Evidence of meeting #39 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was initiative.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Tony Martin NDP Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Yes, I was wondering whether, given that it has been a very enlightening session with a lot of good questions asked and a lot of good information presented, we should have a report done that we would then submit to Parliament for their perusal.
I move that we develop a report; that we charge the research staff with doing it initially and then approve it and move it forward.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
That is, we would do a summary of what's happened here today?
Mr. Regan.
Liberal
Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chairman, I'm not speaking in opposition to that motion, but it seems to me we've had an incomplete study of this issue, and we really ought to have people who can answer some more questions. We've had very good answers from the witnesses we've had and we appreciate that, but certainly, on the question of why this is not going forward with ACOA, with FedNor, with Western Diversification, it's not clear at all what the basis is for that.
It seems to me we ought to have either the Minister of Industry or—maybe as well as—the Minister of Human Resources, and deputy ministers, whatever, but I'm not satisfied at all. I think we should have another day and I'm pleased that Mr. Martin brought this issue forward. I think this is an important initiative that we ought to examine further and then do our report.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
Mr. Chairman, I do not understand what my colleague's intention is. It seems to me that our deliberations usually allow us to analyze, to understand the given situation and to be in a position to make a number of observations and even, sometimes, recommendations.
As the matter stands now, I agree with our colleague Mr. Regan. In my opinion, two components are missing. We have to complete our analysis, and there is a divergence of opinions on the contribution that the federal government might make. In that regard, I feel that it would not be the right time to send a report to the House of Commons, given the factors we are currently aware of. It could be different at another time. I think it would be somewhat misleading to the House of Commons, as we have not yet completed our analysis.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
Okay. I have a motion before the table that we would conduct a report.
Mr. Martin, do you want to speak to it?
NDP
Tony Martin NDP Sault Ste. Marie, ON
No. I understand what my colleagues are saying, and this absolutely isn't complete by any stretch of the imagination. It was in light of perhaps not doing anything further that I thought we needed to capture what happened here today and present it some place else.
I'm fine with trying to find some further time to do further work on this. Perhaps we could do it later this afternoon at our subcommittee meeting, where we might discuss and look at the time we have available to us and how that might fit in with looking at other priorities the committee has before it.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
Okay. Do we have the unanimous consent of the committee to withdraw the motion at this point in time?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
If there's no further business, the meeting is adjourned.
Thank you, Mr. LePage, for being here.