Evidence of meeting #1 for Veterans Affairs in the 41st 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.
9:05 a.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
I'd have one slight amendment to it.
I noticed that last time when we had witnesses who came in, some of them required either a medical assistant or a spouse to travel with them. Take a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, for example; their spouse is with them sometimes. You may want to leave a little leeway in there that if we invite two, one of them may require a medical assistant or a person of substance beside them in order to get them through the meeting.
So sometimes you may, with certain exceptions, allow a third person to travel. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Is there any comment on that?
One of the things we wanted to try to limit was that we had a few occasions where two witnesses from one institution arrived. Many felt that one would have been enough unless they had a totally different presentation. I think that's the concern, that we don't double up.
Do you accept Mr. Stoffer's...?
It doesn't need to be amended, I don't think; just keep it mind that there will be special circumstances. I'm sure the committee will be receptive to receiving those, if that's agreed.
Yes, Mr. Shory.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Devinder Shory Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
Actually, Mr. Chair, this motion addresses what Mr. Stoffer is suggesting. It says “in exceptional circumstances, payment for more representatives be made at the discretion of the Chair”.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Oh, okay.
You're sharp.
All those in favour of the motion, by a show of hands?
(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Next is access to in camera meetings.
I know that you have before you a suggestion, but I understand that the PS has a recommended change.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
Eve Adams Conservative Mississauga—Brampton South, ON
I would propose the following: that each committee member in attendance shall be permitted to have one staff member attend any in camera meeting. In addition, each party shall be permitted to have one staff member from a House officer attend in camera meetings.
9:05 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Is that clear with everybody? Are there any questions on that?
It's to give it a little more flexibility to the party House leaders.
9:05 a.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
I have a certain amendment. It's not for the official record, though; it's more a personal one.
9:05 a.m.
NDP
Peter Stoffer NDP Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Well, I notice this at all committees, and all parties are to blame for this. When we have witnesses, members of Parliament immediately go to their BlackBerrys and read the news of the day. They're not listening and they're not paying attention.
We heard from some veterans last time when they came here to make a presentation that when they looked up, half of us were looking down at our BlackBerrys and not looking at them. I just request that we keep on eye on that and monitor ourselves accordingly.
I know that the BlackBerry--I don't have one, and have never owned one in my life--is an addictive thing, and I know it's difficult for MPs and others to get their minds off these things. I just exercise caution that when we have witnesses, these are veterans, and they don't often get a chance to appear before a committee. We should at least do the best we can to look like we're listening.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
I'd actually like to hear some comments, because I don't want to be going around the room saying, “Put your BlackBerry down”, or something like that. By the way, that also means you can't use the phone during the meeting as well, then.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Are there any comments on that? I don't know if you want to read it into the record.
Brian.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Brian Storseth Conservative Westlock—St. Paul, AB
I think Mr. Stoffer was just giving the committee advice. I don't think it was an actual official motion, was it?
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Eve Adams Conservative Mississauga—Brampton South, ON
I would simply state that I certainly concur. If veterans have been kind enough to come before us to share their experiences, to provide their best advice, obviously it certainly behooves us to respect them and their time.
I thank you for your advice. I certainly concur.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
If we're comfortable with that, then I'll leave it to the appropriate leaders on each side to monitor that.
You have the amended motion.
(Motion as amended agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Greg Kerr
Transcripts of in camera meetings is next. I don't know if there are any suggested changes to this one.
9:10 a.m.
Conservative
Eve Adams Conservative Mississauga—Brampton South, ON
For transcripts of in camera meetings, I move that in camera meetings be transcribed and that the transcription be kept with the clerk of the committee for later consultation by members of Parliament.