Evidence of meeting #1 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:10 p.m.
NDP
Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
If I could speak to the amendment, I'd certainly endorse that. I think it makes more sense, particularly because sometimes there is no interest even in a second round and it gives an opportunity for more fulsome questioning in the first round.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
It tends to vary on each committee, depending on what the issues are and how much time is needed from that perspective as we move forward on these....
In looking at it, we'll try to be as balanced as possible. Certainly it has to be more generous than having to be based on representation in the House. However, I think it's important that we all have equal time to participate as we move forward and to feel we are a valued part of the committee. I've tried to ensure that it is broken down in an appropriate way.
Are there any other comments on the amendment that is proposed by Ms. Block?
I need a mover for this motion.
4:10 p.m.
A voice
Wasn't that Mr. Badawey?
4:10 p.m.
Conservative
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
No, not yet.
So you're suggesting that in round one it would be moved to seven minutes.
4:10 p.m.
Conservative
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
Every round after that would be five minutes.
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Is there any further discussion?
All those in favour of Ms. Block's amendment changing it from six minutes to seven minutes in round one, and in round two changing it to five minutes rather than the way it's listed in front of you?
4:10 p.m.
Liberal
Angelo Iacono Liberal Alfred-Pellan, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
They want to change the first round of questioning so that members of the committee would have seven minutes at their disposal. During the second round, the first three interventions would go from six to five minutes. What about the fourth and fifth interventions? Initially, the fourth would have lasted five minutes and the last one three minutes. Does this mean that the two last interventions would also be of five minutes each?
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Kelly Block Conservative Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek, SK
That is what I've suggested. The first round would be seven minutes, and every round of questioning after that would be five minutes.
4:15 p.m.
Liberal
Vance Badawey Liberal Niagara Centre, ON
Madam Chair, can we separate the motion and vote on round one and then on round two, please?
4:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Yes, of course. That's not a problem.
Is there any other discussion on this particular issue? Are there any other thoughts as we move forward?
Mr. Berthold.
4:15 p.m.
Conservative
Luc Berthold Conservative Mégantic—L'Érable, QC
I think we have to adopt a whole. This is the time that is allocated. We can't separate it into two since the one goes with the other. It is a whole.
4:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
I think it's up to the committee. I don't see where that's going to make a significant difference.
I'll confer....
4:15 p.m.
NDP
Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
If I may comment, Madam Chair, we have a lot of new members, and a lot of new members on the committee, and I thought it would be useful to add that the proposal the Conservatives have put forward actually gives us an additional free one minute.
What often happens in the committee reviews, depending on the witness, is that the chair will say that the committee has a little more time and will ask if any of the members want to have a little more time. I think that what the Conservatives are proposing is good, because it actually gives us one additional minute. I think that's always a good safeguard. The chair then can open it up, say that we have more time left before we adjourn, and ask if anybody else has any follow-up questions.
I think that giving us that additional minute per panel, or even per witness, is going to help, and we'll add that up. If we don't have additional questions, then that's fine, and we can adjourn early, but I think this is a good way to proceed.
4:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
It comes out at 53 minutes with Ms. Block's amendment, which takes away a bit of the time from witnesses who are here to do their presentation and make general comments. That's the reason these things are targeted so tightly; it's to make sure we have plenty of time for comments.
Mr. Badawey has a question.
4:15 p.m.
Liberal
Vance Badawey Liberal Niagara Centre, ON
Madam Chair, I have a quick question with respect to procedure. This is obviously going to be embedded in procedure as we run our meetings. Is there an opportunity if we do have more time to waive procedure at the discretion of the committee?