Evidence of meeting #16 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was women.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Armine Yalnizyan  Economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers, As an Individual
Matthew Chater  National President and Chief Executive Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Angela Bonfanti  Senior Vice-President, Foundation Programs, Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Paulette Senior  President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Women's Foundation
Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Marie-France Lafleur

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Sean Casey

Thank you, Mr. Albas.

I now yield the floor to Ms. Chabot.

6:05 p.m.

Bloc

Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC

I have a problem. Can you hear me?

6:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Sean Casey

Yes.

6:05 p.m.

Bloc

Louise Chabot Bloc Thérèse-De Blainville, QC

My battery is failing me.

I have a wish to express, and I'm not talking about the content. We had received this motion and we had also heard about the amendments. The only thing we didn't know was when it would be tabled.

The fact that it was tabled in the second hour of our meeting today means that we can't call any witnesses.

Yes, democracy is important, but the way it is exercised should not deprive us of our right to question these witnesses.

In the future, we need to find a different way of debating our motions, rather than taking up the witnesses' time.

I'd like this to be discussed at the subcommittee meetings.

6:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Sean Casey

Thank you.

Mr. Vis, I saw that you had your hand up. It appears that you may have taken it down. I just want to make sure that I didn't misunderstand. Do you wish to intervene?

6:10 p.m.

Conservative

Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC

No, thank you, Mr. Casey. I'll reserve my comments.

6:10 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Sean Casey

Thank you very much, everyone.

We have a formal meeting of the subcommittee set for next week. Be assured we will take up these matters there.

Once again, thank you to the witnesses. It sounds as if there's a fair chance we may be seeing you again, if you're interested in that, and that's what carries the day.

With that, thanks again for your patience. We'll see you soon. Have a nice weekend.

The meeting is adjourned.