Procedure and House Affairs Committee on July 6th, 2020

[Stéphan Aubé]

It is our goal to provide an approach to the Speaker to ensure that this happens.

[Eric Duncan, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ruby Sahota]

Unfortunately, that's all the time we have.

Next up is Dr. Duncan for five minutes, please.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I'd like to thank all our witnesses today. I, too, would like to recognize the extraordinary job the House leadership has done in allowing a virtual hybrid Parliament.

I will talk briefly about health. Today, there are 11.5 million cases worldwide and the U.S. is at 2.9 million cases. We are not finished the first wave and I, too, would argue that the most important thing is the health and safety of everyone involved.

I would first ask our Speaker, if I may. I'm looking, Mr. Speaker, for yes-or-no answers here. Was the hybrid Parliament secure?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Thank you.

Was it tested?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Was it accessible?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Did it provide simultaneous English and French interpretation?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Did it respect social distancing?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Did it allow all members of Parliament to take part and represent their constituents?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Did it allow for full participation by the media?

[Anthony Rota, Liberal, Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'd now like to go to the Clerk.

Based on your experience, please answer the same questions.

Was the system secure?

[Charles Robert, Clerk of the House of Commons]

That's my understanding, yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Was it tested?

[Charles Robert]

Certainly.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Was it accessible?

[Charles Robert]

Yes.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

Did it allow simultaneous English and French interpretation?

[Charles Robert]

With a few hiccups, yes.