Evidence of meeting #4 for Procedure and House Affairs in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was election.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ruby Sahota
Thank you, Mr. Perrault, and your whole team. I always feel more confident about our elections after you—
Conservative
Tom Lukiwski Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Sorry to interrupt, Madam Chair. I know you're going close quickly and adjourn, but I would like to make a suggestion, Madam Chair, for your consideration and that of the entire committee.
We've had an excellent discussion today. We heard some good recommendations by several members. In my opinion, it would behoove this committee to get a final study tabled in Parliament before we rise this Christmas. There is an opportunity, of course, for the government to enact legislative changes. Whether they wish to do so or not is strictly up to them, but if they are considering any legislative changes to the Elections Act, it might be helpful if they could refer to our report.
Whether or not they choose to accept any or all, or reject any or all of the recommendations we may provide is up to the government. I would suggest we plan to try to complete our study and have a report tabled prior to the Christmas break this December.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ruby Sahota
Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. I think it's only helpful if we can provide our feedback.
According to the motion that has passed to allow for this study, we are required to table an interim report by December 1. I understand that you're saying we should complete the study and give more recommendations beyond what was requested by Elections Canada.
Conservative
Todd Doherty Conservative Cariboo—Prince George, BC
I want to echo the comments by Mr. Lukiwski. This has been an excellent conversation and was respectful from all our colleagues.
We talked about it in our previous meeting, and I am wondering if we could ask Mr. Perrault if he is willing to appear before the committee after the next provincial elections are finalized. If any other concerns come up, we may be able to question him on those. It is germane to the discussion and to the report we will be filing.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ruby Sahota
Mr. Perrault, we did discuss at our previous meeting our desire to have you back, perhaps from time to time, but at least once. There are by-elections that are going to happen, from which I am sure you will have lessons learned, and there are provincial elections that are taking place. I'm sure you are communicating with those partners as well.
You have never declined an invitation from this committee before. Hopefully you will be available.
Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Canada
I hope I never do decline an invitation from this committee.
I will make myself available, of course. It is my pleasure.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Ruby Sahota
Thank you very much.
I guess the witnesses can be dismissed at this point.
All I have to say to the committee is that I may have misspoken a little about Saskatchewan's chief electoral officer being available for the next meeting on October 27. It looked like we were going to be able to secure one hour with Saskatchewan, but [Technical difficulty--Editor] Saskatchewan being available for November 3. We are still working on that; the clerk is helping us to work on that.
I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at noon your preliminary witness lists are due. Please get those to us as soon as possible, so we can try slotting in more people for the 27th and onward.
Thank you. Have a great rest of your day.
The meeting is adjourned.