Information & Ethics Committee on May 13th, 2014

[Charmaine Borg, NDP, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I believe I actually have a right to explain my reasoning on this point and to explain the reason why I will be voting against the clause. That is my right as a parliamentarian and as a member of this committee.

Pardon me but I believe I lost my train of thought.

[Laurie Hawn, Conservative, Edmonton Centre, AB]

[Inaudible—Editor] a while ago.

[Charmaine Borg, NDP, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Pardon me, Mr. Chair, but that kind of comment is not productive in the context of parliamentary debate.

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

I agree. Let's try to keep things civil.

[Charmaine Borg, NDP, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

I was talking about the fact that we would potentially be creating a situation in which those people who are responsible for identifying violations of certain electoral acts, for example, would have to begin investigations based ultimately on very few tangible facts. This is a real problem.

I remember what I was saying before I was interrupted. There are many problems with this bill. We understand that there is obviously a desire to trigger a free-for-all witch hunt.

We are proud to vote against this bill. We wanted to make certain amendments to it. One amendment that we brought forward would make it possible to withdraw this extremely problematic clause. I am pleased with it. However, that is not enough to correct the harm this bill will cause. The fact remains that there are several other problems with this bill.

I believe my colleague wants to add something.

Thank you.

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

Thank you, Madam Borg.

Mr. Ravignat is next on the speakers list, but let me just say that it doesn't look as though we're going to conclude the clause-by-clause consideration of this bill by one o'clock. It would be my view that when one o'clock comes around, we should reschedule this for Thursday to continue, and we'll leave time for committee business on Thursday, should we be able to conclude the clause-by-clause consideration.

We have about three minutes left, Mr. Ravignat, if you'd like the floor on clause 9.

[Mathieu Ravignat, NDP, Pontiac, QC]

I merely wanted to mention that I am in favour of the proposal. We should perhaps discuss it again on Thursday.

Mr. Chair, I believe Mr. Calandra wishes to raise a point of order.

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

On a point of order, Mr. Calandra.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

Three minutes doesn't seem to be nearly enough time to hear Mr. Ravignat, so if he'd be willing to adjourn, we could have the full two hours on Thursday to hear his points on the rest of the bill, so as not to rush him. I know he didn't have a lot of sleep last night, as he said.

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

Are you making a motion?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

I can't move a motion on a point of order, but so that he doesn't have to be rushed in his two remaining minutes, we could get back to this on Thursday....

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

Is it the will of the committee to adjourn?

Mr. Ravignat has the floor. That was a point of order, and he can't move a motion to adjourn under a point of order. It would have to be by agreement.

Seeing none, Mr. Ravignat, you have the floor.

[Mathieu Ravignat, NDP, Pontiac, QC]

I think it is important to use all the minutes at our disposal to discuss this bill, which does not hold water. I will be pleased to use the remaining minutes to discuss clause 9.

This clause reveals this government's intention to control agents of Parliament. I find it very hard to understand that intent. I am pleased that the government and Mr. Adler have seen the light on this matter. However, the fact remains that this says something about the characteristic instincts of this government. It wants to use Parliament and its majority to silence agents of Parliament, to limit them in their duties and the excellent work they do.

I think that the trauma the Conservatives have suffered in recent years at the hands of agents of Parliament who were doing an excellent job has left them somewhat wounded. This clause is a reflection of the obviously serious injury that they have suffered and that reveals the deficiencies in their management, transparency and responsibility.

[The Chair, NDP, Pat Martin]

Mr. Ravignat, I'm afraid I have to interrupt you there. It's one o'clock, and we have to conclude.

Clause 9 has not been voted on. When we resume on Thursday, we'll dedicate the committee to the consideration of Bill C-520 and begin where we left off.

This meeting is adjourned.