Evidence of meeting #1 for Justice and Human Rights in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:10 a.m.
Bloc
Serge Ménard Bloc Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC
I understand that even the evidence has already been transcribed and is available electronically.
March 9th, 2010 / 11:10 a.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
I would like to have a copy of that. It certainly would be a much more efficient way of dealing with the evidence as we move on and get to the point of giving directions and reviewing it. If we could have it electronically, that would be great.
I would suggest that if one is going to be produced for Mr. Ménard, we just have one sent to all members of the committee.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
I made the assumption that it would go to all of us electronically, especially since we have two new members. It will give them a speedy update on where we are on the study.
Is there anybody else?
Mr. Dechert.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
Before you proceed, we're in agreement that we'll move forward, and the motion will be deemed to have been passed to bring forward the evidence as read?
11:15 a.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
Bob Dechert Conservative Mississauga—Erindale, ON
On another point, Mr. Chair, I just wanted to mention that I understand that the Minister of Justice may be available on March 23 to appear before this committee in regard to the supplementary estimates.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
That's correct.
We have supplementary estimates. We also have main estimates that have been referred to us, and the minister has indicated that he is available on March 23. I believe those supplementary estimates have to be back by the 26th.
There's a short timeline on that, so we're going to have to get the minister in here.
Mr. Woodworth.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
11:15 a.m.
NDP
Joe Comartin NDP Windsor—Tecumseh, ON
Back to the study on organized crime, is it appropriate that we initiate the motion to travel to those three communities today, or are you going to put it over to another day?
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
It was actually on my to-do list as well. I just want to get some instructions so that the clerk can go ahead and start planning for those.
We're proposing to have a steering committee meeting on Thursday rather than a regular meeting, so we can put together a work plan going forward. Perhaps at that time we'll have some options for travel available to us.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
Brent Rathgeber Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
Mr. Chair, we didn't vote on Mr. LeBlanc's motion.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
Thank you.
Just to confirm, our new sitting time is Tuesday and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Monsieur Lemay.
11:15 a.m.
Bloc
Marc Lemay Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
I see that, according to the routine motions that were passed, lunch will be served between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. I do not mean today, but when we are sitting.
I mention this, Mr. Chair, because I would like to encourage you to be careful. We have already gone through this situation, actually. I sat on several committees that met between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and, wouldn't you know it, between 11:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m., all kinds of people suddenly took an interest in those committees. So I encourage you to be careful, Mr. Chair. It must be made very clear that meals are for committee members and designated assistants only. There could be one per party or one per member. I am not sure of the rules, but I have been in situations where two of your predecessors in the chair have had to call some members of the committee to order, on several occasions.
11:15 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
Monsieur Lemay, the clerk reminds me that even though there is a routine motion that provides the clerk of the committee with the authorization to make the necessary arrangements for meals, it's not automatic that meals will be provided. Are you requesting that we have meals for our meetings?
11:15 a.m.
Bloc
Marc Lemay Bloc Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC
Yes, I am, Mr. Chair, but I draw your attention to the comment I made about how popular our committee becomes when meals are being served.
11:20 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Ed Fast
I would be prepared to appoint you to act as security for those purposes.
