Evidence of meeting #20 for Foreign Affairs and International Development in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was point.
A video is available from Parliament.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
Thank you very much, Mr. Bergeron, but I am not convinced that this is a point of order—
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
One second, please. Let me briefly address Monsieur Bergeron's point, Dr. Fry, and then we'll go to you.
It's my understanding that Ms. Sahota was very directly addressing the consequences of this motion and her perception of the vaccine distribution. I don't see that there's any issue with relevance.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
Monsieur Bergeron, you are actually in line to speak after Ms. McPherson and Dr. Fry, so you have your place in line and you will be able to share your reflections.
I don't believe procedurally, Madam Clerk, that this is a point of order, but maybe you could clarify for the committee.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
One second, Dr. Fry. Just let me address Monsieur Bergeron's point. Then I'll go right to you.
Madam Clerk, is there a point of order that can be raised on filibuster? I'm not aware, but you may have clarification.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
Hedy Fry Liberal Vancouver Centre, BC
Mr. Chair, I understand Mr. Bergeron's concern in wondering if there's a hidden agenda here or whatever. The point is—and according to rules of committee—a member is speaking, and when that member is finished, I would like to support her motion.
That is part of what we do with a motion. When a motion is moved for an amendment, one supports it or one disagrees with it. My hand is up because I want to support her amendment with regard to removing that last sentence, and I would like to have the privilege as a committee member to speak to my support for that amendment and to all the reasons why I think it is important. My hand is still up, Mr. Chair, to speak when my time comes.
I understand Mr. Bergeron's concern, but I think that one can always read a hidden agenda into everything if one chooses to. As far as I'm concerned, I do not have a hidden agenda. I want my privilege to be able to support the member's amendment.
Thank you.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
Thank you very much, Dr. Fry.
I think we're getting into points of debate that are being raised under points of order.
Just for the members' benefit for the moment, the speakers list following Ms. Sahota consists of Ms. McPherson, Dr. Fry, Monsieur Bergeron and Mr. Fonseca.
4:55 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Mr. Chair, I have a point of order on the agenda. Could you clarify how much time this committee could have to go past 5:30 if it's the wish of the committee to do so?
Could you also clarify this point? On our agenda, we're supposed to be considering the draft report on the Uighur issue. Is there an intention to proceed to that at some point, or will we not get to that if the lengthy speeches continue?
Could you clarify those points on the agenda?
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
Mr. Genuis, thank you for the point of order.
It is at the will of the committee what they choose next. The Uighur report is an item on the agenda, not with a defined time frame, but it is an item that is on the agenda. I'm advised that tonight we will not have the ability to extend past 5:30. Unless I stand corrected on that, that's the most recent advice I've received.
We will go back to Ms. Sahota.
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
Ruby Sahota Liberal Brampton North, ON
Thank you.
It's interesting that I heard my colleague Mr. Genuis, who I have a lot of respect for, laugh at my perception of the vaccine rollout. I guess maybe it was mentioned, but it's just interesting.... I've spent many hours listening to Mr. Genuis debate at length and oftentimes just read out of textbooks, which I have found barely—
4:55 p.m.
Conservative
4:55 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
I've always filibustered extemporaneously.
4:55 p.m.
Conservative
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
4:55 p.m.
Liberal
Ruby Sahota Liberal Brampton North, ON
I'll send that clip to you, for sure.
I did think that he always found a way to link it back to the issue at hand, and at this point, I would say that I have not strayed from the issue at hand at all.
My intention, really, right now is to find that consensus for my amendment so that we can move forward. I know the draft report consideration, as Mr. Genuis has mentioned, is very important as well. If you would like to table this amendment for now, that's okay with me. If there's consensus at the committee to table this issue right now and move on to the draft report, that's fine. I think that's important work that this committee could be doing.
When it comes to this motion, I want to retain my right to be able to speak to my amendment until I feel I can garner some support on my position. I'll go back, unless I hear from committee members otherwise.
You're free to talk amongst yourselves, if you like, to see if you can build some consensus. That is fine. I'm willing to amend my amendment or maybe have a subamendment if somebody thinks that might be appropriate, but I just don't think that the original motion as it stands in its original form is appropriate.
I'll continue to explain why.
5 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
On a point of order, again, Mr. Chair, I'd like to seek unanimous consent to first allow Ms. McPherson to—
5 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sven Spengemann
Hold on, Mr. Genuis. I'm not sure that you can introduce a motion on a point of order.
5 p.m.
Conservative
Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Well, it's for unanimous consent. If people aren't interested in hearing it, that's their business. I'm trying to create a procedure by which we can at least get the Uighur report done.
If people want to give me an opportunity to move for unanimous consent to do that—