Evidence of meeting #1 for National Defence in the 40th Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Dawn Black NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC
I'll do it the other way, but I also have another one that I want clarification on, just to understand whether it does need 48 hours or what the process should be.
Conservative
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
On a point of order, I just want to make sure I have the correct sequence here. Ms. Black asked for unanimous consent to waive the 48 hours' notice. We agreed. We listened to her. Then she was ready to put down a motion and we were ready to vote. Explain to me procedurally how we're reversing our original unanimous consent.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rick Casson
We agreed to let her propose a motion, but the motion is put in such a way, exactly as Denis said, that it's putting the cart before the horse. This is something that should be dealt with at the steering committee. Ms. Black has agreed and has withdrawn her motion.
NDP
Dawn Black NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC
I'm not proposing a motion here. I'm asking for clarification.
Conservative
NDP
Dawn Black NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC
Thank you.
I know that the government is in a bit of a crunch now on the estimates. I will propose, in whatever way it needs to be proposed, that the estimates be examined by this committee and that the minister and his officials be brought to the committee for questioning on the estimates. I know that the government is in a bit of a time crunch on all of this, but I believe it's something that must happen at this committee.
If it's in order, I would propose that today. If it's not in order, I will bring forward the appropriate motion for 48 hours' notice.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rick Casson
Is the committee willing to entertain this motion at this time?
Go ahead.
Conservative
Laurie Hawn Conservative Edmonton Centre, AB
Mr. Chair, I think the government whip has talked to all the whips. For the reason Ms. Black mentioned, ministers have been advised that they make themselves available.
I will point out that Minister MacKay is leaving Thursday night for Munich. He will be away until late Sunday night at a NATO meeting, so obviously this will be Monday afternoon. I would just ask for some consideration of those circumstances at that meeting.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rick Casson
I understand that there have been discussions with all the parties, and that in order to get the process finished before the break week, the minister would make himself available if the committee wishes. Mr. Hawn has indicated that. A motion has been proposed to bring him and the officials in to speak to the estimates. The only time that can happen would be Monday, because this all has to be done by Wednesday.
NDP
Dawn Black NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC
That's why I'm putting it out here today. I know you're in a crunch. I'm a kind person.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rick Casson
So we're going to have one meeting before we have the steering committee. We know that.
NDP
Dawn Black NDP New Westminster—Coquitlam, BC
So I don't need to do anything else around the estimates if it's going to happen.
Thank you.
February 4th, 2009 / 4:35 p.m.
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Rick Casson
The clerk has indicated that it's in order, I believe.
Are all in favour of having the minister at Monday's meeting?