Health Committee on June 13th, 2018

[Ben Lobb, Conservative, Huron—Bruce, ON]

After the review by the chair, will that be sent around? Or does the chair make a unilateral decision on the letter?

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

The motion would read:

that the Chair review and approve the letter on behalf of the Committee, ensuring that it contains only a summary of evidence

—and I'll now add—

and that written and oral evidence be appended

—and it would conclude as it currently does—

and send it to the Minister of Health.

It's the chair who has the review and approval on behalf of the committee, so that we can get it in without our having to wait to come back and meet in September.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Ms. Sidhu.

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

I agree that submissions should be sent so that they can look into the details.

I'll agree to that if we can add Mr. Lobb's idea.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Send it to all members of the committee?

[Sonia Sidhu, Liberal, Brampton South, ON]

No, to the chair. The chair can look into that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Okay.

Dr. Leitch.

[Kellie Leitch, Conservative, Simcoe—Grey, ON]

I'd like to put forward a friendly amendment that the vice-chairs also have an ability to review the letter, as well as the chair. Not necessarily everyone on the committee, but at least the vice-chairs would have an opportunity to review the letter.

I'd put that forward as a friendly amendment.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Mr. Oliver, do you accept that friendly amendment?

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Absolutely. It's a summary of evidence. There's no opinion being expressed in it. It would really just be reviewing the summary of evidence.

I'd have no problem with the vice-chairs being part of that review, Mr. Chair, if you're okay working a little extra on it.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Absolutely.

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

I think it's an important topic. It would be good to make sure that everybody has had a chance to look at it and that all sides are comfortable that it is just a summary of the evidence and nothing more.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

It's very unfortunate that we didn't have our scheduled meetings on schedule. I think we all feel that way. We all miss that testimony. I think this is second-best. It's not as good, but it's second-best.

I'm certainly glad to work with the vice-chairs. I appreciate it. In fact, I like it better than it being just me. I'm only one person, and I might have a different perspective from each of the other parties.

Are we ready for a vote? I have no more names here.

All in favour of Mr. Oliver's motion—

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

As amended twice now.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

—as amended twice?

Do we have the amendments, just so that everybody's clear?

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

Do you want me to read them?

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

Yes.

[John Oliver, Liberal, Oakville, ON]

It's the last sentence:

that the Chair and Vice-Chairs review and approve the letter on behalf of the Committee, ensuring that it contains only a summary of evidence and that written and oral evidence be appended; and send it to the Minister of Health.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bill Casey]

All in favour of the amended motion of Mr. Oliver?

(Motion as amended agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

I still intend to personally contact each of the parties on behalf of the committee and express our apologies. The way the House operated meant that we didn't get to hear them.

We'll now suspend and go in camera.

[Proceedings continue in camera]