Natural Resources Committee on Oct. 28th, 2009

Evidence of meeting #36 for Natural Resources in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was reactors.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

State of the Nuclear Industry in Canada and Abroad

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Gerald Grandey President and Chief Executive Officer, Cameco Corporation

Wayne Robbins Chairman of the Board, Canadian Nuclear Association

Howard Shearer President and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Canada Ltd.

Michael Ivanco Vice-President, Society of Professional Engineers and Associates

Mycle Schneider Mycle Schneider Consulting

Peter White President, Society of Professional Engineers and Associates

Murray Elston Past President, Canadian Nuclear Association

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

I wonder if Mr. Anderson can confirm whether the minister is able to come on Monday and for how long. Also, is anybody else coming?

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

I'll be bringing that up. I was going to dismiss the witnesses first, but I can do that right now.

The minister has indicated that she can come before us on Monday and only on Monday. She has, I think very generously--and you would know this, Mr. Regan, from being a minister in the past--offered two 45-minute segments. She'd be here for the two 45-minute segments, an hour and a half, for presentations and questions.

I did try to discuss this with both vice-chairs. We contacted Mr. Cullen's office, although I didn't talk with him, but Mr. Tonks indicated it would work for him. Monday seems to work, so if it's okay with the committee, we will have the minister on Monday for two 45-minute segments.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Will there be nothing in the last half hour?

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

In the last half hour we can discuss, but she can't be here.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Is there any reason that we have to divide it in two?

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

Well, the thing is, we're dealing with this issue of the nuclear industry, both domestic and international, and then we also are going to be dealing with Bill C-20. The minister wants to deal with both issues.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Mr. Chairman, surely we could decide as members what we want to ask about. Wouldn't that be reasonable?

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

That works whether it's broken into two segments or not.

5:10 p.m.

Liberal

Geoff Regan Liberal Halifax West, NS

Okay.

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

As you know, when a minister comes, the line of questioning allowed is extremely broad. That will continue. That's one of the issues I wanted to bring up.

The other issue is--

Go ahead, Mr. Shory.

5:10 p.m.

Conservative

Devinder Shory Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB

Can you relieve the witnesses first, please?

October 28th, 2009 / 5:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Leon Benoit

We have to leave right now anyway, Mr. Shory.

There's one other thing. For Bill C-20, which witnesses would the members like? I'd like you to have a prioritized list by Friday. It is very important for you to give a prioritized list to the clerk by Friday.

Thank you all very much for coming, gentlemen, and for your video conference, Mr. Schneider.

Again, everyone, I do appreciate your input. There were excellent questions and excellent presentations.

We have no further business. The meeting is adjourned.