Evidence of meeting #10 for International Trade in the 41st Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was vice-chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
We'll call the meeting to order. The other members are on the way.
It is a disjointed kind of day, and it messes up our committee considerably. We understand there's a short debate going on in the House and then we'll be called back for another vote.
I apologize to the witnesses from the Department of Foreign Affairs. I know they're prepared to talk on a free trade agreement or a partnership agreement with India. I want to apologize for the House of Commons. We do that a lot.
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
They're a dysfunctional group. It's sort of like your own baby--an ugly baby and you have to love it; it's yours.
Nonetheless, we want to thank you for coming in, and we will bring you back at our earliest convenience to continue. Out of respect to our witnesses, we want to allow you enough time to properly share your information with the committee and have a full opportunity to participate in a question and answer session appropriately. I have talked to the opposition members and we won't be able to accomplish that today. So I'm sorry about that.
Mr. Easter.
Liberal
Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE
I think you misspoke. I don't think you meant Parliament is dysfunctional. I think you meant the government is dysfunctional.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
Yes, well, I know you've got a cold and you're in a weakened condition, so we're going to ignore that.
Now, before we become dysfunctional and ugly here, we'll turn it over to the clerk. We have business that we want to take care of in public and then we'll go in camera for some committee business. We'll ask the clerk to accomplish that now.
The Clerk of the Committee Mr. Paul Cardegna
We're here for the election of the first vice-chair of the committee. Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the first vice-chair must be a member of the official opposition.
I am now ready to receive nominations for the position of first vice-chair.
NDP
The Clerk
It has been moved by Mr. Ravignat that Brian Masse be elected as first vice-chair of the committee.
Are there any other nominations?
There being no other nominations, is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?
(Motion agreed to)
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rob Merrifield
We will suspend for a few moments as we move in camera.
[Proceedings continue in camera]
