Evidence of meeting #25 for Canadian Heritage in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendments.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Andy Scott Liberal Fredericton, NB
At the risk of glowing slightly less than some others, in the spirit of the interventions we've received, I think there are just a couple of things.
I think the reference to violence did not speak particularly to kids. Am I right? I think it should. It's a reasonable thing that Mr. Bigras' intention was to deal with it as it relates to kids.
In regard to the second point, Mr. Abbott, the witnesses “confirmed”...and although I don't want to split hairs, I think this is important. “Confirmed” suggests that somehow we had it in our minds and they came here and confirmed that. I think they “convinced” us. I think it's a more appropriate way of expressing what happens in these kinds of committees.
Witnesses don't come here to validate our position; witnesses come here to create our position, and they convinced us, I think, of the merits of their case. It may be hairsplitting, but I think it is legitimate hairsplitting—not that I have a lot of expertise in hairsplitting.
Well, neither does Jim.
The chair is about to weigh in.
Finally, to try to capture what I think Mr. Siksay is trying to capture in this, we should speak to the number of interventions we received that asked us to support more proactive interventions.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
I was taking some consultation here. We could have a friendly amendment, but it would have to be unanimous.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
3:50 p.m.
Bloc
Bernard Bigras Bloc Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC
A point of order, Mr. Chair. It seems quite clear to me. A motion has been presented by my colleague Mr. Coderre. Mr. Abbott has proposed a friendly amendment which was accepted by Mr. Coderre. So we are presently debating the motion.
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Mr. Chair, would it be acceptable to you if Mr. Scott and I dialogued for just a second on the record here?
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Okay.
Mr. Scott, “Bill C-327 has the laudable goal of seeing a reduction in violence in society...”. Can you give me your suggestion, please?
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
Andy Scott Liberal Fredericton, NB
And “particularly as it relates to children.” That's the whole purpose.
3:50 p.m.
Liberal
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Okay, then it would be: “Notwithstanding the goal of Bill C-327, witnesses have convinced committee members”—
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Then, “convinced the committee that Bill C-327 is the wrong means to achieve the goal.”
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
Next, “The committee unanimously supports freedom of expression, including in the media of film and television.”
And your additional point is...?
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Andy Scott Liberal Fredericton, NB
Finally, “The committee further recognizes the large number of witnesses who spoke to the need for more education, media literacy”--
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Andy Scott Liberal Fredericton, NB
I don't have any problem with “parental engagement”. So add, “and parental engagement.”
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Andy Scott Liberal Fredericton, NB
Yes, “who spoke to the need for education, media literacy”—is that the language they used, Bill?—“and parental engagement”, or “parental guidance”.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Jim Abbott Conservative Kootenay—Columbia, BC
I think “parental engagement” is probably....
May I reread, Chair?
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
First of all, I guess Mr. Scott is proposing a subamendment, an amendment to the amendment.
I understand it's a friendly amendment—I've seen you talking back and forth—so could you read the amendment to the amendment?
