Evidence of meeting #21 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 point.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Conservative
Patrick Brown Conservative Barrie, ON
You may like to ignore Judge Gomery, since the Liberal Party has, but it's very relevant to today's hearing.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Mr. Brown, you love to twist people's words. If we could have the translation fast, we would get it, but the bottom line is that I said you could question the ministers if you wished to.
If you wish to question the ministers, you can. I'm not saying they're witnesses. If they become witnesses, they can go and sit there later.
Ms. Coady....
Did you have a point of order?
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
Yes, Madam Chair.
I think for the benefit of the committee, I would just move a motion that the ministers would sit as witnesses for the remainder of the committee and be given the same opportunity to provide an introduction as our other witnesses have.
Conservative
John Baird Conservative Ottawa West—Nepean, ON
I don't need an opening statement. I'll just take all your questions.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
I'm not afraid of opening statements. We were giving two minutes to everyone.
Bloc
Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC
We are debating the motion. As I said earlier, I will try not to speak too loudly, so as not to offend Mr. Holder. As I said before, the committee is master of its own proceedings. It has undertaken a serious study to find out more about the actions of Rahim Jaffer, the former chair of the national Conservative caucus, who fraudulently used his former business card. These actions ultimately led to the demotion or firing of his spouse, Helena Guergis. We are still in the dark as to the exact reasons for her demotion. Even she does not know the reasons. In essence, the committee wants to know the extent of Mr. Jaffer and Ms. Guergis' involvement in this whole affair. To that end, it launched a study and decided to invite a number of witnesses. This was discussed in the course of our in-camera meetings on future business. At such times, we decide which witnesses we wish to invite and when we would like to invite them.
The three ministers have come here and are trying to turn these proceedings into a circus. We have always been able to get along. I just want you to know, Madam Chair, that the ministers were not invited here and that they should not be allowed to testify. I intend to vote against my Conservative colleague's motion. In due time, the committee will decide whether or not to invite the three ministers to come back, as it is fully free to do. For that reason, I will be voting against the Conservatives' motion.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Thank you.
I'd like to take a vote on Mr. Warkentin's motion, so that when they come back, we have them.
All those in favour of Mr. Warkentin's motion, please put up your hand.
All those opposed?
(Motion agreed to)
The motion is carried.
When you return, you'll have two minutes each to speak.
Thank you.
The bells are ringing. By unanimous consent, we can take a few minutes to listen to the ministers and then come back, because I think it's a 30-minute bell.
There's no unanimous consent?
Okay, then, we will suspend.
Be back here after the votes.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Order, please.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have lost enough time.
Can we please get the media to leave the room?
Minister Baird, did you say you had a two-minute statement, or are you bypassing this?
Conservative
John Baird Conservative Ottawa West—Nepean, ON
I'll waive my statement and just go right to questions.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Okay. Fair enough.
Minister Goodyear, did you say you had a two-minute statement that you would like to present?
Liberal
Bloc
Michel Guimond Bloc Montmorency—Charlevoix—Haute-Côte-Nord, QC
Madam Chair, in keeping with the powers of the committee, I ask that the new witnesses be sworn in.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
You can't have a point of order on a point of order. I have to get this resolved.
I need a majority vote. All those in favour....
Now, listen carefully; don't say you couldn't understand my ruling.
All those who wish to have the ministers sworn in, please raise your hand.
All those opposed, please signify.
