Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) Committee on June 4th, 2008

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

I had a point of order. It relates to our invitation to Bill Boyd, the minister responsible for Senate reform in Saskatchewan. My understanding is that an invitation was made by the committee to Mr. Boyd, and my understanding is also that if that invitation were to be renewed, he would be able to come here. I know that there had been some discussion of the fact that he hadn't been here, and I think that may have been the consequence of some kind of communication failure. I won't speculate as to exactly of what type that would be.

I know when I spoke to you earlier today about this, you indicated you were a bit surprised. My understanding is they had not been aware of the invitation until it was too late to actually come, so I suspect there's just been some kind of lapse, and we can all imagine what these things are. We all know what happens with e-mails and so on, or, for that matter, telephone messages. At any rate, if that could be renewed, I think we stand a very good chance of getting Mr. Boyd here.

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

If I could just clarify the situation, there's no question about reissuing an invitation to have the Saskatchewan representative appear. My understanding is that there's a long litany of correspondence with them dating back to March 27.

Maybe it's time we had a steering committee at which we could review the list of witnesses so no one feels there are any surprises on the list. My understanding is it's in accordance with what was determined at that initial meeting. It came as somewhat of a surprise to me when the Saskatchewan representative cancelled on us.

Is there any discussion?

Mr. Murphy.

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

I would just like to say that I do think it's time we had a subcommittee meeting on witnesses. Obviously there's no objection to hearing from anyone who now wants to come if there was some mix-up. Feel free to blame the politicians. We're okay with that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

It's always the politicians' fault, absolutely.

Would you like to have the steering committee before we go to summer recess, or after? What would be more convenient for the steering committee members?

[Brian Murphy, Liberal, Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, NB]

My suggestion, Madam Chair, would be to meet before we break, knowing that we're coming back, as the calendar says, in September and not proroguing.

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

So we could have one on Monday then. Is that agreed?

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Sure. What time is that normally at?

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

It's usually after question period. That's been the timeframe that is convenient for most members. Is that agreed?

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Absolutely.

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

You're welcome, Mr. Reid, to look at the notes. There's a litany of notes that my clerk has shown me on that correspondence.

[Scott Reid, Conservative, Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON]

Actually, that would be very helpful. I appreciate that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Albina Guarnieri]

Thank you.

The meeting is adjourned.