Evidence of meeting #1 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Conservative
Liberal
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
We have a motion on the floor for working meals.
(Motion agreed to) [See Minutes of Proceedings]
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
Now we're on witnesses' expenses. I need a motion on the floor.
Mr. Anderson.
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
I would like to make our motion. I think everyone has it, so they can take a look at their paper. Or do you want me to read it out?
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
This is with respect to witnesses' expenses:
That as established by the Board of Internal Economy, and if requested, reasonable travelling, accommodation, and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses who are invited to appear before the committee, up to a maximum of two representatives from any one organization, and that if requested, reasonable child care expenses of the witnesses shall be reimbursed.
Liberal
Lloyd St. Amand Liberal Brant, ON
I have a flippant comment. Canadians have been given a choice as a result of the budget. They have the $100 a month. Do they need more? The government says they need more than $100 a month.
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
Well, I challenge Mr. St. Amand, then, to vote against our motion.
Liberal
Charles Hubbard Liberal Miramichi, NB
Is there any precedent for this, any other committee, any other time, any other...?
Liberal
Charles Hubbard Liberal Miramichi, NB
I mean, whoever wrote this.... I guess Mr. Anderson must have some precedents. Why would he...?
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
We don't have to have precedents in order to be generous to people. We simply felt it was important. We've had some witnesses come here who represented young families and we thought it was fair to give them the opportunity to apply for the cost of their child care as well.
Bloc
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
I have no problem with David's suggestion. However,the motion as is reads: “[...] under exceptional circumstances, reimbursing a greater number of representative shall be left at the discretion of the Chair.”
I believe that we should leave this as is.
Bloc
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
I do not believe that this has occurred often, but if it ever happens, this will give you power, Mr. Chair. It is important.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
To clarify as well, in the last minutes from May 4, 2006, we changed it slightly. We said “...in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be at the discretion of the subcommittee on agenda and procedure”.
Mr. Anderson.
Conservative
David Anderson Conservative Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK
I'd like to make a point. I don't think we need to have more than two representatives here on the taxpayer's dollar. If two of them can't give a pretty clear presentation.... I don't remember a situation where we've brought three in. I think we're usually crowded at the table. Two representatives from each organization seems to be plenty. But we think this is a reasonable motion, so we'd like support for it.
Conservative
Bloc
André Bellavance Bloc Richmond—Arthabaska, QC
I am putting forward a subamendment to the motion. I want to see added the words you said appear in the present wording.
