Evidence of meeting #2 for Declaration of Emergency in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Now that we all have a copy of the motion, I'll give you the floor, Ms. Bendayan.
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'll continue with the second sentence:
...the drafter of the Emergencies Act...
Senator, Québec (Mille Isles), C
Excuse me, Mr. Chair. Could I have the motion emailed to me, please?
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Sorry, Senator Carignan. I think that the clerk is sending it to you now.
I'll continue with the motion.
...former Defence Minister...
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Ms. Bendayan, I think that we should wait a bit and give the clerk time to send the motion.
Conservative
Senator, Québec (Mille Isles), C
You can continue. I imagine that we'll receive the motion by email in the next few seconds.
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Ms. Bendayan, please wait a moment before continuing. Mr. Brock has a point of order.
Conservative
Larry Brock Conservative Brantford—Brant, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I require some clarification. I'm led to believe that what was distributed today on behalf of Ms. Bendayan differs in the wording from what was presented at last Tuesday's committee meeting. Unfortunately, I don't have that particular document to compare it, but I was informed by our staff that it does differ.
I'm wondering which particular amendment or which version of the motion she is proposing.
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Ms. Bendayan, is the motion that you started to read the one that you just gave us today?
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
That's right. I would like to provide some clarification for my colleague Mr. Brock, if I may. Otherwise, I can continue to read the motion.
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
To clarify, Mr. Brock, what has changed in the motion circulated and now before you is simply the one and a half hours for each panel of witnesses, because between last meeting and today, it is my understanding that we have now, through all whips and Senate staff, agreed to three-hour meetings. I believe that is the only change you will find between the two versions and it reflects a matter of timing.
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Mr. Brock, are you in agreement with our working from the motion we have before us?
Bloc
The Joint Co-Chair Bloc Rhéal Fortin
Mr. Green, you raised your hand. Do you have a point of order or can we let Ms. Bendayan read the motion before we discuss it?
NDP
The Joint Chair NDP Matthew Green
It's stemming from a point of order. I don't have to make it a point of order, but in the original motion, it does state in the second portion of it, as I am to read here, that former defence minister Perrin Beatty be invited to appear before the committee alongside other witnesses and that's absent.
I just wonder, in contemplation of the previous discussion we had around outside counsel, if this might be where our first conversation around outside counsel would be included. If that's the case, I can see this turning into a much longer discussion, because now we're going to have to identify and engage outside counsel.
I think that's the debate to be had. If it's the opinion of members around the counsel that we would strictly allow the terms of this committee to be defined by the people who are outlined by the mover of the motion and not contemplate outside counsel, that might have cause for further debate.
Bloc
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Mr. Chair, I'm not sure that was a point of order, but I'm happy to answer it if that's helpful.