Natural Resources Committee on March 24th, 2015

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

I have concerns with that, given that we will then only see the amendments a couple of days before, if not just the day before, clause-by-clause study. While I recognize that the opposition would like this time, we're still a week away from March 31.

Perhaps some of the questions that you already have and that you would like to see put to the officials could be done this week and all of next week.

I would suggest that we push it to Monday, April 13. That would give the clerk time to collate the amendments, and then we'd have an opportunity to see them a day or two before we're going to be discussing them at clause-by-clause study.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

You've heard an alternate proposal.

Monsieur Caron.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Chair, I would like to put a question to the clerk.

When the amendments are tabled, how much time does it usually take before we have them in our hands?

[The Clerk of the Committee, Mr. Rémi Bourgault]

It can take about 24 hours, depending on their complexity. They all have to be put in order and we may receive them all at the last minute on April 13.

What time did you have in mind, Ms. Block?

I don't know what time you have in mind for April 13.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Well, end of day.

[The Clerk]

Okay, end of day.

If it is around 4 o'clock, you would probably not receive them on April 13 because they all have to be collated.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Ms. Block, you suggested Monday, April 13. We suggested Wednesday, April 15. Could we compromise and choose Tuesday, April 14?

I think that should give us enough time. We should be able to provide the questions after having dealt with the...

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

I had actually suggested April 10.

I just think we want to have an opportunity to do due diligence in looking at the amendments, understanding the implications that an amendment might have on the legislation.

You want to submit them by the end of the day on April 14. Does that give them to us potentially at the end of the day on April 15?

[The Clerk]

I don't want to get involved in the discussions or the negotiation, but if you choose April 14, around noon,

we may have a chance to get them delivered to everybody earlier than at the end of the day on April 15.

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Sure, okay.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Noon on April 14. Is there agreement?

[Kelly Block, Conservative, Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK]

Sure.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Could we have the clerk draft the appropriate motion? That motion will also apply to independents. They have until that same time and then proceed in that fashion.

Is it agreed?

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Thank you, all.

Yes, Monsieur Caron.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Mr. Chair, I would like to ask a few brief questions about the witnesses.

We had asked to hear Ian Miron, from the Ecojustice organization. He has already been accepted as a witness and he will appear. However, according to what I understood, his hotel stay in Ottawa has not been authorized. Am I mistaken?

[The Clerk]

Yes.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

So his accommodation costs would be covered?

[The Clerk]

Yes, I answered him about that.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Perfect.

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

Okay.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

I have a second question about the witness list.

We were told that our list was closed, but we would have liked to hear representatives from the Union des producteurs agricoles because certain provisions greatly affect farmers. We would like to give them the opportunity of testifying about their concerns. Would it be possible to add the UPA to the list of witnesses?

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

You know, I think we're into an area that.... If we're going to have a meeting to discuss this, we'll have to have an in camera meeting. We're out of time. I was counting on just dealing with the issue of the amendment deadline, very quickly.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

You understand what I mean, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Conservative, Leon Benoit]

We could do that.

I'll have to have a look at it, but we can....

[The Clerk]

It is late to do that on Thursday because it is for the following Tuesday.

[Guy Caron, NDP, Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC]

Could we discuss this informally at the end of the committee meeting?