Evidence of meeting #27 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 amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
There isn't a steering committee, but we do have to go to the Liaison Committee. It's different.
4:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
Yes. That's why I'm saying that every time I've gone to the Liaison Committee I'm batting one for four.
All I can say is that if we have to have the one hearing there, and we're turned down at the Liaison Committee, where do we go?
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
So what I would propose is that we vote on the amendment. But if we have an agreement among ourselves.... And I heard my friend Mr. Abbott talking about agreeing on division. I too would agree on division, if we got rid of the last part of the amendment, that the committee travel to Vancouver for some of those hearings, because we need to have a debate on the validity of going somewhere else.
I remember when Mr. Chong was asking questions and talking about his own population, who have the right also to be here. It's a Canadian issue; it's a national issue. It's important for B.C., and I totally agree because of the orchestra, but at the same time, I have people in Quebec, and there are people in Ontario, and others from from coast to coast to coast who have something to say about this. I wouldn't be doing my job properly if I didn't have the capacity to have those people here too.
So I would suggest a vote on the amendment. I will vote against it, but after that, if necessary, I will propose an amendment to put a period after “CBC Radio 2”, and then we can proceed by saying that we support it on division—for a reality check. But we love people from B.C.
4:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
We'll talk to the amendment then:
That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage hold hearings prior to the summer recess on the decision by CBC/Radio-Canada to disband the CBC Radio Orchestra; on CBC/Radio-Canada's commitment to classical music; and on the changes to CBC Radio 2; and that the committee hold one hearing in Vancouver and additional hearings in Ottawa.
All those in favour of the amendment?
(Amendment negatived)
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
Mr. Chair, I will come back by saying that we need to have a meeting on that before the end of the session--that's an amendment--and we'll cut the reference to the committee travelling to Vancouver for some of those hearings, because I'd like to hear from the Liaison Committee and the steering committee about how we can manage with the agenda we have right now.
4:10 p.m.
An hon. member
We don't have one.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
We've already had the debate on everything, so I propose that we vote on my amendment and then on the motion.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
As a point of information, Mr. Chair, are you going to read that amendment out right now?
4:10 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
I will read out Mr. Coderre's amendment:
That the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage hold hearings prior to the summer recess on the decision by CBC/Radio-Canada to disband the CBC Radio Orchestra; on CBC/Radio-Canada's commitment to classical music; and on the changes to CBC Radio 2.
I'll call the question....
Ms. Mourani had her hand up first, and then we'll have Mr. Siksay.
4:10 p.m.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
Mr. Chair, I find it a shame that we are not going to Vancouver at least once. After all, Mr. Coderre says that he loves the people of the city so much, but he is not prepared to go and listen to them.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC
A point of order. If the honourable member wants things to go smoothly, she must be careful about what she says. I never said that. She is the separatist, not me. I want to make sure that the committee works. If Mrs. Mourani wants to play her little game, she can count me in with pleasure. But for the purposes of the minutes, I would like to clarify that I said that we should discuss where we would be going afterwards.
Do not get into petty partisan politics, your polling numbers do not let you do that at the moment.
4:10 p.m.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
Mr. Chair, I understand that Mr. Coderre needs to let off steam, but I think that he should calm down a little so that we can have a civil debate at this committee. We can always check the record, but you said that you loved the people of Vancouver and that you wanted to go and see them. Well, you are not going. Facts are facts. But all we asked you for was one hearing in Vancouver.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
4:15 p.m.
Bloc
Maria Mourani Bloc Ahuntsic, QC
I will not go on about it, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to tell you that it was regrettable and that we will be voting against this amendment.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
As I said, your amendment was voted down.
Go ahead, Mr. Siksay.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Bill Siksay NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I know that Mr. Coderre is new to the committee. He seems to believe that we have a steering committee at which we would discuss this. Unfortunately, we don't have that structure at this committee.
Our only time to discuss where we travel, when we travel, and if we travel is right here and now. If he thinks he can defer that discussion to somewhere else, that other place doesn't exist; we have to decide it now.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger
I will correct that. There is a Liaison Committee. We can decide what we want to at this committee when it comes to travel; I have to then take the motion and ask the Liaison Committee.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Bill Siksay NDP Burnaby—Douglas, BC
Yes, Mr. Chair, I understand that, but that's not what I'm addressing.
The Liaison Committee decides whether any committee can travel--
