With us this afternoon, we have Adrian Measner, president of the Canadian Wheat Board, and Mr. Ken Ritter, chair of the board of directors.
Welcome gentleman.
Just before we start, I have a little issue that I would like to clarify. This is a statement that was made by the chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage yesterday on the sub judice convention. It could be of interest for us today. We had a steering committee meeting on Tuesday to cover off some of these issues, but I just want to get this on the record ahead of time:
As you are aware, some of the matters which we may be examining over the next couple of meetings are the subject of legal actions. As a result, I would like to take this opportunity, before we begin, to remind members of the sub judice convention, and to outline how I intend to deal with any issues that might come up.
As stated in the House of Commons Procedure and Practice on page 534, “The sub judice convention is first and foremost a voluntary restraint on the part of the House....” Members of Parliament may therefore decide to exercise a certain degree of restraint when considering matters that are before the courts. While members are free to go about their business freely and without interference, they are also reminded to take into consideration the role of the courts. Accordingly, members and the committee may choose not to do or say things that would prejudice any lawsuit.
Witnesses and members may discuss the various policy and program issues that are before us. We are not here to decide or pass our judgment on the merits of any legal action. Witnesses are not here to plead their legal case, nor are members here to try to bolster or undermine one side or the other in any litigation. If I believe that witnesses or we [as members of Parliament] are straying into any lawsuits or legal matters, I will remind the participants to return to the parliamentary arena.
If we all remember our purpose here, while recognizing the proper role of the courts, I am certain that I will not have to make any interventions.
Thank you.
Mr. Anderson.