Public Safety committee  Ladies and gentlemen, I see a quorum. So we can proceed to elect a chair. I am ready to receive motions for the position of chair. Mr. Holland.

Public Safety committee  It has been moved by Mr. Holland that Garry Breitkreuz be elected as chair of the committee. Are there any further motions? Mr. Kania.

Public Safety committee  There being no further motions, is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion? (Motion agreed to)

Public Safety committee  I declare Mr. Breitkreuz duly elected as chair of the committee.

Public Safety committee  We'll proceed to the election of the vice-chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the first vice-chair must be a member of the official opposition. Mr. Breitkreuz.

Public Safety committee  It has been moved by Mr. Breitkreuz that Mark Holland be elected as first vice-chair of the committee. Are there further motions? Does the motion carry? (Motion agreed to) I declare Mr. Holland first vice-chair.

Public Safety committee  The second vice-chair must be a member of an official opposition party other than the official opposition. Madam Mourani.

Public Safety committee  Madam Mourani proposes Mr. Davies. Are there any other motions? Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion? (Motion agreed to) I declare Mr. Davies duly elected second vice-chair of the committee.

Public Safety committee  I would like to congratulate Mr. Breitkreuz on his election, tell him it's a pleasure to work with him, and invite him to take the chair.

Public Safety committee  Mrs. Mourani, I informed your office as developments occurred. The other witnesses that you had suggested for today, Thérèse-Casgrain House as well as Anne Crocker and Céline Mercier, declined the invitation for various reasons.

Public Safety committee  Your request concerning the Martineau Community Correctional Centre and your list of questions were forwarded to the Correctional Service of Canada, and it decided that it would be represented today by Ms. Vallée, Ms. Gaudet and Ms. Perreault to discuss the issues you raised.

Public Safety committee  Perhaps Ms. Vallée could answer that.

Public Safety committee  All the names that appear on Mr. Holland's motion are contained in the lists that were distributed. There are four lists: one for each party and one from the office of the clerk that reflects the requests we received. It's my understanding that the names of all interveners are on

Public Safety committee  Yes.

Public Safety committee  Without ruling on the issue of whether the person is considered a witness or not, I can confirm that it is customary for the sponsor of the bill to be invited to introduce their bill to the committee studying it when the hearings begin.