursday to introduce Bill C-8 and to answer questions for an hour.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
Don Bell Liberal North Vancouver, BC
Through you to Mr. Jean, when is the report from the panel going to be available?
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I'm really not sure, Mr. Bell. I can get back to you, though. I will.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
Don Bell Liberal North Vancouver, BC
My understanding is that the panel was going to report by October 31.
Secondly, my question is, when are we going to make a decision and recommendations based on the testimony we heard? I would ask that that be on the agenda.
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
I think what I'd like to do is ask the subcommittee to meet on Tuesday, and we'll set forward the agenda with those issues. On Thursday, if the committee is agreeable, we can bring the minister and officials in to present Bill C-8. I know at the end of the last session there was some urgency to get this dealt with.
If the committee so agrees, I would try to confirm that the minister and his officials be here for Thursday. We can set the rest of the agenda on Tuesday at a subcommittee meeting, but this would get the ball started.
Monsieur Laframboise.
9:45 a.m.
Bloc
Mario Laframboise Bloc Argenteuil—Papineau—Mirabel, QC
Could you explain what Bill C-8 is about, please?
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
It was on freight rates, shippers' rights, remedies. It was Bill C-58 last time.
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
9:45 a.m.
An hon. member
Yes.
9:45 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
I will invite the minister and his officials to attend on Thursday to present the bill, but on Tuesday we will have just a subcommittee meeting to set the agenda for the rest of the fall session.
Mr. Bell.
9:45 a.m.
Liberal
Don Bell Liberal North Vancouver, BC
Will we have the binders before the minister comes on the bill?
9:45 a.m.
The Clerk
They were sent out yesterday by Transport Canada. I'm sure you'll get them this morning.
9:50 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
I also know that briefings will be offered to all members on this bill, if you elect to do that.
On Tuesday we will have a subcommittee only, and then on Thursday we will start the agenda with Bill C-8, with the minister and officials.
The meeting is adjourned.
