Library of Parliament Committee on June 14th, 2018

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion (Senator, Ontario, ISG)]

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome.

You have received the agenda. Today, we are meeting with Heather Lank, nominee for the position of parliamentary librarian.

Right now, eight people want to ask questions. Normally, the time allocated is five minutes per person. Should more people want to take the floor and we are running out of time, I will possibly decrease the speaking time, just so that everyone has time to ask questions. We will see how things go.

Ms. Lank is the nominee for the position of parliamentary librarian.

Do you have opening remarks?

[Heather P. Lank, Nominee for the position of Parliamentary Librarian, As an Individual]

Yes.

I want to sincerely thank all the members of the committee and joint co-chairs.

Thank you very much for the invitation to appear before you as the nominee to become the next parliamentary librarian. I am honoured to be here and to be considered for this position. I feel that I have been preparing for this job for the last 30 years. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to tell you about my background and how I believe it has prepared me for the challenge, and to answer any questions you might have.

I would be thrilled to be the successor to Madam L’Heureux, who has so ably led the library since 2012.

You will know from my resume that I obtained my master's and doctorate in sociology from the University of Toronto, where I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of quality research and analysis, as well as the value of library resources.

I began my career on Parliament Hill as a committee clerk in 1991, where I worked closely with analysts from the library to provide non-partisan, professional support to many standing and special committees. I quickly came to appreciate the importance of the work of the library.

Once I was promoted to management in 1997, I worked closely with my library colleagues to ensure that committees received the best support possible.

Working with committees gave me a deep understanding of the needs of parliamentarians to be effective in their work, as well as a keen appreciation for the multiplicity of stakeholders in the parliamentary environment, including witnesses, government departments and interested members of the public.

As Principal Clerk of Committees from 1999 to 2015, I led a team of procedural clerks and other employees supporting some 20 committees, while also being deeply involved in strategic and corporate files, both within the Senate administration and in support of the Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration.

In 2015, I became the principal clerk of the Chamber Operations and Procedure Office. In this capacity, I am responsible for the administrative, procedural and informational support to sittings of the Senate, as well as for providing procedural advice to the Speaker of the Senate, all other senators and their staff. I am also responsible for the production and publication of the official records of the Senate, including the Journals and Debates, in digital and hard copy, in both official languages.

I have led the directorate through technological and organizational transformation, developing and implementing a new information system, which supports the legislative functions of the Senate.

The creation, capture and management of parliamentary information are an essential part of my current responsibilities, and the skills required to be effective in my current job would serve me well should I become the next parliamentary librarian.

In both committees and Chamber operations, outreach and education have been at the core of my work. I, along with members of my team, have developed and offered procedural training seminars to parliamentarians and their staff on a wide variety of topics over the last 20 years. I have also reached out to the library and the House of Commons, as well to parliamentary relations officers in the public service, to invite them to our seminars, as I believe profoundly in the value of sharing knowledge, collaboration and learning from one another. I have developed numerous educational and training tools, many in collaboration with the Library of Parliament.

For over a decade, I have been a parliamentary advisor to one of the library's flagship programs: the Teachers' Institute for Canadian Parliamentary Democracy. In that capacity, I worked closely with my library colleagues to develop and deliver the committee simulation that wraps up this program.

I have been very fortunate to be able to share my knowledge of Parliament with colleagues across the country, foreign legislators, and many groups, of all ages, who come to the Hill. It would be a true pleasure to lead an organization that has education and outreach as a core function.

I believe that my background has prepared me for the position for which I've been nominated in three key ways.

First, I have a deep knowledge and understanding of the clients of the library, including parliamentarians, committees, and parliamentary associations. I understand that clients have different needs and ways that they prefer to be served and that the library must be flexible in meeting those needs.

Second, I understand the parliamentary environment in all its complexity. I appreciate where the library fits into that environment—directed by the two Speakers, advised by this committee, and serving both Houses in a non-partisan way. I am cognizant of the many important relationships the parliamentary librarian must develop and sustain to be effective, including with the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the Parliamentary Protective Service, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and of course, the Senate and the House of Commons. Throughout my career I have looked for ways to collaborate with many partners on and off the Hill, and I would build on these relationships and continue to work in a collaborative way in my new role.

Third, as a leader and as a manager I have had the privilege of working with and developing agile, innovative, and effective teams to support Parliament. I have spent my career working with and for parliamentarians of all political parties and groups, developing relationships of trust and providing non-partisan, professional support. I would look forward to working with the members of this committee and all parliamentarians if I am confirmed in this position.

I have huge respect for the library, its executive team, and its employees, and I would be committed to continuing to build flexible, engaged, professional teams with a focus on excellence—all qualities that I know are essential to the success of the library.

The organization will be faced with many challenges during the coming year and thereafter, including the closure of Centre Block and the library's iconic main branch and the opening of new branches in the West Block and the Government Conference Centre. The visitor welcome centre will open and the tourists will have to be reconceived, as Canadians will no longer have physical access to Centre Block.

