Procedure and House Affairs Committee on May 25th, 2010

[Audrey O'Brien]

Indeed, except that there are nevertheless repercussions for those who will occupy the building. For example, if the building is transferred to us, and the members move in, and work on the committee rooms continues at the same time, the move could take place if it's just a matter of finishing the committees' business. However, this is more a strategic matter than anything else. If we haven't made enough progress on the committees issue, we may have to review matters.

I really have every hope that the committee rooms will be ready and that we'll be able to proceed as planned a few months ago.

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

As you said a little earlier, the same is true for the length of committee meetings. It's quite difficult even here in Parliament. If a meeting in the West Block finishes at 11:00 a.m. and the next meeting starts here at 11:00 a.m., everyone will arrive late. This will be even worse. Will we have to amend the House Standing Orders or merely the committee by-laws?

[Audrey O'Brien]

I think that could be done by amending the committee by-laws. We could also change committee meeting times; for example, the committees could agree to finish their business 10 or 15 minutes earlier in order to allow members time to move.

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

I'd like to talk about a subject close to my heart, and that's the subject of people who work in this building.

[Audrey O'Brien]

I would have been disappointed if you hadn't raised that question.

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

I wouldn't have spoken if it had been resolved, but that's not the case.

[Audrey O'Brien]

I think we've made some progress.

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

Could you tell me about the progress that has been made?

[Audrey O'Brien]

Can you tell me?

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

The problem is that, when there is a prorogation or an election, employees, especially those in the cafeteria, are sent home. They haven't accumulated enough time to be eligible for employment insurance benefits. They have no wages; they have nothing.

[Audrey O'Brien]

I know and I apologize. I didn't want to suggest that I take that lightly.

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

You're familiar with the problem.

[Audrey O'Brien]

The problem is that there isn't enough work to hire all those people on a full-time basis. We know there isn't enough work; consequently, they are there on a part-time basis. Unfortunately, when decisions are made such as the decision to prorogue, that no one has seen coming, those people suffer as a result.

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

That happens at the fish plants. When I entered Parliament, I didn't think that happened, but it happens here too.

[Audrey O'Brien]

Well, I believe that—

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

There was a time when you had to try to find another system in order to retain them and give them something to do.

[Audrey O'Brien]

We're reviewing the options. I believe we've pretty much looked at all aspects of the matter, that we've tried to determine whether these people can be deployed elsewhere to do something else. It's very difficult. For example, the people who work in restaurant services are quite specialized. It's hard for them to find something else, but we're continuing. We haven't ruled that out.

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

I hope you aren't angry that I ask you that question every year.

[Audrey O'Brien]

No because I know you're concerned about it and I understand very well. I know that, even if there is a prorogation, for example, that no one sees coming, people have mortgages to pay and lives to live. I understand absolutely.

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

I simply want to emphasize that working in Parliament isn't always easy.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joe Preston]

Thank you.

[Audrey O'Brien]

I agree with you on that point.

[The Chair, Conservative, Joe Preston]

Thank you. I think that ends our questioning today.

I would like to thank the Speaker and the Clerk of the House for coming today, and their crackerjack staff for attending with them and answering our questions.

The question I have to ask is shall vote 5 of the House of Commons under Parliament carry?

PARLIAMENT House of Commons Vote 5--Program expenditures..........$290,992,000

(Vote 5 agreed to)

[The Chair, Conservative, Joe Preston]

Shall the chair report vote 5 of the House of Commons under Parliament, less the amount voted in interim supply, to the House?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.