Perhaps we could clarify the definition by defining a “staff person” as somebody employed by the federal government.
To address Ms. Black's question, my staff person, who works in my office--and the former minister would know this--is actually paid for by a particular government department. So it would seem a little bit strange if that person were not allowed to attend these meetings with me, since that's their formal responsibility.
Perhaps if we define “staff person” as somebody employed by the federal government, that might address Mr. Cannis's concerns.