Evidence of meeting #6 for Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A video is available from Parliament.
2:50 p.m.
Liberal
2:50 p.m.
Conservative
2:50 p.m.
Bloc
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
I have a point of order, Madam Chair.
I should add that it should not be held at the same time as a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance.
2:50 p.m.
Bloc
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
I would add that we need to avoid a scheduling conflict with a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance, which is being held virtually.
2:50 p.m.
Conservative
2:50 p.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
If this works for Ms. Gaudreau, I have no problem with it. We want to facilitate the attendance of all MPs, including those who are doing double duty, whether with the Standing Committee on Finance or elsewhere.
2:50 p.m.
Conservative
2:50 p.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
May I just clarify a mistake?
I would imagine that the committee clerk is in discussion with all the whips' offices to find a time in the schedule to hold the meeting.
I would not want to put her in a tight corner in these discussions, and suggest that we leave her enough latitude to be able to talk to the whips of all the political parties and find a date that suits everyone.
2:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rachael Thomas
Thank you, Mr. Fergus.
Mr. Angus, I see you have your hand up. Is it on a point of order?
2:50 p.m.
NDP
Charlie Angus NDP Timmins—James Bay, ON
Yes, it's on a point of order, and could I be indulged? It's because when we get to a vote on an adjournment, we just have to vote.
I've had two contradictory positions from the Liberals, so I'm not sure if I'm going to stay here or if I'm going.
I want to ask Mr. Fergus to clarify. We were told by Ms. Shanahan that the Ethics Commissioner can get whatever documents he wants. I'm not interested in that. Our committee has the right to draw documents. We're saying we will draw those documents and transfer them to the Ethics Commissioner to respect the privacy of the Trudeau family, but if we don't have that, we will still draw those documents.
I'm waiting to know whether they will push to have the Prime Minister testify. If they're saying they're going to come back with a goodwill offer, then I'm willing to adjourn. If I don't hear that, then I'm willing to stay all weekend. I've heard two contradictory positions from the Liberals, so if we get to a vote, if I have clarity, I'll know which way to vote. If I don't have clarity, I'll vote to stay.
2:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rachael Thomas
Thank you, Mr. Angus.
I have a motion on the table by Mr. Fergus asking for the adjournment of this meeting, the suspension of this debate. Attached to that is also the clause that we would reconvene at the earliest time possible.
If you want that clause attached, it becomes a debatable motion, which we could not entertain right now because we have an amendment on the floor. However, if you wish to take away your caveat, then of course we can discuss the motion to adjourn.
2:55 p.m.
Liberal
Greg Fergus Liberal Hull—Aylmer, QC
In the interest of the folks around the table, I would happily withdraw that caveat, but reassure my colleagues around the table that this goodwill gesture is a goodwill gesture, and it is not one to try to stymie or to play procedural games.
I withdraw that caveat so that we can have a debate. That is very much a goodwill gesture that we're trying to put forward.
2:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rachael Thomas
Okay. Then, Mr. Fergus, you are moving a motion to adjourn this meeting. Is that correct?
2:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rachael Thomas
Okay. That being said, I must immediately go to a vote, and I go according to the majority of the members of this committee. It is your will that is respected.
2:55 p.m.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON
Madam Chair, I'd like a recorded vote.
2:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rachael Thomas
Yes, we can do a recorded vote, absolutely.
(Motion agreed to: yeas 6; nays 4 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
The committee has spoken. The meeting is adjourned.