I know that Madam L’Heureux and her team have already done a great deal to prepare for these changes, and I would look forward to working with my colleagues at the library to ensure that Canadians and visitors from around the world continue to have memorable experiences when they come to both the Senate and the House of Commons in their new buildings.

Of course, it is service to parliamentarians that is at the very heart of the library's mandate. My professional experience has prepared me well to lead the organization in meeting your needs and those of committees and parliamentary associations. I have always made consultations with parliamentarians central to my work, for example, by getting regular input from committee chairs and deputy chairs on how to improve services, and by reaching out to new parliamentarians to identify their needs and provide the information, training, and tools they require to be effective in their roles. If I'm confirmed as the parliamentary librarian, I would look forward to working with you and both Speakers to ensure that the needs of all parliamentarians are well understood and met.

I would also make it a priority to reach out across the country in all its diversity so that the Library of Parliament becomes better known to Canada's best and brightest as a place they might want to work. I know that the library has outstanding employees who are deeply committed to serving Parliament, parliamentarians, and the public. I would like energetic and engaged subject-matter experts, librarians, and other professionals from a variety of backgrounds to know that the Library of Parliament is a dynamic, healthy workplace where they can have exciting, rewarding careers in the service of Canada.

It would truly be a great honour and privilege to become the next parliamentary librarian and to work with its executive team to lead the outstanding professionals who make such an important contribution to Canada by supporting you and our Parliament.

I look forward to your questions.

Thank you very much.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Thank you, Ms. Lank.

We will now begin the question and answer period.

I will reduce everyone's speaking time, as other senators and members have added themselves to the list. So instead of having the usual five minutes, you will have three and a half minutes. We will see how we can get organized, within these limitations, to give you all an opportunity to ask your questions.

The first person to take the floor is Senator Mercer.

[Terry M. Mercer, Senator, Nova Scotia (Northend Halifax), Lib.]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Dr. Lank, congratulations for your nomination. I should say on behalf of my Senate colleagues, we will miss you in the Senate. I will miss you in our daily meetings, the scroll meetings, which you ably chair. Thank you for that.

I have a simple question. I've been very critical of this committee over the past number of years because of its lack of activity and its lack of involvement in assisting and managing the library.

Can you give me a quick capsule of what you see the role of the committee is in helping you, as the librarian?

[Heather P. Lank]

Thank you very much, Senator Mercer, for the question.

As you know, from a legislative point of view, this committee is in place to advise the Speakers. However, it is a fantastic forum for me to have the possibility to consult with you, as parliamentarians, about your needs and whether we are meeting your needs, or if I have ideas that I want to explore with you.

I was so pleased to see that this committee was organized recently. I had put my name forward for this job, hoping that if it came to pass, this committee would be available and interested in having that relationship with me, so that I would be able to serve you, get input from you, and ultimately, be able to bring what I learn to the Speakers and really work in collaboration with you.

I see it as an extremely positive forum for me to be able to do my job better, to learn from you, and hopefully, be able to meet your needs.

[Terry M. Mercer]

Thank you, Chair.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Mr. Saroya.

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Thank you Madam Chair, and thank you, Ms. Lank, for your nomination.

What is next? You're the only person nominated. Where does the process take us from here?

[Heather P. Lank]

I should probably defer to other colleagues in terms of where things go after today's meeting.

As you can probably imagine, my focus was much more in getting ready for today's meeting and hoping that I would be able to get the support of this committee, so that when you decide on whether or not to support my candidacy, it would be positive, as I hope it will be. Of course, then you would report it back to the House of Commons. Being a joint committee, it would also normally be reported back to the Senate. If all goes well, I would hope that my nomination would be confirmed and then I would be in my position at an appropriate date.

[Bob Saroya, Conservative, Markham—Unionville, ON]

Assuming you're confirmed today, what would be one thing you would be known for? What is the unique stuff that you bring to this table that would help both sides of the chamber—something that hasn't happened in the past? Is there anything unique that you bring to the table?

[Heather P. Lank]

I would be loath to say that I bring anything necessarily unique, but of course every candidate for any job is unique. We all bring our own backgrounds, but I do think that my background, in terms of understanding Parliament, knowing the needs of parliamentarians, and having a very strong background in education and outreach, is a combination that is quite unique.

I have 27 years of experience on the Hill, and I've made it a point to build relationships across the Hill and outside the Hill. There's a very strong foundation there. Also, I have a network of people internationally I have benefited from in my current role. I would continue to build on that collaborative approach.

I think the other thing I would bring, more than anything else, is an excitement. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be nominated for this position, and to potentially have the opportunity to lead an organization that is so important to your success. I would want to share my excitement about Parliament and about the Library with Canadians and with visitors. I have ideas for ways to make that experience of coming to Parliament—even after we've closed—to be particularly memorable.

For me, it's a question of investing in excellence and making this institution even more dynamic and exciting than it already is.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Thank you.

Mr. Iacono, please.

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Ms. Lank, thank you for coming to tell us a bit about yourself today.

Big changes are coming. I have several short questions and I will put them to you all at once, and then I will give you time to answer.

What is your vision of the Library of Parliament's future?

What will you focus your attention and efforts on?

What are the library's current and future challenges?

