Citizenship and Immigration Committee on May 7th, 2009

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

I will amend that to refer it to the meeting on May 26 instead of to the steering committee. Or we could deal with it now.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

I don't know what you're doing. Are you making an amendment to the motion? You've made several suggestions. It's not multiple choice here.

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

As I understand it, a motion to refer is not debatable or amendable, but you could clarify that for me, Mr. Chair.

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

I thought a motion to refer can be amended.

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

If we move this to the steering committee, I'm prepared to take into consideration, when we have this discussion, Ms. Chow, that May 26 would be the day, but I think we should make that determination at the steering committee.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

Monsieur St-Cyr.

[Thierry St-Cyr, Bloc, Jeanne-Le Ber, QC]

Mr. Chairman, I don't think there's any reason to amend the agenda. Following the appearance of the witnesses, the clause-by-clause consideration is scheduled. That's what we had agreed on together. We have spoken informally with Mr. Fadden. I believe we have indeed considered all aspects of the question. We could continue asking questions for 10 hours, but as we have seen, there are two sides. That's obvious. We won't convince each other. I don't see how any dilatory measures would be appropriate. I think the only solution is to do what's on the agenda. Let's proceed with the vote; committee members will then be able to move on to something else.

We've just adopted an agenda, but Mr. Dykstra's motion has the effect of immediately undoing it. I don't think that's appropriate. Let's proceed as planned.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

I have ruled the motion is in order. I guess the question I'm trying to get some assistance on is whether Ms. Chow can amend it. If you'll give me a minute, I'll rule on that.

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

Mr. Chair, on a point of order, I looked at the third report. The third report gives a work plan. Should we go right into this work plan and make sure we adopt or change it right now? If we change this, it will then obviously deal with it, because that's what that motion does, it's to change this work plan. We should bring forward the third report, decide how we plan for the next few weeks, between now and June 2, so once we deal with it, we will either come to a vote or not come to a vote on this Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

Ms. Chow, are you suggesting a specific...? You were saying this matter should be referred to a subcommittee. You're not suggesting that at all.

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

No, no, that was just a suggestion.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

But you were going to amend that to be at a certain time.

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

Mr. Chair, I was simply noting that we are starting to debate the third report. I thought we should either finish this item, or not, and I thought that--

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

We're going to debate the third report in camera. Meanwhile, we have a motion on the floor.

[Olivia Chow, NDP, Trinity—Spadina, ON]

That motion uses the third report.

[The Chair, Conservative, David Tilson]

Well, it doesn't, not really.

Is there any further debate on this motion?

(Motion agreed to) [See Minutes of Proceedings]

We will now adjourn and go in camera.

[Proceedings continue in camera]