Procedure and House Affairs Committee on June 21st, 2022

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I've noticed in the last few weeks that I'm seeing an increase of vehicles driving between the blocks, and I don't think that they're parliamentary vehicles.

I guess my first question is this: Are there any preliminary plans about, if the precinct grows, how those will be blocked off in a safe way that makes sense and is accessible, of course? We're still probably going to have the buses moving through the precinct. That's one part.

The other question that I have is this: Is there any information or are there any numbers on what that would mean for staffing? Would we need to increase—and by how much—with the precinct growing?

[Larry Brookson]

Ms. Blaney, are you talking about the increase in the service's resourcing?

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Yes, for staffing. If the precinct grows, I would assume that you are going to need more people doing the work that needs to be done. I'm curious about whether there's been any work on what that expansion would look like.

[Larry Brookson]

Those discussions are currently.... That assessment still needs to be done, depending on what the precinct's going to look like in the end. With respect to the increased traffic, obviously there's maintenance that continues to take place, so there is a requirement for some vehicular access to Wellington Street. It's still not under my control, Wellington Street. I think the city has some access still. There's emergency access, obviously. The one priority is that our parliamentary buses have access to it.

[Rachel Blaney, NDP, North Island—Powell River, BC]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bardish Chagger]

Excellent.

I think all members will agree, and I think they've all definitely shared, that we really appreciate your taking the time to come back to this committee and make yourselves available. We really appreciate all the work and service you provide.

With that, thank you for your time and attention today. We hope you keep well and safe. If there's anything else you want the committee to consider, please do not hesitate to share that with the clerk, and we will make sure members have it to look through. Please keep well and safe.

[Larry Brookson]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bardish Chagger]

In closing, as we wrap up, I'm going to do a bit of quick housekeeping.

As I refer to items that are outstanding, we have the parking lot document that the analysts and clerk are working on, which should be coming out to all members within the next few weeks.

The summary of testimony or evidence, which we will make sure incorporates what we heard today, is currently at translation. They will embed what's been heard today. We'll have that out to all members within the next few weeks to a month, once it is available in both official languages.

Based on where we are right now, I think we're at a good spot, so I do not believe that a meeting on Thursday is necessary. I'll just make it official that we will not have a meeting on Thursday.

In closing, on behalf of everyone, I think it's important that we take time to thank Justin. The clerk has done a fabulous job—

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[The Chair, Liberal, Bardish Chagger]

—as have the analysts and interpreters. I also want to give a quick shout-out to the multimedia services team, known as the MMS team; the proceedings and verification officer, the PVO; and the broadcast people, who have allowed us to continue functioning; as well as to catering and the cleaning crews.

Last, but not least, I know the House leaders all work really well together to be able to give us time to meet. The whips, I would like to say, have done a good job at picking members for this committee, whom I have really enjoyed working with.

Also, to our team members, we know how much you—

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

And the deputy whips. Isn't Sherry your deputy whip?

[The Chair, Liberal, Bardish Chagger]

Who is?

[Kelly McCauley, Conservative, Edmonton West, AB]

I was going to say to mention the deputy whips as well.

[The Chair, Liberal, Bardish Chagger]

Oh, yes.

We would not be able to do it without the team members who are all on our team, and definitely the deputy whips and the deputy House leaders. They are instrumental to the progress we've made.

Both reports were presented today. With that, I hope everyone keeps well and safe.

Try not to be in touch until the fall.

We'll see you soon. Thank you.