Evidence of meeting #54 for National Defence in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was camera.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
Welcome back.
I know that Mr. Bezan has indicated that, out of camera, he wants to move some motions he has tabled.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
There's been notice of motion given for a number of motions that I've put forward over the last few months.
On Monday, April 3, I gave notice of the following motion that I'd like to move now:
That the Committee undertake a one meeting study with regards to the National Defence Ombudsman's Report titled The Case for a Permanent and Independent Ombudsman Office in order to analyse the report.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
I believe that most of us have met with Mr. Walbourne. He has talked about this report and having legislation come forward in the near future so that he would be more independent and not have his budgets controlled by the Department of National Defence. That would give him the ability to be more like an officer of Parliament, rather than someone who has to report directly to the minister—although he would still have that responsibility. It would actually kind of double-hat him.
I think it's important that we bring him to a committee meeting, that we hear from him, not only to talk about how the legislation could possibly be brought forward, but also to get a better handle on some of the restrictions and interference he has experienced from the department that have impeded his ability to do his work.
3:55 p.m.
NDP
Randall Garrison NDP Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, BC
I know the ombudsman feels quite strongly about this and has done a lot of very good work in building his case, so I feel the committee should grant him the courtesy of hearing him directly on this. Whatever people think about it, he does great work on our behalf and that of all Canadians, so I would hope that we would at least hear him out.
June 13th, 2017 / 3:55 p.m.
Liberal
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
Right now, it would just be a one-meeting study. I would prefer that it be in public so that he can be heard by everyone. The report is public, so I don't know why we would try to hide in camera on it.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
I suggest we add an amendment to ensure that it is a public meeting, as just discussed.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
Yes. I move that we amend the motion to specifically say that it is a public meeting, preferably in Centre Block, and televised.
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
A public meeting in Centre Block.... Well, we'll take whatever we can.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
Cheryl Gallant Conservative Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, ON
If it can't be in Centre Block, fine, but it's easier for television.
3:55 p.m.
Conservative
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
We're now debating the amendment. One public, televised meeting is what's on the table.
Mr. Gerretsen.
3:55 p.m.
Liberal
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
When you say “study”, are you expecting recommendations to come out of this?
4 p.m.
Conservative
James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB
We would undertake at least one meeting, I would say.
4 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
Just one second here. We have to deal with Cheryl's motion, which is an amendment.
4 p.m.
Liberal
Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON
Sorry, I didn't realize there was an amendment on the floor.
4 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr
There's an amendment on the floor. One public televised meeting is what is being asked for. That's the amendment on the floor for this particular motion. Wherever that goes, we can then go back to what you're discussing.
