Evidence of meeting #1 for Finance in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was witnesses.
A recording is available from Parliament.
The Clerk of the Committee Mr. David Gagnon
Honourable members of the committee, I see a quorum.
I must inform members that the clerk of the committee can only receive motions for the election of the chair. The clerk cannot receive other types of motions, or entertain points of order or participate in debate.
We can now proceed to the election of the chair. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the governing party. I am ready to receive motions for the chair.
Mr. McLeod, go ahead.
Liberal
Michael McLeod Liberal Northwest Territories, NT
I would like to nominate Wayne Easter for the chair.
The Clerk
Are there any further motions?
(Motion agreed to)
I declare the motion carried and Wayne Easter duly elected chair of the committee. I invite Mr. Easter to take the chair.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
First of all, thank you for your support as chair. Somebody said it's like an election in P.E.I. No, that's not quite true. We get quite a mix in P.E.I. at the moment. Like Parliament, there's a minority government there, too. Anyway, thank you for your support. I look forward to all the parties working together in the House and at this committee. I think there's no reason we can't get a lot done over the next few years.
We'll turn to routine motions.
Peter, you wanted to move a motion. Please, go ahead.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, colleagues.
I've just handed the routine motions to the clerk for distribution. If it pleases you, Mr. Chair, I will go through these routine motions now.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
First, on analysts, I move:
That the Committee retain, as needed and at the discretion of the Chair, the services of one or more analysts from the Library of Parliament to assist in its work.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
A motion is on the floor. Is there any discussion?
(Motion agreed to)
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Second, on a subcommittee on agenda and procedure—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
If I could just interrupt for a second, Peter, I would ask the analysts to come up. I believe we have seen these folks before in the previous Parliament.
Welcome, and thank you for all your efforts in the last Parliament. I think we're going to have a busy few weeks here, just so you know.
Go ahead, Peter.
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
No problem.
I move that the subcommittee on agenda and procedure be established and be composed of five members—the Chair and one member from each party—and that the subcommittee work in the spirit of collaboration.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
Is there any discussion on that point?
(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Liberal
Peter Fragiskatos Liberal London North Centre, ON
Regarding reduced quorum, I move:
That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least four ( 4) members are present, including one member of the opposition and one member of the government, but when travelling outside the parliamentary precinct, that the meeting begin after fifteen (15) minutes, regardless of members present.
NDP
Peter Julian NDP New Westminster—Burnaby, BC
Thanks, Mr. Chair.
First I'd like to say welcome to everyone here. I've been on finance committee before. It looks like a very good group we'll be working with.
In terms of quorum, within the context of the minority Parliament I have no problem with the four members, but what I would suggest is that we make it to include at least two members from the government and at least two members of the opposition.
What that means, when we have four parties, is that there's a significant majority of the parties around the table. It's a small tweak, but I think, in a minority Parliament context, appropriate for this committee. I'm not suggesting changing the quorum minimum of four, just stating that it be two members of the government and two members of the opposition.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
You're basically saying there would be four members. The quorum would have to consist of four members: at least two from the opposition and two from the government.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Wayne Easter
Okay. The amendment has been moved that there be four members: two from the opposition and two from the government. It's open for discussion.
Conservative
Marty Morantz Conservative Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, MB
Just to clarify, the same motion already calls for four, so that's not an amendment. The amendment is to have two from each side.
Liberal
Michael McLeod Liberal Northwest Territories, NT
Mr. Chairman, I just need further clarity.
Could you break it down again, Mr. Julian, as to how many from each party?