Transport Committee on Feb. 3rd, 2009

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

My intention is to clarify the positions.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

We'll go to Mr. Bevington.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

Yes, I would expect that in sitting on the subcommittee I would be accorded voting rights on that as well.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Again, the subcommittee makes recommendations to the committee as a whole, and we've always tried to make sure that it is as amenable to all committee members as possible. I have no qualms about that. I suspect that the government side would not either.

Monsieur Laframboise, are you comfortable with that?

Okay, we don't have to make a change, then, I think. It would stay that way.

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

And your observation on the whips?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Yes. I'm just going to put that out there for the committee again. The discussion has been on the point that when we go in camera, a member of the whip's office would be in attendance from each party. Again, I think it doesn't hurt to have that flow of information directly with the whips' offices about what's going on.

If there's no objection, are we happy with that?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Bevington.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

Does that mean the whip's office is responsible for that communication? Or is it simply that a member of the whip's office has to be there? We do have a smaller whip's office than many of the other parties here.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

We'll certainly advise the whips' offices of the decision made here and also give them the notices of the subcommittee meetings. Is that reasonable?

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

It would be at your discretion and your party's discretion whether to send a member or not. It's just to provide them with an opportunity that's fair to all parties and to make sure they receive the communication they would like to have.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

For the in camera meetings?

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Absolutely. It shows cooperation and that we can work together on this particular file.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

The motion is on the floor from Monsieur Laframboise that we would accept the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities' routine motions, effected November 15, 2007, to be the ones adopted for meeting number one, Tuesday, February 3, 2009.

All those in agreement?

Mr. Jean.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

Sorry, but with Mr. Volpe's amendment?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

I'm sorry. Yes, with the recognition that the whips' offices will be advised and invited to attend in camera meetings and that the subcommittee will reflect all parties.

(Motion as amended agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Thank you.

As it is the inaugural meeting of the committee, we have no business in front of us. I know that many of you have received correspondence over the summer. I know that the minister has arranged a briefing and an invitation for all members to attend on Thursday. I would like to suggest that next Tuesday we hold our subcommittee meeting and set forth the agenda commencing next Thursday, if that's agreeable.

Mr. Volpe.

[Joe Volpe, Liberal, Eglinton—Lawrence, ON]

What's this Thursday?

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

There is a briefing on the bill.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB]

If I may clarify, I think each party has been approached individually to find out when you would like briefings on the bills coming before the House. There are a few. Obviously, our committee has some pretty aggressive bills coming before us immediately. I think there are three or four. If you want briefings on any of them or if you need any other information, contact my office, the minister, or Mr. Tweed. I'd be happy to arrange briefings on any information that you'd like to receive.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Bevington.

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

I just wanted to bring forward a notice of motion on a motion coming forward on the Building Canada fund.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Traditionally, we've had the 48-hour rule of notice of motion and I would ask that unless there is an imperative--

[Dennis Bevington, NDP, Western Arctic, NT]

I was following the 48 hours.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Absolutely. Thank you.

So on Tuesday of next week the subcommittee will meet at this time. We will lay out the agenda and commence on Thursday of that week.

Mr. Jean.