Evidence of meeting #150 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was pps.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Isn't this really a question for the House or Parliament to decide, Mr. Graham?
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
The MOU says it can be cancelled, but the law says it can't, as I understand it. I'll get to my point here.
Paragraph 15 of the MOU reads:
Prior to each fiscal year, the Director will consult with any individuals or entities, including the RCMP, the House of Commons, the Senate, the Library of Parliament, to ascertain security requirements, including planned or anticipated events for the Parliamentary precinct and the grounds of Parliament Hill and will prepare a draft estimate, for the approval of both Speakers, of the sums that will be required to pay the charges and expenses relating to the Parliamentary Protective Service during the fiscal year.
11:20 a.m.
An hon. member
Slow it down.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
I did learn from you, Mr. Speaker.
Paragraph 16 says:
The Speakers will jointly consider the draft estimate, establish an estimate and, upon their approval, transmit it to the President of the Treasury Board, who shall lay it before the House....
In your view, both Mr. Speaker and Madam Côté, are these procedures properly followed?
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
I've heard that the PPS is setting up an intelligence unit. Is this true?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
Yes, we have an intelligence unit.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Will intelligence be collected on members and staff, and will that information be shared with the RCMP?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
Since the creation of PPS, we have had an intelligence unit. This intelligence unit is currently comprised of RCMP members as well as protection officers. It is currently led by PPS employees.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
My question is: Is the data collected pertaining to the PPS shared with the RCMP?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
It's not so much the data that we collect, it's really information sharing in case there's any incident. I would like to answer that question in camera, if it's possible.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
My only concern on this is the privilege aspect of any information collected. It's not the details of what is collected. I just want assurances that privilege is respected in the collection of any intelligence on the Hill.
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
It is.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Thank you.
Were the estimates as we have them today agreed to completely by both Speakers?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
Sorry, I didn't hear you.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Were the estimates that are before us today agreed to completely by both Speakers?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
Yes, they were presented to both Speakers and agreed to by them.
11:20 a.m.
Liberal
David Graham Liberal Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Is it possible to have a more detailed breakdown, even in camera, of the spending than what we have here?
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
Of course.
11:20 a.m.
Supt Marie-Claude Côté
I'll ask Mr. Graham.
11:20 a.m.
Robert Graham Administration and Personnel Officer, Parliamentary Protective Service
We can provide that. Maybe we could better understand what level of detail you're looking for, if there's an opportunity to get that through the Speaker's office, perhaps.