Evidence of meeting #38 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 programs.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Jean-François Pagé  Procedural Clerk, Table Research Branch, House of Commons

2:40 p.m.

Bloc

Claude DeBellefeuille Bloc Beauharnois—Salaberry, QC

Mr. Chair, have we decided that we are going to hold our first meeting on September 2?

2:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

I'll make that decision when the list is finalized. When everyone is happy with the list of witnesses, I'll set a date. If people don't like that date, they can request a meeting and I will put that meeting together.

2:40 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

As a point of clarification or information, I'd like to ask the clerk a question.

Procedurally, given that a list has already been established, that means that, if we are not satisfied with the Chair's suggested date for the next meeting, four signatures are enough to get a specific date.

2:40 p.m.

Procedural Clerk, Table Research Branch, House of Commons

Jean-François Pagé

You have to have a meeting to discuss dates. In this case, you have discussed the abolition of a program and there were no witnesses. The same principles apply. You can plan dates by having a meeting. Under Standing Order 106(4), witnesses cannot be called. So it all depends how the request is drafted.

2:40 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

The only way to make sure that we can have a meeting on September 2 is to ask for it immediately.

2:40 p.m.

Procedural Clerk, Table Research Branch, House of Commons

Jean-François Pagé

Yes, you need five business days notice.

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

And we agree here that if the minister will probably not be available, for all the right reasons—I'm trying not to be sarcastic—if we have artists and they are ready, and trust me, they will be ready, we can have that meeting on September 2, right?

2:45 p.m.

Procedural Clerk, Table Research Branch, House of Commons

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

All those in favour of having the meeting on September 2?

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Is there a motion on the floor?

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

There was a motion made by Mr. Coderre.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Can we hear the motion? It was that if they would agree and if there's a motion—

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

That was the question.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Yes, we're voting on a question.

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

That was the question. You asked for a motion, and I put a motion.

I move that, regardless of the availability of the minister, we hold a meeting, with witnesses, on the matter that the committee has just discussed.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

The only way I think I can take a motion is the unanimous—

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

No, Mr. Chair, not on a procedural motion,

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

It's procedure, Mr. Chair.

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

Only on a substantive motion.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

Okay. Then the motion has been made by Mr. Coderre that our next meeting be held on September 2—

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Mauril Bélanger Liberal Ottawa—Vanier, ON

With witnesses, preferably the minister.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

—with witnesses.

All those in favour?

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

I'd like to make an amendment to that, if I could.

2:45 p.m.

Liberal

Denis Coderre Liberal Bourassa, QC

The chair asked “All those in favour?” I don't see why we have an amendment.

2:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

I did ask, “All those in favour?”