Human Resources Committee on March 11th, 2021

[Adam Vaughan, Liberal, Spadina—Fort York, ON]

I would suggest that we have two meetings, effectively.

For the 23rd, we will find out in short order which ministers, if they are available, will be available, and we have made a commitment to get that done. If we don't get ministers, the EI study will I assume take up those spots. However, we recognize the opposition's right to have the ministers appear on supplementaries and we'll do what we can to effectively recognize that.

The 25th housing report drafting date may also be affected by this, but I think we made a solid commitment there.

What I would propose as the way forward, which I hope will be found acceptable, is that the chair get back to us based on the ministers' responses to the invitations, which have been sent as requested by the opposition, and between now and the 23rd, update members as to what is likely to happen, with the commitment that the EI study will move forward if we don't get ministers—although it seems likely we will. I also suggest we stick to the 25th for the drafting instructions to get that work off our desks once and for all and move on, and to make sure we have a clear runway to finish the EI study and honour our commitment to Madame Chabot.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Thank you, Mr. Vaughan.

Ms. Dancho.

[Raquel Dancho, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

I just have a question and a comment, Mr. Chair.

My understanding is that we can still have ministers come for supplementary estimates even if we've had to pass them because of deadline and committee constraints. Is that correct?

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

I think you're right. That's called a subject matter study or something of the sort. They would be deemed to have been adopted, but it's still fair game to ask some questions about them.

[Raquel Dancho, Conservative, Kildonan—St. Paul, MB]

I would prefer not, but I understand that we're under scheduling constraints.

I would also ask that the chair just consider, perhaps, evening meetings. I know that I've mentioned this before, but Conservatives are always happy to add another meeting during break week or another one in the evening throughout the week. I'd ask the chair to consider doing that because of the time constraints that we're under.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

The biggest challenge with that, of course, is the competition for available meeting rooms and resources within the House, but thank you for indicating your willingness to put in the extra time. Where we can find it, we'll take advantage of it. Thank you.

Mr. Vaughan.

[Adam Vaughan, Liberal, Spadina—Fort York, ON]

No, that was it. I should have taken my hand down.

[The Chair, Liberal, Sean Casey]

Is there any further business to come before the committee? Very well.

Do we have consensus to adjourn? I believe we do.

Well done, everyone. Thank you very much for being able to get that through and to have it reported back to the House.

Have a good evening. We'll see you at the votes.