Evidence of meeting #1 for International Trade in the 43rd 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.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I think Mr. Blaikie's suggestion is pretty much a compromise. We'll set it up in our structure, and if we use it, we use it. Otherwise, I think Mr. Hoback's point about the committee coming together and deciding the kind of work that we want to do and so on would probably be much more successful and a better use of our time.
Let's have it adopted here so we have it if we need it.
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
With the committee's permission, I will read it in French.
As for reduced quorum, I propose the following:
That the Chair be authorized to hold meetings to receive evidence and to have that evidence printed when a quorum is not present, provided that at least four (4) members are present, including one member of the opposition and one member of the government, but when travelling outside the parliamentary precinct, that the meeting begin after fifteen (15) minutes, regardless of members present.
NDP
Daniel Blaikie NDP Elmwood—Transcona, MB
I have a suggestion to amend the reduced quorum motion to have further reduced quorum: two members of the government and two members of the opposition. Given the nature of the Parliament, it might make sense to ensure that there is an equal representation with respect to the reduced quorum.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Is there any discussion?
Are you moving an amendment to the motion on reduced quorum?
Conservative
Randy Hoback Conservative Prince Albert, SK
Madam Chair, the main concern I have with that is that sometimes in the past when the committee has travelled, they've shrunk the committee. Then, all of a sudden you have to have everybody there, because they've shrunk the committee. I'm concerned about that.
The other thing is that when we do travel, we usually have a motion that we will not entertain motions while we're travelling. I don't see why we need to change it. Why wouldn't we just leave it the way it is? I have a feeling we could get into trouble if we did change it.
Liberal
Sukh Dhaliwal Liberal Surrey—Newton, BC
Thank you, Madam Chair. Congratulations, to you, again.
We have already said that when we travel, irrespective of the number of members present, the meeting will start 15 minutes into the meeting time. That way it will not affect Mr. Blaikie's point.
Liberal
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
I concur fully with Randy.
I don't think there's a need to make any amendments to the motion as proposed.
NDP
Daniel Blaikie NDP Elmwood—Transcona, MB
If it's clear that there isn't support for it, I'm happy to withdraw it to save time.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Okay. Terrific.
Do we have unanimous consent for Mr. Blaikie to withdraw his proposed amendment?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
(Amendment withdrawn)
This vote is to have reduced quorum as read out by the parliamentary secretary.
(Motion agreed to)
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Moving on, in respect of the questioning of witnesses I move:
That witnesses be given 10 minutes for their opening statements; that, at the discretion of the Chair, during the questioning of witnesses, there be allocated six minutes for the first questioner of each party as follows for the first round: Conservative Party, Liberal Party, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party; and that, for the second and subsequent rounds, the order and time for questioning be as follows: Conservative Party, five minutes; Liberal Party, five minutes; Conservative Party, five minutes; Liberal Party, five minutes; Bloc Québécois, two and a half minutes; New Democratic Party, two and a half minutes.
(Motion agreed to)
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Regarding documents distribution, I propose:
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.
(Motion agreed to)
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Very importantly, with respect to working meals, I move:
That the Clerk of the Committee be authorized to make the necessary arrangements to provide working meals for the Committee and its Subcommittees.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I'm sure everybody is in favour of that.
(Motion agreed to)
Maybe we can get steak on alternate days.
Conservative
Liberal
Rachel Bendayan Liberal Outremont, QC
Regarding witness expenses, I propose:
That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses be reimbursed to witnesses not exceeding two (2) representatives per organization; provided that, in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair.
