Mr. Fragiskatos, like you, I did view the Standing Orders to see if this motion was in order. After reviewing the Standing Orders and consulting with the clerk, I believe it is, based on the Standing Orders that outline a number of areas we are meant to study year in and year out. In particular are the reports from the Auditor General, as well as public accounts on an annual basis.
The Standing Orders also permit members to bring forward other areas of study, should they wish to do so. I can cite—and I think I will, because I hope we won't belabour the motions themselves—Standing Order 108(1)(a), which states that the subcommittee shall be empowered to examine and inquire in all such matters as may be proposed by committee members. Standing Orders 108(2)(c) and 108(2)(e) also state that as well; (e) in particular says that we may study “other matters, relating to the mandate, management, organization or operation of the department, as the committee deems fit.” Finally, 108(3)(g) is in that vein as well: “Public Accounts shall include, among other matters, review of and report on the Public Accounts of Canada and all reports of the Auditor General of Canada”.
Pardon me; hold on a second. That's not quite the point I wanted to make. I'm sorry; in the commentary on Standing Orders 108(2), 108(3) and 108(4), it states, “[T]he Standing Order includes a blanket reference permitting a standing committee to examine any matter relating to the department as it deems necessary and worthwhile.”
I take your point of our priority and where we ought to look, but the Standing Orders do not preclude members from bringing forward more motions like this.