Evidence of meeting #1 for Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was staff.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
We have an amendment before us. Is there discussion on the amendment?
Mr. Shipley.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON
Madam Chair, could I have some clarification on the wording, on what it actually means, on who is present and who isn't?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
The chair is not included in a legislative committee, so the numbers that Madame Guay is recommending are that five members be present, including two opposition members, not including the chair.
Mr. Moore.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
Can Madame Guay's amendment be amended by adding as well, “at least one member of the government”, if you don't mind?
3:50 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Bev Shipley Conservative Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, ON
Madam Chair, that was my point. I didn't understand what the breakdown was, because it said “of the opposition”. I was taking that as the opposition being the official opposition and the other parties, and the rest would be made up of the government.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
That's right.
So we have agreement, and we'll proceed with the next motion, right?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
Could we have that read again, just to see where we stand?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
The amendment reads that the chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have the evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least five members are present, including two members of the opposition and at least one member being a member of the government.
3:50 p.m.
An hon. member
That makes seven in total.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
That makes a total of five members.
Are we all clear on the math? Thank you.
(Motion as amended agreed to)
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
Our next motion is that only the clerk of the committee be authorized to distribute documents to members of the committee and only when such documents exist in both official languages.
Do I have a mover?
Monsieur Paquette moves the motion. Do we have agreement?
(Motion agreed to)
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
Thank you.
The next motion is that the clerk of the committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the committee and its subcommittees.
Madame Folco.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Raymonde Folco Liberal Laval—Les Îles, QC
I quite agree with that, but my experience has shown me that Perrier is never served.
I love the fruit, but I would really like bottles of Perrier as well. Thank you.
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
I think that most members agree with you, Ms. Folco.
So, Madame Folco, you're moving the amendment?
I gathered it was tongue-in-cheek, but we will aim to please.
(Motion agreed to)
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
The next motion is that if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation, and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two representatives per organization, and that in exceptional circumstances payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the chair.
Mr. Murphy so moves. Is there agreement?
(Motion agreed to)
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Albina Guarnieri
Thank you.
The next motion is that unless otherwise ordered, each committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at an in camera meeting.
Madame Fry so moves.
Is there discussion?
Madame Guay.
3:55 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Guay Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
We have an amendment. At the end, we would like to add: “and that each party be allowed to be accompanied by one member of its party staff.”
This is very useful because our staff members often do research for us. We sit on several committees. Often, they brief us before a meeting. I think that it is very important that a member of our staff can attend meetings.
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Brian Murphy Liberal Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB
I apologize, but if the intention of that was to make sure that each party would be allowed to have a member of its whip's office as well, it's what we would like to have.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Tom Lukiwski Conservative Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre, SK
Thank you.
Just for clarification, Brian, are you saying that you're asking for two members, a member from the whip's office and an additional staff member? I'm just trying to find out....
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Brian Murphy Liberal Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB
It is one staff member. And I believe--perhaps you could clarify--that it was “and” a member from the whip's office.
No? Was it “or”?