Evidence of meeting #36 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was clause.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
I think what he's saying is that at the present time we have a Minister of International Cooperation. After Christmas, we might have a Minister of CIDA or something else, and then it would be included. But this would—
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON
For the purposes of what we're doing here today, in the year of our Lord, 2006, it is a Minister of International Cooperation and any other designated minister. If, over Christmas, the CIDA minister does in fact get bounced, then—
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
Her title might get bounced, but I'm sure she'll....
Mr. Menzies.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
The existing relationship now is that CIDA is within the confines of the Department of Foreign Affairs, so we already have a conflict.
I would defer to a government lawyer to confirm this, but this is standard language when you are referring specifically to “the Minister” as designated by the Governor in Council. The Minister of International Cooperation is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
Keith Martin Liberal Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
In the spirit of the universe, to continue our line of thinking here—
5:30 p.m.
An hon. member
The big picture?
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
Keith Martin Liberal Esquimalt—Juan de Fuca, BC
The big universe, the big picture. That's right.
Would it not be acceptable to you, Ted, if we defined “Minister” as meaning “the Minister of International Cooperation or any other minister designated by the Governor in Council”? That is a global definition that would encompass Mr. McKay's intent, Ms. McDonough's intent, and your concern. It would reflect any changes you're concerned about, but it would also encompass the reality of 2006.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
Minister of International Sports. “Any other minister” encompasses a lot of ministers.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
As defined by “as designated by the Governor in Council”.
Mr. Patry.
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
Bernard Patry Liberal Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
I really think amendment NDP-6 is a good amendment. I really feel so, and I think this is what it should be. Yes, any other ministry could be sports for sure, but it depends on what you intend to do. If it means “any minister”, that depends on what is going to happen. The definition, to me, is the definition that we should accept.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
I'm just concerned. Does the Governor in Council appoint this minister for every decision, or for that Parliament?
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
I think the understanding here is that if it isn't that minister, it's the minister designated by the Governor in Council for the purpose of the act.
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
There are only two: the Minister of International Cooperation or the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
5:35 p.m.
An hon. member
It could be the Minister of Finance or the Minister of—
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
Ted Menzies Conservative Macleod, AB
It's a defined relationship now in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Act.
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
All right, the question's called.
(Amendment agreed to on division) [See Minutes of Proceedings]
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
All right, it is 27 minutes to six. We are going to adjourn, and we are coming back tomorrow if we're still here.
Madame St-Hilaire.
5:35 p.m.
Bloc
Caroline St-Hilaire Bloc Longueuil—Pierre-Boucher, QC
Mr. Chairman, I do not want to spoil the party, but if the House were to adjourn tomorrow, would the committee meet again?
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
What do you mean? Do you mean if the House adjourns?
There's a rumour that the House may adjourn tomorrow evening, but we're still going to meet. But if it adjourns at two o'clock and the House rises, we aren't sitting.
Madam McDonough.
5:35 p.m.
NDP
Alexa McDonough NDP Halifax, NS
Oh, come on. I would strenuously urge that we have enough commitment to what we're doing here, that we've spent literally two and a half years trying to move it forward and put it in place, that we'd be willing to stay for two extra hours. I, for one, can't imagine an explanation to the people of Canada or people around the world who want to know what on earth Canada's up to these days. How would you possibly explain that? There's nothing—