Evidence of meeting #144 for Public Accounts in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was point.

A video is available from Parliament.

pointperkinsbainschairquestion of privilege

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Navdeep Bains  As an Individual
Clerk of the Committee  Ms. Ariane Calvert

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

It was said that it would be two hours and 21 days.

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

That's true, but they agree that it should be a three-hour appearance within three weeks.

Translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Come on, guys.

As spoken

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

We're looking for unanimous consent to swap Madame Sinclair-Desgagné's motion with what Mr. Perkins put forward.

As spoken

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

Excuse me, Mr. Chair. The unanimous consent I'm seeking is for the committee to adopt my motion immediately.

Translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

Okay. There's just a little bump. What was sent to the members said two hours, not three, so what is it you would like?

As spoken

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Just for information, Mr. Chair, what we had negotiated behind the scenes, in the hallways behind this room, was a two-hour appearance within 21 days. However, I'm suddenly learning that it's a three-hour appearance. For us, it's—

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

It's outrageous.

Translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

No, it's not outrageous, but I would like us to keep our word and stick to what was negotiated behind the scenes, that's all.

Translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

Yes, I think we should settle on two hours. This will ensure that the member comes back. We've already had an hour.

As spoken

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

All right, let's stick to a two-hour appearance, according to what was sent.

I therefore propose an appearance for two hours within 21 days. Do I have unanimous consent to adopt the motion?

Translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

On a point or order, the interpreter said, “invite”, but my understanding was “summon”.

As spoken

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

The motion uses the expression “assigne à comparaître” in French, which is equivalent to “to summon” in English.

Translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

So it was an error in interpretation.

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

The motion was sent to your emails, and it contains the word “summon”.

Translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

You have the copy.

I'll hear you in a second, Ms. Yip.

We're looking for unanimous consent to approve this motion as it has been distributed. The witness will appear within three weeks for two hours.

Go ahead, Ms. Yip.

As spoken

Jean Yip Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

I just want to make sure we're all on the same page. Can we just read out loud what the motion is, just to make sure?

I'd like it to be read in French as well.

Partially translated

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative John Williamson

Sure. I will do that.

I'll read it in both official languages.

The motion in French reads, “Que le Comité assigne Navdeep Bains à comparaître devant le Comité pour une durée de trois heures, sur le rapport de TDDC dans les 21 jours suivant l’adoption de cette motion.”

Then in English, it says, “That the committee summon Navdeep Bains to appear before the committee for two hours, on the matter of SDTC, within 21 days of the adoption of this motion.”

Mr. Drouin, you have the floor.

Partially translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Thank you. I would just like a clarification.

If we ask for unanimous consent to adopt Ms. Sinclair‑Desgagné's motion, does that mean that the motion we've debated at length is set aside?

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

Actually, I'm still on the list to speak to the privilege motion. We're continuing the debate, but it will be adjourned very soon, by the way.

Translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

We will therefore continue the debate on—

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

No, Mr. Drouin.

Translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Are you kidding?

Translated

Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné Bloc Terrebonne, QC

No, I'm not kidding. I'm going to ask that the meeting be adjourned.

Translated

Francis Drouin Liberal Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, ON

Okay, that's fine.

Thank you.

Translated