Government Operations Committee on Sept. 28th, 2023

[Garnett Genuis, Conservative, Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB]

Maybe there's a smoking gun and maybe there isn't. To be honest, this issue is not my area of expertise at all. I'm just saying that if there's nothing to see here, then let's not do the study. If there's something to see here, then let's have the people responsible come to the committee.

I would be inclined to support doing this study, simply because if it's important to Mrs. Vignola, I think it's fair for her to get one of her studies in the mix. However, if we're going to do it, I would suggest including the ministers.

We have a lot on our agenda. We'll have the opportunity to ask some of these questions earlier, maybe when the ministers come to talk about their mandate letters, but we may not get to this study until well into the new year anyway. At that time, it would be appropriate to have the ministers back to explain that specific issue and where things are at that point.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Yes, Mr. Kusmierczyk.

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

I think there's a balance to be struck here. My colleague Mr. Jowhari has brought that balance forward.

We want to hear. We want to do this study. We think what Madame Vignola has brought forward is important, but at the same time, let's first hear from the officials. Let's get answers from them—basic, fundamental answers in terms of the nuts and bolts. If there is something we don't like, then let's ask for the ministers to come here.

I'd rather our ministers focused their time right now on crises like climate change, housing and others. As much as I'd love to see them in committee meetings, I'd rather have their attention focused on those things. Let's get officials in here first to start the study. Then, if there is something that is alarming or that requires further, deeper dives and answers, we'll call the ministers.

I think Mr. Jowhari strikes a very good balance for Madame Vignola. I'd like to see this—

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

I'm sorry. Let me interrupt. I think we're not getting the translation.

What part did you miss?

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

There was a lot of feedback when my colleague Mr. Kusmierczyk was speaking. I don't know if it was because he moved his microphone.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Do you want him to start from the beginning? Where would you like him to restart?

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

May I suggest that he repeat his last three sentences.

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

Mr. Chair, let me try that again. I'm going to keep this brief because I know we're running out of time here.

Is it okay now, Madame Vignola? I just want to get a thumbs-up from you. Are you hearing me clearly?

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Yes, we're good.

[Irek Kusmierczyk, Liberal, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

I want to say again that Mr. Jowhari struck a balance here in wanting to get this important study rolling and wanting to hear from the officials to get the basic nuts and bolts of what happened in this transition. If there are any concerning points or questions that remain unanswered, then we'll invite the ministers here.

I'd rather see our ministers focus on the issues and crises at hand, like housing, climate change and others. As much as I'd love to see them here every single day and every single week, I'd like them focused on those challenges that Canadians want to see them focused on. I want to see this study move forward. Let's hear from the officials. Then, if we need to ask additional questions, we'll call on the ministers.

I would ask Madame Vignola to kindly strike the ministers from the original motion at this point.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

Mrs. Vignola, you had your hand up.

We're quickly going to run out of time here.

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

I think the wording of my motion is broad enough to please everyone. I would have been prepared to discuss the number of meetings, nevertheless there is a decision-making process to consider. I understand what my colleague is saying about the lack of choice, but I also wonder if we could have done something else.

As we are running out of time, I suggest that we postpone this discussion, discuss it amongst ourselves and come up with a proposal on which there is consensus.

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

It sounds like we have an agreement, colleagues, that you will try to work this out among yourselves.

[Julie Vignola, Bloc, Beauport—Limoilou, QC]

Do I need to propose a motion to adjourn the debate on my own motion?

[The Chair, Conservative, Kelly McCauley]

No. I will just adjourn the meeting.

Thank you very much, colleagues. We had some hiccups at the beginning, but we got through a lot. I appreciate that, and I appreciate the follow-up from all sides regarding Mrs. Vignola's requests.

We are adjourned.