Evidence of meeting #1 for Industry, Science and Technology in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
I have different wording, but I don't know if it says anything different here. I'll read my wording, and if there's a difference in what I'm saying maybe the clerk can highlight it for me.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
My wording is that only the clerk of the committee be authorized to distribute to members of the committee any documents, including motions, and that all documents that are to be distributed among the committee members must be in both official languages. The clerk shall advise all witnesses appearing before committee of this requirement.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
So it includes the word "motions". Is it substantively the same, other than the part about motions?
4:15 p.m.
The Clerk
Mr. Chair, it doesn't change much: "any documents" includes motions. Everything will be in both official languages, no matter what kind of document.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
I have a question for the clerk.
Does that prohibit then making motions at the meeting?
No? Okay.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
Do you need it read again, or are you okay with it?
(Motion agreed to) [See Minutes of Proceedings]
I think that was unanimous.
Congratulations, Mr. Lake.
Next is "working meals": that the clerk of the committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the committee and its subcommittees.
This happens when we run into circumstances such that we are going over lunchtime and then we end up quickly after that in question period and those kinds of things.
Mr. Julian, did you have a comment?
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
Again, I note that it is kind of different from what we had adopted last time. I'm not sure why it is, but I'll read what we had last time: that the committee hereby authorize the clerk of the committee, in consultation with the chair, to make the necessary arrangements to provide for working meals, as may be required, and that the cost of these meals be charged to the committee budget.
It sounds like what you read, but for some reason it's different in terms of what we had last time.
4:15 p.m.
NDP
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
I have found Jean Michel to be extraordinary in these things, and I would certainly cede any authority to him in this case.
Are we okay to go with the original motion here, then?
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
It looks as though it's unanimous again. I can see by the nodding heads.
(Motion agreed to) [See Minutes of Proceedings]
That's great. Thank you, folks.
Next is "travel, accommodation and living expenses of witnesses": that, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation, and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses, not exceeding two representatives per organization; and that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the chair.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
By the way, I think only in extenuating circumstances do you have two people from the organization. We generally are conscious of that when we're dealing with expenses.
Madam Gallant, did you have a...?
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
I have a question.
Does this committee plan out its budgets for its studies beforehand, or does it just pass a budget after it's already decided how many witnesses it's going to have?
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
I think in the past when we've drawn up a work program the clerk has submitted a budget.
In fact, your budgets have always had enough room so that we're clear on the....
4:15 p.m.
The Clerk
Yes.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Sweet
If anything, the budget has a little bit of a margin so that we make sure we stay within the realm of what we have on hand.
(Motion agreed to)
Our next motion deals with access to in camera meetings. This might be of concern to some people. I'll read what's in front of me here, and then, Mr. Lake, you can comment on it: that, unless otherwise ordered, each committee member be allowed to have one staff member present from their office or from their party at in camera meetings.
I'm certain there are amendments to that.
Is that right, Mr. Lake?
