Evidence of meeting #44 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was data.
A recording is available from Parliament.
1 p.m.
Liberal
Scott Andrews Liberal Avalon, NL
It would be helpful for the committee to have a copy of those rules. I think you just referenced a document.
You guys also referenced something.
I don't believe I've ever seen that document. I'd like to have a look at it.
1 p.m.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
We can distribute it immediately or by email, if you wish.
Mr. Angus, you have the floor.
1 p.m.
NDP
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Just to finalize this, you're the one with the gavel here. You're the one who holds order. Whether we issue a statement....
I don't know if we need to go well beyond. I mean, it was a breach. I don't think it was something that.... It could have caused damage, but I don't know if we want to take it too far.
Whether you as chair put it in writing, or you issue a clear statement that from here on in it will be understood that, at our committee, this will not happen, we just need to have that on the record so that when anyone looks at it, we heard it, we dealt with it, and it was addressed by you, as our committee chair.
1 p.m.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
With the committee's consent, obviously, I can write a statement to be sent to the Parliamentary Press Gallery informing it of the problem regarding what has happened. I could have that statement approved by the committee before sending it.
Mr. Calkins, you have the floor.
1 p.m.
Conservative
Blaine Calkins Conservative Wetaskiwin, AB
I'm not certain we need to do that.
I think what we've heard clearly is an apology from the member of the media in question. That is an admission that she understood the responsibility that she had, and that she breached that responsibility that she had. She's apologized for it. I'm satisfied with that.
Mr. Andrews has now apologized publicly for that same issue.
It's an unfortunate issue, but as far as I'm concerned, I think everybody who's paying attention to this now understands clearly what needs to happen from a go-forward perspective.
I would be just as satisfied that we put this behind us.
1 p.m.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
I believe there is an agreement to leave the matter there. As Mr. Calkins mentioned, journalists may perhaps pay a little more attention in the future. This will have taught everyone a lesson.
Ms. Block, you have the floor.
June 7th, 2012 / 1 p.m.
Conservative
Kelly Block Conservative Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK
I know it's time for the committee to end, but as a non-sitting member who's joined you today, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be beneficial to have that same document circulated to the other committees. They may not be aware of the very same rules that you have had to deal with here.
Perhaps it could be recommended to the other committees that if they'd like to receive that document, it could be made available.
1 p.m.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
That can definitely be done by the clerk, who has that document. He can contact the senior management of all the committee clerks to ensure that the rules are clear and are forwarded as efficiently as possible to all members and journalists, who must also be aware of them.
Is there anything else on the agenda?
It is already 1:04 p.m. The meeting is adjourned.