Evidence of meeting #130 for Canadian Heritage in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was important.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Here is what we have before us:
That, pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, October 24, 2018, the Committee consider the supplementary estimates (A) before the reporting deadline set out in Standing Order 81(5); and that the Committee invite the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism to appear in view of this study.
11:55 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Of course. I simply wanted to be clear about which motion we were talking about.
11:55 a.m.
Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, CPC
The motion seeks to invite Minister Rodriguez to come and speak about the clauses in the budgetary bill that directly concern our committee, for example issues surrounding copyright.
We heard many witnesses, including people who work in publishing, academics and regional media representatives, who had expectations as regards budget implementation. They expect to find clauses that would enable the education sector to better respect copyright and close the loopholes in the Copyright Act.
I'm sure that Minister Rodriguez will be happy to come speak of the clauses contained in the bill that concern our committee. At the same time, committee members could mention those aspects that are not contained in the bill but which have been brought up by our witnesses.
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
All right. I just want to be clear on the wording of the motion that everyone has in front of them, that is being voted upon. It is:
That, pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, October 24, 2018, the Committee consider the Supplementary Estimates (A) before the reporting deadline set out in Standing Order 81(5); and that the Committee invite the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism to appear in view of this study.
Is there any debate on this motion? I see none.
Noon
Edmonton Centre, Lib.
I have a question.
What is the amendment proposed by Mr. Blaney to the budgetary report? We would be happy to have the minister come and speak about the supplementary estimates (A), but there is no reason for the minister to come to speak about the budget implementation act. What is this about, exactly?
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Sorry, I just want to clarify, because the motion that I have before me right now, which I have read twice, is to consider the supplementary estimates (A). That's the motion that was served before us.
Noon
Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, CPC
There are the supplementary estimates of the minister; it is our custom to hear the minister on this topic. What's more, yesterday, he was promoting certain budgetary measures, and his colleagues within the government spoke in the House in favour of these measures.
Noon
Edmonton Centre, Lib.
The motion we have before us is about the supplementary estimates (A). We would therefore hear him speak about that, and not the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2
Noon
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
I'm going to read this motion just one more time so everyone is absolutely clear that they know what they're voting on. I'm going to read it in English, just because I'm a whole lot faster and I don't get caught on that “multiculturalism” word. It is:
That, pursuant to the Order of Reference of Wednesday, October 24, 2018, the Committee consider the Supplementary Estimates (A) before the reporting deadline set out in Standing Order 81(5); and that the Committee invite the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism to appear in view of this study.
Having heard that wording, and it's clear, is there any further discussion?
(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Excellent. Thank you.
We will suspend briefly.
12:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
We are back. Welcome, all. We are still waiting on a few witnesses.
Mr. Blaney, the floor is yours.
12:05 p.m.
Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, CPC
Madam Chair, you know that Canadians were horrified to discover that for 10 years now, a former governor general, who already receives a generous pension, has been claiming expenses in excess of $200,000 per year. Obviously, it is thanks to the hard work of journalists that we learned of this.
Clearly, the fact that expenses are being hidden from the Canadian public tarnishes the reputation of our institutions. In this case, it is the institution of the Queen's representatives here in Canada.
This is why I am presenting a motion requesting that our committee conduct as soon as possible a study consisting of at least two meetings on expenses and accountability mechanisms for the Governor General of Canada and former governor generals who continue to receive taxpayers' money. This motion requests that this committee study the expenses and the accountability mechanisms of monarchs and their representatives, including former representatives in constitutional monarchies comparable to Canada.
It is obvious that this proposal is in keeping with the openness and the transparency that the current government seeks to promote. The motion also serves to follow up answers that we received during question time, when the government showed openness and stated that it sincerely wishes that Canadians know how their money is being spent.
12:05 p.m.
Edmonton Centre, Lib.
Madam Chair, you will note that the motion is inadmissible. My esteemed colleague, a former minister himself, knows the committee procedures very well. Such a motion goes against the Standing Order. We request that you declare the motion inadmissible so that we may follow the standards and procedures of the committee.
12:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Julie Dabrusin
Let me speak to the clerk.
I was going to start, and it may cut through some of the further discussion. It is a substantive motion that requires two sleeps. That would mean we could consider it when we get back.
What I will need is to be able to continue with our witnesses, if somebody feels like discussing it more. That is the ruling, and I've confirmed it with the clerk.
12:05 p.m.
Bellechasse—Les Etchemins—Lévis, CPC
I respect your decision, Madam Chair. It will therefore be possible for myself to present the motion at the next committee meeting so that we may discuss it. I request the help of all my colleagues within the committee in order to get the motion passed, so that Canadians may know how their money is being spent.
12:05 p.m.
NDP
Pierre Nantel NDP Longueuil—Saint-Hubert, QC
Yes, indeed.
Not only do I think it is a fine idea to ask questions about budgets being used by the governor general, but I am even thinking that it is a good idea to question our links with the monarchy. I therefore wholeheartedly agree with my colleague.