Human Resources Committee on Feb. 18th, 2020

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

It sounds like we've arrived in hopefully a good spot. I'm happy to hear that. I also want to place notice that it's my expectation that we won't be utilizing in camera meetings unless they specifically pertain to those things, and that it's the obligation of any member who believes that a motion is made to go in camera that does not honour these things to vote against it. I think there's a good check and balance here.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Is there any further discussion on the subamendment?

(Subamendment agreed to)

Now, on the amendment as amended, this is the motion as presented and circulated by Ms. Gazan with the addition under part (a) of “/witness selection” and part (d) that you've just voted to add. That's just so we're clear on what we're voting on.

Is there any discussion on the amendment to the motion? I see none.

(Amendment as amended agreed to)

(Motion as amended agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Mr. Long.

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

I have one more motion regarding independent members during clause-by-clause. I move:

That, in relation to Orders of Reference from the House respecting Bills, (a) the clerk of the committee shall, upon the committee receiving such an Order of Reference, write to each member who is not a member of a caucus represented on the committee to invite those members to file with the clerk of the committee, in both official languages, any amendments to the Bill, which is the subject of the said order, which they would suggest that the committee consider; (b) suggested amendments filed, pursuant to paragraph (a), at least 48 hours prior to the start of clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill to which the amendments relate shall be deemed to be proposed during the said consideration, provided that the committee may, by motion, vary this deadline in respect of a given Bill; and (c) during the clause-by-clause consideration of a Bill, the chair shall allow a member who filed suggested amendments, pursuant to paragraph (a), an opportunity to make brief representations in support of them.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

You've heard the motion. Is there any discussion?

Mr. Albas.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC]

This includes Eastern Time, I presume.

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

We take it as including Eastern Time. I take it that we're okay with that. We have a consensus on that. Are there any further interventions?

(Motion agreed to)

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

Thank you, everybody.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

I think that's the end of the routine motions. Is there any further business to come before the meeting?

Ms. Gazan.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Mr. Chair, I wanted to make one more motion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Yes, Ms. Gazan.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

It's like a dry run of a newbie. I'm sorry. Here's the motion:

That the chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive and publish evidence when a quorum is not present, provided that at least four (4) members are present, including two (2) members from the opposition and two (2) members from the government; and that in the case of previously scheduled meetings taking place outside of the parliamentary precinct, the committee members in attendance be required to wait for 15 minutes following the designated start of the meeting before they may proceed to hear witnesses and receive evidence, regardless of whether opposition or government members are present.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Ms. Gazan, I'm going to need a minute to consult with the procedural clerks on this, because a motion on this very subject was presented and adopted during routine motions. Give me a minute, please.

Thank you, colleagues, for your indulgence. My advice on this is that, given that earlier in the meeting a motion was passed with respect to proceeding with a meeting without a quorum, in order to be able to entertain Ms. Gazan's motion, unanimous consent would be required to withdraw the first motion so as to consider hers. Do we have unanimous consent to withdraw the previous motion with respect to meeting without a quorum?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Your motion is in order, Ms. Gazan. Is there any discussion on the motion?

(Motion agreed to)

Is there any further business to come before the meeting?

Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment.

[Wayne Long, Liberal, Saint John—Rothesay, NB]

I move to adjourn, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Thank you.

We are adjourned to the call of the chair.