Citizenship and Immigration Committee on Feb. 8th, 2007

[Andrew Telegdi, Liberal, Kitchener—Waterloo, ON]

Mr. Chair, I think there is an urgency, given the length of time that the hunger strike has been going on, and I would hate to have somebody die because we're trying to go through some kind of bureaucracy. We all have travel allowances, so we can all find our way down. We have our own budgets.

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Okay, let's deal with the motion anyway.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

I think we should deal with the motion, and should we have unanimous consent as to the date, then we can do it. But I think we need to deal with the motion.

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

We'll deal with the motion first.

Mr. Siksay, did you have a word?

[Bill Siksay, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

Thank you, Chair.

I think this is very important, given that we're now at days 77 and 66 of the hunger strike, which is a very serious length of time, and time is of the essence with this. I think it's important that the committee go as a whole on an official visit, rather than as individuals, even going down together, to make the statement that this is a crucial issue that needs the attention of the government and of parliamentarians.

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Our staff would not be able to go unless they had the appropriate order in council.

[Bill Siksay, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

I also think it's important that staff accompany us in that situation. But I am troubled by the length of time the clerk reports it would take to have this approved, and I would ask that if there's any way of seeking an emergency approval of this, we undertake those measures or find a way.

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

The clerk was just saying to me that if the members went to their respective House leaders and wanted to get this approved, then it's in our hands to do it. In any event, that's the side issue.

We'll deal with the motion—and you've seen it—that the committee visit the detention centre in Kingston in the immediate future to see the detainees and observe their health.

(Motion agreed to)

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

That's done. It was unanimous.

Given that, we have a travel budget, which is $9,066. Do we need a mover for that?

Mr. Telegdi, do you want to move that? You've seen the travel budget for $9,066. Do you want to comment on it, or will I go on to Mr. Siksay?

Okay, Mr. Siksay.

[Andrew Telegdi, Liberal, Kitchener—Waterloo, ON]

This is to go to Kingston?

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Yes, that's what it is.

[Andrew Telegdi, Liberal, Kitchener—Waterloo, ON]

Well, can we get that done by Monday?

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Let's move this travel budget.

[Bill Siksay, NDP, Burnaby—Douglas, BC]

I'll move it.

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Okay, we have no shortage of movers. Since it's Mr. Karygiannis' motion, we'll have him move the budget.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

I certainly move the budget.

Mr. Chair, may I add one thing—and I'm seeking unanimous consent.

A lot of reporters have shown interest in visiting the detainees. Unfortunately, there are all kinds of barriers put forward by CBSA. I was wondering, could we have unanimous consent to ask a reporter from each media source to go with us?

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

That would require unanimous consent, because if it's a motion.... Is there unanimous...?

Mr. Karygiannnis, we have to decide on a travel budget first. Let's do it in order.

It is moved by Mr. Karygiannis that the travel budget be approved.

(Motion agreed to)

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Now, you were asking—

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Do you want me to submit it in writing?

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

No.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

I'm seeking unanimous consent that when we visit the holding centre in Kingston—

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

That reporters—

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

—that we ask a reporter from different media to travel with us.

Right now, reporters want to visit the detainees. Unfortunately, they have to do it in the administration building, and the detainees refuse to come out if they are not accompanied by a supervisor from Correctional Service Canada.

So because that is not given them—

[The Chair, Conservative, Norman Doyle]

Again, this is out of our purview, because we would have to go to CBSA first.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

It's part of Immigration. The holding centre is under IRPA and CBSA.