Evidence of meeting #15 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was clerk.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
On a point of order, Chair, I thought the vote was called.
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
4:45 p.m.
Liberal
4:45 p.m.
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
Madam Chair, I think it's very important that we do recognize that every minister who had information related to this issue brought forward all documentation. This minister doesn't have something to help this committee move forward on this issue. So I think it's important that we recognize the fact that the government has in fact been fully transparent and has been totally accountable on this issue bringing forward all documentation. All the documentation we have before us we have because the government provided it to us, and ministers have provided that information to us.
I think it's important that this be on the record and that we reference the letter that she brought forward to us in a response if in fact it's the committee's will to bring forward a letter.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
I have a motion before me. Mr. Martin has suggested that I write a letter respectfully asking the ministers that I'm....
All those in favour? All those opposed?
(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings]
4:50 p.m.
An hon. member
I have a point of order.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
I'm sorry, I was taking a vote.
I thought he had finished speaking.
4:50 p.m.
An hon. member
No, you only looked that way.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
Before Mr. Martin leaves, may I say something very quickly?
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
Siobhan Coady Liberal St. John's South—Mount Pearl, NL
I also want to make sure that we're going to invite Madam Guergis and Mr. Jaffer.
I just don't want Mr. Martin to leave without...because he raised it, and I've raised it, and I think Mr. Nadeau has raised it. We want to make sure that we have set aside time for those two witnesses to appear.
I just wanted to make sure, Mr. Martin, you had that opportunity before you left to make sure that you added to that....
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
We have June 9 if you wish to invite Ms. Guergis and Mr. Jaffer back. We have no idea when the House closes.
4:50 p.m.
NDP
Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
I don't think we'll still be here on the 16th. I would like the two of them here on the 9th.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Okay.
All those in favour of calling Mr. Jaffer and Ms. Guergis on the 9th?
4:50 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Before you disappear, we are instructing the clerk that for the 31st he will get in touch with the three companies so there is a panel of three companies. For the 2nd of June, we'll have the paid staffers. For the 7th of June, we will have SNC-Lavalin and Public Works. For the 9th, we will have Ms. Guergis and Mr. Jaffer.
Yes, Mr. Martin.
4:50 p.m.
NDP
Pat Martin NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
As a final direction to the chair, I think if there is any push-back from Jaffer and Guergis about whether or not they will attend, we should authorize that the chair issue a subpoena to compel their attendance.
4:50 p.m.
Some hon. members
Yes.
4:50 p.m.
Some hon. members
Yes.
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Okay.
Is anybody opposed to sending out subpoenas for those witnesses?
Oh, Ms. Guergis cannot be.... Yes, okay.
4:50 p.m.
An hon. member
But anyone else can.
4:50 p.m.
The Clerk
I need some clarity: this is in case the witnesses decline the invitation to appear?
4:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Yes, that's correct, with the exception of Ms. Guergis.
The meeting is not over just because Mr. Martin is leaving.
Ms. Coady, have you finished? I have you on my list here.