Status of Women Committee on Oct. 3rd, 2017

[The Clerk of the Committee, Ms. Marie-Hélène Sauvé]

Good morning, everyone.

Honourable members of the committee, I see a quorum.

I must inform members that the clerk of the committee can only receive motions for the election of the chair. The clerk cannot receive other types of motions, cannot entertain points of order, nor participate in debate.

We can now proceed to the election of the chair.

Pursuant to Standing Order 106(2), the chair must be a member of the official opposition.

I am now ready to receive motions for the election of the chair.

[Sheila Malcolmson, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

Madam Clerk, I have a procedural question I want to ask just before we proceed.

The Standing Orders describe the parliamentary procedure when there is more than one candidate nominated, but it doesn't articulate the procedure when there is only one candidate, and we only have one on the floor so far. Because the Standing Orders are silent on that, can you please clarify for us how I and other members of Parliament can vote to declare our opposition to the single member that is nominated so far?

It's our democratic right as elected members to register that opposition. I'd like to be assured that we will be able to vote even if there is only one nomination.

[Paul Cardegna, Procedural Clerk]

After nominations are made, if there is only one nomination, the question is put to the committee. Traditionally, that decision is taken by asking for all those who are for and opposed. That's usually done by a voice vote, as we would do most normal votes in committee.

If the committee wishes, you can proceed by a secret ballot, but it would take the unanimous consent of the committee, as there is no provision for that in the Standing Orders. There are provisions for a secret ballot in the event that you have more than one motion for the position of chair.

Currently, there are no motions, but at the moment, the clerk is prepared to take motions for the position of chair.

[Sheila Malcolmson, NDP, Nanaimo—Ladysmith, BC]

To clarify, there is one nomination on the floor from the previous meeting before we lost quorum, so do we have the ability to vote verbally even if there is only one nomination?

[The Clerk]

At this time, we're not considering motions made at the previous meeting. We have one motion that was made here by Mrs. Vecchio. I am, however, prepared to receive further motions if there are any.

[Sean Fraser, Liberal, Central Nova, NS]

A recorded vote may be requested.

[The Clerk]

Yes.

Mrs. Vecchio.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

I'd like to make sure that Rachael Harder remains as one of the candidates. Is her name there, or do I need to nominate her again this morning?

[The Clerk]

You are free to nominate her again.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

I would like to put Rachael Harder's name forward, please.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

I would request a recorded vote on that.

[The Clerk]

Are there any further motions?

Seeing none, we will proceed with a recorded vote on the nomination.

Karen Vecchio has moved that Rachael Harder be elected chair of the committee.

(Motion negatived: nays 7; yeas 3)

Are there any further motions for the election of the chair?

Ms. Damoff.

[Pam Damoff, Liberal, Oakville North—Burlington, ON]

I would like to nominate Karen Vecchio as chair of the status of women committee.

[The Clerk]

It has been moved by Ms. Damoff that Mrs. Vecchio be elected chair of the committee.

Are there any further motions?

Mrs. Vecchio.

[Karen Vecchio, Conservative, Elgin—Middlesex—London, ON]

Although I appreciate the nomination, I would like to back down from that nomination, if possible. I do believe it needs to be agreed to, but I believe another member would serve the committee better.

[The Clerk]

Do I have unanimous consent to withdraw this motion?

[Some hon. members]

No.

[The Clerk]

It has been moved by Ms. Damoff that Mrs. Vecchio be elected chair of the committee.

(Motion agreed to: yeas 7; nays 3)

I declare Mrs. Vecchio elected chair of the committee.

You may take the chair, Mrs. Vecchio.

[The Chair, Mrs. Karen Vecchio (Elgin—Middlesex—London, CPC)]

Thank you very much.

Since we have completed today's business, I would like to adjourn this meeting.