Evidence of meeting #2 for Health in the 39th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was report.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
Yes, thank you, Mrs. Gagnon. You answered part of my statement that would otherwise have come after you spoke.
There has been mention of a steering committee around this table this morning. Since this new committee convened, we have not come to an agreement on a steering committee, as Mrs. Gagnon so aptly mentioned. We had decided that the list would be submitted and then we would then go through this consensus.
Mr. Temelkovski.
Liberal
Lui Temelkovski Liberal Oak Ridges—Markham, ON
Madam Chair, if we look at the list, it's a long one. Some are short-term studies, some are medium-term, and I would say some are long-term. I think we should tackle them in that fashion. Tackle some short-term studies, and at the same time have a medium-term study as well as a long-term study ongoing, so that we can report to the House on a regular basis as we finish off these studies as opposed to only doing a long-term study or only doing one study when we have the ability to do more.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
I have asked the clerk to consult with the analyst.
My suggestion, if it's okay with the committee, is that you have been asked to submit the list to the clerk by the 27th. We have said we would discuss it on the 29th. The analysts said they could have this complete list with your timelines ready for the 29th, when we could have the discussion that Mrs. Gagnon was referring to.
Is there any discussion on this? What is the will of the committee?
Mr. Thibault.
Liberal
Robert Thibault Liberal West Nova, NS
I could agree to that.
I want to make a comment on what Lui has suggested. I think it's a good idea to look at some of the studies. Let's say we all agree on looking at superbug infectious diseases, and we know this will take a ten-meeting process or a six-meeting process, which could bring us into January or February. So what we could do is to take one of the days of the week to do the long-term study, and on the second day of the week we could do those that take one or two sessions, and bring those people in.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
That's a very good idea, and there seems to be agreement amongst the members.
Mrs. Davidson.
Conservative
Patricia Davidson Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I think I'm hearing that the list is going to be compiled with some timelines attached and that it's coming back to this body as a whole. I think it should go to a steering committee and get some prioritization to it. We could sit here for another three meetings trying to figure out which direction we're going in. I think if the steering committee can meet, prioritize—not set it in stone but prioritize—some items and then bring them back here for discussion, it'll save us a couple of meetings.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
To comment on that, Mrs. Davidson, we do have a steering committee made up of the chair, the vice-chairs, and NDP member Ms. Judy Wasylycia-Leis, and that is something that could occur.
Who is next?
Ms. Kadis.
Liberal
Susan Kadis Liberal Thornhill, ON
I agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Davidson. That's how we did it previously. Obviously, we have to bring some focus in terms of prioritizing all the myriad topics, all very worthy topics. That is the best vehicle. Again, it will be finally approved by the larger committee.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Joy Smith
So may I suggest that the steering committee meet on November 29 to look at these priorities?
Are you in agreement; vice-chairs, okay?
Okay. The steering committee will meet on November 29. You'll get further notice of that. It's simply to look at the priorities then.
Is there any other business?
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
The meeting is adjourned.