Transport Committee on Oct. 26th, 2010

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I simply want to point out to my colleague, Mr. Nadeau, that it is no surprise that we are discussing the Greenbelt this morning. On the contrary, it was part of the amendments that were made to Bill C-37. And I would add that it is now the government adding this clarification, which requires us to discuss the issue of the Greenbelt.

In amendment G-1 we clarified the proposed bill by accepting a new definition of ecological integrity. One of the objectives in including the greenbelt in this particular bill is exactly that, to make sure that the ecological integrity within the greenbelt, where possible, will be protected. As you are very right in saying so, as we go along, the definition of the greenbelt will be better known.

Thank you.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Mr. Jean.

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

La première question from the member was on who suggested “greenbelt”. It was the opposition parties, and the government was trying to find a compromise. That's why we proposed amendment G-2. So it was brought forward by the NDP, and we thought the Bloc and also the Liberals, and we were trying to find a compromise to get exactly what we have moving forward, which is a minority government, and trying to get a good bill that the people of this area have been asking for. That's where it comes from.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Okay.

(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Next we have amendment G-3.

Mr. Jean.

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

Mr. Chair, we're suggesting that clause 2 be amended by replacing lines 20 to 23 on page 2 with, of course, “National Interest Land Mass”, and a definition of that along with where it is located, and again the reflection of the greenbelt. I think everybody has the wording on that and what it does.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Just for the information of the committee, I'm advised that if amendment G-3 passes, amendment BQ-1 cannot be moved.

Monsieur Nadeau.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Precisely because it will follow, our proposal is somewhat related.

We are in favour of removing the whole national land mass issue from the bill for the simple reason that we want to make sure that, at some point in the future, given this or that circumstance, there is no infringement on Quebec in terms of the land mass belonging to it either inside or outside the park.

I understand the proposed G-3 amendment, but because of our position that follows on it, we will simply vote against it.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Merci.

Is there further comment?

(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

(Clause 2 as amended agreed to)

(On clause 3)

On clause 3, we have amendment LIB-1.

Monsieur Proulx.

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

For those of us who were here when we discussed this under Bill C-37, the purpose of this particular amendment was to make sure we did not end up with tie votes at the board. The bill is suggesting 14 members. This is strictly a mathematical amendment, so that we will have 15 sitting on the board.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Are there comments?

Mr. Jean.

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

Possibly Mr. Dubé could answer this question. Currently I understand there are 14 members, which obviously is an even number.

[Simon Dubé]

There are now 15.

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

Are there 15 appointed all the time? How many members usually comprise the board?

[Simon Dubé]

The composition of the board is outlined in the National Capital Act, with so many members from the Ontario side of the NCR, so many from the Quebec side, the CEO, the chair, and eight members from across the country. That's the composition of the board. That totals 15. You could end up in a situation right now where the board is meeting and there are some people not able to attend the meeting, so obviously you could end up with 14 people in the room at the board meeting, as it stands.

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

That's really my question. How many people are on the board right now? And are there consistently 15? Obviously, there are vacancies from time to time, and my understanding, in speaking to the department or the NCC, is that it's very usual for there not to be a couple of members, and certainly it's very usual for there not to be very many members show up. That is my understanding. Could you enlighten us on that?

[Simon Dubé]

It does happen, and under those circumstances the bylaws of the commission provide for the chair to cast a vote if there's a tie vote.

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

So even if we have 14 and there is a tie vote, the likelihood is that only 10 or 12 people are going to show up, but then even if only they show up, the chair of the board has a casting vote.

[Simon Dubé]

Exactly.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

Is there any further comment?

(Amendment agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

On amendment BQ-1.1, Monsieur Nadeau.

[Richard Nadeau, Bloc, Gatineau, QC]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

We want to make sure that Quebec and Ontario have the same number of members on the....

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

You have a point of order, Mr. Proulx?

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Yes. We have a second package where amendment BQ-2, I think, is being replaced by amendment BQ-2.1. But there was also amendment BQ-1.1.

[The Chair, Conservative, Merv Tweed]

This is amendment BQ-1.1.

[Marcel Proulx, Liberal, Hull—Aylmer, QC]

Are we now on amendment BQ-1.1? Oh, I'm sorry. Okay.