Government Operations committee  —in conflict of interest, in light of what you've explained to us.

Government Operations committee  I'll be brief. In the Code régissant les conflits d'intérêts des députés, the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, an annex in the Standing Orders, subsection 3(2) concerns private interests. What you're describing to me does not fall under the category of private interests, but rather under not furthering private interests, referred to in subsection 3(3).

Government Operations committee  The motion, with subamendment and amendment approved, would read as follows: That, in relation with its study on the Light Rail Transit Project, this committee hold one additional meeting during the first week after the March break to hear testimony from the Minister of the Environment, Mr.

Government Operations committee  I tried to reach Mr. Soudas several times, particularly yesterday morning and this morning. I left a message on his voice mail. However, I have received no call back from him nor any answer to my e-mail. The last conversation I had with him was on Wednesday, February 13, at 12:41 p.m.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Wessel couldn't be here with us today, but she indicated to me that she might be available Tuesday, March 4, or next Thursday, March 6. And that's about it. Otherwise, it's going to be at the end of April. Seeing as we've already had a motion that we will have two meetings next week on a different topic, I told her that we would wait for the committee's decision on whether we're going to invite her again.

Government Operations committee  In order, Mr. Dimitri Soudas could not be present today for family reasons that I thought were quite legitimate. As to February 28, he told me he might be available if the other witnesses were present. Mr. Housakos, whom I finally reached late yesterday afternoon, first wanted to meet with his lawyer and expressed the wish to be accompanied by him.

Government Operations committee  No. I sensed a certain reluctance on the first day, which quickly faded yesterday, following articles that appeared in the newspapers. People understood that the committee's request was serious. The first impression quickly dissipated. As I said, there's only Minister Fortier for whom there was no offer to appear on February 28.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. As soon as I got back to my office, I made some telephone calls to reach all the witnesses appearing on the list of the adopted motion. The calls were made between 11:34 a.m. and 12:09 p.m. on Tuesday. However, the answers were slow in coming in some cases, despite reminders.

Government Operations committee  We can introduce a motion. I've tried to stick to the spirit of the motion, even though I could not comply with it to the letter. Today's meeting was scheduled following the five meetings; it will be held today. The meeting of the 26th would concern light rail, as provided in the motion, that of the 28th would concern what was provided for today, and the last two meetings would correspond respectively to meetings three and four mentioned in the motion adopted Tuesday.

Government Operations committee  It's an assignation à comparaître.

Government Operations committee  It reads as follows: that the motion be amended by replacing the words "6 meetings" with the words "5 meetings" and everything that follows by: February 14: political interference by the Prime Minister's office February 26: light rail transit project February 28: governor in council appointments March 4: governor in council appointments March 6: federal government's real estate plan.

Government Operations committee  Yes, for the next five meetings. (Motion as amended agreed to)

Government Operations committee  No, it was not written into the motion like that, but, during the discussions, we mentioned three meetings on the subject.

Government Operations committee  As you just said, there are a large number of motions. But they have been put in a certain order. That is why, on Thursday, we are going to look at the federal government's real estate plan, with Ms. Michèle Demers, from the Professional Institute of the Public Service, as a witness.

Government Operations committee  No, it was not the one about Gomery, it was Mr. Holland's