Information & Ethics Committee on May 13th, 2010

[Pierre Poilievre, Conservative, Nepean—Carleton, ON]

Good.

I think Ms. Block has some questions.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

I do. Thank you very much.

Thank you for being here today.

My questions are for Mr. Larose.

First, Mr. Larose, how long have you been the assistant deputy minister for the department?

[Peter Larose]

Fourteen months or so.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Fourteen months.

In answer to an earlier question, you stated that it seemed reasonable to you that you hold off for a couple of days until the campaign was done. That was in conversation with Mr. Sparrow. Is this a common practice in terms of the relationship that you have with the minister's office?

[Peter Larose]

We have a very cordial professional relationship, so if ever any issues arise, I feel very comfortable in picking up the phone and calling him.

But on media inquiries, I must say that I've been involved in very few--one or two at best. They all get handled by my staff and go quite swimmingly. This is one of the few times when I actually had to intervene myself and speak to him directly. Usually, it just goes straightforward.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Okay.

I just want to quote from House of Commons Procedure and Practice, Marleau and Montpetit, which states at point 161, on page 29:

Virtually all departmental activity is carried out in the name of a Minister, who, in turn, is responsible to Parliament for those acts. Ministers exercise power and are constitutionally responsible for the provision and conduct of government; Parliament holds them personally responsible for it.

My assumption would be--and I'll ask you--that in terms of your relationship with the minister's office, you are aware of that accountability and level of responsibility that she carries.

[Peter Larose]

Yes, I am.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Okay.

My last question: do you believe that it is important to be open and transparent in the work that you do?

[Peter Larose]

Yes, I do.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

Thank you very much.

Colleagues, we have finished that round and we are not going to get the next one in. I guess it's...I understand... We have to be fair to all members so I'm not going to start it. We do have the opportunity to invite these witnesses back should matters come up.

But we have a couple of minutes. A motion was circulated to the committee. It was sent to us by Mr. Easter but because it's on a matter that is before us it can be moved by any member. I understand that Mr. Valeriote is prepared to move this motion.

Do you have it in front of you? It's calling for the papers that we had discussed with Mr. Togneri...

I apologize. I should have respected the witnesses...

You've been very kind to us. I appreciate that. Should there be further information, we will be in touch with you to see how we can resolve those requirements. You're excused. Thank you.

Okay. The motion is for a variety of papers, etc., that have been raised.

Mr. Valeriote, are you prepared to move this? Why don't you read it, since the members are going to read it anyway?

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Yes, Mr. Chair. On behalf of Mr. Easter, who's not--

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

Are you moving the motion?

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

Okay: “I move....

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

I move the motion--and I'd like to speak to it--

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

No, no. You have to read the motion.

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

--and read it:

That the committee orders the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada to provide it with all email correspondence from July 2008 to January 19, 2010 between Mr. Sebastien Togneri and officials who work or worked within the Access to Information Branch of Public Works and Government Services Canada. The committee also orders all email correspondence from July 2008 to January 19, 2010 between Mr. Sebastien Togneri and Tom Makichuk, all email correspondence from July 2008 to January 19, 2010 between Mr. Sebastien Togneri and Jillian Andrews, and all email correspondence from July 2008 to January 19, 2010 between Mr. Sebastien Togneri and Isabelle Bouchard. And requests that said material be delivered to the committee within 5 days.

That is the motion, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

Thank you.

Do you have any further comments or does it speak for itself?

[Frank Valeriote, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

I think it speaks for itself.

[The Chair, Liberal, Paul Szabo]

Are there any other comments? This is a request for information. Are we fine?

All right. I'll put the question. All those in favour of the motion? All those opposed?

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Carried. All right.

Colleagues, we only have five minutes left. I know that some members have to prepare for question period or other responsibilities. Thank you for your assistance in getting through this meeting. We've survived another one.

It is our break week, but I will be in communication with you to ensure that when you return after the break week you're well aware and well prepared for what we're going to be doing. That will be out to you as soon as it's available.

Thank you.

We're adjourned.