Transport Committee on Aug. 1st, 2025

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

We are about to vote on the motion. In paragraph (b), which my colleague Mr. Kelloway has moved to delete, the motion calls on BC Ferries to produce all documents describing the details of every option it explored in connection with the acquisition of the vessels.

Today, however, the Conservatives asked witnesses what the difference was between the amount offered by the first bidder and the amount offered by the second and other bidders. The witnesses clearly stated that they could not disclose those details. That information is irrelevant to the proposed study. Furthermore, for reasons related to competition, it is not even legal to make them public.

We know very well, and the Conservatives know very well, that disclosing such information would be an unfair practice unrelated to the services we provide to Canadians. Following a rigorous process, the bids that are selected offer the best value for money. However, such figures should not be made public.

What is being called for now is—

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC]

I have a point of order. It's 5:29. I think, following from what the committee said, that it's time for us to vote on this.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Okay, we're going to a vote.

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Point of order, Mr. Chair.

As long as there is ongoing debate, I think we can continue.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Mr. Lauzon, I have the two clerks as well as a third clerk who have informed me that at 5:29 p.m., due to the fact—

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

I know, but as long as we have discussions on that, we can—

[Leslyn Lewis, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

I have a point of order.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

I'm sorry, Dr. Lewis. I have Mr. Lauzon on a point of order first.

As explained earlier, Standing Order 116 clearly states that if a time limit has been set in advance of the meeting, you have to stick to that timeline. That's the only time when debate has a limit on it.

I can read it into the record. It says:

End of debate.

(2)(a) Unless a time limit has been adopted by the committee—

In this case, it has been.

—or by the House, the Chair of a standing, special or legislative committee may not bring a debate to an end while there are members present who still wish to participate.

There's only one time, if there has been a time limit adopted by the committee. In this particular case, that was one hour.

Is that correct?

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Clarke, ON]

Mr. Chair, you've already ruled. This is clear. Let's go to a vote and get it done.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

We have reached out to a third committee clerk to confirm this. Is that correct?

[The Clerk]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

That's what's going on.

[Dan Albas, Conservative, Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC]

I would like a recorded vote, please.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

This is on the motion. This is the only question that we have before us. Is that correct?

[Stéphane Lauzon, Liberal, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, QC]

Mr. Chair, do we have another point of order from the Conservatives?

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

No. She has no point of order left.

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Sydney—Glace Bay, NS]

I beg your pardon, but I just heard a point of order. Could we clarify what I'm voting on or whether the point of order is being taken?

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

I don't think Dr. Lewis still has a point of order.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Lewis.

[Leslyn Lewis, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

I don't. It was on Standing Order 116, which you've raised. Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Okay.

Mr. Kelloway, your hand is still up. Did you have a point of order?

[Mike Kelloway, Liberal, Sydney—Glace Bay, NS]

I didn't have a point of order. I was going to put forward an amendment for consideration.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

Mr. Kelloway, thank you, but that time has passed.

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

I'm sorry, but could the clerk please clarify what I'm being called on to vote on here?

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Schiefke]

You are voting on the motion that was put forward by Mr. Albas.

[Will Greaves, Liberal, Victoria, BC]

Thank you for clarifying, Mr. Chair.