Procedure and House Affairs committee  It's a good example of “You don't know what you don't know.” Until I had participated in the simulations, I really didn't understand some of the very small things that can have big consequences for how it operates. I think it's absolutely essential to have a full on run-through.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes. Remember, there are safeguards that can be put in place. We decided that you are not considered present unless you are there with your video and audio. That makes you present and able to vote. In terms of being able to be recognized or to call a point of order, exclusively the chat function on Zoom that goes directly to the clerk's desk is there for members to be able to say, “I have something to say.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I'll answer. Sure, I think that was essential. We were ready to do whatever we needed to, understanding that the gathering of the legislature was the primary goal. How we accomplished it was secondary.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We have a committee that is organizing our COVID caucus. It's a small group of our MLAs and some staff. When there are substantive issues, we bring that back to the whole caucus.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, not at all, as long as everybody gets a chance to participate fairly. Again, we're still working out the bugs on the voice vote, but as far as the roll call vote, it worked fine. After each simulation, we're all debriefing with the Clerk and talking among the House leaders about things that didn't work and how we can tweak them.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I would have every expectation that, if there were permanent changes, Mike and Sonia would certainly involve me in that discussion. We did make a permanent change to allow people to bring their infants into the chamber. That was a very collaborative process, so I have no concerns about that.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, not at all. It truly has been collaborative. We've gone back and forth sharing ideas about how different elements could work. We're not done yet, so maybe tomorrow Mike will throw something at me that I don't expect, but I don't think so. Part of that is what Mike alluded to.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  In our simulation, we practised this with some people in the chamber and some people virtually. The roll call vote worked exceptionally well. It does take quite a lot of time, but that's a small price to pay for making sure that everyone has a chance to participate. Where we are still challenged and are trying to work out the bugs is on a voice vote.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Go ahead, Mike.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I would add that it is important to recognize that it's only occasionally that all members are present. It is typically for question period or if you're introducing a budget, the throne speech or something like that, so there are limited occasions when members would ordinarily all be present.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It absolutely is. As I said in my opening remarks, generally speaking, even beyond the pandemic experience, the three House leaders do have a collaborative relationship. We can go at it hammer and tong in question period, and we do, but as opposition, I recognize that making sure the House functions well is an advantage to the opposition because we can rely on the process.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I think you can take this to other levels, but I'm old school and I do think that, to the extent you can, you should be in attendance in person. However, we should certainly exploit technology to advance the participation of individuals who are members in other circumstances and where this might improve their ability to attend.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's actually the heart of the whole discussion for all of us. By trying out how we involve members who are attending virtually, and adjusting our Standing Orders and procedures so that they're able to be recognized when they need to be, they're able to speak on an equal footing with those who are in the chamber.