Evidence of meeting #1 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was subcommittee.
A recording is available from Parliament.
February 18th, 2020 / 9:15 a.m.
Liberal
Soraya Martinez Ferrada Liberal Hochelaga, QC
I appreciate Ms. Kwan's comments.
This is my first time sitting on a committee. Personally, I would have some difficulty taking time away from witnesses who come here to talk to us. I think that we should give them all the time they need to express their opinions and give their presentations. I would have some difficulty taking time away from people who have access to parliamentarians and giving that time to members of Parliament. We often see each other outside meetings. I can understand the idea, but I would have a great deal of difficulty taking time away from witnesses who appear before the committee.
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Ms. Kwan, perhaps you can clarify whether that was an amendment being moved or just discussion.
9:15 a.m.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
I wasn't moving an amendment, Madam Chair. I was testing the floor just to see where people lie.
Just as a final response, I appreciate that when witnesses come before us, we want to hear from them. It's equally important to allow sufficient time for the witnesses to answer questions from committee members. This is not meant to take away time from committee members, but rather to facilitate dialogue with witnesses.
9:15 a.m.
Conservative
Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
I don't think it's appropriate to take time away from witnesses. Some come great distances to express what they want to say. I just don't think its appropriate to limit them to seven minutes.
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Seeing no further debate, all those in favour of the motion proposed by Mr. Tabbara?
(Motion agreed to)
Mr. Tabbara.
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
Marwan Tabbara Liberal Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON
The next motion I will move is with regard to documents distribution:
That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to distribute documents to members of the Committee only when the documents are available in both official languages and that witnesses be advised accordingly.
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
Marwan Tabbara Liberal Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON
I'll move the next motion in French. Sorry if I butcher it.
9:15 a.m.
Voices
Oh, oh!
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
Marwan Tabbara Liberal Kitchener South—Hespeler, ON
You have to try, right? You have to try.
That the clerk of the committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the committee and its subcommittees.
9:15 a.m.
Conservative
Peter Kent Conservative Thornhill, ON
This is very often the most sensitive motion that comes before a committee. Given our early morning start, I think it would be appropriate to have the scaled-down breakfast. I know that on the last committee I served, there was a discussion between those who stressed healthy food and those who liked bacon.
9:15 a.m.
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9:15 a.m.
Conservative
Peter Kent Conservative Thornhill, ON
I would leave it to the mood of the room, but I think some sustenance with protein, and coffee, tea and juice, would be appropriate.
9:15 a.m.
Conservative
Kyle Seeback Conservative Dufferin—Caledon, ON
I was just going to raise a point of order: Bacon is not healthy? I object.
9:15 a.m.
Voices
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9:15 a.m.
A voice
[Inaudible—Editor] the pork producers.
9:15 a.m.
Conservative
9:15 a.m.
Liberal
Anju Dhillon Liberal Dorval—Lachine—LaSalle, QC
It's very important that we have healthy food. Pastas and fried things are not good for us.