Transport Committee on May 17th, 2012

Robert Aubin Trois-Rivières, QC

I just have a point of order. I am wondering why the motion put forward last Tuesday is not on the proposed draft agenda. I think the debates were not finished. Mr. Coderre is one of the people who wanted to talk about it. As for me, I had an amendment to propose. However, it seems that this issue has been completely removed from the agenda. I would like an explanation, please.

The Chair Merv Tweed

Once a motion has been tabled—which was done at the last meeting—it doesn't show up on the agenda again. It simply means that it's live at the table. You can bring that forward at any point you choose. We don't show it as an agenda item after it has been tabled; it's only done when it needs to be presented for the first time. At the end of this meeting, if you want to raise it, you can do so. Or you can raise it now, if you choose. But it's considered a part of our agenda until it's dealt with.

Robert Aubin Trois-Rivières, QC

Okay, thank you.

If it is possible, I would like us to finish the discussion we began on that topic. It was my understanding that you would give the floor to the members who were already on your list. I think Mr. Coderre was supposed to be the next person to speak.

Pierre Poilievre Nepean—Carleton, ON

Point of order.

Merv Tweed Brandon—Souris, MB

Mr. Poilievre.

Pierre Poilievre Nepean—Carleton, ON

Mr. Aubin does not have the right to simply put it on the agenda. First of all, you can't raise a motion on a point of order. So no.

The Chair Merv Tweed

Before I recognized you he did raise a point of order. I addressed his point of order and then he raised his issue as a floor item. He is entitled to do that.

Pierre Poilievre Nepean—Carleton, ON

He isn't on the speakers list.

The Chair Merv Tweed

He initiated the motion at the last meeting, and it can be brought forward to the committee at any time during a committee meeting. That's his right as a member. That's the rule.

Ms. Michaud.

Élaine Michaud Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

I suggest that we discuss the amended motion that was presented at the end of that committee meeting. The witnesses could testify first, but we could set aside a minimum of 15 minutes—perhaps even a half an hour—to discuss the motion at the end of the presentation.

The Chair Merv Tweed

Mr. Coderre.

Denis Coderre Bourassa, QC

I think we should hear from witnesses. Therefore, I suggest we postpone this debate. However, we should have the debate at the beginning of the next meeting and deal with the two motions. We have two motions, which must be discussed. We should hear from the witnesses today, but at the next meeting, the witnesses should be informed from the outset that we will begin with the two motions. For now, I suggest that we postpone the discussion of the motion and hear from the witnesses.

The Chair Merv Tweed

Actually, it is debatable, because there's a condition that has been applied to the motion. Mr. Coderre has made a motion that we table it to the first item of business at our next meeting. By putting that condition on it, it becomes a debatable motion. If he were to simply end debate, then it's non-debatable.

If there's agreement.... Monsieur Aubin, are you okay with that?

Robert Aubin Trois-Rivières, QC

Of course.