Evidence of meeting #56 for Industry, Science and Technology in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was data.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
I still would like to know the objective of the trip. We're asked to—
NDP
Brian Masse NDP Windsor West, ON
Yes, but we still don't have any real agenda, I guess. It seems to be a trip trying to happen for a trip's sake versus that of....
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy
We have put together an agenda after getting feedback from both sides. Actually, Earl, you sent some information as well. We have an agenda laid out. Obviously this is very broad because, in our committee, we're very broad, so we're trying to fine-tune it with suggestions from the committee as to why we're going down there, what we expect to get from it, and whom we can meet.
The clerk has already sent that out previously. You received that, right?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy
That's why I've been asking for more input, and we have an hour to finalize it on Thursday.
Conservative
Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON
Is there anything else I can bring up on another topic, or are we still talking about that topic?
Conservative
Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON
Okay, I just want to read my motion. I submitted it on February 28:
That the Committee consider undertaking a review of the recent acquisition of Retirement Concepts by Anbang Insurance and be satisfied that the acquisition met the Investment Canada Act threshold.
Basically, what I would like to do is to have a couple of meetings, if possible. The minister has assured us that the department has done a great job and that it has been 100% transparent.
I think one of the jobs of this committee, considering that we are really treading close to the line as far as Anbang is concerned—and any subsidiaries, but in particular with Anbang—is to determine whether or not they are truly a private company or a state-sponsored company.
There have been some results in the U.S. that would raise at least one or two flags of caution, and I feel it's the duty of this committee, considering that the Minister has said the department has been transparent, to have a public meeting or two—probably two would be a start—to make sure that we are satisfied going forward that the department has the ability and resources to adequately determine what is and what isn't a state enterprise.
It may sound pretty obvious or trivial, but I have my doubts as to whether or not they have the proper resources to be able to do that.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy
Thank you.
We don't really have time to debate it today. You've already submitted it, so do you want to move your motion?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy
Yes, okay.
Timewise, we do have an hour. I think that if we can solve the details of our Washington trip within a short time, perhaps we could spend some time debating your motion on Thursday in that first hour.
Conservative
Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON
I won't be there Thursday morning, so we'll have to schedule another day to discuss it.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Dan Ruimy
Okay, we'll have to find time to debate it.
There being nothing else, we are now adjourned.