How will official languages be used at the library, be it in terms of documentation, employees or work in general?

[Heather P. Lank]

Thank you very much for your questions.

I have already talked a bit about my vision. I aim for excellence and want to continue to build innovative and flexible teams to support all parliamentarians. I also want to ensure that Canadians, the public and visitors have access to this institution, even during Centre Block's closure.

As far as challenges go, there are many of them. Despite the renovations and all the changes, it will be extremely important to continue to provide you with quality services. You need to be assured that, if you put a request to the library, you will receive a quality response within the prescribed time frames, so that you can have the tools you need to do your job. That is definitely a tremendous challenge, but I am sure that the team has already implemented things to prepare us for it. As I have not yet been appointed, I will have to get information about this.

You also asked a question about official languages. As you already know, I come from the Senate administration and I work in both official languages daily. That has been an essential part of my entire professional career. I have a deep respect for the use of both languages in all aspects of the library's work. Of course, that will not change. Once I am appointed, that is something I will continue to do.

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

How much time do I have left?

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

You have a few seconds left, but you could take the floor again in the second round.

[Angelo Iacono, Liberal, Alfred-Pellan, QC]

I have one last quick comment.

Ms. Lank, thank you very much for your comments. I really like that you speak French very well. Good luck to you.

[Heather P. Lank]

Thank you very much.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Mr. Lauzon, go ahead.

[Guy Lauzon, Conservative, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON]

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Ms. Lank, welcome.

I am very impressed by your fluency in both official languages. It's better than mine.

Very few Canadians, only 17% of Canadians, are bilingual. It's nice to see that you're so fluent in both official languages.

I have just a couple of questions. Could you tell me what the overall annual budget is for the Library of Parliament, and how many FTEs will you be managing?

First of all, do you have experience in budgets similar to that and in managing that type of workforce, and what are your plans once you are in the position? How do you plan to utilize that budget and those FTEs?

[Heather P. Lank]

I was reading the transcripts from past meetings to get some of that information, and looking at the annual reports. If my memory serves me correctly, the budget would be in the neighbourhood of $48 million this year, with some 330 or so FTEs.

That being said, as you are probably aware, in terms of the details of how those resources are currently allocated, and where the priorities are, until I'm in the position I am really not well positioned to give any real assessment of what would or would not be appropriate on a go-forward basis. I have a lot to learn about how that organization is currently using its resources, and I would want to consult obviously with my team and with parliamentarians, too, to see if we are putting the resources in the right places: Do we need to shift or not? Do we have the resources we need?

In terms of my experience, you'll know from my CV that I have run significant directorates in the past, but certainly not as large as this institution. Depending on where I was working, there were somewhere between 30 and 40 full-time equivalents, and budgets of $2 million to $3 million.

I think what's really important, though, is that I have had the great privilege of being invited by the Senate to be very much involved in corporate files and in budgetary matters well outside of my own areas of responsibility. This was both by being asked to be the lead senior manager in terms of the legislative sector on HR and finance files for a number of years but also being asked to clerk the subcommittee of our internal economy committee on not only committee budgets and the allocation of funds between budgets—which, for budgets, would normally be an amount allocated between $2 million and $4 million a year—but also the subcommittee on the Senate estimates. I was privileged to be the clerk of that, and I had an opportunity to be involved in supporting the Senate in developing its budget.

It's an area where I feel very comfortable. Even though I don't pretend to be a finance expert, I am nonetheless very comfortable in that domain.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Mr. Choquette, go ahead.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Ms. Lank, congratulations on your appointment. That is a very important position for us, parliamentarians, but also for all Canadians, who can benefit from the Library of Parliament services, as well. Perhaps not everyone knows it, but this service is available to all Canadians.

When it comes to the quality of official languages, I also wanted to congratulate you and tell you that, for me, it is very important for you to have that concern about the quality of both official languages. You must be a leader at the library, pass on that concern for official languages to the entire team and to all people, and ensure that services are provided in both official languages. That is already the case now, but that concern and spirit must be maintained. It also reassures me.

I would now like to put a more specific question to you. It's not a trap, but it's a question you could answer in a more general sense. There is currently a small issue with the digitization of Order Paper questions. Financial resources are lacking for the library to be able to do the work properly. So we are increasingly headed toward the digitization of information.

How will you explain to those who provide funding that it is important to be able to provide that information to Canadians, including answers to Order Paper questions?

[Heather P. Lank]

Thank you very much for the question, Mr. Choquette.

I have understood that this topic was of great interest to this committee, as I had a discussion with Ms. L'Heureux and her team. Unless I am mistaken, I believe that issue was part of discussions between the House of Commons and the Privy Council Office.

I don't have the information I need to look into the details. However, I am very aware of the fact that it is important for the library to have the resources required to digitize written documents. That is a significant challenge, even if we don't really deal with answers, as that is something that is handled elsewhere.

One of my important roles will be to properly understand the needs of parliamentarians, so that I can get the speakers' support and receive the resources that will enable me to support you.

[The Joint Chair, Hon. Lucie Moncion]

Senator Duffy, the floor is yours.