Evidence of meeting #1 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was six.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:45 a.m.
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
Madam Chair, that's a great idea, and thank you for suggesting that.
I do have one niggling concern, which is that the proposal is to go in camera. I understand there may be a more free-flowing discussion arising out of that, but I think the general understanding of the Canadian public is that meetings of committees will be open, unless the matters to be considered within committee are clearly ones that need to be in camera.
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
I am quite fine with it being open. It was suggested that we might be more comfortable in some of the blue-sky thoughts and the discussion might be more open. We're not necessarily furthering the business of Parliament; we are exploring our committee and just getting some ideas on the table.
I absolutely don't mind. It's really up to the will of the committee on how you want to handle that.
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
John Aldag Liberal Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
In the spirit of openness, let's go with an open meeting and talk about our hopes and interests.
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
Darren Fisher Liberal Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, NS
I didn't realize that it was to be in camera. I wouldn't support in camera on that. This is something that I think needs to be open.
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
That sounds good.
Is there anyone else?
Okay, so on the 18th, it was suggested....
Mr. Gerretsen.
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
It wasn't to that specifically, but just as a matter of procedure, does it have to be us and them? Do we have to sit together? Can I sit next to Nathan next time? That's what I'm asking—
11:45 a.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
11:45 a.m.
Liberal
11:50 a.m.
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
If on Tuesday we get a sense of ourselves, would we like Thursday to be a briefing from the commissioner to get a sense of what they're thinking?
Mr. Fast.
11:50 a.m.
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
Since we're talking about other business—I think that's what's taking place here—I don't know if the commissioner is available. We want to make sure that we have enough time to prepare for that.
Obviously, what we are really looking forward to is having the minister attend for the first time, and we'd love to have her attend and speak to her mandate. I've had a chance to review her mandate and very much appreciate the Prime Minister making those mandates public. Having already met with her, and also with the parliamentary secretary, who very graciously offered to meet with me, I think we can get off on a really good foot by having her come and talk very generally about the mandate.
I would think we'd want to make sure it fits into her schedule, but over the next three weeks, say, maybe we can find a slot where we could fit her in.
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
It's up to the committee.
I'll give you a chance to respond to what was just asked. Is everyone okay with that?
11:50 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
Jonathan Wilkinson Liberal North Vancouver, BC
I'm still getting used to exactly what I'm allowed to do here or not, so to the extent that you want me to shut up, just tell me to shut up.
I know the minister would be very pleased to come, so it's just a matter of scheduling. I will take that off with me and we'll figure out a time.
11:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
That sounds good. We'll work as well to have her come.
On the 18th, we're all right. We don't know exactly what the time is going to be, but are you interested also in hearing from the commissioner or the department? We could schedule that on the 18th, and if we can get the minister, then we'll get the minister as well.
11:50 a.m.
NDP
Nathan Cullen NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Madam Chair, I'm not sure if Mr. Fast was suggesting on the same day.