Evidence of meeting #26 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was vice-chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
The Clerk of the Committee Mrs. Guyanne Desforges
Let us begin.
Honourable members of the committee, bonjour.
I see a quorum.
I hope you all had a nice summer.
I also hope that you took full advantage of the fine weather.
We can now proceed to the election of the chair. I am ready to receive motions to that effect. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the government party.
Mr. Woodworth.
Conservative
Stephen Woodworth Conservative Kitchener Centre, ON
With great pleasure, admiration, and respect, I hereby place the name of James Bezan in contention.
The Clerk
It has been moved by Mr. Woodworth that James Bezan be elected chair of the committee. Are there any further motions?
Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?
(Motion agreed to)
I declare the motion carried and James Bezan duly elected chair of the committee.
The Clerk
I am now prepared to receive motions for first vice-chair.
Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the first vice-chair must be a member of the official opposition.
Ms. Murray, you have the floor.
Liberal
Joyce Murray Liberal Vancouver Quadra, BC
Thank you.
I propose Francis Scarpaleggia as the vice-chair.
The Clerk
It has been moved by Ms. Joyce Murray that Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia be elected first vice-chair of the committee. Are there any further motions?
Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?
(Motion agreed to)
I declare the motion carried and Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia duly elected first vice-chair of the committee.
The Clerk
I am now ready to receive nominations for the position of second vice-chair. Once again pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the second vice-chair shall be a member of an opposition party other than the official opposition party.
Bloc
Christian Ouellet Bloc Brome—Missisquoi, QC
I would like to nominate the senior member of this committee and the one who keeps his files most up-to-date, Mr. Bernard Bigras, as second vice-chair.
The Clerk
Moved by Mr. Ouellet that Mr. Bernard Bigras be elected second vice-chair of the committee. Are there any further motions?
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
First of all, thank you very much for your kind nomination, Mr. Woodworth. I really appreciate that, and again, I'm more than happy to chair this distinguished committee. The colleagues we have here have been working very hard for the last couple of years, since I've been chair, on the environmental issues, and I know we're going to have a heavy agenda this fall and going into the winter months.
With that, I believe there is consent to deal with committee business. I know Mr. Kennedy wants to propose a notice of motion. As well, we may want to talk about some business in the committee as a whole.
Ms. Duncan.
NDP
Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
On a point of order, Mr. Chair.
I'm a little bit troubled because we were told by the clerk that we couldn't put forward motions until the committee resumed.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
It's just the tabling of a motion giving notice. It doesn't actually have to be debated. Since we always deal with committee business in camera, I'd like a motion to suspend and move in camera for committee of the whole.
So moved by Mr. Calkins.
(Motion agreed to)
[Proceedings continue in camera]