Evidence of meeting #7 for Library of Parliament in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was staff.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Parliamentary Librarian, Library of Parliament
That's exactly $1 million, so I'm thinking that might be the source of the issue.
Conservative
Jim Eglinski Conservative Yellowhead, AB
That's probably where my calculations have fallen off with yours. I thank you for clearing that up, because I was looking at those figures and putting everything together really quickly.
Parliamentary Librarian, Library of Parliament
Thank you for asking for the clarification. That's important.
Conservative
Liberal
Liberal
Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have a thought, so I want to pass it along. This is more around feedback. As part of the orientation and training for MPs, I think helping us with the right questions to ask.... Sometimes, how well we ask the question determines the type of information we get. I've asked for certain reports, and then think, “Oh, that's not what I wanted.” It sounds obvious, but what you're asking for in a question on a report is really important. Making that part of the orientation for an MP is important, because you do a lot of work. Is it wasted if it's not exactly what we were looking for?
I think as part of your last presentation, you mentioned that there has been some effort to increase mental health support within your department. I wanted to ask why you felt that was needed. What is it that led to that program or support being introduced?
Parliamentary Librarian, Library of Parliament
You would be as aware as we are of the increased focus on the importance of mental health generally in Canadian society, and a greater openness to having discussions to try to get rid of the stigma associated with it. It's something I'm deeply committed to, and have been for a number of years. I have taken mental health first aid and encouraged my employees to do so. I've seen the value of employee assistance programs, within my own life and those of people I work with.
For me, it's part of making the library the kind of place everybody would want to work, and making sure that people feel supported and know that the institution values mental health as much as we value physical health.
The Hill is a spectacular place to work. It is, of course, one with enormous pressures, as well. We can serve you best if we are healthy in all ways, physically and mentally. It's linked to our survey of the well-being of our staff. They clearly value mental health. I think it's really important for us as an organization to invest in it. It comes from that broader Canadian and worldwide conversation we are a part of. It is fitting into that broader context, and out of the deep sense of how important this commitment is throughout the organization.
Liberal
Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON
I wanted to be a little more specific.
It sounds like it's come from some staff feedback that there was a need for it, in addition to its importance from a national perspective.
Parliamentary Librarian, Library of Parliament
Within our staff, we have certainly spoken about it. In fact, we spoke about it at my very first meeting with all staff, when I became Parliamentary Librarian. After my opening remarks, the first question had to do with mental health. A staff member asked about my feelings about it, and I shared some experience and knowledge. It's about creating a safe space. I think one of the things I'm responsible for is making sure that everybody who works for the library feel supported and safe. It's all part of that. It links into our overall commitment to being an employer of choice. The better the people who work for us, the better the support you're going to get.
Liberal
Julie Dzerowicz Liberal Davenport, ON
I think I've mentioned this at a previous meeting—I'd love to go to the boutique and buy everything. I'm a very big believer that there are a lot of opportunities with the boutique. We could get Canadian designers, on an annual basis, or every couple of years, to do some guest designing, whether it's cups or paraphernalia. I think that would be a really nice addition. It could add to revenues that would help to support more sophisticated library operations.
I wanted to hear a bit more about the plans for the boutique, moving forward, in whatever time you have left.
Parliamentary Librarian, Library of Parliament
In speaking to Anny Spooner, who is in charge of our boutique, I think she sees this new space as an enormous opportunity. As Monsieur Iacono said, we can do more with that.
May I suggest just an idea? If any of the members of this committee would like to have a tour of the boutique with our staff so that you can have a dialogue with those who will be making those kinds of decisions or giving the advice on that.... First of all, it has to be revenue neutral; it pays for itself. Also, we want to make sure that it's a place where you want to shop and where Canadians and visitors from around the world want to shop. I know that Anny has brought in many new things and has grown the diversity of products, but there's more to be done.
I love your idea of having a Canadian designer or multiple Canadian designers contributing. We're certainly open to looking at that. Perhaps one thing we could look at, with the committee staff, is setting something up for you so that you can talk to Anny and her team and say, “Here are some ideas.”
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Gagan Sikand
Yes, I was actually going to save that for the end, but if there is any interest, you can either express that now or get in touch with the clerks afterwards as well.
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Gagan Sikand
If there aren't any other questions, we will move to the vote, pursuant to the order of reference by the Senate and the order of reference of the House of Commons, and in accordance with the Standing Order 81(4) of the House of Commons, on the main estimates 2019-20. Shall the vote carry?
LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT
Vote 1—Program expenditures..........$44,707,087
(Vote 1 agreed to)
Shall I report the vote on the main estimates to the House?
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Gagan Sikand
As long as there's no other business, that concludes our committee. We're adjourned.