House of Commons Hansard #147 of the 37th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was copyright.

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Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

1:55 p.m.

Halifax West Nova Scotia

Liberal

Geoff Regan LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today to speak to the motion moved by the hon. member for Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay, who is asking that the House install telecommunication equipment so that committees can organize virtual meetings with witnesses that are in Canada or in other countries.

There is no doubt that the upgrading of the information infrastructure on the Hill is of great interest to every parliamentarian. Teleconferencing technology is already available to committees.

In brief, the use of teleconferencing technology could greatly help parliamentarians in carrying out their daily duties, and also facilitate the direct participation of Canadians in the democratic process.

This technology would greatly enhance the parliamentarians' working environment as well as their effectiveness.

By allowing witnesses to appear before a committee through teleconferencing, the government would show Canadians how easily it is making use of the technological advances in our parliamentary system.

All members are aware that the House is a forum for debate and scrutiny of the most important issues facing Canadians. We should ensure we do not limit debate and scrutiny even unwittingly by not having the best technologies available to us. Parliament should ensure cost efficient technologies enable us to fulfill our responsibilities to our constituents.

Teleconferencing could do so in several ways. First, it would provide flexibility in scheduling for committee members and witnesses.

Second, it could save on transportation costs for outside witnesses.

Third, it could bring the public closer to the democratic process. Constituents across the vast expanse of the country could simultaneously meet face to face with their political representatives in Ottawa to participate directly in the law-making process. This would be particularly useful for witnesses from other countries.

The Special Committee on the Modernization and Improvement of the Procedures of the House of Commons tabled a report on June 1, 2001 which was adopted on October 4, 2001, my son's birthday. The report recommended that the House proceed with plans for increased use of communications technologies for the House, its members and its committees. In doing so it made reference to the need to adapt parliamentary practices and procedures to take advantage of new technologies while being mindful and respectful of parliamentary traditions.

Teleconferencing would respect this balance. It would increase flexibility for witnesses to appear before committees while ensuring direct consultation in the committee process.

Taking advantage of the benefits of increased use of communications technologies is one part of the government's long term vision and plan for the parliamentary precinct in June 2001. Under the renovation plan a new building is envisioned which would house committee rooms equipped with the most modern information infrastructure. The intended Bank Street building would allow for professional audio-video presentations, teleconferences, recordings and broadcast television productions. Television production rooms would also support committee rooms, the Chamber and the Senate.

The government has already recognized the virtues of bringing parliamentarians closer to constituents through the use of information and multimedia technology. As I mentioned earlier, members already have access to teleconferencing technologies for use in committee meetings.

In March 2001, the House bought two video teleconferencing systems and made them available to members of parliament and committees. The La Promenade Building is now equipped with one of these systems and, so far, those who have used it have reacted positively.

Finally, on November 27, 2001, the budget sub-committee, under the liaison committee, agreed to encourage committees to use the video teleconferencing system where feasible to speed up the process.

In conclusion, I am in favour of the motion, whose purpose is to highlight the need to integrate an advanced communication infrastructure into the Parliamentary Precinct. The government does want to ensure that the Parliamentary Precinct remains the symbol of Canadian innovation and democratic integrity for the coming century.

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

Peter MacKay Progressive Conservative Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough, NS

Madam Speaker, first I would like to thank and commend my colleague, the member for Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay. He is a very progressive and modern member and he has put forward an exceptional motion.

The concept is one that is overdue. Given the pace of technology it comes at a time when we should be examining methods to save the administrative costs of sending committees of parliament around the country although there are times when it is necessary to visit communities and hear first-hand from witnesses and individuals. However there are other examples we can point to where the use of technology would have been sufficient, would have been of benefit to parliament and would have allowed individuals to participate in the process who might otherwise have been unable to.

The overall computer technology and infrastructure of parliament must be examined. As the parliamentary secretary to the government House leader has indicated, this has already been undertaken to a degree.

