Procedure and House Affairs Committee on Feb. 20th, 2007

[Marc Mayrand]

Yes. It's only a thought at this point, but I'm struck by the very heavy legislative agenda that touches upon Elections Canada. Having the task of implementing the various pieces of legislation as they come through Parliament will be an added pressure for Elections Canada. In addition to being ready, and introducing changes at the same time.....

Hopefully there will be some time to ensure that implementation is completed before the election is called. Otherwise, we'll have to deal with the situation as it unfolds.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Thank you.

We probably will have time for another round. I just want to confirm that my colleagues from the Bloc and the NDP are waiving this round of questions.

Yes? Thank you.

This is actually our fourth round of questioning. I think we have time. We'll stay at three minutes. If anybody would like to ask a question, please raise your hand. Otherwise, we'll wrap up.

We will go now to Madam Redman, please.

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I too would like to add my voice of welcome, Mr. Mayrand. I read with great interest your background as described in your opening statement. It struck me as somewhat amusing that somebody with a background in insolvency would be seeking the position of head of Elections Canada. Of all the words that one would use to describe Elections Canada, I think “insolvency” would be probably the furthest from anybody's mind.

I notice in your CV that one of the things you highlighted in your professional experience was that you managed culture change throughout the organization in your role as head of the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy. Do you anticipate that this is something you will have to bring into force as head of Elections Canada?

[Marc Mayrand]

It's really too early to tell, but looking at it from the outside, I think there have been tremendous changes in the electoral process over the last few years, and these reforms are still taking place. It will require a fair bit of adjustment and probably new skills at Elections Canada to meet the expectations of Parliament in that regard. But again, I have all the confidence that they can run elections.

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

That's a good segue, because I would have to agree with my colleague Mr. Hill; I have no doubt that the government may well drag this country into an election sometime soon, if we are to believe the pundits in the newspapers.

You have not yet had a chance to sit down and speak with Mr. Kingsley, I take it from your intervention so far.

[Marc Mayrand]

Not yet.

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

After having served long and outstandingly in this role, Mr. Kingsley left and went on to other challenges. Some of the things he has left are pending.

Is it your understanding that the Conservative Party broke the law in the reporting of the $2 million for the convention contributions? Mr. Kingsley was working on that and had undertaken that he would continue that investigation.

I'm wondering what your understanding of that issue is, and if it would be your intention, if you are successful, to continue that?

[Marc Mayrand]

This is not something I can—

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Excuse me, but that's borderline out of order in terms of whether or not it deals with the qualifications of this person for the role he's seeking.

Perhaps I could ask the committee if they are wanting an answer to this borderline question.

[An hon. member]

Of course.

[An hon. member]

Why not?

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

I'm sure he can answer.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

I am seeing a number of members at the table nodding in agreement, so please carry on.

[Marc Mayrand]

It would be highly inappropriate for me to form an opinion based on a statement and some comments that may have been read in the newspaper. The first thing would be for me to familiarize myself with the file and figure out if it's my responsibility, within the apparatus, to be involved in that file, and to what level. But if I have to be, yes, I will be involved. I will familiarize myself with all aspects and carry out the functions that the circumstances call for.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Thank you, colleagues.

That ends the round and the list of questioners that I have on my sheet.

Are there any other questions that need to be asked? Madam Redman? No?

Monsieur Godin, did you want to be on the list? We will go to another round of three minutes.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

I just want a minute. It's more a point of order.

To my colleague Mr. Hill, if the government acts as a minority government, there will not be an election.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Is that debate or a point or order? It sounds like debate to me.

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

It's half of one.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Fine.

Madam Redman, I will allow another round of three minutes.

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

I actually have a question of clarification on process for the chair.

How does this ratification process go forward? Are we going to entertain a vote at the end of this, or is this just for information?

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

I'm going to ask the members of the committee if they're ready for a motion to ratify. If you're ready for the motion, then we'll take a vote on that particular motion.

[Karen Redman, Liberal, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

And then, of course, I would report to the House.

Seeing no further questions from committee members, Monsieur Mayrand, I want to thank you very much for coming out this morning, spending time with us, and answering the questions of the members. You were very detailed and very thorough, and we certainly appreciate that.

Colleagues, I also want to thank you for significant and substantive questions.

I don't like to use the word “dismiss”, but I am able to dismiss the witness, although “excuse” is probably a better word. Thank you.

You are excused, Monsieur Mayrand.

Colleagues, I will just ask, by a show of nods, if we are in fact ready for a motion on the ratification of the witness. I'm seeing some nods, so I will put the motion forward if that's okay. I will read the motion in English, and perhaps Lucile can read it in French if that's necessary:

That the nomination of Marc Mayrand as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada be concurred in and that the Chair report such to the House.

We'll read it in French as well.

[The Clerk of the Committee, Ms. Lucile McGregor]

The English version reads as follows:

That the nomination of Marc Mayrand as Chief Electoral Officer of Canada be concurred in and that the Chair report such to the House.

[The Chair, Conservative, Gary Goodyear]

Do we have a mover for the motion?