Industry and Technology Committee on June 18th, 2026

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Madam O'Rourke, I really appreciate this motion very much. I appreciate the thought that went into it. I appreciate that part of it, from my understanding, was inspired by the productivity study earlier this year, which we all worked together on. I feel it is a thoughtful motion that is looking to fill some gaps.

I also appreciate any motion that's looking to review government spending in the way that you've put it and in the way that we've put past motions.

We do support this, and we appreciate that you've brought it forward.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

Mr. Ste‑Marie, you have the floor.

[Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc, Joliette—Manawan, QC]

This is a very important and interesting topic. I would like to say quickly that it might be a good idea in the future for us to meet as a subcommittee or informally, all the parties together, to get an overview of each parliamentary period. Nonetheless, I fully support this motion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

Seeing no further speakers and no opposition, I'm going to consider this motion adopted.

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Colleagues, just before we end, I have a couple of things.

First and foremost, I want to thank all of the House administration, our interpreters, our analysts and those who help support the function of committee every week for being here to support us. We know it's not always easy. The same also goes to political staff from all parties. We very much appreciate the dedication that you have to the service of the country. Often, you're doing very difficult work behind the scenes. Although there's not always agreement on how we get to things, we appreciate the work that you do. Thank you.

I have two last things. This committee has been unusually collaborative. Not all committees work this way. I want to take a moment to thank and congratulate members from all parties for the way in which they have collaborated with one another. It's not always easy and does not always get to where an individual may want us to get but, nonetheless, it's in the spirit of trying to advance the interests of the business before us. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for that.

The very final thing is this. It is our wonderful clerk's last day with us here at the industry committee. I am going to offer Raquel, Gabriel and Karim a quick couple of seconds, if they want, to express their gratitude, but I want to express mine. The clerk plays a critical role in the function of Parliament, particularly in regard to committee.

Miriam, you have been gracious, kind, thoughtful and, most importantly, helpful in the work that we do. On behalf of all of us, as the chair of this committee, I want to thank you so much for everything that you have done. I'm going to give Raquel the opportunity to express that as well.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Madam Clerk, I offer a very heartfelt thank you for your dedication to serving the Canadian public in such a critical role. As fellow Manitobans, we've shared many kind words.

As you reminded me today, for the very first committee that I ever chaired, you were there beside me. I remember feeling quite terrified. You were the port in the storm for me and a guiding hand of wisdom. I greatly appreciate everything that you've done for this committee and in your 35-year career. We are very lucky in Canada that we have exceptional public servants like you. You are certainly among the best. Thank you for your leadership in this country and on this committee, and for teaching us what it really means to serve the public in a professional way, to the highest standard.

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

Go ahead, Mr. Ste-Marie.

[Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc, Joliette—Manawan, QC]

Ms. Burke, it's really been a pleasure working with you. I thank you for everything you've done, and I wish you all the best in the future. It's well deserved.

I've worked with a number of clerks over the years, and as Ms. Dancho said, you are without a doubt one of the most seasoned. What I like about you is that, even when there is a lot of pressure, even when the situation is complex, even when you have to react quickly, you always do so with a smile. You're always very cool. Everything seems so simple even though it's not. That is very reassuring. It has really been a great pleasure working with you. In addition, as a francophone, I have to say that your French has always been impeccable when we have spoken. I really appreciate that. Thank you for everything and all the best in the future.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

Mr. Bardeesy, I'm going to give you the last word, for a very quick thank you.

[Karim Bardeesy, Liberal, Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, ON]

I just want to pick up on what Mr. Ste‑Marie said about your composure, Ms. Burke, and your attitude that everything is under control, even though that's not always the case in our caucuses.

This year, at this committee, I think we have proceeded, with your help, to have the kind of overall relationship.... We're also led by our fantastic chair, who has helped us have, overall, a very collaborative set of proceedings.

We know that behind the scenes, you keep things under control and going in all kinds of ways. We had so many different studies going at once, and you kept all the plates spinning in a very effective way that helped us do our work very well.

Thank you for your leadership at this committee in the procedural and technical sense, but also in the ways you support us to do our best work.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

We'll give a round of applause.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

With that, before I adjourn for what I hope will be the final time until September, Miriam, I will turn to you to say whatever you might want to.

[The Clerk of the Committee, Miriam Burke]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks to all of you. You have me all emotional.

I had prepared a rebuttal, but it's not necessary, clearly.

I'm very grateful for all of you, the work you do and the commitment you have to bettering Canada. It's been an honour to support you in that work.

[Some hon. members]

Hear, hear!

[The Chair, Liberal, Ben Carr]

I probably shouldn't be presenting alcohol in a public meeting space, but I'm doing it anyway. On behalf of Raquel, Karim and Gabriel, I want to present you with a bottle of the Speaker's scotch, so that Parliament is never far. We wish you all the best and a wonderful summer.

With that colleagues, that same sentiment goes to all of you.

The meeting is adjourned.