Sadly, this is not a votable motion as the member for Lac-Saint-Jean--Saguenay has mentioned. Far too often we see good ideas on the opposition side squashed and cast aside for reasons of poisoned partisanship. The hon. member's idea is completely beyond the pale. It was not brought forward with malice, aforethought or any attempt to garner credit. It is an idea that spans all parties. It is purely about benefiting parliament, modernizing it, making it more relevant and bringing it into a new age.

I agree that the initiative has a great deal of merit. However some of the existing infrastructure such as the ability of members and Canadians to access the minutes of committee hearings in a timely fashion is something we should look at as a priority. The House staff does a tremendous job in this regard. I am in no way casting aspersions on the House staff. However not to attribute motives I fear there are times when the minutes are not made available to members for reasons that are best explained by the government.

I will return to the motion moved by the member for Lac-Saint-Jean--Saguenay. The initiative is all about utilizing and making the communications efforts of the House of Commons more available throughout the country.

It is clear the world will continue to shrink in terms of technology. The initiative is very much in that spirit. It is about making the House available to communicate its ideas and to interact directly and in a modern fashion with Canadians in a computer generated age.

It is also fair to say it is an important service parliamentarians need to provide. Technology could assist us in communicating ideas and hearing directly from members of the general public. It is important to ensure young Canadians in particular are encouraged to develop skills.

I would welcome the opportunity to hear further from the mover of the motion. The initiative would enhance innovation and the desire of Canadians to explore the bounds of technology in this area. Canadians have been very much at the forefront. Quebecers in particular have been active in developing new and innovative uses of technology.

We all know the former industry minister's broadband initiative received a rather cool reception from his cabinet colleagues, particularly the Minister of Finance. However that is a whole other story. Efforts must be made to assist our young people to continue to develop skills. This motion is a positive, forward thinking, modern idea we should be quick to embrace.

I offer the hon. member sincere congratulations and the support of members of the Progressive Conservative Democratic Representative Caucus in his efforts. We have seen the benefits of promoting dialogue. We have seen people span the miles across Canada and across the world. It encourages understanding, goodwill and the use of good ideas. I again congratulate the member.

It is a good idea. It provides an opportunity for all to be involved in this debate, which is very important.

It exhibits the very best of what we should be doing in this place: looking for new ideas and looking for areas where we can expand and make better use of technology.

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

Bloc

Stéphan Tremblay Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean—Saguenay, QC

Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to enjoy such support; I did not expect that.

Everyone agrees that it is important to have such infrastructures. But I remind the House that my initiative must be seen in an international context, not just a national one. Be that as it may, my colleagues supported my motion in their speeches.

I also note that all parties agree. Apparently, according to my colleagues, this is a good idea, except that it cannot be made a votable item. Given this situation, allow me to say that our parliamentary system is a little odd.

I explained to my constituents the process that applies to a private member's bill, how the member's name is randomly selected and must appear before a committee. I should point out that none of the motions proposed by the parliamentarians who have appeared before a committee to see if their motions could be made a votable item was selected for that purpose. This parliamentary system is somewhat obsolete.

It is strange to talk about the future and about technology when we are stuck—and we are stuck indeed—with an archaic and obsolete parliamentary system. The result of this is that my fellow parliamentarians, whose job it is to vote and give their opinions, will not be able to do so.

This is why I am seeking the unanimous consent of the House to have that motion adopted.

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

Progressive Conservative

John Herron Progressive Conservative Fundy Royal, NB

Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. I want to inform the House that the score is one-nil for Canada in the semi-final game--

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bakopanos)

We will leave that message for after. Is there unanimous consent?

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

Some hon. members

Agreed.

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

Some hon. members

No.

Parliamentary TelecommunicationsPrivate Members' Business

2:05 p.m.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. Bakopanos)

The time provided for the consideration of private members' business is now expired. As the motion has not been designated as a votable item, the order is dropped from the order paper.

It being 2.10 p.m. the House stands adjourned until Monday next at 11 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 2.10 p.m.)