Canadian Heritage Committee on Dec. 8th, 2009

Evidence of meeting #42 for Canadian Heritage in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was apology.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Bill C-302, An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Italian origin through their “enemy alien” designation and internment during the Second World War, and to provide for restitution and promote education on Italian-Canadian history

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Clerk of the Committee Mr. Richard Dupuis

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

No. I do believe I'm on the list, though.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

You're on the list and it's your turn to speak.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Thank you very much.

We're debating an amendment that has been brought to clause 3 of the bill. At length I've indicated, and this morning members snickered when I indicated, that this bill opens the government up to untold liability. That is factually correct. I had several legal opinions. One is from the Department of Justice. I have another from the legal services at Citizenship and Immigration, from a lawyer there as well. These are not political positions. These are bureaucratic positions in government that are providing this particular response to me and providing this information to me.

We cited, and I believe my colleague is going to talk a little bit about, the Apology Act that was brought forward in Ontario and several other jurisdictions where, because of that, you can actually say that you're sorry without—

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Rod Bruinooge Conservative Winnipeg South, MB

On a point of order, Mr. Chair, I'd like to bring forward a motion to adjourn the meeting. I have a number of arguments that I'd like to continue to make until the end of the meeting. I'm not sure they're going to have any sway with the opposition members. As such, I think this motion might get the requisite support to pass. This is a motion to adjourn.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Mr. Chair, you can't put a motion on a point of order.

11:50 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

No, you cannot.

11:55 a.m.

Conservative

Rod Bruinooge Conservative Winnipeg South, MB

Could I jump in?

11:55 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

You're right, Mr. Del Mastro.

11:55 a.m.

Conservative

Dean Del Mastro Conservative Peterborough, ON

Mr. Chair, I would like to cite some legal opinions that I have, but if it is the will of the committee, I would table a motion to adjourn the meeting immediately.

11:55 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

Okay, it's moved by Mr. Del Mastro.

11:55 a.m.

Liberal

Pablo Rodriguez Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC

It's quite obvious we're not going anywhere. What's the point?

11:55 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Gary Schellenberger

All those in favour of adjourning the meeting?

(Motion agreed to)

The meeting is adjourned.