I just wanted to remind everyone about what happens when we do clause-by-clause. I'm going to provide you with a few comments on how the committee should proceed.
As the name indicates, this is an examination of all the clauses in the order in which they appear in the bill. I will call each clause successively and each clause is subject to debate and a vote. If there are amendments to the clauses in question, I will recognize the members proposing them, who may explain them. The amendment will then be open for debate. When no further members wish to intervene, the amendment will be voted on.
Amendments will be considered in the order in which they appear in the bill or in the package that each member received from the clerk. Members should note that amendments must be submitted in writing to the clerk of the committee. I will go slowly to allow all members to follow the proceedings properly.
Amendments have been given an alphanumeric number—in the top right-hand corner of your notes in the amendments—to indicate which party submitted them. There is no need for a seconder to move an amendment. Once moved, we will need unanimous consent to withdraw it.
During debate on an amendment, members are permitted to move subamendments. These subamendments must be submitted in writing. They do not require the approval of the mover of the amendment. Only one subamendment may be considered at a time, and that subamendment cannot be amended. When a subamendment is moved to an amendment, it is voted on first. Another subamendment may then be moved, or the committee may consider the main amendment and vote on it.
Once every clause has been voted on, the committee will vote on the title of the bill and the bill itself. Finally, the committee will have to order the chair to report the bill to the House. That report contains only the text of any adopted amendments, as well as an indication of any deleted clauses.
We shall begin. I want to note that we have some witnesses who are here to answer any technical questions. From the Department of Canadian Heritage, we have Richard Davis, director, arts policy and federal-provincial-territorial culture and heritage secretariat. That's a mouthful. From the Library of Parliament, we have Heather P. Lank, parliamentary librarian, office of the parliamentary librarian.
We have, of course, the legislative clerk sitting here, who will walk us through this if there are any problems. It seems to me to be pretty simple. It's a short bill, and we have two amendments.
I will begin by calling clause 1, and I would ask the Bloc Québécois member, Mr. Champoux, to move the amendment as indicated, BQ-1.
(On clause 1)
