Health Committee on Feb. 5th, 2009

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

That's a very good question. Last year we were very strict with time, and everybody adhered to that. Is the opposition in agreement?

Can we say all in favour that the times will remain the same as they were last year when the minister appears, with the understanding that you will watch me closely, and I'll rap this little thing here when the time is up? Can we agree to that?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Thank you.

Dr. Bennett.

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

Is the understanding that the minister's opening remarks be 10 minutes? For estimates I guess it's different, but are there no opening remarks for the minister on this?

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Mr. Carrie.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

If I could, Dr. Bennett, what we had written in the past with this committee, and we didn't have it in our other committee, but during the appearance of the minister the chair directs that the first 15 minutes, I believe, be for the minister. Sorry--

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

For members of the opposition.

Can we talk about the minister's time? Last time the minister did have some opening remarks. It was 10 minutes, was it not, at that time?

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

On estimates or the harm reduction one?

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

I can't remember.

Mrs. Davidson, you were on committee.

[Patricia Davidson, Conservative, Sarnia—Lambton, ON]

I don't remember.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Mr. Carrie.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

Could I make a proposal of up to 15 minutes?

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

Not for estimates, though; it's just if she's coming to talk about a bill or a topic. For estimates she's just answering questions.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

I know she'll have opening remarks.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Yes.

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

It's not normal for estimates. They just come and answer questions.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Dr. Bennett, I was trying to say that during estimates.... Mr. Carrie.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

I know she will have some statements to make because, one, it's her first appearance before the committee. I know she would like to talk to committee members--

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

But she said she's taking us out to dinner. She can do it then.

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

That's what I heard too.

She hasn't had a lot of questions in the House of Commons, so I think she would like to make a statement.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

How long do you think, Mr. Carrie?

[Colin Carrie, Conservative, Oshawa, ON]

I don't know exactly, but I'd say a time limit of up to 15 minutes is reasonable.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

With the indulgence of the committee, seeing as we have a new Minister of Health, and I know she has expressed to me as well that she would like to say hi to the committee, could we agree that--

[Carolyn Bennett, Liberal, St. Paul's, ON]

We're free for dinner Tuesday night.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joy Smith]

Could we agree, out of respect for the minister, up to 15 minutes? She might not even use it when she appears before us on Tuesday.

I am going to have to call this unruly committee to order.

All in favour of this suggestion?