Evidence of meeting #1 for Medical Assistance in Dying in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was subcommittee.
A video is available from Parliament.
1:40 p.m.
Senator, Quebec (Rougemont), ISG
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to propose something. This motion deals with witnesses, but could we also pass a motion with respect to the operation of the committee itself? A committee like ours is independent and can decide how it operates. Can we put forward a motion to say that the committee can operate in a hybrid way, if necessary? Even though we already have the ability to attend meetings in person or virtually, could we have a motion that grants us that permission?
What do you think?
1:40 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
I think that is, as you say, a very different motion being put forward, but for now let me just go back to ths motion number nine.
We've all agreed that, until the hybrid sittings are available, witnesses could have that option, or most likely, appear virtually.
I do see one more hand.
We will go to Monsieur Lauzon, and then Mr. Maloney.
1:40 p.m.
Liberal
Stéphane Lauzon Liberal Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
You have just touched on the point I wanted to make. If we add a clarification that hybrid operation is allowed, we will also have to mention the period during which this applies. Indeed, we may function in hybrid format until June.
Here is what we could do, simply, to avoid having to add even more points to the motion. In fact, the concern is related to travel, accommodation and living expenses. The text says: “That, if requested, reasonable travel, accommodation and living expenses ... be reimbursed to witnesses upon application ...”. We could remove the words “travel, accommodation and living expenses” in the second line. So the motion would cover the whole issue, whether the committee is in hybrid mode or not. We could then move on.
That is the proposal I am making. Of course, the co‑chairs will have the discretion to assess the appropriateness of the requests. The motion already specifies certain circumstances, such as when one needs a headset or other equipment to attend a meeting.
Quite simply, I propose that we remove the words “travel, accommodation and living expenses”.
1:40 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
The only thing I would comment is that the hybrid will not be there forever.
We will be meeting in person at some point, so we could leave “reasonable travel, accommodation” and all the wording as is, but we will add to the motion that, given the virtual sittings that are going to happen until the end of June.... We'll mention that point. I don't have the exact wording, but we can trust that this will be amended.
If somebody has an amended motion, I can put that forward, or we can just say until the end of June.
Mr. Maloney.
1:40 p.m.
Liberal
James Maloney Liberal Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON
Thank you.
Perhaps there's a chance we're overthinking this. We have rules in place for hybrid Parliament. I have complete confidence in our clerk that, when invitations are extended, we can say that we're operating in a hybrid Parliament so they're welcome to attend in person, but they can attend virtually and we'll give them a headset.
I don't think this needs to be that complicated.
1:40 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
Why don't I ask the clerks to have an amended motion for the next committee meeting and we can move on to the next item. For now, we are all in agreement that we are going to amend this motion.
Is it agreed to adopt the motion as amended and we'll receive the draft version at the next committee meeting?
May I have a mover for that?
Mr. Arseneault.
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
René Arseneault Liberal Madawaska—Restigouche, NB
When you refer to the motion as amended, you are referring to Senator Dalphond's amendment, correct?
1:45 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
It's about the virtual, yes.
(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Acting Joint Chair Liberal Marc Garneau
Motion 10 deals with access to in camera meetings:
That, unless otherwise ordered, each committee member be allowed to be accompanied by one staff person at in camera meetings and that one additional person from each House officer’s office be allowed to be present, and for the Senate, that the leader or facilitator of the government and each recognized party or parliamentary group be entitled to one additional staff member at these meetings.
Can someone move the motion?
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
1:45 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
Do I have a mover for motion 11? It reads:
That one copy of the transcript of each in camera meeting be kept with the joint clerks for consultation by members of the committee or by their staff.
1:45 p.m.
Conservative
Michael Barrett Conservative Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, ON
I so move, Madam Chair.
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Marc Garneau
Do I have a mover for motion 12? It reads:
That the committee publish its proceedings in both official languages.
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
1:45 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
May I have a mover for motion 13? It reads:
That 48 hours’ notice be required for any substantive motion to be considered by the committee, unless the substantive motion relates directly to business then under consideration, provided that (a) the notice be filed with the joint clerks of the committee no later than 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday; that (b) the motion be distributed to members in both official languages by the joint clerks on the same day the said notice was transmitted if it was received no later than the deadline hour; and, that (c) notices received after the deadline hour or on non-business days be deemed to have been received during the next business day.
Thank you, Mr. Arseneault.
Is it agreed to adopt the motion?
(Motion agreed to)
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Marc Garneau
We are on motion 14, which reads:
That, an interim budget of $50,000 be adopted and sent the Board of Internal Economy of the House of Commons for approval.
1:45 p.m.
Liberal
The Joint Chair Liberal Marc Garneau
Thank you, Ms. Fry.
Is it agreed that we adopt motion 14?
(Motion agreed to)
1:45 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
Motion 15 reads as follows:
That the clerk inform each witness who is to appear before the Committee that the House Administration support team must conduct technical tests to check the connectivity and the equipment used to ensure the best possible sound quality; and that the Chair advises the Committee, at the start of each meeting, of any witness who did not perform the required technical tests.
Do I have a mover?
1:50 p.m.
The Joint Chair Hon. Yonah Martin
Thank you, Senator Dalphond.
Is it agreed that we adopt motion 15?
(Motion agreed to)
