Evidence of meeting #9 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was money.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Wayne Wouters  Secretary, Treasury Board Secretariat
Alister Smith  Assistant Secretary, Expenditure Management Sector, Treasury Board Secretariat

1 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

I was advised by the clerk that there was actually a bit of time.

1 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Usually he's right, but not always. Go ahead, please.

1 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

I'm figuring the clerk is right.

We heard earlier today, and I'm still waiting for confirmation, about a website going up this afternoon with a list of programs. And I understand the distinction, Mr. Wouters. It will be interesting to see if that in fact happens. Given that we are continually being reassured that any of these allocations will require Treasury Board approval, your not knowing about the website strikes me as a bit odd. When you said you don't know what they have done, who is “they”?

1 p.m.

Secretary, Treasury Board Secretariat

Wayne Wouters

Again, this is all speculation—

1 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

I hate to put you on the spot, because apparently none of us know about it.

1 p.m.

Secretary, Treasury Board Secretariat

Wayne Wouters

Somebody quoted an article or something that was on Newsworld. I know there has been work on creating a website with our colleagues at PCO. There has been work done in that area, but I don't know the current status of this, so I can't comment on what the honourable member has raised here.

1 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Mr. Wouters can speak for Treasury Board, but he can't speak for the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's Office.

1 p.m.

Liberal

Martha Hall Findlay Liberal Willowdale, ON

No, it was actually a comment, that Mr. Wouters actually mentioned “they must have been...”, and I was just curious who he meant by “they”.

1 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

Sure. It was probably relating to the Prime Minister's agenda, but it's up to Mr. Wouters to clarify.

You don't have to clarify if you can't.

1:05 p.m.

Secretary, Treasury Board Secretariat

Wayne Wouters

We all have our own responsibilities. We're rather busy these days worrying about getting the appropriate authorities through. I know there is other work being done in terms of the communications around the plan, ensuring that Canadians are made aware. I'm just not aware of these details here and the status of that.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

All right. I can allow the witnesses to withdraw.

Thank you very much for coming today. We may see you again sooner or later. Thank you very much for your time.

Mr. McTeague had a point of order.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

Dan McTeague Liberal Pickering—Scarborough East, ON

Mr. Chair, it is to help all committee members. I have not received the presentation of our Treasury Board president. I understand that it was only made available in one language. I would ask that you ensure that witnesses who come before the committee provide that in both official languages, especially if you are a minister of the crown.

1:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Derek Lee

I want to assure members that I have made the point with the minister and his staff this afternoon on that point.

Thank you.

The committee is adjourned.