Bill C-31 (40th Parliament, 2nd Session) Committee on Dec. 7th, 2009

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

I would not have a problem with that as long as the procedure we adopt also makes it clear that while we're in clause-by-clause, members can submit subamendments and amendments without prior notice.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Is that agreed?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Maybe the chair will direct the clerk to leave this part out of it. We'll come back to the committee with some wording to that effect. The will of the committee is that when we're in clause-by-clause, notice will not be required for amendments and subamendments. Prior to that, there would be 48 hours' notice for substantive amendments.

Is that agreed?

Monsieur Petit.

[Daniel Petit, Conservative, Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC]

The motion could read as follows: “that amendments to Bill C-31 be submitted to the clerk 48 hours in advance during clause-by-clause study”. Isn't that what we just said? Would you prefer to have them sooner?

That isn't quite the proper wording. I agree we should go with something else.

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

Let's trust the clerk on this.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Go ahead, Mr. Fast.

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

Are we settled on the notice provision?

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

I believe so.

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

I'd like to move on to one other very minor item, which is, “That the Committee's meetings be televised”. Is that mandatory or permissible? What if television isn't available? What if we're in West Block?

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Legislative committees take precedence over other committees.

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

In terms of televising?

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

In terms of everything.

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

Really? I wasn't aware of that.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

It's up to the committee as to whether or not to keep that in, to change the wording--

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

That's fine. So all the meetings will take place either in this room or the one across the way.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Yes, if that's what the committee finds expedient.

[Ed Fast, Conservative, Abbotsford, BC]

All right. Thank you.

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

I'm fully in favour of having our hearings televised.

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Could someone move adoption?

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Sure. Why don't you do that with the caveat that we're going to come back with the...?

[Rob Moore, Conservative, Fundy Royal, NB]

Yes, save and except the paragraph on amendments, I move adoption of the routine motions.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Is everyone agreed? Is everyone also in agreement on January 15 as the deadline for submitting the witness list?

Is that agreed?

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

One of the motions that was just adopted under routine motions is that the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be struck and be composed of the chair--me--and a member of each party. I would just ask each party to provide the name of who will be on the steering committee so that we can be in touch with each other if need be.

Is it Mr. Murphy for the Liberals?

You get access to the Deputy Speaker's hospitality budget for--

[Some hon. members]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

I'm just kidding.

For the Conservatives...? You don't have to tell me now.