Evidence of meeting #29 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was front.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
No, we're debating.... Actually, what you're asking is whether his motion can go into the first spot, correct?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
That's correct.
I'll read the motion that he wants moved to the front of the pack:
That pursuant to standing order 108 (2) the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to appear in relation to main estimates at his earliest opportunity.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
Oh sorry, it's number two.
Correction. The motion reads as follows:
That pursuant to standing order 108 (2) the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the foreign policy priorities of the Government of Canada.
Are you ready for the question on moving it to the front of the pack?
Liberal
Bob Rae Liberal Toronto Centre, ON
Just on a point of clarification--I'm sorry to be difficult--you're withdrawing the estimates part of your motion, is that right?
Conservative
Liberal
Bob Rae Liberal Toronto Centre, ON
So you're only asking him to come here to discuss foreign policy priorities.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
Correct; he will appear in Parliament on the estimates.
We'll vote on Mr. Obhrai's motion to move his motion to the front of the pack.
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Kevin Sorenson
All right, Mr. Obhrai's motion has been read, that the minister come to discuss policy priorities of the Government of Canada.
Debate, Mr. Dewar.
NDP
Paul Dewar NDP Ottawa Centre, ON
I'd like to move an amendment to the motion: that in addition to the minister coming forward, the committee report back to the House on whether this committee has confidence in the minister, and that the committee report back to the House as soon as possible.
Liberal
Bob Rae Liberal Toronto Centre, ON
Mr. Chairman, I'm going to indicate to you my opposition to Mr. Dewar's motion, and I'll tell you why. I'm not interested in seeing this committee get paralyzed by a procedural matter. We know very well that we could use our majority in the committee to vote non-confidence in the minister. We also know what the impact of that would be on the business of the committee and the business of the House. I'm not interested in doing that.
I've indicated my views about the minister. I think everybody knows what they are. I'm just not interested in completely paralyzing this committee to achieve that objective.
So I'm going to oppose Mr. Dewar's motion.
NDP
Conservative
Conservative
Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB
Mr. Chair, I agree with the Liberals that there are a lot of other issues that need to go forward. There are a lot of other places where--
Conservative
Conservative
Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB
Just let me finish.
There are a lot of other areas where you can express your vote of confidence. Let's get the business going.
Mr. Chair, I would call for the question.
Conservative
Conservative