Evidence of meeting #67 for Public Accounts in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was asked.
A recording is available from Parliament.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick
Okay.
I think everyone has expressed his or her points quite clearly on this matter. I think the best thing to do....
Mr. Williams.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
John Williams Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
I'd just like to read Standing Order 18 of the House of Commons:
No Member shall speak disrespectfully of the Sovereign, nor of any of the Royal Family, nor of the Governor General or the person administering the Government of Canada; nor use offensive words against either House, or against any Member thereof. No Member may reflect upon any vote of the House, except for the purpose of moving that such vote be rescinded.
So that's quite clear. To bring a former Lieutenant Governor before this public accounts committee is most disrespectful, Mr. Chairman; therefore, it has to be ruled out of order.
5:30 p.m.
Bloc
Jean-Yves Laforest Bloc Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
We are not talking about the Queen: we are talking about an individual who is appointed to perform the duties of the Queen's representative, but is no longer doing so. I'm sorry to have to say this, but Mr. John Williams' comments do not make sense. By refusing to have this individual appear at the same time as the Auditor General, he is accepting the idea that some individuals are above this country's rules of ethics and transparency.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
John Williams Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
Let me emphasize one thing, Mr. Chairman: “nor of the Governor General or the person administering the Government of Canada”.
Quebec is part of the Government of Canada, and it seems quite clear to me that it would cover the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec. Therefore, it has to be ruled out of order.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick
I'm not going to accept that. I understand what you're saying, Mr. Williams, but the point of the issue is that she's no longer in that position.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
John Williams Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
I suggest, Mr. Chairman, that you consult with the Speaker and the Clerk of the House and the law clerk and reserve your judgment and rule at a later time.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick
I can accept that. There's no rush here. This thing won't be dealt with until next fall, either way. We're not some totalitarian firing squad that shoots first and aims second. We have time on our side, and I think we should go on the side of caution.
So I see absolutely no compelling reason why I shouldn't take Mr. Williams' comments under advisement, and the steering committee, in due course, can sort this out. Then it will probably be in Mr. Murphy's hands, and we're all quite confident that he will make the correct decision.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
5:30 p.m.
Liberal
Borys Wrzesnewskyj Liberal Etobicoke Centre, ON
Yes, this is not on this particular motion, but it is related.
We have not had an answer as yet in terms of the timing. We understood that the Auditor General is compelled to table her report with us, even though Governor in Council had requested this report. She's required to table it with us. And she has not? Oh, that's different then.
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
5:30 p.m.
Conservative
John Williams Conservative Edmonton—St. Albert, AB
That also raises the question, Mr. Chairman, of whether that report is before the committee.
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick
Right. Well, we have some other matters here we could quickly deal with. Do we have consent to continue with the bells ringing?
No? Okay, the meeting is adjourned--
5:35 p.m.
Bloc
Jean-Yves Laforest Bloc Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC
Mr. Chairman, on a point of order.
Why are we not voting on this?
5:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Vice-Chair Conservative Brian Fitzpatrick
I need unanimous consent to proceed after the bells have started ringing. I didn't get it. Two members said no.
The meeting is adjourned to the call of the chair.