Evidence of meeting #9 for Justice and Human Rights in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Chris Warkentin Conservative Peace River, AB
In terms of that, I don't know. All I know is that the original bill was drafted by me and the Library of Parliament.
Bloc
Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga, QC
Who can answer the question. Mr. Moore? Are you responsible for drafting the amendment?
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
On that point, I fail to see the problem, actually. We have a lot of private members' bills, and I think it's helpful that we have amendments to them. Otherwise we end up with a product at the end of the day that's not what we want. Any one of us, opposition or government, any party on any side of the table, can move an amendment.
This is my amendment. I don't know exactly who drafted the amendment, but it was put forward as “G-1”, so it's a government amendment. I assume the government drafted the amendment. I have the rationale for the amendment.
I think it's good that we can move amendments. It's constructive. And we're free to support or oppose these amendments.
Bloc
Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga, QC
You understand the principle, Mr. Moore. Let's wrap up the debate. You understand the principle whereby in spite of all of good will we may have for the sponsor of the amendment—and we requested the amendments, mindful that the initial version of the bill had its shortcomings—it is important that the very close relationship be maintained between the department and House staff. For example, when I table a bill, I will not have access to the House resources because I'm not a government member. That is the last thing I would wish to happen to me, Mr. Chairman. I say this with all due respect for the government caucus. However, everyone should have equal access to the same resources. I trust this principle is clearly understood.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
Mr. Chair, I have to comment on that. I agree 100% with what Mr. Ménard is saying. I have been in opposition before, as well. Any one of us who does a private member's bill has the resources of the Library of Parliament and drafters. But as I see it, this bill could have been moved by Mr. Ménard and there would have been the same amendment. It has nothing to do with the mover.
Conservative
Rob Moore Conservative Fundy Royal, NB
This could have been an NDP or a Bloc bill, and I would still have had the same advice given to me and probably would have moved the same amendments. So I don't see the difference.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Art Hanger
I think that is clarified now.
We'll go to Ms. Jennings. You have no point? Okay.
Conservative
Daniel Petit Conservative Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
You are a [Editor's note: inaudible].
Bloc
Réal Ménard Bloc Hochelaga, QC
I am a great proponent of democracy, Mr. Petit. I believe in the independent spirit of members. That independent spirit can at times serve you well, and at other times, not so well.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Art Hanger
Shall the amendment carry?
(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 1 as amended agreed to)
Shall the title carry?
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Art Hanger
Shall the committee order a reprint of the bill as amended for the use of the House at report stage?